DLTK's Bible Crafts for Kids
David and Goliath Game

Contributed by Leanne Guenther

This is a simple game to play to go with a David and Goliath theme -- it's basically just a variation of a game of marbles.

Note:  Test the surface of the floor yourself to see how difficult it is to slide the rocks (some surfaces are easier than others) and adjust the size of the square accordingly (smaller squares for harder to slide surfaces).  An adult with some coordination should be able to knock Goliath out with 5 stones (er, Darren can do it in 3 shots...  The girls 5 or 6... it usually takes me 10 -- mommy has no coordination *grin*)

Materials:

• David's Bag of stones  --- or use 5 regular marbles
• one large stone or three regular sized stones (the same size as in the bag) with the letter G printed on them with permanent marker --- or use 1 large marble
• smooth floor (concrete sidewalk would work or cement/laminate/linoleum indoor floor
  • depending on your stones, it might scratch the floor
  • you can cover the stones with a coat of spray on varnish to prevent scratching 
  • I suggest you glue a piece of felt to the bottom of each of your stones to prevent scratching (don't forget Goliath)
• masking tape

Directions for the game:

• Use tape to mask off a large square on the floor with a small X in the center
• Place the Goliath stone(s) or marble on the X in the center of the square
• Have the children sit at the edge of the square and TAKE TURNS SLIDING their David rocks (or marbles) to knock Goliath out of the square. 
  • don't let everyone slide their rocks at one time or someone will end up getting hurt
  • make sure you show the children how to slide their rocks (not throw them) before you get started)
  • test the surface of the floor yourself to see how difficult it is to slide the rocks (some surfaces are easier than others) and adjust the size of the square accordingly (smaller squares for harder to slide surfaces)
  • an adult with some coordination should be able to knock Goliath out with 5 stones
• Alternately, let one child try to knock Goliath out and count how many tries it takes him/her before letting the next child have a turn 
  • I find older children prefer this version especially if you get them all counting together 
  • but preschoolers get too impatient waiting for their turn and "feel bad" (frustrated) if they aren't knocking Goliath out as quickly as their peers.
• Don't forget to take your tape off the floor at the end of the game -- if you leave it on too long (days), it becomes difficult to remove.

Printable version of these instructions