Fun Seminary Games &
Activities
Version 200904
Updated: 4/1/2009
Elder Boyd K. Packer said in a 1990 General Conference talk:
"But seminary is not all study. There are some fun and games."
-- Elder Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, May 1990, p. 38
Table of Contents
5-10 MINUTE GAMES & ACTIVITIES ................................................................................................... 4
1. Apply It .................................................................................................................................................. 5
2. Chase To Get Out ................................................................................................................................. 5
3. Countdown (aka Golf) ....................................................................................................................... 5
4. First Letter............................................................................................................................................ 5
5. Hymns .................................................................................................................................................... 6
6. Hyperventilate .................................................................................................................................... 6
7. Key Words............................................................................................................................................. 6
8. Overheads............................................................................................................................................. 6
9. Toss the Dice ........................................................................................................................................ 7
10. Treat Toss .......................................................................................................................................... 7
11. Who Gets the Clue? .......................................................................................................................... 7
12. Scripture Mastery Plate Toss ....................................................................................................... 8
10-30 MINUTE GAMES & ACTIVITIES ................................................................................................ 9
1. Find It Relay ......................................................................................................................................10
2. Five Straight Words ........................................................................................................................10
3. Fly Swatter Game ............................................................................................................................10
4. Use All 25 ...........................................................................................................................................10
5. 40+ Clues ............................................................................................................................................11
6. Memorize Relay ...............................................................................................................................11
7. Scavenger Hunt ................................................................................................................................11
8. Scripture Mastery Gestures Silent Chase ..................................................................................12
9. Scripture Mastery Guess the Card then Chase........................................................................13
10. Scripture Mastery Bucket Shoot and Chase ...........................................................................14
11. Scripture Mastery Tossers and Chasers .................................................................................15
12. Scripture Mastery Charades Lines ...........................................................................................16
13. Unscrambler Challenge ...............................................................................................................17
14. Scripture Mastery Slap the Card ...............................................................................................18
15. Scripture Mastery Taboo .............................................................................................................19
16. Messy Basketball............................................................................................................................20
17. Scripture Mastery Jenga with a Twist .....................................................................................21
2
18. Scripture Mastery Numbers Game ...........................................................................................22
19. Scripture Mastery Blowhards ....................................................................................................23
20. Scripture Mastery Card Toss ......................................................................................................24
21. Scripture Mastery Blind Flippers ..............................................................................................25
22. Scripture Mastery Blow-Out .......................................................................................................25
23. Scripture Mastery Battleship .....................................................................................................26
24. Scripture Mastery Spoons with a Twist ..................................................................................27
>30 MINUTE GAMES & ACTIVITIES ..................................................................................................29
1. Scripture Mastery Kickball............................................................................................................30
2. Scripture Mastery Stick Pull Challenge Game .........................................................................31
3. Scripture Mastery Chase & Dive ..................................................................................................33
4. Scripture Mastery Chase, Pull and Shoot Relay ......................................................................34
5. Scripture Mastery Skittles Suckers .............................................................................................35
6. Scripture Mastery Spell-A-Word Relay ......................................................................................36
7. Scripture Mastery Gorilla Ball .....................................................................................................37
8. Scripture Mastery March Madness Baby! – In the Gym ........................................................38
9. Scripture Mastery March Madness Baby! – In the Gym – LARGE GROUPS ......................40
10. Scripture Mastery March Madness Baby! – In the Classroom .........................................43
11. Eraser Game ....................................................................................................................................45
12. Glenn’s Game ...................................................................................................................................45
13. Grab Bag ..........................................................................................................................................46
14. Object Chase ....................................................................................................................................46
15. Paper Chase .....................................................................................................................................47
3
5-10 MINUTE GAMES & ACTIVITIES
4
1. Apply It
Submitted by: Kelly Miller
Added: September 23, 2008
Duration: 5-10 minutes
Show a random object. Have students take turns telling how the object applies to each
scripture mastery verse. They cannot repeat a SM that someone has used before them.
2. Chase To Get Out
Submitted by: Kelly Miller
Added: September 23, 2008
Duration: 5-10 minutes
Have closing prayer a few minutes before class time ends. Tell the class you’ll take the
first two to get the SM. Give the key word. The first two to get the SM can leave. Repeat
until the class is gone.
3. Countdown (aka Golf)
Submitted by: Kelly Miller
Added: September 23, 2008
Duration: 5-10 minutes
Each student gets a piece of paper numbered 1-25. You need to begin counting 1-25.
[Decrease the time as you go, until they are all around 10-15 seconds.] Give the key word
and start counting. They write down whatever number you are on when they find their
scripture. [Or you can hold up index cards with numbers written on them if counting out
loud is too disturbing.] This is a "beat yourself" kind of game...no prizes for the winner.
4. First Letter
Submitted by: Kelly Miller
Added: September 23, 2008
Duration: 5-10 minutes
Write the first letter of each word of a mastery reference on the board. Have students
identify the reference. Use it to recite the reference as a class, first with their books open,
and then again with their books closed.
5
5. Hymns
Submitted by: Kelly Miller
Added: September 23, 2008
Duration: 5-10 minutes
Have students turn to a hymn that you have directed them to. Have them tell you which
scripture mastery verse(s) match and why. For example:
Lead, Kindly Light [Hymn # 97] could go with Matt. 5:14-16
Choose the Right [Hymn #239] could go with Matt. 6:24
We're Not Ashamed to Own Our Lord [Hymn #57] could go with Romans 1:16
The kids will probably come up with ones you haven't thought of.
6. Hyperventilate
Submitted by: Kelly Miller
Added: September 23, 2008
Duration: 5-10 minutes
It is played with straws. NO HANDS can touch the scriptures or they're disqualified.
Everyone has to "blow" the pages or "suck on the straw" to get to the correct page. Be
Careful! Sometimes scriptures can get wet!
7. Key Words
Submitted by: Kelly Miller
Added: September 23, 2008
Duration: 5-10 minutes
Announce a time limit. Give a key word, and chase.
8. Overheads
Submitted by: Kelly Miller
Added: September 23, 2008
Duration: 5-10 minutes
Using an overhead projector, have students apply as many SM as possible to what is
shown.
6
9. Toss the Dice
Submitted by: Kelly Miller
Added: September 23, 2008
Duration: 5-10 minutes
The teacher picks a student to start off. The teacher says a SM clue or shows a SM flash
card. The student has to say the correct scripture reference. A student rolls the die.
Whatever number comes, you count people to the right of the first student picked. (For
example, if the roll of the die comes up 4, you count 4 people to the right of the first
student picked.) It is now their turn to say the correct reference when the teacher gives
the clue. Roll the die again. Whatever number comes up - count that same number of
people to the right of the previous person, and so forth until all 25 scripture mastery
verses have been used.
10. Treat Toss
Submitted by: Kelly Miller
Added: September 23, 2008
Duration: 5-10 minutes
Announce a time limit (such as 20 seconds). Time starts after the clue is read. All who
get the SM within the time limit get a candy (such as the Brachs’ pound candy).
11. Who Gets the Clue?
Submitted by: Kelly Miller
Added: September 23, 2008
Duration: 5-10 minutes
Give scripture clue. Say, "those wearing sandals!" OR:
"Juniors!"
"Girls!"
"Those wearing shorts!"
"Those wearing jewelry!" Etc….
Those called are the ones who chase the clue.
7
12. Scripture Mastery Plate Toss
Submitted by: Chuck Kipp
Added: September 20, 2007
Duration: 5-10 minutes
Goal: Memorize one of the scripture mastery verses.
Needed:
•
•
15 – 20 paper plates
Permanent Marker
•
No scoring for this game – everyone should learn the scripture mastery
verse!
Scoring:
How To Play:
1. Write the scripture mastery verse that you want to memorize on the
paper plates, 2-3 words per plate. Don’t forget to write the Book,
Chapter, and Verse(s) on the first plate.
2. I usually write the words on the “eating” side of the plate
3. Tell the class the scripture mastery you are going to be learning and
introduce it if necessary.
4. Next, tell them that they will need to catch one or two plates and figure
out where the words on their plates “fit” in the scripture mastery. They
DON’T need to sit in order of the scripture.
5. Next, tell them that they will be reciting the scripture mastery by holding
up their plates as their turn comes, in 20 seconds.
6. Stand at the front of the class and begin “tossing the plates” to the
students one by one – try to do this randomly so the plates get really
messed up. GO FAST!
7. Help pick up any plates that don’t make it into student’s hands.
8. Count 20 seconds and say, GO!
9. Have each student hold up their plate, and read it out loud as their turn(s)
comes.
10. Have them recite the scripture a second time.
11. Take this opportunity to point out key parts of the scripture mastery or
ask one of the students to relate a personal experience about that
scripture mastery.
12. Now it’s their turn to throw the plates!
13. Tell them to throw their plates to someone else in the class. Give them
about 30 seconds to throw the plates and get organized.
14. Have them recite the scripture twice.
Hints:

For some added fun, place a wastebasket at the front or in the middle
of the room. When you are done reciting the verse, have them throw
their plates towards the wastebasket. Award points or prizes for
anyone that makes it in.
8
10-30 MINUTE GAMES & ACTIVITIES
9
1. Find It Relay
Submitted by: Kelly Miller
Added: September 23, 2008
Duration: 10 to 30 minutes
Divide the class into two teams. Chairs are lined up one behind the other, one line for
each team. The teacher, using two SM decks, hands the same card to the first person in
each line. When the first person finds the reference, he hands the card back to the next
person. First team to complete the relay wins a point. After each chase, the first person
moves to the last chair, with everyone else moving up one chair.
2. Five Straight Words
Submitted by: Kelly Miller
Added: September 23, 2008
Duration: 10 to 30 minutes
Class is divided into two teams. Each team gets a deck of SM cards, which are divided
among its members. Team 1 selects a clue of any five consecutive words to give to Team
2. Time starts after the clue is given. Time ends when ALL of Team 2’s members have
found the correct reference. Then Team 2 gives Team 1 a clue, etc….
Scoring is as follows: If 1 minute or less = 5 pts.; 2 min = 4 pts; 3 min = 3 pts; 4 min = 2
pts; 5 min = 1 pt. Time automatically ends at 5:01, for a score of 0 pts. At the end of
activity time, the team with the most points wins.
3. Fly Swatter Game
Submitted by: Kelly Miller
Added: September 23, 2008
Duration: 10 to 30 minutes
Divide the class into 2 teams. Give each team a fly swatter. Have Scripture Mastery flash
cards stuck up all around the room. Teacher calls out a SM clue. Kids take turns using
the fly swatter to smack the correct SM flash card. The person who hits the correct SM
picture first scores a point for their team.
4. Use All 25
Submitted by: Kelly Miller
Added: September 23, 2008
Duration: 10 to 30 minutes
Pass out a deck of SM cards among the class. Show an object, read a poem, play a
popular song or video clip, etc…. The goal is to somehow apply all 25 SM.
10
5. 40+ Clues
Submitted by: Kelly Miller
Added: September 23, 2008
Duration: 10 to 30 minutes
Build a worksheet on paper using the following links:
New Testament Clues
Old Testament Clues
Book of Mormon Clues
Church History Clues
Divide the class into pairs. Announce the time limit (8 minutes, for example). Give each
pair a worksheet, built from the pages listed above, and scream GO! Students use their
scriptures together to fill in as many of the clues as possible within the time limit. After
bellowing STOP!, the teacher gives the answers and students correct the worksheet.
6. Memorize Relay
Submitted by: Kelly Miller
Added: September 23, 2008
Duration: 10 to 30 minutes
Divide class into two teams. Divide chalkboard in half, or use two boards if available.
Tell the class the SM reference. Upon the command of GO!, students go to the board and
write one word per student until the entire reference is complete (to include the actual
reference as well as punctuation). Game ends when the one team has it written out
completely without error.
Using the winning entry, the class recites the reference together. Give a student an eraser,
and have him erase 3 words. Class again recites the reference, to include the missing
words. Another student erases 3 words, followed by class recital, and so forth until the
board is clear and all pass off the scripture.
7. Scavenger Hunt
Submitted by: Kelly Miller
Added: September 23, 2008
Duration: 10 to 30 minutes
It is played by dividing into teams. You give a scripture clue, and they work as a team.
The first team to all find the scripture, gets a point. They then give the teacher a number
between 1 & 40. The teacher reads the item from the following list (or edit it to include
items kids in your area might have with them or that might be present in your seminary
11
room.) All teams then race to see which team can put the item in a masking taped square
on the floor (or table). The first team to do so gets a point. Any item placed in the square
is out of play (for example, if they put in the whole back pack because there is a pencil in
there, it remains there until the game is over, and the other items in there don't count.)
SCAVENGER HUNT ITEMS
1. SHOE LACE
2. A SANDAL
3. WALLET
4. RED PENCIL
5. PEN
6. CD or DVD
HOLE
7. BOOK MARK
8. LIP BALM
9. COUGH DROP
10. MARKER
11. CTR RING
12. KEY
13. ANYTHING w/ VELCRO
14. SOCK
15. PHONE
16. BRUSH
17. PICTURE OF YOURSELF
18. PICTURE OF A FRIEND
19. WATCH
20. POCKET LINT
28. PENNY
29. QUARTER
30. $1.00 BILL
31. RULER
32. JACKET / SWEATER
33. SOCK WITH A
21. LEFT SHOE
22. STICK OF UN-CHEWED GUM
23. NAIL CLIPPERS
24. SUNGLASSES
25. LIBRARY CARD
26. DRIVER'S LICENSE
27. CANDY
34. EARRING
35. RING
36. NECKLACE
37. BELT
38.AN ERASER
39. LOTION
40. CHALK
8. Scripture Mastery Gestures Silent Chase
Submitted by: Chuck Kipp
Added: October 10, 2007
Duration: 10 to 30 minutes
Goal: Score as many points as you can by recognizing the gesture clue and finding the
reference in your scriptures, as quickly as you can.
***This game needs some preparation beforehand. You will need to either review the
“gestures” that come with the magic square or have your students come up with their
own. I prefer to have them come up with their own. I had each member of my class
come up with 1 or 2 gestures and write them on a piece of paper along with the
reference and their name. What is a gesture? It is basically an action you do with your
hands and body that represent the scripture mastery verse. For example, for Psalms
24:3-4, you stick both your hands out (emphasizing the palms), and then put your palms
on your heart.
Needed:
•
•
•
List of SM gestures
Timer
Chalkboard or whiteboard for keeping score

Score 1 point for each team where every team member finds the
scripture mastery reference in 10 or 15 seconds, indicated by holding
both hands in the air.
Scoring:
12
How To Play:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Divide the class into two or three teams
Tell them that this is a silent game – no talking is allowed.
Begin by giving the gesture and then starting the timer.
Each team that has every member of their team with both hands in the
air when time expires gets a point.
5. Reset the timer and give the next gesture.
Hints:
•
•
You could take points away for any “verbal” sounds heard.
They may show but not tell where the reference is. 
9. Scripture Mastery Guess the Card then Chase
Submitted by: Chuck Kipp
Added: September 7, 2007
Duration: 10 to 30 minutes
Goal: Be the first team to try to determine which Scripture Mastery card the teacher is
holding using “yes or no” questions. When the correct reference is given, be the first
team to have your scriptures open to the reference.
Needed:
•
•
•
Scripture Mastery Cards – Use the cards on Bro. Kipp’s Seminary Place
or use the cards provided by CES
Scriptures for each student
Chalkboard or whiteboard for score tally
Scoring:
•
•
1 point is given to the team that correctly identifies the scripture mastery
reference on the card.
1 point is given to the team that has their scriptures open to the reference
on the card
How To Play:
1. The teacher picks a card from the Scripture Mastery card deck, ensuring
that no one else in the class can see it. The teacher holds the card in
his/her hand.
2. Start with Team 1 – they ask a “yes or no” question. The teacher
answers the question and Team 1 now has 5 seconds to try to guess the
reference.
 If the team asks a non “yes or no” question, the teacher does not
answer the question and says, “Try again”.
3. Move to Team 2 – repeat Step 2
4. When a team guesses the correct reference, the teacher immediately
shows the card to the class and says, “Go!”
5. At this point, all students should be looking for the reference in their
scriptures.
13
6. The teacher is looking for the first team with their scriptures open to the
reference with “both” hands in the air.
7. Award one point to the team that correctly guessed the reference on the
card and one point to the team that found the reference first.
8. The teacher then picks a new card from the deck and begins the round
with Team 2.
Hints:



Encourage your students to ask broad questions at first to try to
narrow in on the reference. Some examples are:
o Is it before Job in the Old Testament?
o If you are using Brother Kipp’s Scripture Mastery cards, the
cards are colored red or blue by row. The students could ask,
“Is it in a blue row?”
o Does the reference have a 2 in it?
Once the card has been used, don’t put it back in the deck. This
helps the students find the next reference more quickly.
Encourage the students to turn to specific references throughout the
game as a team. This may better their chance of getting the second
point for chasing.
10. Scripture Mastery Bucket Shoot and Chase
Submitted by: Chuck Kipp
Added: September 7, 2007
Duration: 10 to 30 minutes
Needed: 1 bucket and 1 small ball. We used a ball made from duct tape.
Object: The object of the game is for each student to score as many "two-point" buckets
as possible, while the other students open their scriptures to the scripture mastery
scripture.
How to Play: Each student gets one turn to shoot baskets. Their turn starts with the
teacher giving the entire class a scripture mastery clue. The teacher then throws the ball
to the "shooting" student. Standing about 5 feet away, with the bucket resting against the
teacher's stomach, the student attempts to make shots and the teacher rebounds them
and throws them back to the student as quickly as possible. For each made basket, the
teacher yells out a cumulative score (2, 4, 6, etc.). Their turn is over when all the other
students have turned to the right reference and have raised their hands. The students
may "show" other students where the reference is located but may not "tell". Keep a tally
of points on the chalkboard for each student. Move to the next student for their turn to
shoot.
This turned out to be really fun and only took about ten minutes to give every student an
opportunity to shoot.
Hints: If you are not comfortable having the ball bounce off you, you could place the
bucket on a chair or table in the center of the room.
14
11. Scripture Mastery Tossers and Chasers
Submitted by: Chuck Kipp
Added: September 7, 2007
Duration: 10 to 30 minutes
Goal: Score the most points by landing pennies into the cups.
Needed:
•
•
•
•
•
Box of pennies
3 Paper or Plastic Cups – the wide, low-profile plastic cups work best
Masking Tape
Small Table or Music Stand
Chalkboard or whiteboard for keeping score
Scoring:
•
Score one point for each penny that lands AND STAYS in a cup
How To Play:
1. Divide into 2 teams
2. Arrange the student’s chairs or tables so that everyone is about the same
distance from the cups
3. Tape 3 cups to the table or music stand so they don’t fall over. I usually
tape them in a straight line about 3 inches apart. Taping them in a
triangle will work too.
4. Give each team member 2 or 3 pennies – you’ll have to replenish as the
game goes on.
5. Determine which team will be the “tossers” and which team will be the
“chasers”.
6. To begin, give a scripture mastery clue or show a scripture mastery card
to the chasers.
7. Overall, there is a ten second time limit for shooting and searching.
8. The chasers can stop the shooters from shooting if 2 or 3 of the chasers
are open to the scripture mastery reference. If this happens, say, Stop!.
9. Tally the pennies that are in the cups, empty them, write the score on the
chalkboard or whiteboard, and now the tossers become the chasers, etc.
Hints:






Bums must stay in the chair when shooting pennies
Before each round begins, allow each student to have their scriptures
open to the scripture mastery reference they think will come next.
Take the opportunity to review each scripture mastery reference after
the shooting is over.
Make sure to have the class help you retrieve pennies when the game
is over!
There are many possibilities for this game – you could use wadded up
paper instead of pennies and a garbage can or bucket.
Another idea is to use a muffin tin with paper circles taped in the
bottom of the muffin cups with different point values.
15
12.. Scripture Mastery Charades Lines
Submitted by: Chuck Kipp
Added: September 4, 2008
Duration: 10 to 30 minutes
Needed:



Scripture Mastery Cards – Use
the cards on Bro. Kipp’s
Seminary Place or use the cards
provided by CES
You could also use the full size 8
½ x 11 version of the SM cards
from Bro. Kipp’s Seminary Place
Chalkboard or Whiteboard for
keeping score
Scoring:


Try to accumulate the most points for your team by guessing the correct scripture
mastery verse from your par
partner’s charade clues
Score one point for the team that shouts out the correct scripture mastery verse
How To Play:












Set up the chairs according to the diagram above – 2 lines facing each other
Divide up into the appropriate number of teams
Have the teams decide who is going to start out as the “charader” and who is
going to start out as the “shouter”
Have everyone sit in their appropriate chair – teams should sit across from each
other
Stand behind the “shouters” so that they cannot see the SM card
Choose a SM card from the pile to begin
Hold the SM card in the air and show it to the charaders
The charaders will begin making silent clues for their partner
The round is over when the teacher hears a shouter say the correct SM Book,
chapter, and rhyming or key phrase. Later in the seminary year, have them say
the verses as well.
Reward the team that guessed the correct SM verse one point
Put the SM card aside and choose another to start the next round
Have the charaders and the shouters switch every 2
2-3 verses OR you can move
over behind the charaders and the shouters now become the charaders
Hints:
 If you need to involve more people, set a second row of chairs behind the
shouters. This is the “chasing” row. When the correct scripture mastery verse is
shouted
d out. Say “Yes! – It is Matthew 5 – Lights Alive, Now Chase!”
 In addition to giving points to the team that shouts the SM verse out first, reward
a point to the first 2 or 3 teams that are able to find the reference in their
scriptures.
16
13. Unscrambler Challenge
Submitted by: Chuck Kipp
Added: September 7, 2007
Duration: 10 to 30 minutes
Goal: Unscramble the words to get as many points as possible. You can use this game
for scripture mastery or to introduce concepts, etc.
Needed:
•
•
List of words to unscramble – this is a great web page that will scramble
words for you: http://www.lerfjhax.com/scrambler - once you type in the
word, copy and paste the scrambled word into a text editor – make sure
that you also type the correct spelling of the word next to the
unscrambled word! . On the web page, I use “full scramble” instead of
“preserve first and last”.
Stopwatch
Chalkboard or whiteboard for keeping score
•
Award the team one point for each word they successfully unscramble
•
Scoring:
How To Play:
1. Divide into 2 or more teams
2. QUICKLY write the scrambled word on the chalkboard and go to the first
team for their response
3. After 5 or 10 seconds, if the first team hasn’t figured out the word, move
to the second team.
4. If they are stumped after a few rounds, write the first letter of the correctly
spelled word underneath the scrambled word. Then the last letter, then
the second letter, etc.
5. It must be their team’s turn for them to receive points for unscrambling
the word – no yelling out. This keeps the “smarties” at bay.
Hints:


I have used this game to introduce gospel concepts. For example,
the word that they unscramble could be “restoration”. The team that
wins is then asked to read a passage from the scriptures and share
their thoughts about it with the class. Use the next scrambled word to
introduce the next concept.
If you use this for scripture mastery, you could have them chase for
the scripture once the key word is given. Give one point to the team
that guesses the keyword and one point to the team that finds the
scripture mastery reference first.
17
14. Scripture Mastery Slap the Card
Submitted by: Chuck Kipp
Added: September 7, 2007
Duration: 10 to 30 minutes
Goal: Collect the most scripture mastery cards by slapping them before your opponent.
Needed:
•
Scripture Mastery Cards – Use the cards on Bro. Kipp’s Seminary Place
or use the cards provided by CES - laminated cards are best 
•
The team that collects the most cards wins that round.
Scoring:
How To Play:
1. Set up one or two long tables
2. Seat one team on side of the table and the other team on the other side.
There needs to be an even number of people at the table so that
everyone has one opponent.
3. Distribute the 25 scripture mastery cards across the center of the
table(s), from one end to another
4. Try to distribute the cards evenly so that everyone has about the same
number of cards in front of them
5. Make sure everyone starts with their hands under the table
6. Say a clue for one of the remaining cards
7. The first team member to slap the card and gain possession wins
8. Have the team member that won read the scripture mastery reference
aloud
9. Pass the card to the head of the table for their team “stack”
10. For the last card, have only one player from each team play. Have them
slap at the first sound of your voice.
11. You can play two different ways
1. Players may only slap the cards directly in front of
them – this means that before you call out the next
card you must put the cards they can slap in front
of each pair
2. Players may slap any within their reach – their
bum must stay in their chair.
Hints:


Rotate the teams up or down in the chairs about every 3-5 turns. This
will allow you to have a team with an odd number of players rotate a
new player into the game. Have one team rotate up and the other
team rotate down so that each player faces a new opponent.
You will have a few turns where a stalemate occurs – allow the
opponents to tug until they win (without getting hurt of course) – Make
sure they keep their bum in their chair and that no other team
members help.
18
15. Scripture Mastery Taboo
Submitted by: Elizabeth Ingersoll
Added: September 30, 2007
Duration: 10 to 30 minutes
Goal: Choose the right scripture mastery reference using the clues given by one of your
teammates
Needed:
•
Scripture Mastery Cards – Use the cards on Bro. Kipp’s Seminary Place
•
You don’t have to score this or you could score one point per team for
each correct reference given.
If you choose to “chase”, score an additional point for each team that is
first to turn to the reference in their scriptures.
Scoring:
•
How To Play:
1. Divide class into two teams
2. Call up first teller. (Each student will have the chance to be teller)
3. Teller chooses mastery card blindly from deck and takes 15 seconds to
gather thoughts.
4. Teller presents verbal clues (no acting out – that’s charades!) without
using any words on the card. Teacher looks over student shoulder to
make sure no “taboo words” are used. If the student accidentally uses a
word from the card, teacher yells “taboo!” and his/her turn is over.
5. The first student to guess the correct reference earns a point for his/her
team.
6. Optional: The teacher can then yell “chase” and the first team to have all
members find that reference in the scriptures earns a point.
7. Continue by calling up the next teller. Go around the room so that
everyone gets at least one turn.
19
16. Messy Basketball
Submitted by: Chuck Kipp
Added: September 7, 2007
Duration: 10 to 30 minutes
Goal: Be the first team to have one of your teammates write the correct answer on a
piece of paper, wad it up, and MAKE a basket
Needed:
•
•
•
•
Wastebasket, bucket, etc
Many small pieces of paper
Pencils – 1 for each person
Chalkboard or whiteboard for score tally
•
The team that is first to make a basket gets one point
Scoring:
How To Play:
1. Place the wastebasket or bucket in the center of the room – you may
want to rearrange your chairs so that everyone is the same distance from
the bucket
2. Read a scripture mastery reference clue or other question.
3. All the students “frantically” write the answer on their piece of paper.
They wad it up and try to make a basket. If they miss, they must get a
new piece of paper and rewrite the answer.
4. When the teacher sees the first paper made, he/she yells STOP!
5. The teacher opens the paper and reads the answer aloud.
6. If it is correct, that team gets a point. If it is NOT correct, the teacher
says “GO!”, and play resumes until another paper is made in the basket.
7. Read the next clue to continue.
Hints:



Use colored paper – one color per team so you can tell which team
made the basket.
You can use this to review scripture mastery or other lesson material.
Have your students help you clean up after. Messy but fun!
20
17. Scripture Mastery Jenga with a Twist
Submitted by: Chuck Kipp
Added: September 7, 2007
Duration: 10 to 30 minutes
Goal: Try NOT to be the team to tip over the Jenga stack
Needed:
•
•
•
How To Play:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
One Jenga Game or Uno Stacko Game
A table for music stand to put the Jenga Tower on
Chalkboard or whiteboard for score tally
Set up the Jenga Tower on the table or music stand
Divide into 2-4 teams
Read a Scripture Mastery clue
All team members must find the scripture mastery reference in their
scriptures and hold both hands in the air
When the teacher sees that one team has all their hands in the air, the
teacher yells, STOP!
The team that found the reference first is exempt from playing Jenga
The other teams must send a team member to the table to play Jenga
When the tower falls, give a point to the other team(s)
HERE”S THE TWIST: When they remove a Jenga block, don’t have
them play the traditional way of stacking the block symmetrically on top
of the tower. Tell them that they can stack the block on top however they
want. This is where it gets fun and the tower falls over more quickly.
You can’t believe how my classes in the past have stacked the tower and
it still stands.
Hints:


Encourage your students to let everyone take turns playing Jenga
Keep the game moving – start reading the next clue right after the last
team stacks the jenga block on top of the tower.
21
18. Scripture Mastery Numbers Game
Submitted by: Chuck Kipp
Added: September 7, 2007
Duration: 10 to 30 minutes
Goal: Score the most points by guessing which scripture mastery card the teacher is
holding by using the number clues given.
Needed:
•
•
Scripture Mastery Cards – Use the cards on Bro. Kipp’s Seminary Place
or use the cards provided by CES
Chalkboard or whiteboard for keeping score
Scoring:
•
1 point is awarded to the team that correctly identifies the “hidden”
scripture mastery card
How To Play:
1. Divide the class into teams – 3-4 seems to work best
2. Choose a card from the scripture mastery deck, ensuring that no one in
the class can see it. Make sure to keep it hidden throughout the round.
3. Choose ONE number from the reference, chapter or verse – use single
digit numbers only.
4. Announce that number to the class. For example, if you choose Gen.
20:3-17, you could announce 0 or 1 or 2 or 3 or 7.
5. Begin with Team 1 and allow them to guess one reference. If they get it
right, show them the card. They then must repeat the reference and the
clue for that reference – This is the learning part!
6. If Team 1 does not guess the reference, go to Team 2 and allow them to
guess, etc.
7. Be sure not to put the used cards back in the deck. This helps the teams
use the process of elimination to guess the next card and it helps ensure
that you review more of the scripture mastery references.
Hints:




Keep the game moving. Encourage the teams to quickly formulate
their guess.
I also use the mini basketball bucket in this game. For the team that
guesses the correct reference, I allow them to shoot one basket for an
additional point.
You could also add chasing to this. When the card has been
identified correctly, quickly show it to the class and say, “Chase!”
Award another point to the first team that finds the reference in their
scriptures.
You could also use letters to determine the book.
22
19. Scripture Mastery Blowhards
Submitted by: Chuck Kipp
Added: September 30, 2007
Duration: 10 to 30 minutes
Goal: Score as many points as possible for your team by using a straw to blow a penny
to the correct scripture mastery block.
Needed:
•
•
•
•
•
Placemats (25 on one page) –Bro. Kipp’s Seminary Place
One penny for each pair
One straw for each person
Scripture Mastery Cards – Use the cards on Bro. Kipp’s Seminary Place
or use the cards provided by CES
Chalkboard or whiteboard for keeping score
Scoring:
•
Take the first two or three pairs that get their penny on the right scripture
mastery block and award them one point each
How To Play:
1. Divide the class into pairs
2. Number the pairs and put their numbers on the board for scoring
3. Every pair should have a placemat, a penny, and each person should
have a straw
4. Tell them they will be both blowing on the penny, so it may be better for
them to sit across from each other.
5. Tell the class that they are allowed to “start” their penny in any one of the
four corners of the placemat.
6. Take a card from the deck to begin. Show it to them, and read the
reference and clue out loud.
7. When they get their penny onto the right block have them quickly raise
their hands.
8. Award the first two or three teams one point each
9. Allow them to put the penny in one of the four corners of the placemat
and pick another card from the deck.
10. Make sure not to put the used cards back in the deck. This way, they
can think about which references are left and place their pennies
accordingly on the placemat during future turns.
Hints:



If you don’t have the placemats, you could use a piece of paper
divided into a five-by-five grid, with all 25 scripture mastery references
written in the boxes.
You could use other objects in place of pennies such as cheerios,
paperclips, etc.
For more fun, after certain references, say “Chase” and award points
to the first two or three teams that find the reference. This is a good
opportunity to read the reference and talk about the concepts.
23
20. Scripture Mastery Card Toss
Submitted by: Chuck Kipp
Added: June 22, 2008
Duration: 10 to 30 minutes
***At first glance, this game doesn’t seem very fun. However, I found it to be a class
favorite.
Needed:
 Everyone needs their scriptures
 Scripture Mastery Cards – Use the cards on Bro. Kipp’s Seminary Place or use
the cards provided by CES – laminated cards seem to fly a little better.
 A small table – I use a round one from the church classrooms
 Chalkboard or Whiteboard for Keeping Score
Scoring:
 Try to accumulate the most points by having your scriptures open to the correct
scripture mastery reference
 Award one point to each team that has their scriptures open to the reference
matching the card
How to Play:
 Set up the classroom so that the table is in the middle of the class
 Divide the class evenly into 2, 3 or 4 teams.
 Begin play by taking one of the scripture mastery cards from the deck and
tossing it towards the table. MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHICH CARD YOU
TOSSED .
 If the card lands face up, all teams must “chase”. Award points to the first team
or first two teams that find the reference and have “both” hands in the air.
 If the card lands face down, the teams must try to guess which card it is. Give
them clues to help them such as:
o “It’s found in the first 5 SM verses”
o “It’s related to prophets”
o “It has a 1 and a 4 found in the reference”
 Have the teams decide quickly and turn to the reference in their scriptures. You
may want to give them a time limit.
 Go to the card, turn it face up so that everyone can see it.
 Award points to the teams that guessed it correctly.
 Cards do fall off the table and on the floor – I play these the same way.
24
21. Scripture Mastery Blind Flippers
Submitted by: Chuck Kipp
Added: March 5, 2008
Duration: 10 to 30 minutes
Goal: Find the scripture mastery scripture as fast as possible with your eyes closed,
receiving “flipper” clues from your partner.
Needed:
•
•
Scriptures
Chalkboard or whiteboard for keeping score

Score one point for each partnership that finds the scripture mastery
verse(s) within a certain time limit OR
Score one point for the first two or three partnerships to find the scripture
mastery verse(s)
Scoring:

How To Play:
 Divide the class into 4-6 partnerships
 Give a scripture mastery clue or begin reading the verse(s) out loud
 One person (flipper) must keep their eyes closed while flipping the pages
of their scriptures
 The other person tells the flipper to turn back or forward
 Based on how you choose to score, give points to the appropriate teams
 Give the next clue
 After every 2 or 3 scriptures, have the other person in the partnership be
the “flipper”
22. Scripture Mastery Blow-Out
Submitted by: Teri Peterson
Added: March 5, 2008
Duration: 10 to 30 minutes
Needed:
•
•
•
Straws
1 cup for holding straws
Scripture Mastery key words on small strips of paper, about ½ inch by 3
inches

Give one point for the first basket made on each turn
Scoring:
How To Play:
 Roll up key word strips tight enough to slip into ends of straws, one key
word per straw.
25





Tap opposite end of straw to make sure they cannot pry out key word
with fingers.
To play, when you say go, one team member from each team runs up
and gets one straw from the cup which the straws are in.
They take straw back to team, blow out the clue, look at the key word,
and look up the correct reference.
The whole team must be turned to the reference and hold up their
scriptures so that the teacher can check to see if correct. If correct, they
get a point for the team
Then another team member runs up and gets another clue, etc......
23. Scripture Mastery Battleship
Submitted by: Chuck Kipp
Added: September 26, 2008
Duration: 10 to 30 minutes
Goal: Score the most points by determining which three scripture mastery verses are
covered by the tape on the grid
Needed:
•
•
•
Placemats from Brother Kipp’s Seminary Place OR you can make up
your own grid – a 5x5 configuration seems to work best
Masking Tape
Markers for each team – use pennies or small paper pieces
Whiteboard or chalkboard for keeping score

Give one point for each “hit” and two points for each “sunk”
•
Scoring:
How to Play










Divide into teams with equal number of players, if possible
Begin by secretly placing a piece of masking tape on the grid covering
three of the scripture mastery squares.
After placing the tape, keep the grid close to your chest so that no one
can see where the tape is placed
NOTE: I play this a little differently than the traditional battleship game
in that I place the tape up & down, side to side, OR diagonal. This
makes the game more challenging
Let the teams know that they will hear three responses from you:
o 1) Miss 2) Hit or 3) Sunk
Begin with the first team and have them call out a scripture mastery
reference along with the clue.
Look at the grid and give the team one of the three responses
If a team gets a “Hit” then they have a chance to go again. They can
continue to guess until they get a “Miss” or a “Sunk”
Score points as you go along
All teams should be using the markers as the round progresses.
26


As soon as the masking tape is “Sunk”, secretly place it over three
new SM verses and begin Round 2.
For more fun, when you give a “Sunk”, yell Chase! and have all the
teams find the last reference. Reward one point for the first team
there.
24. Scripture Mastery Spoons with a Twist
Submitted by: Chuck Kipp
Added: April 1, 2009
Duration: 10 to 30 minutes
Goal: Score the LEAST amount of points by turning as quickly as you can to the SM
verse and grab a spoon as quickly as you can.
Needed:





1 set of scripture mastery cards
Enough spoons for every player or team, minus 1
Scriptures
Scorekeeping sheet
Big Table - a round one is probably best. You could also play on the floor.
Scoring:

How to Play









Give one to each person or team that DOES NOT get a spoon. The
object is to get the LEAST amount of points.
Begin by writing all the players or teams down on the scorekeeping sheet
with room to keep score. I decided not to use the chalkboard for this
game, as I enjoy playing it with them.
Make sure everyone has their scriptures ready to chase.
The goal is to get your scriptures open to the verse and grab a spoon to
AVOID getting points. In this game, the less points you have, the better.
(This was Elizabeth Ingersoll’s idea and makes it much easier to keep
score)
Put the spoons in the middle - start out with one less spoon than there are
players or teams.
Shuffle the cards, put them where all can see, and flip over the top card.
The chase is on! As soon as each person or team finds the scripture,
they can grab a spoon.
This leaves the last person or team to find the scripture without a spoon.
Give the person or team that DID NOT get a spoon a point, and turn over
the next card.
The twist is that you don’t have to take away any spoons, if you don’t
want to, like the traditional game. This makes it possible for many to do
well and keeps everyone engaged.
27





It does make it more competitive to take a spoon away every few rounds,
if you like. No one is “out” – they will only score a point for not getting a
spoon.
If you do take away multiple spoons, give a point to all players or teams
left without a spoon.
We got through all 25 verses in about 20 minutes - keep the game
moving.
I like to stop every few and talk about the particular verse.
You could make this even more fun if you divided into teams of two and
mixed it with Blind Flippers (one person flips with eyes closed with clues
from partner) or Left and Right (person on the left turns only the pages on
the left - person on the right turns only the pages on the right)
28
>30 MINUTE GAMES & ACTIVITIES
29
1. Scripture Mastery Kickball
Submitted by: Elizabeth Ingersoll
Added: September 7, 2007
Duration: >30 minutes
Divide the teams in half.(I handed out name labels with #1-7 in black ink on 7 labels, and
#1-7 in red ink on 7 other labels for the 14 members of our class, to randomly create a
red team and a black team.
We went into the gym (cultural hall) where I had taped bases using most of the gym, with
plenty of space between bases. Near home plate, set up chairs for the dugout, where
the team that is "up" will sit with their scriptures. The team in the outfield takes their
places around at the bases, pitching mound, outfield, shortstop, wherever.
Teams may earn points two ways: One point for each base earned before the runner is
TAGGED OUT WITH THE BALL. (5 points for a home run.) OR, 5 points if EVERYONE
in the dugout finds the scripture before the runner is tagged. Once you are tagged, you
are out and you return to the dugout. (No sticking on a base, just keep on running). I
allow them to run outside the baseline to avoid being tagged -- it's wild but fun).
When I start reading the scripture (or giving a clue) the pitcher rolls the ball toward home
plate. The #1 player at the plate kicks the ball. If she is tagged between second and
third, the team earns two points, and she returns to the dugout, and player #2 is up.
There are no outs; an inning is over when each player has been up.
Warning: Sometimes the dugout people are more interested in watching the action than
looking up the scripture. I deducted one point every time I saw someone NOT looking
up the scripture.
30
2. Scripture Mastery Stick Pull Challenge Game
Submitted By: Chuck Kipp
Date: September 7, 2007
Duration: >30 minutes
Background:
Start the game off with the following:
In the summer of 1843, the champion stick-puller of Hancock County, Illinois, was
Joseph Smith, Jr., our latter-day Prophet. On June 30 of that year, Joseph met with
several thousand citizens of Nauvoo at a large outdoor gathering to tell them of his
recent escape from those who were trying to return him to Missouri to face false
charges. During his opening remarks, the Prophet described how he passed the time
while held captive. He was feeling elated. He had beaten his enemies both legally and
physically. He said, “I meet you with a heart full of gratitude to Almighty God … I am
well—I am hearty. I hardly know how to express my feelings. I feel as strong as a giant. I
pulled sticks with the men coming along, and I pulled up with one hand the strongest
man that could be found. Then two men tried, but they could not pull me up. …”
(Documentary History of the Church, vol. 5, p. 466.) Joseph Smith, a little over six feet
tall and weighing about 200 pounds, was thirty-eight years old at the time.
(This article was printed in the New Era, December 1971, pages 44 & 45)
One of my students commented that it must have been nice for Joseph to be able to
“beat” the men that were persecuting him. We also discussed that Joseph kept his spirit
and his body in top shape.
Needed:
*1 or 2 STURDY sticks – I used the metal bars from a horseshoe game, covered in
masking tape
*Scriptures
*Chalkboard or whiteboard to keep score on
How to Stick Pull:
Participants sit with knees bent, feet touching on bottom, hands on a stick, one person
holding the middle of the stick, one on the outside, they then try to pull the other person
off balance. Do not alternate hands on the stick, as this will cause them to go sideways.
If by chance, both participants go sideways and are both still holding on to the stick, a
rematch is done.
I tell all the kids at the beginning that this is a game of strength, leverage, and
endurance. They will do better if they slide their rear ends as close to their heels as
possible. This helps them maximize their center of gravity.
31
How to Play the Game:
*Remind your students the day before that they should wear shoes and the girls should
wear pants.
*Setup chairs in a large circle.
*Try to ensure that everyone has at least one chance to participate in one stick pull that
day.
*Ask if anyone doesn’t want to stick pull. Those students could help keep score or give
the SM clues. Generally, all my students wanted to take a turn.
*2-4 teams can play, depending on the number of students.
*If possible, carefully distribute the girls evenly throughout the teams. (I have no
discriminations against women, however, I am somewhat “old school”. I told my class
that the girls could challenge any boy, but no boy could challenge a girl. That seemed
fair to me and would make my mother smile.)
*A scripture mastery clue is read. As team members find the scripture, they must place
their hands in the air. The first team to hold all their hands in the air is the “challenging
team”.
*One of the members of the challenging team chooses a member of the other team to
stick pull with. The two participants come to the center and get set up in their best “stick
pull position”.
*Before they start pulling, make sure the pole is centered over the line where their feet
are touching
*The teacher says “Go” and the pull begins.
*A student wins by pulling the other person off balance or by pulling the stick from their
opponent’s hands.
*For the next pull, go to the next person on the team that has not had an opportunity to
pull.
*At the end of the game, I had fun stick pulling with anyone who wanted to challenge me.
Scoring:
*The team that finds the scripture mastery first, gets a point
*The team that wins the pull gets a point.
Larger Groups
*We challenged the freshman class and played with about 20 – 24 kids making up 4
teams. We used two poles and had two pulls going on at the same time.
*The “challenging teams” are the first two teams to find the scripture mastery. They
must choose someone from one of the other two teams to stick pull with.
32
3. Scripture Mastery Chase & Dive
Submitted by: Chuck Kipp
Added: September 7, 2007
Duration: >30 minutes
Goal: Score as many points as possible by being the first team to find the scripture
mastery reference and retrieve the “point cups” from the center of the playing area.
Needed:
•
•
•
•
•
8-10 plastic cups – you’ll need extras!
Black magic marker
Large playing area – church cultural hall is okay
One chair for each class member – set up in rows (see diagram below)
Chalkboard or whiteboard for keeping score
•
The team receives 50, 40 or 30 points, depending on the point cup they
retrieve.
Scoring:
How To Play:
1. Divide into equal teams
2. If you have four teams, use 4 cups and write “50” on two of the cups, “40
on one, and “30” on the last one. I write the number on the bottom,
which faces up, and twice on the sides.
3. Set the chairs up in lines as shown in the diagram
4. Place the cups, open side down, in the center of the setup
5. Each team has a “diver”, a “goer”, and one or two “chasers”, depending
on the number of players
6. The teacher gives a scripture mastery clue. The “chasers” find the
scripture and raise both hands in the air. When the “goer” sees that the
“chasers” hands are in the air, he/she says “Go!”. The “diver” then
retrieves the highest available point cup.
7. Tally the points retrieved on the chalkboard or whiteboard.
8. Every two or three rounds, have the team members switch chairs, to
rotate responsibilities
“Goer”
Chair
“Diver”
Chair
“Chaser”
Chairs
Point
Cups
33
4. Scripture Mastery Chase, Pull and Shoot Relay
Submitted by: Rick Romney
Added: October 1, 2007
Duration: >30 minutes
Goal: Score as many points for your team as possible by scripture chasing, riding/pulling
a rider on a towel, and shooting a basket.
Needed:
•
•
•
•
•
Available gym with basketball hoop
Large towels
3 small basketballs
Chairs or other markers
Chalkboard or whiteboard for keeping score


The first ball shot in is worth two points
The remaining made shots are worth one point
Scoring:
How To Play:
1. Arrange the chairs on the basketball court – these are the “markers” that
they pull the towels around to get to the free throw line. Be creative!
2. Spread the towels a few feet apart near the baseline.
3. Divide the class into teams of two or three people.
4. Place three basketballs at the free throw line.
5. Teams begin by sitting on the stage or somewhere near the towels
6. Begin the game by announcing a scripture mastery reference or clue to
the group
7. When each team reaches the scripture mastery, they must read the first
line together
8. One of the students in each team will ride the towel and the other(s) will
pull the rider
9. Each rider is pulled from the baseline, around the chairs, and to the free
throw line
10. The rider is the shooter. You could make an exception here and make
any member of the team the shooter.
11. Replace the basketballs and the towels and give the next scripture clue
Hints:

The first team to reach the free throw line has the advantage of
shooting from the middle of the key.
34
5. Scripture Mastery Skittles Suckers
Submitted by: Chuck Kipp
Added: October 9, 2007
Duration: >30 minutes
Goal: Score as many points for your team as possible by moving skittles from the table
into a cup using a straw.
Needed:
•
•
•
•
One paper cup per team
Large bag of skittles
Box of straws
Chalkboard or whiteboard for keeping score

Each team is awarded the number of skittles that are in their cup after
each turn
Scoring:
How To Play:
1. Divide the class into two teams
2. Place the cup, straws and a pile of skittles at the end of the table for each
team
3. One person is the “sucker” and the other team members are “chasers”
4. Choose a “stopper” from each team. This person will yell “Stop!” when
their entire team has found the scripture mastery
5. Give the scripture mastery clue or verse.
6. Both teams chase for the scripture mastery and both “suckers” begin
moving skittles from the table to the cups using their straws
7. The person sucking skittles for each team is “stopped” by all the
members of the other team finding the scripture mastery scripture.
8. Count the number of skittles in each team’s cup and award the teams
with those points
9. Rotate the “suckers” every time or every other time.
Hints:
•
You could play with three teams and have one team observe while the
other two teams take a turn.
35
6. Scripture Mastery Spell-A-Word Relay
Submitted by: Chuck Kipp
Added: March 5, 2008
Duration: >30 minutes
Goal: Be the first team to spell a word by finding the scripture mastery references in your
scriptures as quickly as you can
Needed:
•
Scripture Mastery Cards – Use the cards on Bro. Kipp’s Seminary Place
or use the cards provided by CES
Chalkboard or whiteboard for keeping score

The first team to spell the word is the winner of the round
•
Scoring:
How To Play:
L
L
E
A
P
 Beforehand, decide on the
Moses
Moses
Abraham Genesis 1 Genesis
four-letter “word” you are
:26-27
39:9
1:39
7:18
3:22-23
going to use. We played
th
E
E
A
P
L
this on Feb. 29 , so we used
Exodus
Exodus Leviticus Deuteron. Joshua
the word LEAP. Try to stick
7:3-4
1:8
20:3-17
33:11
19:18
to a four or five letter word
A
P
L
E
A
so that it will possible for the
Joshua 1 Samuel Job 19:25- Psalm
Proverbs
teams to spell it
24:15
16:7
26
24:3-4
3:5-6
 Use the grid below to
P
L
E
A
P
distribute the letters of the
Isaiah
Isaiah
Isaiah
Isaiah
Jeremiah
1:18
29:13-14
53:3-5
55:8-9
16:16
word among the scripture
mastery verses – DO NOT
L
E
P
L
EzekieI
Daniel
A
Malachi
Malachi
SHOW THE GRID TO THE
37:15-17 2:44-45 Amos 3:7
3:8-10
4:5-6
CLASS
 Divide the class into 3 or 4 equal teams
 Give each team member a number (1, 2, 3, etc.) so that when you call
the number 3, for example, one person from each team will be
scrambling to the center of the room
 Place all 25 scripture mastery cards face down in the center of the play
area.
 Call out a number (1 to 4)
 Each team member that has the number you called runs to the center of
the room and grabs a scripture mastery card
 They take that number back to their team and the remaining team
members must find that scripture mastery reference in their scriptures
 For the first two or three teams that find the scripture mastery verse(s) in
their scriptures, have them show you their scripture mastery card –
Award those teams the letter from the grid that corresponds with their
card.
 If you run out of cards before a team has completely spelled the word,
put the 25 scripture mastery cards face down in the middle and continue
 If there is a tie, have a chase-off
36
7. Scripture Mastery Gorilla Ball
Submitted by: Chuck Kipp
Added: March 5, 2008
Duration: >30 minutes
****This has been my class’ favorite game this year – it really gets crazy!
Goal: Score as many points as you can for your team by finding the scripture mastery
reference and shooting baskets
Needed:
•
•
•
Garbage can or bucket
Nerf balls or wadded up paper balls – different colors are best
Chalkboard or whiteboard for keeping score

Give one point for the first basket made on each turn
Scoring:
How To Play:
 Setup the room similar to the “Scripture Mastery Chase & Dive” game
diagram above, with chairs lined up behind each other.
 Place a table in the center of the space and place a bucket or garbage
can on the table
 Choose teams with 4 people in each.
 The person in the front is the “rebounder”. The two people in the middle
are the “finders”. The person in the back is the “shooter”.
 The “shooter” on each team starts out with the ball.
 Read the scripture mastery clue. The “finders” have to find the scripture
mastery verse and raise their hands. At this point, the shooter can shoot
the ball. If he/she misses, the rebounder gets out his/her chair, retrieves
the ball and gets it back to the shooter. The shooter then makes another
attempt until one team makes a basket.
 When a basket is made, yell “STOP” and award that team with a point.
 Here’s the fun part and the reason I call this Gorilla Ball. Tell the
rebounders that they must stay out of the way of the other teams as
much as possible. They have to stay low – it is pretty funny watching
them hunched over trying to get the ball as fast as they can.
 After two scriptures, rotate everyone forward – send the “rebounders” to
be the “shooters”.
37
8. Scripture Mastery March Madness Baby! – In the Gym
Submitted by: Chuck Kipp
Added: June 22, 2008
Duration: >30 minutes
Needed:
 Everyone needs their scriptures
 Access to one basketball hoop
 One chair for each student
 Two Basketballs
 Scripture Mastery Cards – Use the cards on Bro. Kipp’s Seminary Place or use
the cards provided by CES
 List of Trivia/Review Questions – Use your own list or the ones found on Bro.
Kipp’s Seminary Place
 A Good Scorekeeper!
 Chalkboard or Whiteboard for Keeping Score
How to Play
 Divide into two teams.
 Set up two rows of chairs lining the three point line on either side of the key.
 This game has three separate rounds.
Round 1 - Stop the Shooter Chase












One team is the "chasers" and they are in their seats with their scriptures. The
other team is the "shooters" and they are lined up behind the first shooter at the
free throw line.
Begin by giving a scripture mastery clue word or by reading a scripture mastery
verse verbatim.
The shooting team begins shooting. Score two points for any basket made from
the free throw line and one point for any basket made closer than that.
Everyone must shoot at least one basket from the free throw line and then they
can choose to shoot a 2nd or 3rd time for one point.
They must rebound their own ball, throw it to the next person in line, and go to
the end of the line.
The "chasers" team must all find the scripture in their scriptures and have their
hands in the air.
When the teacher sees all hands in the air, he/she makes a buzzer sound. Any
shots in the air before the buzzer sounds count for points for the "shooters".
The scorekeeper should have been keeping score during the live action.
Read another scripture mastery clue with the same "shooters" and "chasers".
Rotate the "shooters" and the "chasers" on the third round.
Try to get through 4 scripture mastery scriptures for each team (8 total)
For bonus points, at the end of the round, allow one team member from each
team to shoot one three point basket from behind the three point line.
Round 2 – Trivia
38










Each team sends one team member to the foul line
Both shooters have a basketball in their hands
Ask the trivia question and wait for the first bounce
First “shooter” to “bounce” the ball gets a chance to answer the question
If they answer it correctly, their opponent sits down and they shoot a free throw
for two points
If they answer it incorrectly, allow their opponent to answer the question. If their
opponent answers it correctly, they get to shoot the free throw
If both miss the question, you give the answer and use this as an opportunity to
teach/review. Both shooters stay at the foul line for the next question.
After the attempted free throw by one of the shooters, have a new person from
each team come to the line.
Try to ask 10-15 review questions before going to Round 3.
At the end of the round, allow one team member from each team to shoot one
three point basket from behind the three point line.
Round 3 – Card Scrambler Then Shoot
















Give a deck of scripture mastery cards to each team and allow them to spread
them out on the floor near the out-of-bounds line closest to their chairs – make it
so they have to run about 10-12 feet
Make sure you have them put the cards nearer to the corner of the court and not
under the basket.
Make sure they take time to familiarize themselves with “generally” where the
cards are
The team member in the chair closest to the cards is the “grabber” – likewise, the
team member farthest from the cards is the “shooter”
The “shooter” begins the game with a ball in their hands or lap
Both teams are playing at the same time
Begin by giving a scripture mastery clue word or by reading a scripture mastery
verse verbatim.
The “grabber” must run and get the correct scripture mastery card and sit down
in their chair – they then pass the card to the next team member and so on
The last team member sitting next to the “shooter”,touches the “shooter” with the
card.
The “shooter” runs to the free throw line and attempts a free throw.
The “grabber” becomes the “rebounder” for their team.
If the “shooter” misses, the “rebounder” rebounds the ball and passes it back to
the “shooter”
Both shooters keep shooting until a free throw is made
NO BUMPING OR INTERFERING WITH THE OTHER TEAMS BALL – THIS IS
NOT BUMPOUT!
Have the teams rotate so that there is a new “shooter” and a new “rebounder”
each time
At the end of the round, allow one team member from each team to shoot one
three point basket from behind the three point line.
Tally the points from all three rounds and reward the winning team with a prize.
39
9. Scripture Mastery March Madness Baby! – In the Gym –
LARGE GROUPS
Submitted by: Chuck Kipp
Added: June 22, 2008
Duration: >30 minutes
The following are two diagrams that show how to adapt Round 1 and Round 3 of the
“March Madness Baby! – In the Gym” game for larger groups. The diagrams were
mapped out for three teams, up to 30 people. Please forgive the “chicken scratch”.
40
41
42
10. Scripture Mastery March Madness Baby! – In the
Classroom
Submitted by: Chuck Kipp
Added: June 22, 2008
Duration: >30 minutes
Needed:
 2 buckets or 2 garbage cans
 4 chairs to use as part of the game
 2 Wadded up paper balls or nerf balls or bean bags
 Scripture Mastery Cards – Use the cards on Bro. Kipp’s Seminary Place or use the cards
provided by CES
 Chalkboard or Whiteboard for Keeping Score
Scoring:
 Try to accumulate the most points by making baskets from the shooting chair.
 Score two points for each made basket
 Score three points for longer shots
How To Play:
 Set up classroom as shown in diagram below for 2 teams; if you have a very large room
you could set up for three or more
 Divide the class into 2 teams
 Give each team a set of scripture mastery cards and have them spread the cards out on
the floor in front of them; tell them to become very familiar with the cards that are in front
of them
 Game play begins by saying a scripture mastery clue out loud or reading the mastery
verse verbatim
 Both teams are playing at the same time
 One of the team members grabs the scripture mastery card from the floor and hands it
down the line to team member 1.
 Team member 1 runs and puts the card in the bucket, and then runs to the shooting
chair.
 From the shooting chair, they are allowed to make one attempt.
 If they make the shot, award the team two points and go on to the next clue.
 If they don’t make the shot, they must rebound their own ball and hand it to team member
2.
 Team member 2 runs to the shooting chair and makes one attempt.
 If they make the shot, award the team two points and go on to the next clue.
 If they don’t make the shot, they must rebound their own ball and hand it to team member
3.
 Once a shot is made, award that team 2 points and go on to the next clue.
 Team member 2 is the first to shoot, regardless of the team member that shot last in the
previous round.
 After each made shot, the teacher should check the buckets to make sure the right card
was placed. This is a good time to review the verse.
 If a wrong card was placed in the bucket, allow the other team to send a designated
shooter to the shooting chair and attempt a “foul shot”
 Work quickly so that you can cover all 25 scripture mastery verses
Hints:

Here’s the MADNESS and what makes the game really fun!
43


After 2 or 3 of the scripture mastery clues have been given, change the chairs or the shot
in some way. Only one rule – make sure that you do the same thing for both teams.
Here are some ideas that I have used:
o Turn the chair the other way so they have to shoot over the back of the chair
o Bank shot – has to hit off the chair and go in to get points
o Hook shot – turn the shooting chair side
sideways
ways so that they have to shoot a hook
shot
o Granny shot – underhand
o Other hand – they must shoot with their non
non-shooting hand
o Through the hole – put the bucket on the floor and turn the chair over and put it
over the bucket. They must make it through the hole in the chair
o Backwards – Turn the shooting chair 180 degrees so that the shooter has to
shoot it over their shoulder
o Off the ceiling – must bank the ball off the ceiling and into the bucket –
CAUTION: only use this one if you are using paper balls or nerf balls!
o The Long Ball – Move the bucket chair and the shooting chair farther away from
each other. I usually end the game with 2 of these shots.
These shots are obviously harder. There will be times when neither team makes the
attempt. If 3 or 4 team
m members have attempted a shot and a shot has not been made,
say out loud, “OK, two more times!” Allow 2 more shooters to make an attempt, and if no
one makes it, move on to the next clue.
44
11. Eraser Game
Submitted by: Kelly Miller
Added: September 26, 2008
Duration: >30 minutes
Class is divided into two teams, one on each side of the classroom. Set a time limit, such
as 25 seconds, for each clue chased.
Teacher gives the key word, and time starts. At the end of the appointed time (such as 25
seconds), teacher yells STOP! One point is awarded to a team for each of its members
that has the reference open prior to STOP! After chasing 2-3 references, a student from
each team gets to throw an eraser at his team’s bucket for points. One student from each
team hovers near their can to toss a missed shot back to his teammate. Each student has to
throw at least one long distance shot before moving up to take a closer shot. Shooting
ends when an eraser lands in a bucket. It does not matter who threw in the eraser! What
matters is which team’s bucket gets the points from which line thrown (meaning you can
score points for the other team).
Throwers and retrievers are rotated each time. When activity time expires, the team with
the most points wins.
12. Glenn’s Game
Submitted by: Kelly Miller
Added: September 26, 2008
Duration: >30 minutes
This is a relay type game. Divide the class into 2 teams. Each team is sitting in a row of
chairs, facing a chalkboard with 2 pieces of chalk and 2 erasers. On either side of the
chalkboard is a small table. On each table is a set of scripture mastery cards, spread
out, and a container of play dough.
The teacher yells, Go!"
The students in the first chairs run up to the table. They grab a SM card and immediately
have to draw the scripture (like Pictionary). Once their team has guessed correctly, the
student grabs another SM card. This time they have to act it out (like charades). As
soon as their team gets it, they grab a third SM card. This time they have to mold
something out of the play dough so their team can guess which Scripture mastery it is.
As soon as they have all 3 challenges completed, they put the three SM cards they used
under the table and run back to their seat. The next person in line comes to the front and
repeats the procedure with 3 more SM cards.
The first team to correctly get through all 25 SM cards wins.
45
13. Grab Bag
Submitted by: Kelly Miller
Added: September 26, 2008
Duration: >30 minutes
Divide group into 3-4 teams (Teacher assigns them and make sure to mix boys and girls,
quiet and loud, younger and older students). Each team gets a grab bag of props ( have
some easy-to-use props and some that would take some creativity – such as household
items, kid's toys, kitchen utensils, hats, etc.), and a SM scripture.
Give them 10-15 minutes to make a skit, song, game, or whatever to teach the SM to the
class.
They have to use at least two props and at least two people have to talk. Each group
makes their presentation.
Class judges who wins based on how many people know the SM at the end.
14. Object Chase
Submitted by: Kelly Miller
Added: September 26, 2008
Duration: >30 minutes
Students can work individually, in pairs, or larger teams. Have students number from 125 on a piece of paper.
From a box, teacher places on a table an object that serves as a clue for a mastery
reference. A new object is placed on the table every 30 seconds. Students write the object
and the reference on their worksheet. Each of the 25 SM is used ONCE. When all 25
objects are on the table, students get 10 minutes to figure it all out. At the end of 10
minutes, the teacher bellows STOP! One object at a time, the teacher guides the class to
the correct answer.
46
15. Paper Chase
Submitted by: Kelly Miller
Added: September 26, 2008
Duration: >30 minutes
Divide class into groups of 2-4. Each group gets a scissors, stapler, 15-20 5.5 X 8.5
sheets of paper, and a copy of the day’s newspaper. Students cut out any article, headline,
word, picture, comic, etc…, staple it to a sheet of paper, and write which mastery
reference applies and why.
With 15 minutes left in class, ask each group to choose three of their cutouts to share with
the class; each group then takes a minute or two to share their favorites.
All cutouts are turned in to the teacher, who can then paper a bulletin board, wall, display
board, etc….
47