54 Scripture Mastery Learning Activities.
Use what ever kind of clue your are currently working on with your class!
25 Verses in 25 Days
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
Write from one to twenty-five on the board, and tell the students that we would have guest "presenters" for
each of the twenty-five scripture mastery scriptures for the next 25 days. Who did they want to come? They
listed their favorite 25 people. It was quite the mix! Missionaries, stake president, bishops, moms, dads, etc.
Even a non-member mother! So I've been calling these "chosen" folk, and asking if they will do this for us.
Here is what they do:
Choose (or assign) one of the scriptures
Prepare a five minute (not one second more - I have a stop watch!!!) presentation of the scripture,
emphasizing how it can apply to us today. (I explain this can't be a sacrament meeting talk - it's 6:30 in the
morning... we need a dog and pony show.)
Be at seminary when we start, as they are the first, after all the opening stuff
Leave us with a visual aid that we can keep for a whole year. I will return it at the end if they wish.
So far we've gotten a candle in a candle stick for "light of the world" scripture, a real hundred dollar bill and
a set of scriptures for the "ye cannot serve God and mammon, and a wheelbarrow for the "faith without
works is dead." This whole thing has been highly successful, and the kids are really remembering the
scriptures.
$100,000 Pyramid
Submitted by Cathy, FW TX
Variation of old $100,000 Pyramid TV game.
Advance preparation - Draw (on 18x22 newsprint paper) large pyramids, 3 spaces at the bottom, 2 spaces in
the middle, and 1 space at top. There are 2 pyramids (on separate sheets of paper) for each category.
To play game - Divide class into 2 teams. Arrange chairs so that 1 chair (of each team) faces front where the
large pyramid drawings can be seen. Other chairs of the team face away from pyramids (so they can't see
them). Team members take turns sitting in the one chair ("hot seat") facing the front.
Once students are sitting in the chairs correctly, the one student (from team #1 in the hot seat) watches while
the teacher displays the first category pyramid #1. The rest of students on team #1 listen as their team
member describes words (without using the actual words) on the pyramid. Words must be guessed in order
starting with the bottom row left to right. If team gets stuck on a word/phrase, must remain there until
guessed or until time limit is over. Time limit is 2 minutes for each pyramid.
Scoring is 10 points for each word correctly guessed on the bottom row, 20 points per word on middle row,
and 30 points for the tip of the pyramid row.
Student from team #2 faces front in hot seat as teacher displays first category pyramid #2. Rest of team
guesses and scores, as mentioned above.
Repeat with each category until game is over. Each team has a chance at each category, although with
different words/phrases. The student in "hot seat" changes each time as the team takes their turn.
Total scores.
Examples of categories and words/phrases from Unit 5 Review (Sections 88-106):
PEOPLE,
Pyramid #1,
Bottom row: Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ, Lucifer
Middle row: John the Baptist, Martin Van Buren
Top row: Missourians
PEOPLE,
Pyramid #2,
Bottom row: Pres. Hinckley, Heavenly Father, Brigham Young
Middle row: Parley P. Pratt, Sidney Rigdon
Top row: "lively" member
Other categories with 2 pyramids each:
PLACES
EVENTS
DOCTRINE
THINGS
SCRIPTURE MASTERY
Are You My Verse?
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS: Make a copy of the scripture cards with verse and key word and cut up. Small table in the
middle of the room. **Make sure you divide into sets and matches with the exact number of students in your
class. Ie 14 students = 7 sets = 1 group. Use one group of cards for a while then switch to another group to
maximize review.
TO PLAY: Put one group of verses with matching key word cards on the table face down. Mix up. Have
each student draw a card and start counting to 10. Students try to find their match of scripture to key words
before you count to 10. Give each person that matches scripture mastery money. Have the students return
their cards to the table face down... mix up and have each student draw a card again and count to 10.
Students again try to match up the scripture verse with the key word. Repeat several times until you feel the
need to change to another group of scriptures or key words.
Remove the 1st group of cards and replace with second group of different scripture verses and key words.
Continue play as above. When game is complete, distribute money for winners.
Variation: Make cards with exact wording or rhymes to use as matches.
As the School Turns
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
Cut pictures of famous young actors (can be from New Era), 1 male + 1 female. Give each a name.. Molly
and Normon Mormon going to student's High School. Give each student a 3X5 index card with a scripture
mastery verse on it. Ask each student to write a problem that the scripture mastery verse might help with.
Use the cards as scripture clues.
Use and scripture chase to review problems with the students, finding the answers using scripture mastery
verses. The students love having their clues read for the class! Use any scripture review game you like while
using the studen'ts clues.
Balloon Blast
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS: Make 1 copy of the scripture pictures for each team and cut up into small strips. 25 balloons
of the same color for each team. (I use cheap water balloons – and would suggest buying a balloon blower…
about $3 at card and party stores.) Make a set of balloons for each team plus one extra set for the bonus
round… the bonus round balloons can be any clor that you are not using for a team – each balloon has one of
the 25 scripture mastery pictures inside. Blow up.. and tie :-). Put into a garbage bag for easy transport to
seminary.
TO PLAY: Place the chairs in the room in a circle. To begin divide the class into teams and tell them their
balloon color. Dump the balloons into the middle of the circle and say go. Each team sends a runner to grab a
balloon. Pop it and show the picture clue to the team. The team then races to find the correct scripture. The
first team standing – each member with their scriptures open to the correct scripture wins the round and one
point. If the team can give you the key word they get a bonus point. Say go and play again. Repeat until all
the balloons for their team are gone. This is a very quick game and I usually have time for bonus points.
Have students grab any of the left over balloons for a clue and race to have the most standing by the time I
count to ten.
Variation from Primaryetc.com
The balloon idea is a lot of fun for the kids. Have a certain color assigned for each team. Each set of balloons
contains clues for the 25 scripture masteries. You don't have to use 25 balloons and clues. Put the balloons
scattered all over the floor in one area by you. When you say "GO" one member of each team runs to get
their color of balloon and takes it back to their team where someone has to blow up, tie, and pop the balloon
by sitting on it. (No fair cheating) After they pop the balloon they get out the clue and chase for the scripture.
Have a sheet of paper for them to write it down on. Then, and only then, can another member go get another
balloon and begin the process again. Make sure that no one is going for balloons before they have the answer
written down! When the allotted time is up you can see who has the most correct answers or you can play till
one team finishes first. My kids loved this game! Be warned, it can get noisy and wild. Of course that's why
they liked it. This game can be played with any questions, not just scripture mastery.
Beat the Clock
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS: 1 set of index cards numbered 1-10. Place them in reverse order. A score sheet and pencil for
each student.
TO PLAY: Give a scripture mastery clue and then say go. Wait a few seconds and remove the #10 card, a
few more seconds and the #9 card and so forth until all the students has found the scripture or the #1 card
was shown. As soon as each student finds the scripture they look up to see what number was showing. The
number is their score for that round. When you get to #1, every student who has not gotten the scripture gets
1 point. Have the students record their score on a score card. Repeat with all the scripture mastery scriptures
and add up the points for the winner.
This could be a team game.. just have the whole team race until every member has found the scripture and
then look for their team score.
Bingo
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS: A blank bingo grid 5X5 squares with a list of the scripture mastery verses listed on the
bottom, a pencil for each student, small cup for the markers, fruit loops or skittles or m&m’s for markers
(that way if they don’t play well they at least get a treat!) Have each student take a moment at the beginning
of class and write one of the scripture mastery verses in each square. 4-6 treats for the winners… a pack of
gum, a pen, a mini Mormon Ad poster, etc.
TO PLAY: Give a scripture clue. Count to 10. If the student was the to the correct scripture by 10 they can
mark it with a fruit loop. Repeat clue and procedure until someone has a 5 square bingo, up down or
diagonally. If someone gets a Bingo continue play until 2 others have a Bingo. Then clear the board and
begin another game. Repeat games as time allows.
Brain or Brawn
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS: You will need access to a basketball hoop for the front of the room. Masking Tape for
shooting line. 8X11 piece of different colors of paper for each team basketball.
SET UP: Divide the class into two teams. Determine the order of the rotating team captain, or who will shoot
for the basket. Have each team make their basketball.
PLAY: Give a clue. Count to 10. All team members must locate the correct scripture reference within the
allotted time. When the time is up, ask the team captain for the answer and to make sure all of their
teammates also have the correct answer. If they are all correct, they get one point (what I call a Brain point)
and the chance to try for a second point (the Brawn point). If they miss the basket, it's too bad.
VARIATION: Give a clue. Each team races to find the correct verse in their scriptures. The first team to the
line gets the Brain point. The team captain makes sure each has the correct verse then races to the line to
begin shooting for a Brawn point from anywhere behind the shooting line. Shooting continues until a basket
is sunk. (Clue - watch for the color of the paper to determine the team that makes the basket!)
Breakfast Maze
Adapted from an idea by Debbie Hoad, Adelaide Australia
Prepare breakfast for your class.
Mark off a maze in the Cultural Hall with tape.
Set up a table with breakfast laid out at the end of the maze.
At 6 or more different stations in the maze place a small table with a sign or object representing some aspect
of morning preparations, like a toothbrush and toothpaste, or clothes, or soap and wash cloth, prayer,
bedding, etc.
Also have a chase clue posted at each station.
Tell the students that they have to go through the maze and complete all the tasks before they can get their
breakfast. (they don't really have to do anything, except chase)
Hand out a card listing each station and space for them to write down the correct scripture that corresponds
with that clue.
Then they go through the maze and search for each scripture and write down the answer.
To make sure they actually look up the scriptures, require they additionally write down the page number.
Check their answers at the end and hand them a plate if they get them all right.
Broom Hockey
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS: Masking tape, broom and a jar lid. Take 12 sheets of paper and put the following points on
them – 5 pts, 5 pts, 10 pts, 10 pts, 1 pt, 2 pts, 2 pts, trade pts with the other team, other tem 5 pts, sorry, no
points. Randomly tape them together to form a 4X3 sheet and tape it to the floor of your seminary room.
About 3 feet away from the grid, place a tape line for shooting. Divide the class into 2-4 teams.
TO PLAY: Scripture chase as usual using clues of key words, rhymes, pictures, situation, history, doctrines
etc. Each student stands with their scriptures open when they find the scripture. Team members may help
each other. The first team with all the students standing wins the round and a chance to shoot. Using a broom
and the jar lid they have two tries to hit the jar lid onto the grid. What ever square it lands on, that was their
points. If they slide off the grid no points are awarded for that shot. Add up the total points to find the
winning team.
Chairs Activity
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS: For each team - 1 table, 1 set of scripture references or rhymes (one or the other, not both) face up on each table. 1 chair for each team (i.e. 3 teams - 3 chairs), chair labels of 100, 200, 300, etc (rising
amounts, starting with 100 up to the # of chairs you have).
CLASSROOM SET UP: I have a table at the back of the room for each zone so they will be able to lay out
the answers and look through them. Each team's chair is at the front of the room.
PLAY: Give a clue. The designated runner from each team grabs their reference paper and runs to sit on a
numbered chair. They, of course, try to be first so they can sit in the chair that is labeled with the highest
number and their team gets the number of points of the chari they sit in. If the answer is wrong, they get
minus that number of points and must go back and get the correct answer. When that person leaves his seat,
its up for grabs for the other 2 teams if it is higher than the point value they have. I write zone points on teh
blackboard but don't keep a running total. Usually we run out of time to add them up at the end so there is
not much time to crow over who won. Sometimes I give zones extra points also for finding things in the
scriptures. I.e. I reveiw one thing that we have learned this week in the lessons. "300 points to the team who
can find this story in the scriptures. GO." First person to find it raises their hand and gets 300 extra points for
their team. (I don't do this for each answer, maybe just 2 or 3 times the whole game).
Cookie Chase
Submitted by Cathy, FW TX
PREPARATION:
* Bake cookies (5 per number of students in class; i.e. 10 students = 50 cookies).
* Type 3x5 cards, each with one clue (meaning, or application, or historical setting, or partial quote, etc.) on
it. Do 5 clue cards per scripture = 125 cards. Number (1-125) the clues, so they can be matched with answers
later.
* Prepare list of answers on colored 3x5 cards (takes about 4 cards to list all 125 answers). These are used by
each zone leader (for example, 4 zones = 4 sets answer cards) to check zone members' answers.
CLASSROOM PROCEDURE:
Ask students how many cookies they want to earn/how many scriptures they want to try to identify, up to 5
maximum. Each student takes that many clue cards (cards have been shuffled so SM are mixed; a student
may get more than one card for the same SM), finds the correct reference, puts clue card in scrips by the SM
reference, and waits to have answers checked. This is done on an individual basis; no helping each other. No
scripture card sets. No bookmarks. But they can use index, etc. if want to. Teacher checks zone leader's
answers, who in turn checks answers of those in zone. For each correct answer, each students gets 1 cookie
(they enjoy homemade so much more than store-bought). Takes about 15 minutes.
Explosion
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS NEEDED: 4x5 scripture mastery cards… may use verse cards, rhyme cards, key word cards,
picture cards… any or all that you want to review with your students.
SET UP: Pair up the students and create an open area in the class room.
PLAY: Teacher stakes the stack of cards and says explosion and throws the cards up into the air sending
them flying around the room. Students then race to find cards that match up. If you use 3 kinds of cards they
must find 3 to have a match. When they have a match it is theirs to keep. Play continues until all the cards
are matched up. Add up points (1 for each match made) gather up the cards and “explosion” them again for
round 2. Add up total points for a winner.
Fly Swatter
Submitted by Lynne
Materials:
-Scripture Mastery references written one per page on 81/2x11sheets
-One fly swatter per team
Procedure:
* Hang references up on a wall in the room.
* Divide your class into teams of at least 3. The more teams there are the more action there is.
* The teacher calls out a clue, the first one to run up and hit it with the fly swatter wins a point for their team.
* Play for any amount of time.
Fruit Basket
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS: Make movement cards. I.e. Move 3 chairs to the right, Move 1 chair to the left, # 4’s and #
1’s switch to the other team. All odd # chairs switch to the other team. All even # chairs switch to the other
team. All girls switch chairs. All boys switch chairs. All those with their birthday in an even month switch
chairs. All those with blue eyes switch chairs. All those who have an English class today switch chairs or
Fruit Basket (which means everyone must switch chairs).
Divide the class into two teams and number each team chairs. Arrange the chairs facing each other in rows as
follows:
12345678
12345678
TO PLAY: Give a scripture mastery clue. Have the teams race to find the scripture and stand when each
member has found the correct scripture. The winning team is awarded 10 points and then draws a movement
card. The whole class does what the card says. This is a fun game because you really don’t know what team
you will be on when the game ends until the last movement card has been drawn and executed.
Gotcha!
Submitted by Karen Lambert
Preparation:
* Take a set of the scripture mastery cards and white out all of the references and verse numbers on the side
where the scripture is written.
* Take 3x5 cards and cut them down to the same size as the SM cards write the reference for all of the SM
scriptures.
To play the game:
* Take out all the cards for the scriptures we have worked on so far and their matching reference card.
* Randomly place these all on a table, face up, in front of the kids.
* Read a clue.
* If the clue has words like "if a friend asked you to show".... or "light of the world" etc. then the kids try to
find the SM card that has the reference (the one I made.) If the clue is a reference then they pick up the card
that has the entire scripture written on it.
* The first person to pick up the card gets to keep it in his pile.
* The person with the most cards at the end of the game gets to take a bow.
Grab Bag
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS: A lunch bag for each student in your class plus a couple extra. In each lunch sack place 1
small item. Ie. a pencil, a pack of gum, a chapstick, a roll of toilet paper, a few pieces of candy, a highlighter,
a rawhide chew, a quarter, etc. Nothing of great value and if there are a few silly items, all the better. Staple
the sacks closed. Place the chairs in a circle with lunch bags in the middle.
TO PLAY: Give a scripture clue and have them race to find the correct scripture before you count to 10. If a
student gets the scripture before 10, they go and grab a bag from the middle or after those are gone from
another student. At the end of some rounds a few students may have several sacks while some will have
none. Repeat play until you have reviewed all 25 scripture mastery verses. At the end of the game each
student opens up the sacks that they have and find out what their grab bag holds.
High Roller
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS: A pair of dice, two different colors for each team. (Toy’s R Us sells packages of dice in
different colors.) Divide the class into teams and give each group a pair of dice. Be sure that they have a
place where they can roll the dice. It would speet up the process if you bring a few caculators to tally the
final scores.
TO PLAY: Give a scripture clue. The first team to have all their members find the verse begins rolling the
dice. The white dice represents tens and the colored dice represents the ones. Each teams points are
determined by the numbers rolled. I.e. a white 6 and a colored 5 = 65; or a white 2 and a colored 6 = 26.
When the team gets to the scripture they begin to roll their dice trying to get the best possible score, stopping
at any time, until the last team finds the scripture. They last team gets one roll of the dice for their score and
all other teams then take their points form their last roll. Any team may stop rolling when they are satisfied
with their points for that round. Repeat play and total points for the day to find a winning team.
Hole in One
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS: Score sheet for each student. Index cards numbered 1-10 put in order, pencil for each student.
TO PLAY: Give a scripture chase clue and then say go. Then wait a few seconds and remove the 1 card, a
few more seconds and remove the 2 card and so forth till all the students have found the scripture or you are
on the #10 card. As soon as the student finds the scripture they would look to see what number you are on.
The number was their score for that round. When you get to #10 every student who has not gotten the
scripture gets 10 points. Repeat using 18 of the 25 scripture mastery verses. Add up the points for a winner.
Lowest score is the winner.
Hyperventilate
Submitted by Stan Zenk El Dorado CA Stake, EMS
Use any scripture chase rules, but instead of using their hands, students flip through the pages by blowing
through a straw. It really works and gets kids laughing. Any touching the book with hands disqualifies the
student.
Jeopardy
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS: 1 bell per team, 1 pen per team, 1 3X5 index card per team. Scripture Mastery Money in
$100, $200, and $500 increments to "pay" for correct answers. Chalk and eraser
STUDENTS NEED: Scriptures/Class divided into teams
BEFORE CLASS: Draw on the chalkboard the Jeopardy game below. After each question is asked erase the
$100 amount to indicate the question has been answered.
TO PLAY: Answers must bein the form of a question (i.e. "What is John 3:5). Team members may help
each other with the questions. A 30 second time limit to ring in and give the answer. If no team rings with
the correct answer no one scores and the teacher gives the correct response. Any team member can ring in to
answer but the same person may not answer twice in a row. If the answer is correct, team is payed out the
indicated $. If the answer is wrong, team pays back the amount out of their winnings. If the team has no
winnings no deduction is made. The team with the correct answer chooses the next category and amount for
the question.
Round One
Direct Quote
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
Meanings
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
Applications
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
Key Words
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
Round Two
Direct Quote
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1000
Meanings
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1000
Rhymes
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1000
Key Words
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1000
Final Jeopardy
Each team writes on their 3X5 cards the amount of their collected earnings that they wish to wager in final
jeopardy.
"Ready for the Clue... you will have 30 seconds to confer with your team and to answer... write your
response in the form of a question" (Be sure to sing the song while they are writing :-).
_____________________**Write your own Final Clue
Answer: What is _____________________________
If the team's question is correct, add the amount of moeny to the current moeny. If incorrect, subtract from
current money. Reward the highest winner with the largest treat. The 'other' winners also win smaller treats!
The Last Straw
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS NEEDED: Plastic Drinking Straws (one for each student) Scripture Mastery reference on its
own piece of paper.
SET UP: Give each student a straw. Place in teams. Place a table for each team in the front of the class. Place
on each teams table a complete set of Scripture Mastery verses cut into individual papers. They can only use
their hands to touch their straws.
PLAY: Give a clue. The designated student runs to the table sucks up the correct verse and then “carries” it
(without using anything but straws and suction) back to his team. When he gets back the other members of
the team then may open their scriptures and chase to locate the verse. The first team back with the correct
verse gets one point. The first team to have all members find the verse gets one point.
Mad Dash
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS: 1 set of cards per team – one scripture mastery reference per card. Divide the class into semi
circle teams with each teams cards on the floor face up. Set up 3 chairs on the other side of the room. On
each chair place a point amount 50, 40, 30. IF have a large class set up a 20 point chair and make 4 teams.
Every team is awarded points each round of play.
TO PLAY: Give a scripture chase clue and have the students look to find the correct scripture card on the
floor in front of them. The first team member to find the card grabs it and runs for the highest point chair.
Play ends when all the chairs are filled. Award points to each team depending on which chair their team sat
in.
Master Mind
Submitted by BEV
I MAKE A COPY OF ONE SCRIPTURE MASTER CARD, THE SCRIPTURE, AND ENLARGE ON
COPIER. CUT IT UP TO MAKE A PUZZLE.
ROUND 1
EACH TEAM IS GIVEN THE PUZZLE TO PUT TOGETHER, FIRST TEAM DONE GETS ONE POINT.
ROUND 2
ALL TEAM MEMBERS ARE GIVEN 1 1/2 MINUTES TO REVIEW THE SCRIPTURE CARD WITH
THAT SCRIPTURE FROM THE PUZZLE.
EACH PERSON IS GIVEN A PIECE OF PAPER AND WHEN I SAY GO THEY MUST WRITE THE
SCRIPTURE DOWN ON THE PIECE OF PAPER. THE TRICK COMES WHEN I BEGIN TO TELL
THEM TO SWITCH PAPERS. ALL PERSONS IN THEIR TEAM MUST SWITCH WHAT THEY HAVE
WRITTEN WITH EACH OTHER AND CORRECT THAT PAPER AND CONTINUE WRITING THE
SCRIPTURE. SOMETIMES I WILL HAVE THEM SWITCH 15 TIMES WITHIN THE 2 MINUTE
PERIOD (SHORTER TIME FOR SHORT SCRIPTURE LONGER TIME FOR LONGER SCRIPTURE).
AT THE END OF THE 2 MINUTES ONE OF THE PAPERS IN THE GROUP MUST CONTAIN THE
CORRECT WORDS AND THEY MUST BE ABLE TO READ IT, SOMETIMES IT TAKES HELP FROM
OTHER TEAM MEMBERS TO READ WHAT SOMEONE ELSE HAS WRITTEN.
NOW THEY A'RE READY FOR THE FINAL ROUND
ROUND 3
EACH TEAM HAS CHALK AND BOARD (SOMETIMES IF ONLY ONE BOARD DIVIDE BOARD
INTO HALF WITH A LINE). EACH TEAM FORMS A LINE AND WHEN I SAY GO THE FIRST
PERSON STARTS WRITING THE SCRIPTURE ON THE BOARD. WHEN I SAY SWITCH THE NEXT
PERSON STARTS WRITING WHERE THE FIRST ENDED. EVENTUALLY 1 TEAM GETS THE
COMPLETE SCRIPTURE WRITTEN AND THAT TEAM YELLS "MASTER MIND".
THEN WE ALL SIT DOWN AND ANYONE CAN TRY TO SAY THE SCRIPTURE WITHOUT
LOOKING AT CARD OR HELP FROM OTHER STUDENTS.
SOMETIMES THEY NEED HELP WITH LONGER SM THEY ARE TWO LONG TO MEMORIZE IN 2
MINUTES OR 3, SO I WILL GIVE THEM ONLY PART OF THE SCRIPTURE.
Messy Basketball
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS NEEDED: Small pieces of paper for each student and a pen. A small treat. Basket to throw in
answer.
TO PLAY: Give a clue. The students furiously write the reference on a small spare of scrap paper. The
scrunch the paper into a ball and throw it at the basket I am holding on my lap in the center of the room.
(You can use a wastebasket, bowl, whatever). It usually takes a minute before someone makes a basket—
most of the attempts bonk me in the head or hit all sorts of things. The students can continue rewriting the
reference until one lands in the basket. I yell FREEZE! I check the answer, throw a Starburst to the correct
student and off we go on to the next one.
Messy, but easy and fun.
Missionary Relay
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS: 1 table per team with 3-4 pieces of clothing a missionary might wear for each table. I.e. coat,
tie (tie this in advance and lip it off so that it is ready to be slid on over the head and tightened), shirt, shoes.
A bell. Divide the class into teams with the chairs on one side of the room and the teams dressing table on
the other. Place the bell just past the tables on another table.
Team 1
Dressing Table
Team 2
Dressing Table
Team 3
Dressing Table
Table with
Bell on it.
TO PLAY: Scripture chase as usual using clues or key words, rhymes, pictures, situations, history, doctrines,
etc. Each student stands with their scriptures open when they find the scripture. Team members may help
each other. When the team has everyone standing they send a runner to the dressing table to put on the
missionary outfit (make sure you specify what needs to be buttoned, tied and tightened up). When they are
dressed they race to ring the bell. Give the first team to ring the bell 25 pts, 2nd - 20 pts, 3rd – 15 pts, etc.
They undress and place the clothes back on the dressing table.
Mormon Money Auction
Submitted by Denise Stewart, Emerson Ward
I wrote letters to the parents and asked for specifically.. one *good* donation (something everyone would
like... things that came in, were: large container of Jelly Belly Beans from Price Club, Gift Certificates to
Gap, Record Stores, Tickets to Movie Theater. I asked for one *nice* donation per child in the program, but
did not specify a dollar amount. I also gave suggestions that, A plate of brownies would be considered a
*good* donation), I also asked for whatever *Silly* items that they would like to donate.. the more the
merrier. I made some suggestions, to give them the freedom to do whatever they wanted, and depending on
the sense of humor, I got some amazing things. There were note cards, pens, Tee Shirts. There was a BYU
hat, matchbox car, Baseball cards. One of the Highest bid items was a set of musical cassette tapes of Big
Band music from the 30's and 40's. Go figure! The child who had the least amount of money, got the most
items, and by all opinions, the best items. He was cagey in his purchases, knew what he wanted, and "worked
the system". One boy spent his whole wad (almost $3000.00) on the jar of Jelly Belly Beans, and he was
thrilled. No one went away unhappy. Many had lots of money left over, and I am holding a mini auction the
last day of class .. (and giving some small opportunities to *earn* some more money just to make it a bit
more even)
Here are some quick suggestions:
1. I had two parents keeping written track. They kept a record of the item, the price it sold for. and to whom.
Helps for mix-ups..and for a record for the next year.. of what was sold.
2. Everyone had a "card" to hold up with a number on it, just like the big auctions.
3. I mixed it up... started with a 1/2 way decent item, went to a silly item.. I did NOT let them know that I
was letting them direct me.. but I did listen very carefully to what they wanted to see go up next, and then
judged accordingly. Don't save the best (or what you determine is the Best) stuff till the end, because it's
better to intersperse it. The Gift certificates, no matter how small an amount, went VERY WELL.. especially
the Gap.
4. Take pictures.
5. Have a ball.. the kids love it.
6. My homemade cookies, and food items, are a big hit, so I made a couple of plates of things.. JUST IN
CASE I HAD TO USE THEM.. to fill in the blanks.. or something.. The kids were more excited about the
stupidest things. They laughed and bid on and old College Term Paper from a Dad... and that type of thing.
Go for it.. it's fun
Muffin Tin Bounce
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS NEEDED: For each group of 4-5 students, you will need a standard muffin tin with
construction paper circles cut to fit in the bottom of each cup. Place an arbitrary point value on each piece of
paper, both positive and negative. (10, 20, -25, 50, 100, -100, etc.). Place the Muffin tin for each team on the
floor in front of the team. A ping pong ball for each student.
TO PLAY: Begin reading the scripture (Sometimes I read slow, medium, or really fast depending upon how
easy or hard it may be to open to the correct scripture). Each student is armed with at least one ping pong ball
(more makes it more fun!) and when they turn to the correct scripture, they bounce the ball lightly on the
floor until it lands in one of the cups. (Sometimes they have to chase it across the room…down to the
Bishop’s office…) As soon as their ball is in a cup, they can turn and help a neighbor on the team. As soon
as I have finished reading (or whatever my time limit is) I called “Time’s Up!” and we tally the points and
continue with the next scripture.
Musical Chairs
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS: Scripture Mastery key words or pictures or rhymes (or a combination) on cards. Chairs in the
classroom set in a circle with one for each student. Taped music (I use "Called to Serve"). Tape one clue card
to each chair. Have a second set of clues prepared to put on the chairs half way through the game.
TO PLAY: Students stand with their scriptures inside the circle of chairs. Play the music as the students walk
around the circle. Music stops the students race to find the scripture on their chair before you count to 10.
Each student finds the scripture and sits in their chair with their scripture. Give each sitting student scripture
money. Have each student stand and repeat. Repeat several times, then take a moment to switch clues and
continue review. Reward top winners: top girl, top boy, top brunette, top red head, top freshman, sophomore,
junior, senior, etc.
Name that Scripture
Submitted by Sharlotte Wride
Divide into two teams.
One member from each team starts. They take turns saying how many words they can "Name that Scripture"
in until they don't want to go any lower. Whoever goes lowest gets the clue. I read the scripture in that many
words and if they name it correctly, they get the appropriate number of points. If they can't, the other player
gets a chance, and if neither can, I add a word. For each added word, they get one less point for identifying
the correct scripture.
They say they like this game alot. As they get more familiar I am going to change the rules. Such as:
- can't use the first five words of the scripture
- name that scripture using one of the definitions such as the doctrinal teachings or personal application.
I used to have one member from each team come forward. But recently I changed. No teams just a new
challenger comes up to the winner. They try to knock out the standing winner. It works great with a smaller
class. They really get into it.
Pictionary
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS: Cards with key words written on them. Class divided into teams. 25 half sheet paper for each
team with dark color marker. Each student has their scriptures (of course :-).
TO PLAY: Each team is given the 1/2 sheets of paper and the marker. Each team sends a drawer up to the
front of the group where the teacher shows them the key word (switch drawers each time). The drawers go
back to the group and draws... trying to get his group to say the key word... teacher listens for the first group
to shout out the key word... award 20 points for the key word. Tell everyone what the key word is. I.e. "The
key word is light -- scripture chase." The remaining members of the team grab their scriptures and race to
find the scripture, each standing when they have found the scripture... they may help each other find the
scripture. When a whole team is standing the race is over. Award 20 points for the team that finds the
scripture first.
**If too close to call, award tied teams each 20 pts.**
Piggies in a Pen
Pam Underwood, Half Moon Bay, CA
Here is an easy and fun scripture mastery game given to me by our CES director.
Prep:
With masking tape, mark a square (you decide how big, mine is approx. 3' x 3') on the floor. (for two teams
make two equal sized squares) I "opened" one half side of the square to make a "gate". Prepare 25 chase
clues.
Rules:
Do a normal scripture chase. Give the clue and say "pigs in a pen". When they find the scripture, they have
to enter in through the "gate". I count to ten and then the pigpen gate closes. Some find the scripture before
the count is over, but often the pen is full and no more piggies can fit (they get very creative at this point).
They have to have their scriptures with them as they run into the pen. While they're in the pen, I ask them to
recite
from memory the scripture. They do pretty well with that. Of course, the piggies are given a treat at this
point.
They love seeing how many piggies they can get into the pen. I really think they just love the body contact! I
have 18 in my room and we feel like piggies in a pen as it is. My table and podium are right in the middle up
front, so I couldn't put my pen in the middle where it would be most fair for everyone. Therefore, I have two
pens, one on each side of the room. The two different groups compete to see who can get more piggies into
their pen.
Puzzled
Submitted by Cathy, EM, FW TX
Memorization Technique:
Write scriptures on large 18x22 newsprint paper, or on an 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock, and cut into puzzle pieces.
One puzzle per zone. Zones put puzzles together correctly. Then each zone chooses one puzzle piece to turn
over (so the words are facing down) and recites aloud together the
scripture - supplying the missing words. Zones turn over another puzzle piece. Repeat until all puzzle pieces
are turned over.
Quick Draw
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS: 1 chair for each student. Set up chairs in pairs facing each other. Designate the championship
chair as the first chair on the right side. If you have a large class make the first 2 or 3 chairs the
championship chairs. Don’t tell the students before they sit down which side is which. If you have an uneven
number of students put the extra student on the championship side with no challenger for the next round. He
will move up and be challenged as those above him lose the draw.
TO PLAY: Scripture chase as usual using clues of key words, rhymes, pictures, situations, history, doctrines,
etc. Each student races to get the scriptures open and when they find the correct page they “shoot” the player
across from them by pointing their index finger at their opponent and saying “BANG!”
RIGHT SIDE: (Championship row)
Losers – move to any available chair on the left side
Winners – Move up toward the championship seats if available or stay in current seat on the championship
side.
LEFT SIDE: (Wanna be Champion side)
Losers – move to a different seat on the left side so you don’t face the same opponent the next round.
Winners – Move to the right side into the chairs at the end of the championship row.
** If there is some dispute about who shot first have a quick draw between just the two of them to decide the
round.
Race to the Line
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS: Masking tape to make a line down the middle of your room. Set the charis up in parallel lines
on each side of the line. Scripture clues. Designate with end of the line is the front (switch front 1/2 through
the game). Stand at the front of the line to give the clues.
TO PLAY: Do a normal scripture chase, then begin to count to 10. The students are to find the scripture and
race to the line. The first 4 people in ine get double money ($200), all others who can get to the line before
you count to 10 get $100. Reveiw all 25 scripture mastery verses and if there is remaining time do speed
round with only counting to 5. All students getting to the line by the count of 5 get double money. At the end
of the time count money and declare the winner.
VARIATION: Team up 2 students with one set of scriptures... they work together to find the scripture and
then race to the line holding the open scriptures between them. This works well if you have some students
that are struggling and some that need a challenge.
"Resurrected Man" (or Woman)
Submitted by Nancy Brower, San Jose, CA
I've done this 2 ways:
1) on the chalkboard (moves fast, can be a quick 5-10 minute review)...using blue & pink chalk, I draw a
puffy cloud at the bottom of the board (one in pink, and one on the other side in blue). I call out a clue and if
a boy gets it: I "resurrect" (draw in) a head, etc. and same with girl. It's amazing how much interest this
generates.
2) Write "Resurrected Man" or "Resurrected Woman" on paper (pink/girls; blue/boys), draw puffy cloud at
bottom, with directions for "order of resurrection" below. Call out a clue and if they find it within a certain
time limit (say 15 seconds) they "resurrect" themselves as follows: head, body (triangle for girl, upside down
triangle for boy), arm, arm, leg, leg, hand, hand, foot, foot, hair....of course you can add fingers, toes, even
hats/ribbons on head if you've time. If you want to, you can declare "winner" = whoever gets "most"
resurrected. (I usually have a time limit: say 15 or 20 minutes for the whole game).
Rhyme Time
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS: Rhyming sheet or flash cards with the rhyme on back. Scripture money or markers to give
out to each team that wins the round.
TO PLAY: Read the first part of the rhyme: “Learning is fine in _________.” Have the teams race to open
their scriptures to the correct verse. Every member of the group stands when they find the scripture. Check to
see if the 1st team up is in the correct verse. If so, award $10 of scripture money or a marker to the winning
team for that round. Repeat play until you have reviewed all 25 scripture mastery rhymes. Count up money
or markers to find the winning team.
Riding the Bus
Submitted by Ninon McGinn, Timmins, Ontario
We line up chairs in the cultural hall, in two rows, beside each other. When they are set up, it's like riding a
bus. I read the clue, and let them chase. They only compete against the person sitting beside them. When
they get the scripture they place their hand on the other person's scriptures. Those who win move forward
one seat, and those that lose move back one. I run a tie breaker for any ties. They especially love this game
when our CES supervisor comes to class. They like the chance to try to beat him (which they sometimes do).
I don't play it frequently - maybe 4 times in a year - because of the reverse psychology of those students who
will automatically head for the back of the bus.
Variation by Linda Shattuck, EMS, Hollister, CA
After the clue is given, the students race to find the scripture. The first one with the scripture, stands up and
remains standing, until each group of two- has one standing. Then the teacher says something like "Move up
to the front of the bus" (However, the persons at the front....THE DRIVER and SHOTGUN are
different. If the driver loses, he goes to the back of the bus, and shotgun drives. If the driver wins, he holds
his position as driver, and shotgun goes to back of bus.)
In our class, we try to have whoever CAN, hold his/her position as the Bus Driver the longest. Teacher (that's
me) always starts at the back of the bus.....
This game requires no advanced preparation except chair arrangement:
(The DRIVER is shown as an X on the left, SHOTGUN on the right)
X------Chair arrangements are like the dashes above. Put chairs close together, because if you have 20 or more
students like I do, it can take up length of room, this can also be done in the hallway, if you won't be
bothering other classes.
Roller Ball
Submitted by Julie C. Markham
Prep
* In a room clear of all furnishings, make a 15 foot line of masking tape about 4 feet away from the outside
wall. This was where the class members sit with their scriptures. I had bought 16 small multicolored nerf
balls at Toys R Us
* Place a second 15 foot line of masking tape about 3 feet from the first.
* About 15 inches from that put a third 15 foot line. If a ball stopped in that space, they would get one point.
(we marked a 1 with tape.)
* Make a second space, but make it narrower, about 8 inches. That space was worth 2 points.
* Then a third space following the 2 point space, worth 1 point again. The concept being it is harder to get
the ball into the middle space.
To play:
* Students line up behind the first line with their scriptures
* All body parts have to be behind the first line.
* I randomly gave out the balls. I then declared all the red balls were one team, the blues another, greens
another, and since I only had 14 today, I put one yellow on one team and the other yellow on another. (Life
isn't fair, I said.)
* I gave the clue, said chase, and set my timer for 30 seconds. Each person had to find the scripture and then
roll the ball. No blowing.
* Balls on the line are determined by teacher as to which square they are in.
* Tally points based on where the balls are after all the balls have rolled.
* It is fine if a later ball knocks another ball into or out of a particular square.
* When the timer beeped, we checked the scriptures, and then counted the points up.
Fellow seminary teachers -- this was a blast. Speed was not important as long as a student could find and roll
in 30 seconds. (Looking at another's scriptures was deemed to be ok.) Finding the scripture was important,
but the creative skill mustered to get their nerf ball into the correct space was fascinating. I allowed 20
minutes for this game and it was the right amount of time.
Here is a diagram of the floor:
------------------back wall of church ----------------4' where class members sit with nerf balls and scriptures
-----------------tape------------------------------3' between these two rows of tape
-----------------tape--------------------------------------1 point for ball stopping in this 12 inch space
-----------------tape-------------------------------------2 points for ball stopping in this 8 inch space
-----------------tape-------------------------------------1 point for ball stopping in this 12 inch space
-----------------tape------------------------------------I stood here and kept score on the chalk board
--------chalkboard, wall of room next to hall--------
Run For It
Submitted by Linda Kump, EM BOM, Anaheim CA
Each team has their own set of scripture mastery cards all 25. They are divided equally between all team
members. Each person being esponsible for the scriptures on their card. We go into the cultural hall each
team sitting in a chair with their team on the baseline of the basketball court. Then on the opposite baseline is
the rolling chalkboard with a division for each team and a piece of chalk for each team. I start reading the
actual scripture anywhere in the scripture. When the team member recognizes that it is his scripture he or she
runs to the chalkboard and writes the scripture reference including verse. (It must be legible) The first one
back in their chair is the winner. Great fun and gets the blood pumping.
Saved by the Bell
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS: Choose 2 Scripture Mastery verses of similar length. Make a set of cards for each scripture...
dividing each scripture into sections... write each section onto a 3X5 card. MAke several sets of cards. Make
a teacher master with the complete verse written on to check answers. Place 2 small tables in the middle of
the room.
TO PLAY: Place one set of cards on each table. Divide class into 2 parts. Each team goes to the table, picks
up the cards, and tries to put them into the order of the verse. The first team to complete the verse rings the
bell on their table. Play stops and you check the verse. If corret, give team 20 pts. If not correct tell them to
try again and teams continue play until someone rings the bell again. The 2nd bell gets 15 pts. The 3rd bell
gets 10 pts. The 4th bell 5 pts. If after 4 bells no team has gotten a correct answer... stop play and review
scriptures. Switch tables and repeat with next set of cards. Repeat procedure until all verses are reviewed.
Add up points and declare a winner.
Scavenger Hunt
Submitted by Jody
MATERIALS: Classroom chairs set up into a V without the bottom of the V chair. Each team sitting on
individual chairs per side of the V. Teacher stands behind small table at the open end of the V. Chalk and
Chalkboard to keep score.
TO PLAY: Scripturechase as usual using clues of key words, rhymes, pictures, situations, history, doctrines
etc. The students race to find the scripture and stand when they have found it... they may help each other.
The first side to have all its members standing is the winner. Give that team 10 pts.
Once a team scores they choose a number between 1 and 50. Teacher reads corresponding item from the
following list. Both teams search for the "Scaveenger Hunt" item, pass it to the designated runner (who is
sitting at the bottom point of the V - furthest away from the teacher). When the runner gets the item they run
to the table and place it in front of the teacher. The first team to bring the item forward gets 5 pts. If no one
has the corresponding scavenger hunt item then the winning team calls another number and the search begins
again until an item is found. All scavenger hunt items remain on the table until the game is complete and no
part of them may go back into play. For example, if a wallet is put on the table, it may not be taken back to
remove $1 for the scavenger hunt.
1. Shoelace
11. Ruler
21. Lipstick
2. Kleenex
3. For the Strength of
Youth Pamphlet
4. School textbook
5. Sandal
6. Bookmark
7. SM clue set
31. Sock with a
hole
12. Chalk
22. Homework
32. Calculator
13. Hair Scrunchy 23. Friends school 33. Anything with
or clip
picture
velcro
14. 3 ring binder 24. Backpack
34. Baseball cap
15. Wallet
25. Red pencil
35. Ballpoint pen
16. Paper clip
26. Marker
36. Rubber band
17. Sock
27. Comb
37. Brush
8. School ID
18. Coat or jacket 28. Watch
38. Left shoe
41. Belt
42. CTR ring
43. Address
book
44. $1 Bill
45. Hymnbook
46. Key
47. Drivers
license
48. Stick of
gum
9. Nail clippers
10. Nail file
19. #2 pencil
20. Left tennis
shoe
29. Candy bar
30. Key ring
39. Penny
40. Cough drop
49. Quarter
50. Lotion
Scripture Basketball
Submitted by Julie C. Markham
Preparation
Do this game in the Cultural Hall
Divide into teams of 4 to 5 players (may be more than two teams)
One basketball per team
At least one basketball hoop (if you have at least four teams, use both hoops)
All players must have scriptures
To play:
Each round the teacher gives a clue to entire group
As soon as a team has every member find the scripture one person from that team can begin to shoot (take
turns so everyone gets a chance) .
Points are only given for baskets -- not for finding the scripture.
There is a 30 second time limit from when I say "chase" to when all shooting must stop.
Teams can shoot until they make one basket.
If they make their point with time on the clock they can spend their time keeping others from scoring.
This works well with two teachers supervising -- this has really been less of a free for all and more of a fun
activity -- with anticipation and preparation in advance of these days resulting in a lot of learning. I know
those ems teachers who meet in their homes feel sorry for those of us who meet in the building -- but some
days I really love a "cultural hall" with a few balls bouncing and a whistle around my neck. At 6 am.
Search and Rescue
Submitted by Stan Zenk El Dorado CA Stake EM Put a tape strip on the floor at either end of the room.
Designate one end of the room as "Prison" and the other as "Paradise." Give each student a sealed envelope
with a slip of paper containing one scripture mastery clue. All students (each with envelope and personal
copy of D&C) stand on the "Prison" side of the room behind the tape ("lost souls"). They stand grouped by
teams, except for one player from each team. These stand behind the tape on the "Paradise" side. Play begins
when the teacher calls "Search and Rescue!" The players in "Paradise" then rip open their envelopes and find
the matching scripture in their books.
Upon finding it, each player runs to the "Prison" and "rescues" one teammate by tagging them and racing
with them back to "Paradise." Once in "Paradise," the new player now opens his/her envelope and both
players locate the new scripture in their books. Upon finding it, the pair rescues a third teammate from
"Prison." Now all three must locate the scripture in the new person's envelope. Play continues with all team
members locating scriptures and racing back and forth. The first team to rescue all its members from
"Prison" wins.
With a small class you could play against the clock and try to beat previous times.
Instead of envelopes, you could fold sheets of paper, and extract promises from students not to peek! Or, you
could stand in "Paradise" with a bag of clues for each newly rescued player to draw from.
VARIATION: Start with only 1 student in Paradise.
Searchlights
Submitted by Stan Zenk El Dorado CA Stake EM
You need a dark room for this (and, hence, a class you can trust in the dark ;-] ). Players sit by teams in
single file rows, facing the front, with D&Cs closed. The last team member--sitting at the back of each
row--is given a small flashlight (the smaller the better--tiny pen-lights would work best). Turn the room
lights off, and remain at the switch. Give a scripture mastery clue. Players with lights must locate the
scripture in their books then pass the searchlight forward for the next player to use, and so on. The first team
to pass the light all the way to the front and shine it at you wins the round. Immediately turn on the room
lights. Teams score points according to how many players have their books open to the correct scripture. The
fastest team wins bonus points for finishing first, but only if every player on the team has found the correct
scripture. There must be no talking or hinting when it's dark, and when the lights come on, everyone must
raise their arms in the air. Anyone touching their books after the light comes on loses points for their team.
After each round, players rotate so that the player in front is now at the back.
For classes you can't trust in the dark, use a ball or an "iron rod" or other object that could be passed from
back to front. Players can't open their books until the object is passed to them, and upon passing it, they must
raise both hands in the air. The first team with all hands in the air, wins. Score as above.
Split Personality
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS: 10-15 of the scripture mastery 8 1/2 X 11 size pictures - each cut in 1/2. Scripture mastery
clues. Place pictures face down on a table.
TO PLAY: Divide the class into teams. Each team takes turns hearing a clue for one of the scripture mastery
verses. If the team guesses the verse correctly they get to come up and choose 1/2 of a scripture mastery
picture. If they don't guess correctly, they don't get a picture 1/2. Play resumes with the other team getting a
chance to hear and answer a scripture clue. With correct answers taking a card from the table and incorrect
answers not getting a card. The object is to match up your picture with the other half to get the most
completed pictures.
TO CHALLENGE: Any team my challenge another team for the 1/2 of a picture as their turn (instead of
trying to answer a question). For the challenge give a scripture mastery key word or rhyme clue and say go.
The first team with all members standing with scriptures open to that verse wins... winning challengers take
the picture they challenged for that makes a set... if the team with the card wins they don't lose possession of
the card.
**No completed sets may be taken.**
The game ends when all the pictures are matched up or time runs out.. if time runs out... count the number of
complete personalities to determine the winner.
Stump the Teacher
Submitted by Penny Johnson, Baraboo WI
Either teams or individuals (depending on the size of the class) create SM clues, and I, the teacher, have to
find the proper reference. My class has become very creative with this. They sing hymns or songs, they
check out the cross-references of cross-references, they make up stories, etc.. Every time they stump me,
they get a point. Every time I can guess it, I get the point. The bag of candy goes to them or stays with me,
depending on how sharp I was or how clever they were! This is an especially good game for the really
competitive kids!
Stunt Man
Submitted by SuuzE
I gave each student about three 1"x3" slips of scrap wrapping paper and had them write a 'stunt' on it something that someone would have to do like in 'Spin the Bottle' if the bottle points to that person. Things
like: 'Stand on your head', 'kiss the floor', etc. Of course, you have to remind them to be reasonable, and you
might want to set up some parameters regarding how far away they have to go - nothing about going to Walmart, etc.
I put all of the slips in a basket.
We do regular scripture chase, individual, not teams. The last person to get the scripture has to draw a paper
and do the stunt. (I checked with them before we started to see if they would rather have the last TWO
people do the stunt, so that no one would fee like they were being put on the spot, but they were okay with it
being the last one (run on sentence, I know).
They really had a good time with it, but it may not be good for groups who have underlying contentions or
kids who tend to get out of hand.
Swat Man
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS: A rolled up newspaper or inflatable bat (from amusement park concessions). 25 cards with a
scripture mastery verse written on each one. Pin a card onto each student in the class with the exception of
swat man. You will have more cards than students usually… you will use the extra cards later. Arrange the
chairs in a circle with one less chair than you have members of the class.
TO PLAY: Students take their seat around the circle and look to see what scripture is theirs to defend. A
student is chosen to be “Swat Man.” He is given a rolled up newspaper and stands in the middle of the circle.
The teacher gives a clue or rhyme, situation, history, personal application or doctrine (make sure you are
only using the clues for the cards that are presently on the students!)
Each player tries to figure out if their scripture goes with the given clue. If it does they stand and yell “Got
it!.” The player who is the swat man tries to locate the correct reference and ‘Swat” the player on the knew
with the newspaper before they stand and say they got it. If a student stands and says “Got it” but their
scripture doesn’t go with the clue, they are now the swat man. ***Sometimes a student can give you a really
good explanation of why they think their scripture applies. If you feel it is good, give them credit for thinking
for themselves and go onto another clue.
If the students stands before getting hit on the knee they get a different card and are seated again. If they are
swatted they become the new swat man. For a large group try having two swat men! If there is any question
of a tie then ask the sitting student for the key word for that scripture… if they can give it they retain their
seat… if not, they are the new swat man.
Talents/Points Stake Scripture Mastery Day
Submitted by Heather Cromar McClellan EMS Chardon, Kirtland, OH
[Editorial Note: Although not a game for everyday use, the spirit testified to me as I read it the power of this
experience. I hope it will be of use to someone. -Bro. Van]
Sometime during the February/March blahs, in an all afternoon/evening stake youth activity, we were "let
loose" in a cultural hall full of activities of various natures each prepared by a different seminary teacher
from the stake. At the beginning of the activity, we were each given 10 "talents". We could "spend" those
talents to play "fun" games for "points" like basketball free-throws or bean bag toss or darts (bow and arrow
target) or something......or we could "earn" more "talents" by participating in scripture/doctrine oriented
activities like those which have been mentioned the last couple of days (just wonderful by the way!). The
teachers didn't try to push the lesson and when the kids asked what the difference was between points and
talents, the teachers asked "well, what do they sound like?" At the end of an hour or so, the stake leaders
started taking the kids out randomly one or two at a time and their "talents" were counted and their points
discarded. We were then placed in one of 3 rooms based on how many talents we had. A bishop or stake rep
was given to each group and he talked to us about our choices. If we made parallel choices in this life, we
could expect
to be in the celestial/telestial/terrestial kingdom. The concept hit home to lots of us. What talents were we
giving up (neglecting) in real life to earn temporary "fun" or distraction, and what kinds of efforts were
important to develop talents that would please the Lord.
The Plan of Salvation was further defined and our own actions spoke loudly. Those inheriting the lowest
kingdom complained briefly that "it just wasn't fair because no one explained to them what was worth
something and what wasn't" Their questions were directed to the scriptures. I found myself in the celestial
room with other kids from the stake who had the same enjoyment in the scriptures. Bonding was wonderful
(a thing rare enough when the stake covers such a wide area) and just knowing that these people thought as I
did-it was comforting and revealing. No-one was told who else went to different "kingdoms" so there was no
rivalry and the whole thing ended with a stake dance.
I will never forget this experience-more than 10 years ago, and I will never forget the Seminary Teacher that
taught me so much: Sister Genny Baker in Munich Germany.
The 'X' Team
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS: Chalk board divided with 1 space for each team. Chalk for each team. Divide the chairs into
teams on the other side of the room equal distance from the chalk board. Give one person on each team a
piece of chalk. The one who holds the chalk is the runner.
TO PLAY: Give a clue. The team race to find the correct scripture. When the whole team has the scripture
open the chalk holder races to the board to make a complete “X” on the board. The first team with an “X” is
the winner of the round and gets 1 point. A complete “X” must cross. Erase the board and repeat play.
Top Dog
Submitted by Ann Mitchell, Moreno Valley, CA
* The students sit on both sides of a long table(s).
* I give them a scripture clue and say search.
* They are competing only with the student directly across from them.
* The first one to find the scripture wins. They are pretty much on the honor system, it is between them to
judge who was first.
* I have everyone who won stand up and everyone who didn't win move down, to the end of the seats. Then
the students who won fill in the seats at the head end of the table. It is important to make them stay in order
as they move up or down.
* The two two students at the head of the table are the top dogs.
* Some days I give them a small sweety when they get to the top. Most days I don't. From time to time there
is a tie, if so those two students stay in the seats they are in and everyone fills in around them.
I have seen students in my class who are slow or not that motivated get really excited because they won and
moved up to the top.
"Toute La Gang"
Submitted by Ninon McGinn, Timmins, Ontario
To Play:
* I read the clue, and the entire class has to find it in order to get a treat (I bring a treat that is small and
cheap - ie jelly beans).
* Each time the whole class gets the scripture in the allotted amount of time, everyone can come up and take
ONE jelly bean each.
* We start with 30 seconds the first round.
* They are allowed to help each other - but are not allowed to touch another person's book.
* In subsequent rounds they must beat the previous time in order to get the treat. The time keeps getting
shorter and shorter as they play. The funny thing is that they will usually set someone up who deliberately
"delays" so that the time increments don't go up by too much (and the one who delays is usually one of the
best scripture chasers, as well).
* When the last person gets it they all yell "TOUTE LA GANG!" and collect their jelly bean.
What they don't understand is that I really don't care how fast they do or don't get it - this is really an
opportunity for the "non-scripture chasers" to experience success, and to lose some of the intimidation that
they might feel about scripture chasing. After playing this game I have always seen the "non-scripture
chasers" participation level improve. It will work in a large class, or small.
SCRIPTURE MASTERY TRICK or TREAT ?!
Submitted by Nancy Brower San Jose, CA Early Morning Seminary/Institute
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:
* Object: - Beginning with one team (randomly picked), rotate evenly: allowing each team the opportunity to
solve the Scripture Mastery clue (3 of 4 team players must locate reference within 30 seconds)...if they fail,
open to any team with correct response...SCORE 10 points for each correct response.
The team that finds the reference then plays for "bonus points" as follows:
- 25 Bonus points: Dip into the "trick" filled plastic pumpkin ...team player extracting 1 item (must DO what
it says within 30 seconds or team to their right automatically gets the CHANCE for the bonus points)
- The team with the most POINTS at end of all play wins.
* Materials needed:
* "TRICK BAG" (attach "tricks"cards to weird stuff, i.e. gummy worms, spiders, gross bugs, fake body parts
(plastic teeth; hand; eyeball, etc.)
* SM word clues (use key words, this needs to move fast)
* "TRICK" cards (listed separately as TRICK or TREAT "TRICKS")
* "Treats" (individual bags of candy) (by the way: I only have 4 or 5 (or the number of members of one
team) bags of candy on my desk, then I have a basket of tootsie roll pops...so they assume only the winning
team gets the better prize (but I always pull out another container with bags for each; believe it or not...they
never know what I'm going to do that year...)
* Class set-up: Divide into teams of 3-5 together.
TRICK or TREAT TRICKS:
* Whistle "I Am A Child of God" so team members can recognize it.
*Stand on your chair and howl at the moon.
*Play "pattycake" with any member of another team.
*Name one person who spoke at the last Sacrament Meeting you attended. Must be verified by other ward
member.
*Hiss like a cat, purr like a cat, roar like a lion.
*Give the first name of any member of the Osmond family.
*Name the Stake President.
*Yodel.
*At the same time: Pat your head with your left hand, rub your tummy with your right hand, cross your eyes
and say: "This is so much fun!"
*Name any Scripture Mastery reference & key words for the Doctrine & Covenants.
*Go to the chalkboard and in 15 seconds draw a self-portrait, and write your full name underneath it
(including middle)
*Open a hymnbook to #239 and sing the first line with vigor.
*While wiggling your nose, hop on one foot across the room to the member of the opposite sex who is the
farthest away, touch their nose with the tip of your finger while saying "beep, beep", and hop back to your
desk.
*Crack a knuckle (or if you can't, a team member)
*Look directly at a member of the opposite sex on another team, say their name, and wink at them.
*Go to the chalkboard, draw a large heart and write something you love.
*Make up and lead your team in a rousing "cheer" for the Doctrine & Covenants (i.e. "give me a "D", give
me an "O", etc.)
*Take the hand of a member of the opposite sex and "waltz" around the room...
*Have your entire team stand, & putting their hands on the shoulders of the person in front of them, chug
around the room, saying "I think I can, I think I can..."
*Walk outside the classroom, close door behind you, knock on door, and say loudly, "Knock, Knock"...
(when anybody answers "who's there?"), say "Orange" (Orange who?) "Orange you glad YOU didn't get this
trick??"
(note: or anything that you think might work for your kids...I usually type this up on tags, hole punch, string
with orange or black ribbon, and tie to the spider, bat, skeleton, etc...and they are not allowed to look "into"
the
pumpkin when they choose)
The separate scoresheet for each team includes the following info:
SCRIPTURE MASTERY "TRICK or TREAT?!" SCORESHEET
REGULAR POINTS: BONUS POINTS:
(10 for each found reference) (25 each time TRICK completed within 30 seconds)
(at the bottom of the scoresheet):
TOTAL of ALL POINTS:
Zingo
Submitted by Jody VanDrimmelen
MATERIALS: Make one copy of ZINGO board for each student in the class. Make a set of # 1-25, cut up
and put in jar. Pen for each student. A dixie cup of makers (skittles, fruit loops, m&m's). Have students
number their squares 1-25 in order that they want. Draw out one # and tell the students that this is their
FREE square, and to mark it off.
TO PLAY: Give a scripture mastery clue and count to 10 while students try to find the scripture mastery
verse. Say "STOP." Reveiw the verse. Draw a number out of the jar. Any student who found the correct
scripture by the time stopped counting gets to place a marker on that square. Play for 5 any way (across, up,
down, or a "X", "T", or "Z".) Tell students what you are playing for before you begin. When complete they
yell "ZINGO!". You can usually complete 2 games during one class.