5 Meaningful and Easy Ideas for Vacation Bible School (VBS)

Vacation Bible School is such a special time for kids to grow in faith, build friendships, and have fun!

Whether you're planning a weeklong program at church or helping out with activities at home, here are 5 easy and meaningful ideas to bring your VBS theme to life:

1. Prayer Beach Ball

Grab a beach ball and write a prayer prompt on each color section (like “Thank God for something,” “Pray for someone who is sick,” or “Say something you love about Jesus”). Toss it around, and wherever a child’s thumb lands, that’s the prayer prompt they share!

2. Faith Walk Obstacle Course

Set up a simple obstacle course and have kids try it with and without blindfolds. Use this activity to talk about trusting God to guide us—even when we can’t see the whole path. It’s active, memorable, and ties beautifully into Bible stories about faith.

3. Snack with a Scripture

Turn snack time into a learning moment by attaching short Bible verses to juice boxes or snack bags. Kids can read the verse aloud before eating. It’s a simple way to reinforce the daily message.

4. Jesus Saves Craft (TpT Resource)

This easy-to-assemble craft is a great way for kids to remember that Jesus is our Savior. Kids can decorate it with bright colors, add a photo, and keep it as a reminder of their VBS experience. Perfect for ages 6–10 and simple to prep for a group!

5. Fruits of the Spirit Craft (TpT Resource)

This colorful, hands-on activity helps students reflect on the Fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and more! Great for a small group or individual station, this craft includes simple cut-and-paste pieces and thoughtful writing prompts.

VBS is about more than just fun—it’s about planting seeds of faith. These simple activities can make the experience even more meaningful and memorable for kids of all ages.

Looking for more easy-prep Christian crafts? You can find the Jesus Saves Craft,  the Fruits of the Spirit Craft, and more in my TpT store!

Wishing you a joyful and faith-filled summer! 🌞✝️

With faith and friendship,

7 Free Things Teachers Can Do on TpT This Summer

Summer is a well-earned time to relax, recharge, and maybe even catch up on a few things you didn’t have time for during the school year. If you’re popping onto Teachers Pay Teachers over break, there are plenty of productive things you can do without spending a dime. Here are some free ways to make the most of your TpT time this summer!

1. Leave Feedback to Earn Credits

Before you start buying anything new, check your My Purchases tab and leave feedback on past resources. TpT gives you credits for every review, which you can apply toward future purchases. It's a quick and easy way to save money—plus, you’re helping out fellow teacher-authors by sharing your thoughts!

2. Search for High-Quality Freebies

TpT is full of amazing free resources! Take some time to search for freebies that will work all year long. Think graphic organizers, classroom management tools, writing prompts, math games—there are so many gems out there. Bonus tip: Once you find them, save them into organized folders on your device or Google Drive so you can grab them quickly when school starts back up.

3. Follow New Sellers

Summer is a great time to explore! As you're browsing, keep an eye out for sellers who match your grade level, teaching style, or curriculum. When you follow a seller, you’ll get updates when they post new products or sales. Some sellers even offer follower freebies or sneak peeks!

4. Build Your Wishlist

Wishlisting now means quicker shopping during the next big TpT sale. Browse your favorite categories and add resources you might want to grab before the year begins. It's like creating your own personalized teacher shopping guide.

5. Organize Your TpT Resources

If you’re anything like me, you’ve downloaded a ton of amazing resources that you haven’t quite filed yet. Take an hour or two to sort through your TpT files and set up folders by subject, month, or standard. Future you will thank you during the school year!

6. Join a TpT Email List or Facebook Group

Many TpT sellers have free email newsletters or teacher Facebook groups where they share tips, freebies, and classroom ideas. Joining a few of these over the summer can be a fun, low-key way to stay inspired and connect with other teachers.

7. Leave Questions for Sellers

If you’ve downloaded something and aren’t sure how to use it, don’t be shy—ask the seller a question! It’s free, and most sellers are more than happy to help you get the most out of their resources.

Summer is your time—whether you’re diving into professional development or just poking around TpT for inspiration. These ideas can help you save money, stay organized, and be ready for a fresh start in the fall… all without spending a single cent.