Fold-out Bible story

Jonah and the Big Fish Fold-Out Bible Craft

5.0 out of 51 review

A printable fold-out Bible story craft based on Jonah and the Big Fish. Children colour and cut the design, then open the folds to explore the story. Story focus: God tells Jonah to go preach, but Jonah runs away. Jonah is thrown into the sea. The fish spits Jonah out. Jonah obeys God.

Suggested ages
6–10 years
Activity time
20–35 min
Difficulty
Easy–moderate

English

Age, time and difficulty are planning guides. Check the preparation notes for adult help.

$4.15 USD

One-time purchase

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Digital download · No physical item shipped

What’s included

  • Printable folding story design
  • A4 Size (21 x 29.7 cm)
  • PDF digital download

Your download files

  • JonahandtheBigFish-Story.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

Several folds and a sequence of illustrated events make this a story-building activity.

Demonstrate the folds and prepare awkward cuts. Younger children can use an adult-folded version for retelling.

What you’ll need

Printer, paper, colouring pencils or crayons, scissors. Glue or tape may be useful where the template requires joining.

Time & preparation

One fold-out story, including colouring and folding. 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 tips

The story behind the craft

Bible passage: Jonah 1–3

Jonah sails away instead of going to Nineveh. After a storm, he is swallowed by a great fish and prays; when he is released, he goes to Nineveh, where the people respond to God’s warning.

Main takeaway: Jonah is given another opportunity to listen and respond.

As you unfold the story

Reveal one part at a time, using the folds to pause before the next event.

Follow the journey from ship to sea, fish and city. Leave room to discuss the people of Nineveh, rather than ending the lesson with the fish.

Younger learners can say what happens next with picture support. Older learners can explain how the ending changes their understanding of the opening.

Questions to explore

  • Where was Jonah meant to go?
  • What did he do inside the fish?
  • What changed when he finally went to Nineveh?

Common questions

What files are included in this download?

The download is a 3-page PDF: JonahandtheBigFish-Story.pdf. This is the English edition. You print the files yourself; physical supplies are not included.

How does the story open out?

Colour the story strip and cover pieces, cut them out, fold on the marked lines and glue the indicated ends to the cover. Pull the covers apart to reveal the illustrated sequence. This fold-out uses a strip, rather than a rotating spinner. For a Bible reading to accompany this activity, use Jonah 1–3.

Which pages should I print, and at what size?

The original PDF pages are A4 portrait. JonahandtheBigFish-Story.pdf: print pages 2, 3 for each learner or group. Page 1 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.

What supplies and preparation does this need?

Paper, colouring pencils, scissors and glue. Pre-crease the folds and help line up the attachment areas so the strip closes neatly.

What help might children need with this activity?

Suggested ages: 6–10 years. Help with cutting the cover, creasing the story strip and gluing the ends so the craft can close again. Adjust this guide for the child’s reading and making skills.

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