Jesus Calms the Storm Kids Bible Lesson: Sensory Learning

Nothing about the Maker of the Universe, our loving Father, and our beautiful Savior is dull. So why, oh why, do we struggle so much to convey to kids just how amazing He is?

We sing that He's a good, good Father and a friend, but the God we teach them about is often stripped of affection, creativity, and fun. Fun matters because children learn through play!

By incorporating sensory learning into our Kids Ministry teachings, we can help kids engage with a God who is tangible and real. Below, I will use the story of Jesus Calms the Storm to illustrate how you can incorporate sensory learning in how you approach teaching Sunday School lessons that matter.

(Tip: For this lesson to be the most impacful, make sure you've covered the basics of the story in the previous weeks at Sunday School. Who is Jesus? Who are the disciples? Where are they? What is their mission? Reading the story in context help kids understand it better.)

Introduction to Jesus Calms the Storm Kids Lesson

Hey everybody - and welcome back to church.

Today we will be learning, playing, and having some fun together as we grow closer to each other and Jesus.

Jesus Calms the Storm game for kids

Divide the group into 2. Half of them will be disciples and Jesus on the boat, the other half will be the storm. (They can make noise, wave-like motions, like flowing water). The disciples run around frantically shouting: "We're going to drown" "I'm so afraid" "Help, somebody help". Then everybody shouts out the name of JESUS and everything becomes calm.

Next up:

Let one of the older kids or a volunteer read the story of when Jesus calmed the storm from a Bible (a real, physical Bible)

Mark 4:35-41

Optional: Have somebody else read the same story from a different Gospel

Matthew 8:23-27

Luke 8:22-25

Option to go even deeper: Have somebody else read Psalm 107:29 and discuss how this Old Testament prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus' actions that we read about today

Discussion with Sunday School class about Jesus Calms the Storm

Using sensory elements as part of your teaching kids:

1: Seeing

Set up a blue-themed space with waves or water visuals. Use clear containers filled with water and small boats to show the stormy sea and Jesus’ calm presence.

Talk about how the storm symbolizes hurts in our own lives and then talk about what Jesus wants to do in those storms (be invited in, bring freedom and healing).

2: Hearing

Play sound effects of wind and rain or a storm, then shift to soft, calming music when Jesus speaks. This contrast helps children hear the power of Jesus’ peace.

Ask them what is something in their own life that feels loud and stormy sometimes. Ask them to recall a moment when they experienced God's peace (perhaps in nature or at church).

3: Tasting

Serve water-themed snacks like blue jelly or “rain drop” candies. Let kids taste the calm after the storm as a symbol of Jesus’ peace. Compare something spicy with something mild (Hot cheetos / Milk).

4: Smelling

Use a fresh, clean scent like ocean breeze or rain-scented oils to bring the atmosphere of the story into the room. You could also use lavender essential oils to symbolize the calmness of the peace He brings.

5: Touching

Let kids feel water with spray bottles or have small water play stations. Invite them to imagine the boat rocking and the calming touch of Jesus.

Conclude the Jesus Calms the Storm Bible Lesson with a Prayer

Repeat after me:

Dear Jesus, thank You for bringing peace and calm.

As I put my hand on my heart now

I feel it beating wildly in my chest.

Would You calm the storm in me like You calmed the sea?

Would You tell my soul to return to peace?

Thank You for being near me right now.

Amen.

Enjoyed this lesson? Check out my Kids Ministry Curriculum on the Fruit of the Spirit, available for $9

Kids Ministry Curriculum: 10-Week Fruit of the Spirit

ZAR 150.00

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Recap Sensory Bible Lesson for Kids

By inviting kids to see, hear, taste, smell, and touch the story of Jesus calming the storm, we help them experience a God who brings peace in chaos. Kids ministry is not just fun activities; it’s real ministry where children meet the living God in memorable ways.

(Read more about intentional kids ministry in this other article I wrote.)

Will you let your Sunday School lessons become a sensory adventure that deepens kids’ faith? Use the comments below to commit to the challenge.

Bonus:

Here's a free coloring picture of when Jesus calmed the storm from my Luke Coloring Book: