The account for this project is found in 1 Samuel 3.
As the last judge, Samuel’s life both begins and ends with remarkable events. His birth was a miraculous gift to a godly and faithful woman – Hannah. He was adopted by Eli and lived close to the tabernacle and ark of the covenant. When Eli’s sons were disobedient and rebellious, God chose Samuel as His prophet. Samuel judges Israel for many years before anointing the first and second kings of the United Kingdom of Israel.
Other biblical connections:
Consider looking at how others respond when God calls them. To name just a few – Moses (Exodus 3), Gideon (Judges 6:11-40), Paul (Acts 9:1-22) – and ultimately us as His disciples (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8).
As with every Third Culture Craft – all you need is a printer, scissors, and a way to stick it all together. This project can also be adapted for many different ages and is a great craft when teaching various ages or learning levels together in one class. When assembling Samuel’s head, I prefer to use a glue stick, but there are other options explained in the modification section below.
Step 1: Download & Print
Print in black and white:
This is a super easy craft to color and a great option for kids who like to make the puppet their own.
Print in color:
This is a better option for younger kids, the craft non-enthusiast, or to simply make the project go much faster.
Step 2: Cut
This project is two pages. Before cutting, fold the page with Samuel’s face in half on the line. Then cut out Samuel’s head around the dark outer line. Unfold before cutting the eye circles. Cut the eye insert piece around the outer dark line.
Step 3: Assemble
Unfold the cut head and flip paper with the image side down. Using a glue stick, place a small about of glue on the back of Samuel’s “ears.” Fold the paper back together and press firmly. Give glue time to dry.
Next, slide the insert into Samuel’s head. See video for clarification.
Step 4: Play
Slide the insert up and down to make Samuel’s eyes open and close. You can also make his eyes move side to side.
That’s it! Enjoy!
Material and Age Modifications
Modify for different Ages and Abilites
(0-3) Cannot cut, color, & paste
It is possible to modify this craft for this age group but construction would be difficult. Consider making the craft as an easy visual to use during class. Have kids pretend to be asleep and then open their eyes when you call their name – just like Samuel. You could also completely construct the craft ahead of time and simply allow the children to take them home with them.
(4-6) Learning to cut, color, & paste
This is a perfect project for this age group! Depending on the age and ability of your kids, consider printing in black and white and allowing the kids to color their project.
(7-9) Cut, color, & paste well
I would suggest printing the craft in black and white and having the kids color Samuel themselves. This allows them to have ownership over their craft. Consider also reading some of the connection passages listed above and discussing them.
(10-12) Cut, Color, & Paste Precisely
This craft may be a bit basic for this age. However – if you have a class with huge age gaps – I have found most older kids enjoy making little crafts. Again, print in black and white, have the kids color and read the passages from the bible.
Modify with different crafting materials
Third Culture Crafts is all about making the process easy! If you don’t have something on-hand, here are a few simple modifications that can be made to the supply list.
1. Print
If you are wanting to use this craft as a visual for class, consider printing it on card stock. It would make it much more durable. Because of the way the craft is ultimately assembled, it would be very difficult to laminate it.
3. Assemble
While I chose to assemble the craft using glue stick, you can also easily use liquid glue, tape, or even a stapler. Just keep in mind – Samuel’s head needs to be joined ONLY at his ears. Because of the shape and size of the insert, too much adhesive could effect its movement.
4. Play
Depending on the age of your students, this project could make a fun activity during class. After the project is assembled, have students close their Samuel’s “eyes.” Call out “Samuel! Samuel!,” and have the kids open the eyes and respond, “Speak for Your servant hears!”