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Jonah and the Whale Bible Lesson for Kids

A free Jonah and the whale Bible lesson (Jonah 1–3) in four age levels, preschool to preteen, with a game, Bible story, questions, memory verse and take-home.

Preschool–Grade 6

Jonah and the Whale Bible Lesson for Kids
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Ages
Preschool (3–5), Early Elementary (K–2), Upper Elementary (3–5), Preteen (5–6)
Time
20–60 minutes (depends on the age level)
Scripture
Jonah 1–3
Bible story
Jonah and the Big Fish

What you need

  • A Bible (mark Jonah 1:17 and Jonah 3:1)
  • Bibles for the kids to look up verses (3rd grade and up)
  • Two signs that say "Nineveh" and "Tarshish," taped on opposite walls (opening game, kindergarten to 2nd grade)
  • A paper fish or a beanbag to toss (memory verse game)
  • A blue sheet or blanket for the "sea" (optional, great for preschool)
  • Paper and pencils (3rd grade and up)
  • Printed take-home sheets, one per child
  • Printed Jonah word search and crayons for early finishers

This free Jonah and the big fish Sunday school lesson teaches kids that God gives second chances, so when God speaks, we obey. It comes in four age levels, each a separate printable teacher lesson, plus one take-home sheet for families. Pick the one that fits your class. Everything is in the order you teach it.

Choose your age level

  • Preschool (ages 3–5), 20–30 minutes, 2 pages: a short story with hand motions, a blue sheet for the sea and repeat-after-me lines, three simple questions, a shortened memory verse ("Salvation is of the LORD") with a motion, and a draw-Jonah-in-the-fish activity.
  • Kindergarten to 2nd grade, 45 minutes, 3 pages: the "Nineveh or Tarshish?" game, the story in simple words, five recall questions with answers, and the Fish Toss memory verse game.
  • 3rd to 5th grade, 45–60 minutes, 3 pages: kids look up verses in their own Bibles during a fuller story (the mariners, the shipmaster, Jonah's prayer, the king in sackcloth), five thinking questions and three recall questions, and a Bible look-up race.
  • Preteens (ages 11–12), 45–60 minutes, 3 pages: students read Jonah 1 and Jonah 3 out loud themselves, then discuss running from God, praying in hard places, second chances and real repentance. Six discussion questions, a journal page, and two memory verses (Jonah 2:9 and Matthew 12:41).

Lesson at a glance

  • Bible passage: Jonah 1:1–3:10
  • Main point: God gives second chances, so when God speaks, we obey.
  • Memory verse: Jonah 2:9 (KJV), with Matthew 12:41 added for preteens
  • Ages: preschool to preteen, in four versions

Lesson outline (the same in every version)

  1. Opening game: a short game about listening and going where you're told, like "Nineveh or Tarshish?"
  2. Bible story: Jonah runs away, the storm, the sailors, the great fish, Jonah's prayer, God's second chance and Nineveh turning to God. Every fact has its verse reference so you can check it.
  3. Questions to ask: with answers, at the right level for each age.
  4. Memory verse: a game or motion to help kids learn Jonah 2:9.
  5. What this means for us: God's second chance, the gospel (Acts 2:38) and a challenge for the week.
  6. Activity: the Jonah word search, a drawing activity, a Bible look-up race or a journal page, depending on the age.
  7. Prayer.

Tips for teaching Jonah

  • The book of Jonah says "great fish," not whale. If kids say "whale," smile and show them Jonah 1:17.
  • Read Jonah 3:1 straight from your Bible. "The second time" is the heart of the story.
  • This lesson covers Jonah 1–3. Jonah 4, where God teaches Jonah about His mercy for Nineveh, makes a good follow-up lesson for older kids.
  • Short on time? Do the story, three questions and the memory verse. That is a solid 25-minute lesson.

Frequently asked questions

How long does this Jonah lesson take?

It depends on the age level. The preschool lesson takes 20 to 30 minutes, the kindergarten to 2nd grade lesson about 45 minutes, and the 3rd to 5th grade and preteen lessons 45 to 60 minutes. For a short class, do the story, three questions and the memory verse.

What age is this lesson for?

All ages from preschool to preteen. The lesson comes in four separate teacher PDFs: preschool (ages 3 to 5), kindergarten to 2nd grade, 3rd to 5th grade, and preteens (ages 11 to 12). Each one tells the same Bible story at the right length and reading level, with its own questions and activity.

What is the main point of Jonah and the big fish for kids?

God gives second chances. Jonah ran from God, but God rescued him, and "the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time" (Jonah 3:1). When God spoke again, Jonah obeyed, and the people of Nineveh turned from their evil (Jonah 3:10).

Was Jonah swallowed by a whale or a big fish?

The book of Jonah says "a great fish" that the LORD prepared (Jonah 1:17). When Jesus spoke about Jonah in Matthew 12:40, the KJV says "whale's belly." This lesson uses the words of Jonah 1:17, "great fish."

How long was Jonah inside the fish?

Three days and three nights (Jonah 1:17). Jonah prayed to the LORD from inside the fish, and then the LORD spoke to the fish and it put Jonah out on dry land (Jonah 2:1, 2:10).

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