Many children are naturally drawn to trucks, machines, and anything with wheels. These big, bold vehicles capture their imagination and make learning feel exciting. That is why using trucks to teach simple faith lessons can be so effective. The children’s picture book Jesus is Kinda Like aGarbage Truck by Diane Vogel illustrates how everyday machines can help explain who Jesus is and what He does for us. Parents can build on this idea at home with easy, hands-on activities that make spiritual lessons clear and enjoyable.
- Build a Cardboard Garbage Truck to Teach About Forgiveness
One of the strongest images in the book is the garbage truck. Showing that it takes away the garbage and dumps it, so it is gone forever. This picture helps explain how Jesus removes the bad things we carry in our hearts.
To reinforce this message, help your child make a simple garbage truck from a cardboard box. Cut a flap in the back so it opens like a real truck. Give your child small scraps of paper and ask them to write or draw things they want to give to Jesus, such as worries or mistakes. Then let them toss the papers into the truck.
This activity enables children to experience forgiveness and letting go as a tangible and achievable concept.
- Create a Cement Truck Craft for a Truth Foundation
In the book’s page, the cement truck lays a strong foundation, just as Jesus gives us truth to build a solid life. You can use this idea to create a foundation craft.
Draw a simple cement truck or print one, then help your child glue pieces of paper shaped like stones underneath it. On each stone, write words like kindness, honesty, trust, and truth. These words represent the solid base that helps children grow strong in character.
This visual reminder shows them that Jesus gives us the foundation we need to live well.
- Act Out the Steam Engine to Teach About Prayer
The steam engine image in the book shows how Jesus turns prayers into power. Children love movement, so acting out this idea can help them remember it.
Tell your child to pretend they are a steam engine. As they take slow breaths, explain that prayer fills their heart with strength. Then, as they move like a train, remind them that Jesus gives them power to do hard things.
This simple exercise connects breathing, movement, and prayer in a way children can understand.
- Use Toy Trucks for a “Help and Rescue” Playtime
Trucks like firetrucks, skidsteers, and cranes appear throughout the book. Create a small play area with toy versions of these vehicles. As your child plays, talk about how these trucks help people, lift heavy things, or move obstacles out of the way.
It offers an opportunity to explain that Jesus helps us in the same way, whether we feel sad, stuck, or worried. These moments make faith relatable without forcing a long conversation.
- Build a Mini Construction Site for Life Lessons
Use building blocks to create a small construction site. Add toy excavators and bulldozers and talk about how Jesus helps us remove wrong ideas, clear obstacles, and make room for better choices. Children can move the blocks as you speak, turning the message into a hands-on experience.
If parents want to continue teaching through friendly and straightforward examples, Jesus is Kinda Like a Garbage Truck by Diane Vogel is an excellent resource. It offers clear images and gentle explanations that help children understand who Jesus is and how He loves them.
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