This story of Jacob’s ladder dream has so many facets that could be spun off into games. The ladder, the stone, the voice of God. There is a selection here to suit various group sizes and space layouts.
Soft as a Stone
All Ages
Small group
Requires setup time
Quiet game
Can be seated
Gather a selection of different materials. Have the children choose what is the best use for each material. e.g. thin cotton may be good as a bedsheet, but would it be good as a trampoline? Wood may be good for a door, but what about a slide? End with a stone. Would any of the kids like the stone as their pillow?
Link: Jacob using a stone as a pillow
Angels Climbing
All Ages
Any size group
Requires setup time
Noisy game
Space needed
Using tape or chalk, draw a ladder stretching across your room. Have the kids do relay races, climbing up and down the ladder using both their hands and feet, tagging their team member when they reach the end.
Link: The angels climbing and descending the ladder.
Who am I
Ages 7+
Any size group
No Setup time
Noisy game
Can be seated
This classic game involves sticking names to foreheads and the person identifying themselves by asking yes/no questions.
Link: God identified himself to Jacob so that Jacob would understand who he was. Why do you think God did that?
The Cairn
Under 7’s
Any size group
Requires setup time
Noisy game
Space needed
Cairns, altars, piles of stones as markers, all tie into Jacob’s response to this encounter. Grab a load of cushions and pillows to act as stones, or use building bricks. How tall a column can the children build.
Link: The stone marked as holy. Discuss what this tower could represent in your circumstances.
Angel Throw
All Ages
Small group
Requires setup time
Noisy game
Space needed
Draw or place a ladder on the floor and have the children throw a beanbag into each section. Score 3 points for each section with an angel inside + 1 point for every extra angel in that section.
Link: The ladder full of angels.
