Explore it
Introduction
Find out how to use the resources, including how each session is structured.
Children's Discipleship Material - for Small Groups
Session Guides for ages 7-12
Light Guides for younger children
Explore It is designed for children’s ministry leaders working with groups of children.
Each session includes:
- Content for a 30-40 minute group meeting under the headings Start it, Sing it, Tell it, Action it, Pray it
- Explore It ideas, an additional resource to send home to families, to explore the theme further
- Light Guides to support younger children
Leader's Notes May 2024
The plan for May 2024.
Leader's Notes June 2024
The plan for June 2024.
Leader's Notes July 2024
The plan for July 2024.
Explore_It_Fruit_Signs
Complete set of Fruit of the Spirit signs
June – So what is The Big Story?
Session 1: To understand the role of a prophet
God calls Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:4-19)
Session 2: To know the impact Daniel had on King Darius
Daniel and the lions (Daniel 6:5-28)
Session 3: To think about what faith means to you
Faith (Hebrews 11:1-4,7-10,13-16)
Session 4: To realise that David shared his honest feelings in songs and poems
A song of trust in God (Psalm 27:1-14)
Session 5: To know the importance of Israel entering The Promised Land
God’s command to Joshua (Joshua 1:5-11,16-18)
One click option! Download all PDF content for June 2024 in one go!
Explore It June 2024 session 1
To understand the role of a prophet
God calls Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:4-19)
Explore It June 2024 session 1 Faithfulness Sign
Poster of today’s fruit.
Explore It June 2024 session 1 Memory Verse Wristband
Wristband with the monthly Bible verse on it.
Explore It June 2024 session 1 Books of the Bible Tick List
List of the books of the Bible (optional)
Explore It June 2024 session 2
To know the impact Daniel had on King Darius
Daniel and the lions (Daniel 6:5-28)
Explore It June 2024 session 2 Joy Sign
Poster of today’s fruit.
Explore It June 2024 session 2 Daniel 6 22
Eight copies of the Bible verse – linked to the craft activity.
Explore It June 2024 session 3
To think about what faith means to you
Faith (Hebrews 11:1-4,7-10,13-16)
Explore It June 2024 session 3 Faithfulness Sign
Poster of today’s fruit.
Explore It June 2024 session 4
To realise that David shared his honest feelings in songs and poems
A song of trust in God (Psalm 27:1-14)
Explore It June 2024 session 4 Gentleness Sign
Poster of today’s fruit.
Explore It June 2024 session 4 Psalm 27
A copy of the Psalm to annotate.
Explore It June 2024 session 5
To know the importance of Israel entering The Promised Land
God’s command to Joshua (Joshua 1:5-11,16-18)
Explore It June 2024 session 5 Patience Sign
Poster of today’s fruit.
Explore It June 2024 session 5 Bible Books
Cut and sorting activity.
Explore It June 2024 session 5 Afraid Prayer
A poster of the prayer (optional)
May – Supernatural life lessons
Session 1: To explore how a boy helped Jesus
More than 5,000 people fed (John 6:1-15)
Session 2: To see how Peter reacted to Jesus’ supernatural power
Jesus walks on water (Matthew 14:22-34)
Session 3: To be challenged by Jesus’ story of kindness
The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
Session 4: To see different reactions to Jesus
Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42)
One click option! Download all PDF content for May 2024 in one go!
Explore It May 2024 session 1
To explore how a boy helped Jesus
More than 5,000 people fed (John 6:1-15)
Explore It May 2024 session 1 Memory Verse Poster
Poster with the monthly Bible verse on it.
Explore It May 2024 session 1 Five Loaves Two Fish
Images for a game and a prayer activity.
Explore It May 2024 session 1 Memory Verse Wristband
Wristband with the monthly Bible verse on it.
Explore It May 2024 session 1 Goodness Sign
Poster of today’s fruit.
Explore It May 2024 session 1 Memory Verse Wristband
Wristband with the monthly Bible verse on it.
Explore It May 2024 session 2
To see how Peter reacted to Jesus’ supernatural power
Jesus walks on water (Matthew 14:22-34)
Explore It May 2024 session 2 Peace Sign
Poster of today’s fruit.
Explore It May 2024 session 3
To be challenged by Jesus’ story of kindness
The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
Explore It May 2024 session 3 Luke 10:27 Poster
Poster of the Bible verse for an activity.
Explore It May 2024 session 3 Kindness Sign
Poster of today’s fruit.
Explore It May 2024 session 3 World Book Day Rap
Chorus of a rap about books.
Explore It May 2024 session 4 Mary and Martha Drama
Optional drama script.
Explore It May 2024 session 4
To see different reactions to Jesus
Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42)
Explore It May 2024 session 4 Patience Sign
Poster of today’s fruit.
April – Decision times
Session 1: To discover the first Passover
Moses’ faithfulness (Exodus 12:1-14,21-28,31)
Session 2: To learn that God sees within a person
David’s goodness (1 Samuel 16:1-23)
Session 3: To see the danger of jealousy
David’s self-control (1 Samuel 19:1-18)
Session 4: To reflect upon the power of gentleness
David’s gentleness (1 Samuel 24:1-22)
One click option! Download all PDF content for April 2024 in one go!
Please note: the children will each need cardboard boxes for session 2. See session for further guidance.
Explore It Apr 2024 session 1
To discover the first Passover
Moses’ faithfulness (Exodus 12:1-14,21-28,31)
Explore It Apr 2024 session 1 Faithfulness Sign
Poster of today’s fruit.
Explore It Apr 2024 session 1 Memory Verse Wristband
Wristband with the monthly Bible verse on it.
Explore It Apr 2024 session 2
To learn that God sees within a person
David’s goodness (1 Samuel 16:1-23)
Explore It Apr 2024 session 2 Goodness Sign
Poster of today’s fruit.
Explore It Apr 2024 session 3
To see the danger of jealousy
David’s self-control (1 Samuel 19:1-18)
Explore It Apr 2024 session 3 Self-control Sign
Poster of today’s fruit.
Explore It Apr 2024 session 4
To reflect upon the power of gentleness
David’s gentleness (1 Samuel 24:1-22)
Explore It Apr 2024 session 4 Gentleness Sign
Poster of today’s fruit.
March – Looking at Saul, looking at Jesus
Session 1: To learn how Samuel showed kindness to Saul.
Saul meets Samuel (1 Samuel 9:6-10,14-27)
Session 2: To think about being faithful to God.
Samuel appoints Saul (1 Samuel 10:1-7,9-11,14-19,24-27)
Session 3: To reflect upon our own self-control.
Saul rejected as king (1 Samuel 15:1-3,8-12,17-19,22-23
Session 4: To find peace about the future.
Jesus says that he must die (Matthew 16:21-28)
Session 5: To discover the source of Christian joy.
Jesus rises from death (Luke 9:28-36; 24:1-8)
One click option! Download all PDF content for March 2024 in one go!
Explore It Mar 2024 session 1
To learn how Samuel showed kindness to Saul
Saul meets Samuel (1 Samuel 9:6-10,14-27)
Explore It Mar 2024 session 1 Kindness Scriptures
Six Bible verses on the theme of kindness.
Explore It Mar 2024 session 1 Memory Verse Wristband
Wristband with the monthly Bible verse on it.
Explore It Mar 2024 session 2
To think about being faithful to God.
(1 Samuel 10:1-7,9-11,14-19,24-27)
Explore It Mar 2024 session 3
To reflect upon our own self-control
(1 Samuel 15:1-3,8-12,17-19,22-23
Explore It Mar 2024 session 4
To find peace about the future
(Matthew 16:21-28)
Explore It Mar 2024 session 5
To discover the source of Christian joy.
(Luke 9:28-36; 24:1-8)
February – Hopeful creation care
Session 1: To learn the sequence of creation.
The beginning of the world (Genesis 1:1-23)
Session 2: To reflect on how we ‘rule’ the earth.
Days five and six were good too (Genesis 1:24-31, 2:7-9, 15-17, 20-22)
Session 3: To discover that ‘rest’ isn’t just physical recovery; ‘rest’ trusts God.
The seventh day – rest (Genesis 2:1-3)
Session 4: To see nature as a help to praying in private.
A song for going up to worship (Psalm 121)
One click option! Download all PDF content for February 2024 in one go!
Explore It February 2024 session 1
To learn the sequence of creation.
The beginning of the world (Genesis 1:1-23)
Explore It February 2024 session 1 Memory Verse Wristband
Wristband with the monthly Bible verse on it.
Explore It February 2024 session 1 Puzzle Pieces
Eight blank jigsaw pieces (ideally enlarge to A3).
Explore It February 2024 session 2
To reflect on how we ‘rule’ the earth. Days five and six were good too (Genesis 1:24-31, 2:7-9, 15-17, 20-22)
Explore It February 2024 session 2 World Prayer
For writing a prayer for the world on. Four images per sheet.
Explore It February 2024 session 3
To discover that ‘rest’ isn’t just physical recovery; ‘rest’ trusts God.
The seventh day – rest (Genesis 2:1-3)
Explore It February 2024 session 3 Science of sleep
A set of questions based on a video.
Explore It February 2024 session 3 Rest in God
12 Scripture verses on the theme of rest.
Explore It February 2024 session 4
To see nature as a help to praying in private.
A song for going up to worship (Psalm 121)
Explore It February 2024 session 4 Psalm 121 Poster
Poster of Psalm 121.
Explore It February 2024 session 4 God's Creation
Images of God’s creation. (PDF)
Explore It February 2024 session 4 God's Creation
Images of God’s creation. (PowerPoint presentation)
January – Inclusion in the Kingdom of God
Session 1: To see migration in Jesus’ own story.
Wise men come to visit Jesus (Luke 2:1-7; Matthew 2:1-15)
Session 2: To explore our feelings towards refugees.
Jesus’ parents take him to Egypt (Matthew 2:9-15)
Session 3: To see how Jesus accepts a Samaritan woman.
Jesus and a Samaritan woman (John 4:5-11, 13-15, 25-26, 39-42)
Session 4: To know that inclusion is part of God’s Kingdom.
Jesus teaches about prayer (Matthew 6:5-13)
One click option! Download all PDF content for January 2024 in one go!
Explore It January 2024 session 1
To see migration in Jesus’ own story.
Wise men come to visit Jesus (Luke 2:1-7; Matthew 2:1-15)
Explore It January 2024 session 1 Memory Verse Poster
Poster with the monthly Bible verse on it.
Explore It January 2024 session 1 Wristband
Wristband with the monthly Bible verse on it.
Explore It January 2024 session 2
To explore our feelings towards refugees.
Jesus’ parents take him to Egypt (Matthew 2:9-15)
Explore It January 2024 session 3
To see how Jesus accepts a Samaritan woman.
Jesus and a Samaritan woman (John 4:5-11, 13-15, 25-26, 39-42)
Explore It January 2024 session 4
To know that inclusion is part of God’s Kingdom.
Jesus teaches about prayer. (Matthew 6:5-13
Advent 2023
Session 1: Waiting in prayer with Zechariah
(Luke 1:5-20)
Session 2: Breaking from tradition
(Luke 1:26-38, 57-64)
Session 3: The Holy Spirit shows that God is with us
(Luke 2:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25)
Session 4: God is with the shepherds
(Luke 2:8-20)
Session 5: Seeing Salvation
(Luke 2:25-38)
One click option! Download all PDF content for December 2023 in one go!
Explore It Dec 2023 session 1
Waiting in prayer with Zechariah
(Luke 1:5-20)
Explore It Dec 2023 session 1 Bible Verse Wristband
Wristband with the monthly Bible verse on it.
Explore It Dec 2023 session 1 Memory Verse Poster
Poster with the monthly Bible verse on it.
Explore It Dec 2023 session 2
Breaking from tradition
(Luke 1:26-38, 57-64)
Explore It Dec 2023 session 3
The Holy Spirit shows that God is with us
(Luke 2:1-2, Matthew 1:18-25)
Explore It Dec 2023 session 4
God is with the shepherds
(Luke 2:8-20)
Explore It Dec 2023 session 5
Seeing Salvation
(Luke 2:25-38)
November 2023 – The sending, teaching, terrifying and reassuring Jesus
Session 1: To know that disciples have a purpose
(Matthew 10:1-4,6-14)
Session 2: To discover how Jesus teaches
(Matthew 5:1-12,43-48; 7:24-29)
Session 3: To ask who we think Jesus is
(Mark 4:35-41)
Session 4: To learn about John’s vision of the ending
(Revelation 4:1-3; 21:1-4,22-27; 22:1-5)
One click option! Download all PDF content for November 2023 in one go!
Explore It Nov 2023 session 1
Twelve chosen for Jesus’ peaceful plan (Matthew 10:1-4,6-14)
Explore It Nov 2023 session 1 Who would you choose?
Questions handout
Explore It Nov 2023 Bible Verse Wristband
Wristband with the monthly Bible verse on it.
Explore It Nov 2023 session 2
Jesus’ extraordinary teaching
(Matthew 5:1-12,43-48; 7:24-29)
Explore It Nov 2023 session 2 Wise man, foolish man
Activity sheet.
Explore It Nov 2023 session 3
The disciples are terrified
(Mark 4:35-41)
Explore It Nov 2023 session 4
John glimpses the ending
(Revelation 4:1-3; 21:1-4,22-27; 22:1-5)
Explore It Nov 2023 session 4 Revelation
Three extracts from the book of Revelation.
Halloween
Download a handy guide with links to resources to help you talk about Halloween.
October 2023 - Jesus makes an impact
Session 1: To discover that Jesus did not have favourites (Matthew 8:1-4; John 4:46-54)
Session 2: To see that Jesus was not popular with everyone (Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:21-24)
Session 3: To know why the religious leaders wanted to get rid of Jesus (Matthew 12:1-2,8; 13:10-13; 15:1-2,10-14)
Session 4: To become aware of things we know that are wrong (Matthew 9:9-13; Luke 7:36-39,44-48)
One click option! Download all PDF content for October 2023 in one go!
Explore It Oct 2023 session 1
Jesus heals all kinds of people
(Matthew 8:1-4; John 4:46-54)
Explore It Oct 2023 session 1 Favourite Things
Suggested ideas on slips to cut out.
Explore It Oct 2023 session 1 Memory Verse Wristband
Wristband with the monthly Bible verse on it.
Explore It Oct 2023 session 2
Jesus confuses religious leaders
(Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:21-24)
Explore It Oct 2023 session 2 Prayer
A prayer to display.
Explore It Oct 2023 session 3
Getting rid of Jesus
(Matthew 12:1-2,8; 13:10-13; 15:1-2,10-14)
Explore It Oct 2023 session 3 Four Parables
Draw ideas based on one of four parables.
Explore It Oct 2023 session 4
Jesus forgives sin
(Matthew 9:9-13; Luke 7:36-39,44-48)
September 2023 - Can God work through me too?
Session 1: To know what happened after Moses died. (Joshua 6:1-11, 15-16,20,24,27)
Session 2: To learn about the people God uses. (Judges 6:12-16; Judges 7:19-21)
Session 3: To think about strength and how we use it. (Judges 13:1,3-5,24-25; 14:10-19; 16:4-6,16-2)
Session 4: To see how God used Ruth’s selfless choices. (Ruth chapter 1; 2:1-12; 4:13-17)
Session 5: To learn to listen for God and speak the truth. (1 Samuel 1:10-28; 3:1-11)
One click option! Download all PDF content for September 2023 in one go!
Explore It - Sept 2023 session 1
Jericho Joshua
(Joshua 6:1-11,15-16,20,24,27)
Explore It - Sept 2023 session 1 - Bible Verse Wristband
Wristband with the monthly Bible verse on it
Explore It - Sept 2023 session 2
Hero Gideon (Judges 6:12-16; 7:19-21)
Explore It - Sept 2023 session 2 - Gideon Story Statements
Based on Judges 6:12-16; 7:19-21
Explore It - Sept 2023 session 3
Temple-toppling Samson
(Judges 13:1,3-5,24-25; 14:10-19; 16:4-6,16-21)
Explore It Sept 2023 session 3 - Strength Bible Verses
A selection of Bible verses based on strength
Explore It Sept 2023 session 3 - Strength Bible References
Various Bible references based on the theme strength
Explore It - Sept 2023 session 4
Loyal Ruth
(Ruth chapter 1; 2:1-12; 4:13-17)
Explore It - Sept 2023 session 5
The listening Samuel
(1 Samuel 1;10-28; 3:1-11)
One click option! Download all PDF content for August 2023 in one go!
Explore It - Aug 2023 session 1
Escape across the Red Sea
(Exodus 13:18,21-22; Exodus 14:5-8,10-28,31)
Explore It - Aug 2023 session 1 - Bible Verse Wristband
Wristband with the monthly Bible verse on it.
Explore It - Aug 2023 session 1 - Prayer Handout
Four copies of the same prayer.
Explore It - Aug 2023 session 2
Miracles in the wilderness
(Exodus 15:1-6,25; Exodus 16:3-8,19-20, 27-30; Exodus 17:6)
Explore It - Aug 2023 session 3
The Ten Commandments
(Exodus 19:16-20; Exodus 20:1-17,21-23; Exodus 24:15-18; Exodus 32:19-20)
Explore It - Aug 2023 session 4
The Ark and the Tabernacle
(Exodus 25:10-22; 35:10-19; Numbers 9:22)
Explore It - Aug 2023 session 4 - Ark of the Covenant
Bible extract (Exodus 25:10-22)
One click option! Download all PDF content for July 2023 in one go!
Explore It - July 2023 session 1
Jesus includes Bartimaeus
(Mark 10:46-52)
Explore It - July 2023 session 1 - Bible Verse Wristband
Wristband with the monthly Bible verse on it.
Explore It - July 2023 session 2
Jesus meets a desperate woman
(Luke 8:43-48)
Explore It - July 2023 session 3
Jesus is made accessible
(Mark 2:1-12)
Explore It - July 2023 session 4
Jesus restores the senses
(Mark 7:31-37)
Explore It - July 2023 session 4 - Psalm 139-14 BSL
A PowerPoint presentation with a video of Psalm 139:14 in BSL.
Explore It - July 2023 session 5
Belonging is important to Jesus
(Mark 1:40-45)
One click option! Download all PDF content for June 2023 in one go!
Explore It - June 2023 session 1
A trick is played on Jacob
(Genesis 29:1-27)
Explore It - June 2023 session 1 - Bible Verse Wristband
Wristband with the monthly Bible verse on it
Explore It - June 2023 session 1 - Trust Prayers
Four prayers
Explore It - June 2023 session 2
Jacob’s struggles are over
(Genesis 32:4-13,20-28; Genesis 33:3-4)
Explore It - June 2023 session 3
Jacob is tricked again
(Genesis 37:3-11,18-34)
Explore It - June 2023 session 3 - Many Colours
A quiz
Explore It - June 2023 session 4
Joseph is tricked as a slave
(Genesis 39:3-6,11-20; Genesis 40:1-8,20,23)
A resource to support children's groups reflecting on the coronation of King Charles III.
Four Coronation Activities
Activities to reflect on the coronation.
Coronation Colouring Page
An illustration of King Charles III.
One click option! Download all PDF content for May 2023 in one go!
Explore It - May 2023 session 1
God asks Abraham to go to Canaan
(Genesis 12:1-5; 15:5; 17:5,15-16)
Explore It - May 2023 session 1 - Bible Verse Wristband
Wristband with the monthly Bible verse on it.
Explore It - May 2023 session 2
God provides for Abraham’s sacrifice
(Genesis 22)
Explore It - May 2023 session 3
Things go wrong for Abraham’s grandchildren, Esau and Jacob
(Genesis 25:27-28; 27:22-41)
Explore It - May 2023 session 4
God can still use Jacob
(Genesis 27:42-44; 28:10-15)
One click option! Download all PDF content for April 2023 in one go!
Explore It - April 2023 session 1
The First Palm Sunday
(Mark 11:1-11)
Explore It - April 2023 session 1 - Memory Verse Poster
This month’s Bible verse on a poster.
Explore It - April 2023 session 1 - Bible Verse Wristband
Wristband with the monthly Bible verse on it.
Explore It - April 2023 session 1 - Palm Sunday Handout
(Matthew 21:1-11)
Explore It - April 2023 session 1 - Thank You Lord Poster
A prayer prompt.
Explore It - April 2023 session 2
The first Easter
(John 19:38-42; Matthew 28:1-10)
Explore It - April 2023 session 2 - Bible Clues
Investigate four people from the Easter Story.
Explore It - April 2023 session 2 - Prayer Questions
Makes four strips, each with two prayer questions.
Explore It - April 2023 session 3
Jesus and ‘doubting Thomas’
(John 20:19-29)
Explore It - April 2023 session 3 - Questions
Makes eight cards, each with a different question.
Explore It - April 2023 session 3 - Memory Verse Colouring-In Poster
A poster to decorate based on this month’s memory verse.
Explore It - April 2023 session 4
The stranger on the beach
(John 21:1-14)
Explore It - April 2023 session 4 - John 21
(John 21:1-14)
Explore It - April 2023 session 5
The ascension into Heaven
(Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 1:9-11)
Explore It - April 2023 session 5 - Ascension Bible Verses
(Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 1:9-11)
Explore It - April 2023 session 5 - Prayer
A prayer to take home.
One click option! Download all PDF content for March 2023 in one go!
Explore It - Mar 2023 session 1
The identity of children and young people
(Matthew 4:1-11)
Explore It - Mar 2023 session 1 - Memory Verse Poster
This month’s Bible verse on a poster.
Explore It - Mar 2023 session 1 - Bible Verse Wristband
Wristband with the monthly Bible verse on it.
Explore It - Mar 2023 session 1 - Prayer Prompts
Sentence starts on a poster.
Explore It - Mar 2023 session 2
The identity of Jesus is revealed
(John 2:1-11)
Explore It - Mar 2023 session 3
The identity of four fishermen
(Luke 5:1-11)
Explore It - Mar 2023 session 4
Capernaum confirms Jesus’ identity
(Luke 4:31-44)
One click option! Download all PDF content for February 2023 in one go!
Explore It - Feb 2023 session 1
God chooses to create the world
(Genesis 1 to 2:3)
Explore It - Feb 2023 session 1 - Bible Verse Wristband
Wristband with the monthly Bible verse on it.
Explore It - Feb 2023 session 1 - Memory Verse Poster
This month’s Bible verse on a poster.
Explore It - Feb 2023 session 2
Adam and Eve make a choice
(Genesis 2:7-9,18-23; 3:1-6,12-13,21-23)
Explore It - Feb 2023 session 3
Cain makes a bad choice
(Genesis 4:1-12)
Explore It - Feb 2023 session 4
Noah chooses to follow God’s instructions
(Genesis 6:5-22; 7:13-16; 8:6-11; 9:12-16)
Explore It - Feb 2023 session 4 - Rainbowtastic
Images of unusual rainbows.
Explore It - Feb 2023 session 4 - Rainbowtastic
Images of unusual rainbows.
One click option! Download all PDF content for January 2023 in one go!
Our first session links with Covenant Sunday (Jan 8). If you would like a session for Dec 31/Jan 1, please use Advent 2022 session 5.
Explore It - Jan 2023 session 1
Covenant Sunday / Travel to follow a star
(Matthew 2:13-23)
Explore It - Jan 2023 session 1 - Bible Verse Wristband
Wristband with the monthly Bible verse on it.
Explore It - Jan 2023 session 2
Travelling to safety
(Matthew 2:13-23)
Explore It - Jan 2023 session 2 - Handout
Write your thoughts about having Jesus as your friend and write a prayer for God’s guidance.
Explore It - Jan 2023 session 3
Travel to the Temple
(Luke 2:41-52)
Explore It - Jan 2023 session 4
Travel towards the River Jordan
(Matthew 3:1-6,13-16)
Other useful links
14 five-minute episodes to help children transition from primary to secondary school as they become small fish in a big pond. Now including 14 illustrated video versions.
A ball based wellbeing resource for schools or church groups. It offers children the opportunity to get talking, listening and moving!
Compelling small group (previously known as Cell Outlines) Bible study resources for ages 12-25
Right Tracks is a new music resource produced for children and leaders to help learn more about God. *Includes a Primary School assembly each song.*
Fruit of the Spirit
Download all posters.