One Step Closer to Easter

 

There is great lesson plan in last year’s Friend found HERE that I thought would be wonderful to bring into primary!  It’s entitled One Step Closer to Easter.  I recommend combining with sharing time as this will definitely take more than 20 minutes if you plan to do it all.

You can also scroll through all of my Easter-related singing time lesson plans HERE as well.

 

Here’s how I plan on doing the activity:

 

On the chalkboard write “One Step Closer to Easter” at the top of the chalkboard and tell the children that there were steps Jesus took before he was resurrected.  We are going to discuss 4 of those steps.

 

Write “Week 1 – Jesus Came to Jerusalem” and the scripture reference “Matthew 21:1, 6-11.”  Have a child read the verses from the scriptures or relay the story to them (may be best for younger children).  Show them the following picture from the Gospel Art Book (can also download and print HERE) and place on the chalkboard next to “week 1”.

 

After the scripture is read or the story is told, pass out a palm leaf to each child (download the image using the button below- I printed on green paper, cut them out and glued onto a popsicle stick):

 

 

 

Sing the song Easter Hosanna as everyone mimics how the people praised Jesus using palm leaves as he rode into Jerusalem (gently move the leaves in large up and downward motions to the rhythm of the song).  I would recommend singing/listening to all the songs on CD since most will be unfamiliar (and this is a GREAT thing!!).  Post the words (see how I do that HERE) and those that can read (including teachers) can sing along.

 

After the song, ask “what is one way you can show your love for Jesus?” and take answers.

 

Next write “Week 2 – Jesus Gave us the Sacrament” and the scripture references “Luke 22:1, 14, 19-20.”  Have a child read the verses from the scriptures or relay the story to them (may be best for younger children).  Show them the following picture from the Gospel Art Book (can also download and print HERE) and place on the chalkboard next to “week 2”.

 

Sing the song Before I Take the Sacrament (again using CD’s and posted words as necessary).  Have the children listen for what they can do before they take the sacrament that’s mentioned in the song [sit so quietly].

 

Pass out the following list along with a pencil (download document using the button below, print on white card stock for durability and cut out):

 

 

The children can write words to remind them of the things Jesus has done for us. Instruct them to put their list in their scriptures (optional: have glue sticks for children to glue it into their scriptures somewhere maybe near the front cover as a glue-in) where they can look at it during the sacrament (for younger children, you may want to fill out the paper before photocopying in order to simplify).  

 

Here are a few suggestions:

**If you are getting short on time, I would omit this list**

 

After the song, ask “how you can remember Jesus at home or at school?” and take answers.

 

Next write “Week 3 – Jesus Showed Kindness” and the scripture references “Luke 22:47-51, Luke 23: 33-34, John 19: 25-27.”  Have children read the verses from the scriptures or relay the story to them (may be best for younger children).  Show them the following picture from the Gospel Art Book (can also download and print HERE) and place on the chalkboard next to “week 3”.

 

Sing the song He Sent His Son (again using CD’s and posted words as necessary).  As the children sing/listen to the song, place the following items on the table:

Picture of Jesus (I’d recommend this one from the Gospel Art Book that can also be downloaded and printed HERE):

 

After the song, ask “How can you follow Jesus by showing kindness?” and take answers.

 

Next write “Week 4 – He Lives Again!” and the scripture references:

Have children read the scripture references and match items on the table to the scripture.  Once matched ask, “How does knowing about Jesus’s Resurrection make you feel glad?” and take answers.  

 

Bear testimony that you know Christ lives and the happiness that knowledge brings to you and your family.

 

In the RARE case that you have more time, I would recommend ending with the Easter Hosanna again using the handbells!  Find my bell chart HERE.