Make Your Own Jacob's Ladder Visual

Apr 16

Have you ever wanted to bring a Bible story to life? Today, we're diving into Jacob's dream from Genesis 28, where he saw a stairway to heaven with angels going up and down. It’s a powerful image, and I’ve got a fun way for you to help your students visualize it!

To create this engaging visual, download our free black and white stepped staircase PDF. You'll need about 10 to 12 copies of the angel staircase and one copy of God's light for the very top. If you have some time, color the angels! You can even have your students do this ahead of time without telling them exactly why. It’s all about keeping them curious!

For those looking for a color version, it’s available as part of our curriculum lesson, "Walking Alongside Jesus Through the Old and New Testaments: Jacob the Middle Years," which you can find in our store.

Once you have your materials, start by taping each of the angel pages together to create one long vertical banner. This will be the backbone of your staircase!

Next, glue or tape the God's light photocopy onto a sturdy piece of 8.5 by 11 cardstock or cardboard. This step is crucial as it provides stability for your staircase and gives you something substantial to attach to a wall, window, or door.

Now, let’s get to the fun part! Staple the top third of the very first staircase photocopy onto the cardstock starting at the bottom. Fold along the provided lines as if you're creating a fan. Make sure the taped section is folded in as well so the steps are evenly spaced.

Use paper clips to hold each side of the folded staircase. This is where your students can really get involved! Attach a string to each paper clip, and they’ll help unfurl this staircase by pulling on the line and releasing the two side clips. Just ensure that the string is long enough for your students to hold while standing.

Next, tape the end of about 10 feet of string to the top layer of the folded staircase. Find a location to hang your staircase where there’s plenty of room for students to pull on either side of it. You’ll also need space for a student playing Jacob to lie on the floor facing the staircase.

That student will hold the center string and simply guide the staircase down as it is being unfurled. It’s a great way to make the story come alive!

This hands-on activity not only helps the students visualize Jacob's dream but also engages them in a memorable way. So, gather your materials, get creative, and let the story of Jacob's Ladder inspire your next lesson! Remember, props are always better than paper!