Edith
Originally posted on Etsy ↗The kids loved it so much
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
Zacchaeus Camera Craft
4.4 out of 59 reviewsA printable paper Bible story camera based on Zacchaeus. Children colour, cut and assemble the camera and film strip, then slide the strip through to retell the story. Story focus: Zacchaeus can’t see in the crowd. Jesus calls to him. Zacchaeus chooses God’s way.
- 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 19)
- 1x Camera Template
- PDF digital download
- Scenes stated in the listing: Zacchaeus can’t see in the crowd; He climbs a tree; Jesus calls to him; Jesus visits his home; Zacchaeus chooses God’s way
Your download files
- ZacchaeustheTaxCollector.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 19:1–10
Zacchaeus climbs a tree to see Jesus. Jesus calls him by name and visits his house; Zacchaeus responds by promising generosity and restitution for dishonest taking.
Main takeaway: A changed response to Jesus includes putting wrongs right.
As you slide the story through
Slide the film strip slowly and pause at each frame to connect the picture with the reading.
Connect the tree and welcome with Zacchaeus’ promise about money. Move beyond saying sorry to what repairing harm could involve.
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
- Why did Zacchaeus climb the tree?
- What did he promise to change?
- How is putting something right different from only saying sorry?
Common questions
What files are included in this download?
The download is a 3-page PDF: ZacchaeustheTaxCollector.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 “Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, but the crowd was too tall” and “He climbed a tree so he could see Jesus”.
Which pages should I print, and at what size?
The original PDF pages are A4 portrait. ZacchaeustheTaxCollector.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
4.4 out of 59 reviews
Edith
Originally posted on Etsy ↗It was a great asset to my lesson
JerryPowers
Originally posted on Etsy ↗great way for kids to learn
L.
Originally posted on Etsy ↗Smooth transaction. Easy to download. Looking forward to using at our Church Holiday Club this summer.
Audrey
Originally posted on Etsy ↗Page 3 which tells the story will not print right. The last picture cuts off the wording. I will use it anyway, but it is defective.
Etsy buyer
Originally posted on Etsy ↗The item was as expected.
Love
Originally posted on Etsy ↗An interesting craft idea, but in several drawings there are two suns, which raised questions among the children.
Because the image was small, I didn’t notice it at first.
Sherry
Originally posted on Etsy ↗great art lesson, great art lesson
Crown
Originally posted on Etsy ↗Used this craft for my Sunday school class and they really enjoyed it.
