Last week, we were learning about the Apostles during catechism class. Our textbook just called them the 12 Apostles and focused on the work that they were doing with Jesus spreading the Good News. We wanted to dig a little deeper with our supporting activity and help our first graders become familiar with their names.
I created a mini accordion book with a page for each Apostle for them to use as a reference. I've got it as a freebie for you today!
I created a mini accordion book with a page for each Apostle for them to use as a reference. I've got it as a freebie for you today!
Normally, I like to have students do as much as they can when it comes to creating and doing projects. However, because we only see them once a week for such a short time, we decided to prep the books ahead of time to save some time during class.
The books come in 4 parts so it was just a matter of spreading them out and taping the seams. There are tabs included that show what order to put them in and where to tape.
Next step was to fold the book so it was an accordion style book. I just folded the pages on the line (or as close as possible).
When we were in class, we gave each student the Apostles sheet. Then they had to color Peter, John, Philip, Bartholomew, James the Lesser, Andrew, Jude Thaddeus, Simon the Zealot, Matthew, Judas Iscariot, Thomas and James the Greater.
Once they colored the Apostles, they cut them apart. We had them set them at the top of their desk in a line (versus in a pile) so that they could easily find the correct one.
Next, we went one at a time and had them glue an Apostle on (using their glue sponges but a glue stick or bottle works too) while we read them some facts about that particular person. Then we moved on to the next one, read some facts, glued them on. Repeat. We continued this until all 12 were glued into the book.
For older students, I'd have the students write some facts on the back for each Apostle. These could be facts that you as the teacher read and share or they could be facts that they research. It could include where they were from, their occupation, what they did or said when Jesus was alive, what they did after the death of Jesus, etc.
While my class was coloring, I wanted to find a song to play that would help them become familiar with the names of the Apostles. I did a quick search and found this on YouTube. It was adorable and a familiar tune.
Since I wasn't planning to do this, the only thing I had to play it from was my phone, so I just turned the volume up and we played it on repeat until the kids were singing along.
Want to give this mini book a try with your students? It is free for you! Just enter your name and email in the form below and they will be sent directly to you.
Interested in more mini books like this 12 Apostles freebie? I have a whole series of them planned. They are currently part of a growing bundle where each month I will add a new mini book to the file. Click HERE or the picture below to find out more.
