Ten Commandments Activity

Learning the Ten Commandments is an important part of growing in the Catholic faith. It gives children a strong foundation for understanding God’s laws and how to live as followers of Christ. Memorizing the commandments in order can be tough, but hands-on activities can make it easier. This Ten Commandments activity uses craft sticks to help children put the commandments in the right order, making learning more interactive and fun.

This Ten Commandments activity benefits children by encouraging active learning. For many children, simply reading or listening to a lesson is not enough. They learn best by doing. This game allows them to physically move the commandments into place, which helps them remember better. It also teaches them to focus and think carefully about what each commandment means.

The game is also flexible. It works well for individual play or in a group. This means it can be used at home, in Sunday School, or during vacation bible school (VBS). By turning it into a group competition, it can motivate children to work faster and more accurately. Adding “fake” commandments as a challenge also makes it more engaging, helping children learn to distinguish the true commandments from good ideas that aren’t commandments.

Finally, this Ten Commandments activity promotes teamwork and discussion. In a group setting, children can work together to find the right order and talk about each commandment’s meaning. This helps build community and encourages children to understand the commandments not just as rules but as a guide for loving God and others.

Connecting the Ten Commandments Activity to Faith

The Ten Commandments activity ties directly to important Biblical themes. It focuses on God’s law, which He gave to Moses on Mount Sinai. The Ten Commandments are central to both the Old and New Testaments. They are a foundation of Christian life. By using this activity, children understand that God’s commandments are not just rules but expressions of His love. This helps them see that following God’s laws is a way to respond to His love and grow in holiness.

In Catholic catechesis, the Ten Commandments help children understand right from wrong. This activity makes these teachings more personal. It helps children see how the commandments guide everyday life. For example, commandments about honoring parents, respecting others, and keeping the Sabbath can connect to real-life choices. This helps children link faith with daily decisions.

In youth ministry, this craft encourages participation. It gets children moving and thinking. The game format makes learning about God’s law more engaging and memorable. It also encourages teamwork and communication, making it a good fit for group lessons or retreats. Youth can learn and laugh together while also deepening their faith. This helps make the commandments a part of their hearts, not just their heads.

The Ten Commandments

I am the Lord your God. You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.

You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.
Honor your father and your mother.

You shall not kill.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.

Learn more about them in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Ten Commandments Activity Instructions

Equipment / Materials

Thin sharpie

Instructions

Write one of the Ten Commandments on each craft stick with the sharpie.
Mix up the craft sticks and scatter them on the table.

Start the kitchen timer.
Have the child place the craft sticks in the correct order from 1 to 10.
Give hints if needed.

Stop the timer when the commandments are ordered correctly.
Repeat the activity to try for a better time.

Notes

Variations: For a more challenging version, add extra craft sticks with made-up commandments (e.g., “Obey your teachers” or “Give to charity”). Children must find and discard the incorrect ones.

Group Play: Combine several sets of craft sticks for team play. Each group must find a complete set and order it correctly.
Safety: Remind children not to run with the sticks or use them inappropriately. Use a non-toxic sharpie to write the commandments.

This activity can be adapted for different age groups or lesson plans. Keep it fun and engaging!

Resources

Click here to view and print a copy of the Ten Commandments Activity Instructions

Unleashing Creativity: The Power of Creative Activities in Youth Ministry

More Youth Ministry Activities

For more youth ministry crafts and activities, visit our activities page. You’ll find many ideas to help young people grow in faith. The site offers resources for home, Sunday School, or parish programs. There are games, crafts, lessons, and more, all designed to make learning about the Catholic faith fun and meaningful. Check it out to find creative ways to engage children and teens in your ministry.

Questions and Answers for the Ten Commandments Activity

What is the purpose of this Ten Commandments activity?

It helps children learn and remember the Ten Commandments in the correct order. It uses a hands-on approach to make learning fun and engaging.

What age group is this activity best for?

This activity works well for elementary-age children, around ages 6-12. Adjust the difficulty to fit the age and knowledge of the children.

Can this activity be done in a group?

Yes, it can be used as a team game. Give each group a set of sticks, and they can race to order the commandments correctly.

How can I make this Ten Commandments activity harder?

Add extra sticks with made-up commandments. Children must find and remove the false ones before putting the real commandments in order.

Is this Ten Commandments activity safe?

Yes, but remind children not to run with craft sticks or use them improperly. Always supervise younger children. Use non-toxic markers.

Can I use this activity in a Sunday School or VBS setting?

Yes, it is suitable for Sunday School, vacation bible school (VBS), and other catechesis programs. It can be used in both classroom and home settings.

Conclusion

This Ten Commandments activity is designed to help children learn the Ten Commandments in order. It uses a set of craft sticks, each labeled with one commandment. Children arrange the sticks in the correct sequence, making it an interactive way to study God’s laws. The activity encourages children to learn by doing, which makes it more engaging and memorable.

This hands-on approach helps children understand the commandments, not just as rules but as a guide for living faithfully. The game format also builds focus, teamwork, and discussion among children. It’s a flexible activity that can be used at home, in Sunday School, or in a vacation bible school (VBS) setting.

The Ten Commandments activity can be adjusted for different age groups. You can make it more challenging by adding extra craft sticks with false commandments. Children will need to identify the false ones before putting the real commandments in order. This adds a fun twist that makes children think more deeply about the meaning of the commandments.

Your Turn

Try this Ten Commandments activity with your children or students! It’s fun, simple, and a great way to learn about God’s law. You can adapt it to fit different ages or group settings. After trying it, share your thoughts in the comments. Let us know what variations you used and how it worked for you. Your ideas can inspire others!