Tithing Games

Many religions teach the concept of tithing, or giving one-tenth of one's earnings to God. For example, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS, or Mormons) requires its members to pay tithing in order to be considered in good standing. Games are a good way to teach the concept of tithing to children.

Tithing Tag

Choose one child to represent the religious leader ( priest, pastor, bishop) who receives tithing from the members of your church and have him or her leave the room. Give each of the remaining children ten pennies. Tell them they are each going to hide one of their pennies--ten percent--so the religious leader can find them. Have children hide pennies around the room. Bring the child representing the religious leader back to look for them. Once all the pennies have been found, repeat the game, giving each child a chance to look for the pennies.

Tithing Slip Puzzles

This game is geared to members of the LDS Church, who use a form called a "tithing slip" to pay their tithing. Make an enlarged copy of a tithing slip (8 1/2 by 11 inches) for each child. Explain that each time they pay their tithing, they fill out the form with their name, address and amount of their tithing. Then they put the money and tithing slip in a special tithing envelope, which they give to the bishop. After the explanation, have students cut the enlarged slips into puzzle pieces and try to put them back together.

To Give or Not to Give

Give each child ten small pieces of wrapped candy. Explain that tithing is ten percent, or in this case, one piece of candy. Without exerting any pressure, ask who would like to give back one piece of candy as tithing. Collect the "tithing" candy 2. Explain that God has promised to "pour out blessings" onto the heads of those who pay tithing. Invite the children who gave up a piece of candy as tithing to stand in a group. Pour a sack of candy over their heads and let them pick up the pieces and keep them.

Count the Candy

Give each child a paper plate and two paper bowls, one of which you have marked with the word "Tithing" and one of which you have marked with the words "To Keep." Explain that you are going to place a number of items on their paper plates. Their job is to count them, decide what ten percent would be, and put that number of items in their "Tithing" bowl. They can put the rest in their "To Keep" bowl to eat later. Use a variety of small edible items, such as mini-marshmallows, chocolate chips and small candies.