Nicole
Originally posted on Etsy ↗It was a little too small for the young age group I hoped to use this with, but a great craft for older kids.
Assembly video coming soon.
We’ll add a step-by-step demonstration here.
Photos from the Etsy listing. View original Etsy listing ↗
Bible story camera
Jesus at the Temple Camera Craft
5.0 out of 53 reviewsA printable paper Bible story camera based on Jesus at the Temple. Children colour, cut and assemble the camera and film strip, then slide the strip through to retell the story. Story focus: Jesus travels to Jerusalem. They search for three days. “I must be about my Father’s work.”
- Suggested ages
- 7–12 years
- Activity time
- 25–40 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
English
Age, time and difficulty are planning guides. Check the preparation notes for adult help.
$4.15 USD
One-time purchase
Digital download · No physical item shipped
What’s included
- 1x Colouring Film Story (Luke 2)
- 1x Camera Template
- PDF digital download
- Scenes stated in the listing: Jesus travels to Jerusalem; His parents cannot find Him; They search for three days; Jesus in the temple teaching; “I must be about my Father’s work.”
Your download files
- JesusattheTemple.pdf: 3 pages
File inventory and page counts checked against the originals. Page counts include any instruction pages. Please check the preparation notes before printing for a group.
Getting ready
Age & adult help
Cutting camera slots, fitting a long film strip and keeping the story in order add assembly demands.
An adult may need to cut the camera slots and help thread the strip. Younger children can colour and retell using an adult-assembled camera.
What you’ll need
Printer, paper or light card, colouring pencils or crayons, scissors. Glue or tape may be useful. An adult may need to cut camera slots.
Time & preparation
One camera and film strip, including colouring and assembly. Teaching time is additional.
Age is an editorial estimate for the motor and reading demands of this format. Difficulty, completion time and suggested tools are planning estimates, not build-tested.
Check the file before you print for a group, and allow for any extra help the kids might need.
Printing tipsThe story behind the craft
Bible passage: Luke 2:41–52
After a journey to Jerusalem, Mary and Joseph realise Jesus is not with their travelling group. They find him in the temple listening and asking questions; he returns with them and continues to grow.
Main takeaway: The young Jesus is shown listening, learning and asking thoughtful questions.
As you slide the story through
Slide the film strip slowly and pause at each frame to connect the picture with the reading.
Follow the family’s search and the conversation in the temple. Do not present leaving caregivers without telling them as behaviour for children to imitate.
An adult can read the captions for a younger child. Older learners can retell a frame without its caption, then check which details the Bible account supplies.
Questions to explore
- Where did Mary and Joseph find Jesus?
- What was he doing with the teachers?
- What makes a thoughtful question helpful for learning?
Common questions
What files are included in this download?
The download is a 3-page PDF: JesusattheTemple.pdf. This is the English edition. You print the files yourself; physical supplies are not included.
Does the paper camera actually show a story?
Yes. Colour and cut out the camera body and illustrated film strip. Prepare the two marked camera slots, feed the strip through the lower slot from the back and out through the upper slot, then slide it to reveal the frames. It is a paper storytelling model, not a working photographic camera. Printed captions include “Jesus went with Mary and Joseph to the temple” and “Jesus listened to the teachers and asked wise questions”.
Which pages should I print, and at what size?
The original PDF pages are A4 portrait. JesusattheTemple.pdf: print pages 1, 3 for each learner or group. Page 2 is the assembly guide, which can be shared. Print single-sided. On US Letter paper, select Letter and Fit or shrink to the printable area; the originals are not separate Letter-sized files. Keep matching construction pages at the same scale.
What supplies and preparation does this need?
Paper or printer-compatible light card, colouring pencils and scissors. An adult should cut the slots and help thread the strip so the pictures move without tearing.
What help might children need with this activity?
Suggested ages: 7–12 years. An adult may need to cut the camera slots and help thread the strip. Younger children can colour and retell using an adult-assembled camera. Adjust this guide for the child’s reading and making skills.
Reviews
5.0 out of 53 reviews
Etsy buyer
Originally posted on Etsy ↗Easy download, great for use in children's Bible class.
Gustavo
Originally posted on Etsy ↗
