Palm Sunday is an important Christian holiday that commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, as described in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. On this day, Jesus rode into the city on a donkey while crowds of people waved palm branches and shouted “Hosanna!” This event marks the beginning of Holy Week, which ends with Easter Sunday.
I. Importance of teaching children about Palm Sunday
It is essential to teach children about Palm Sunday because it is a crucial event in the Christian faith. Children should know the significance of this event in the life of Jesus Christ and how it serves as a precursor to the events that would follow during Holy Week. Also, teaching children about Palm Sunday can help them understand the importance of honoring Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
II. Overview of the 10 activities covered in the post
In this blog post, we will cover ten different activities that parents and Sunday School teachers can use to teach children about Palm Sunday. These activities range from crafts to dramatizations, games, puzzles, and discussion questions.
Activity 1: Palm Branch Craft
A. Materials needed
To make a palm branch craft, you will need green construction paper, scissors, glue, and brown paint.
B. Step-by-step instructions
Cut the green construction paper into the shape of palm leaves. Glue the leaves together, making sure to leave enough space to attach the trunk. Cut a small rectangle from brown construction paper and glue it to the bottom of the palm leaves to make the trunk. Finally, paint the trunk brown.
C. Biblical significance
Making a palm branch craft can help children understand the significance of the palm branches that the people waved as Jesus rode into Jerusalem. It can also be a reminder that we should honor Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
Activity 2: Palm Sunday Dramatization
A. Explanation of the activity
Palm Sunday dramatization is an exciting activity that allows children to act out the scene of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Children can reenact this scene by taking on different roles, such as Jesus, disciples, and the crowd.
B. Roles and props needed
To perform the dramatization, you’ll need several props such as palm branches, cloaks, and tunics. Children can make the palm branches during the first activity, and the cloaks and tunics can be made with fabrics such as bed sheets or pillowcases. Assigning roles can be done by drawing lots or simply asking volunteers.
C. How to perform the dramatization
To perform the dramatization, the children can march around the room waving their palm branches and singing “Hosanna”. The child playing Jesus can ride a toy donkey or simply walk. The other children can lay down their cloaks and tunics on the floor, just as the crowd did for Jesus. The children can then act out the scene of Jesus entering Jerusalem.
D. Biblical significance
This activity helps children understand the significance of Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem and how the people received him as their king.
Activity 3: Palm Sunday Coloring Pages
A. Overview of the activity
Coloring pages can be an excellent way to teach children about Palm Sunday. You can provide them with printable coloring pages that depict scenes from the Bible story of Palm Sunday.
B. Examples of printable coloring pages
You can find printable coloring pages online, including websites like Ministry-To-Children or Bible Printables. The coloring pages can include images of Jesus riding a donkey, palm branches, and the crowds waving their branches.
C. Biblical significance
This activity helps children to understand the Bible story visually, as they color the pictures, and reinforces their memory of the events of Palm Sunday.
V. Activity 4: Palm Sunday Bible Verse Memorization
A. Explanation of the activity
Memorizing Bible verses is an excellent way to help children retain important lessons from the Bible. For Palm Sunday, you can choose verses that relate to the events of that day.
B. Bible verses to memorize
Some examples of Bible verses to memorize include: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Matthew 21:9) and “The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest heaven!'” (Matthew 21:9)
C. Tips for helping children memorize scripture
You can break the verse into smaller parts and have the children repeat it after you. You can also make a game out of it by having them say the verse back and forth to one another.
D. Biblical significance
Memorizing scripture helps children to internalize the lessons from the Bible and to recall them later in life when they need them most.
Activity 5: Palm Sunday Snacks
A. Ideas for Palm Sunday themed snacks
Snacks are always a hit with children, and incorporating Palm Sunday-themed snacks can make the day extra special. Some ideas for Palm Sunday snacks include:
- Pretzel Twigs: These snacks represent the branches that the crowd waved as Jesus entered Jerusalem. To make these snacks, twist long pretzel sticks to look like twigs and serve with mustard or hummus for dipping.
- Fruit Palm Tree: This snack is perfect for representing the palm tree branches that the crowd waved. Use a pineapple or a watermelon as the base and add slices of kiwi, oranges, and grapes as the branches.
- Palm Sunday Cookies: Decorate sugar cookies with green frosting or icing to represent the palm leaves.
B. Recipes and instructions
Here are some recipes and instructions for creating some Palm Sunday-themed snacks:
- Pretzel Twigs: To make these snacks, all you need are long pretzel sticks and mustard or hummus for dipping. Twist the pretzel sticks to make them look like twigs, and serve them in a tall glass to give the impression of a bouquet of palm branches.
- Fruit Palm Tree: To make this snack, use a pineapple or watermelon as the base. Cut off the top of the pineapple or watermelon, and then add skewers with sliced kiwi, oranges, and grapes as the branches. You can also use other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and bananas.
- Palm Sunday Cookies: To make these cookies, you will need sugar cookie dough, green food coloring, and frosting or icing. Roll out the sugar cookie dough and cut into palm leaf shapes. Bake according to the recipe, and then add green food coloring to the frosting or icing. Decorate the cookies with the green frosting or icing to represent the palm leaves.
C. Biblical significance
Palm Sunday snacks can serve as a reminder of the significance of the day. The pretzel twigs represent the palm branches that the crowd waved as Jesus entered Jerusalem. The fruit palm tree reminds us of the palm tree branches that were also waved. The Palm Sunday cookies serve as a reminder of the significance of the day and help children to understand the importance of the events that happened on Palm Sunday.
Activity 6: Palm Sunday Scavenger Hunt
A. Explanation of the activity:
A scavenger hunt is a fun way to engage children and teach them about Palm Sunday. Children can work individually or in groups to find the items on the list.
B. Items to find during the scavenger hunt:
Create a list of items related to Palm Sunday such as palm branches, crosses, donkeys, Bible verses etc. Hide the items in different places around the classroom or outside in the churchyard.
C. How to play the game:
Give each child or group a copy of the list and set a time limit for the hunt. Encourage children to work together and help each other find the items on the list. The child or group that finds all the items first, or the most items in the time allowed, wins the game.
D. Biblical significance:
The scavenger hunt teaches children about the events that took place on Palm Sunday, and the importance of the symbols associated with the holiday. It encourages children to engage with the story of Palm Sunday in a fun and interactive way.
Activity 7: Palm Sunday Puppet Show
A. Explanation of the activity:
Children can create their own puppets and put on a puppet show to tell the story of Palm Sunday.
B. How to make puppets:
Provide children with paper bags, markers, and other art supplies to create their own puppets. Encourage them to create characters such as Jesus, the disciples, and the crowds that were present on Palm Sunday.
C. How to perform the puppet show:
Once the puppets are made, children can use them to act out the story of Palm Sunday. Encourage them to use their creativity and imagination to bring the story to life.
D. Biblical significance:
The puppet show teaches children about the events that took place on Palm Sunday in a creative and engaging way. It encourages children to think about the characters and their roles in the story.
Activity 8: Palm Sunday Crossword Puzzle
A. Explanation of the activity:
A crossword puzzle is a fun way to reinforce learning and test children’s knowledge of Palm Sunday.
B. Printable crossword puzzle:
Create a printable crossword puzzle with clues related to Palm Sunday such as “Jesus rode on a _______” (donkey) and “Palm Sunday is celebrated on the Sunday before ________” (Easter).
C. Biblical significance:
The crossword puzzle helps children reinforce their understanding of the events of Palm Sunday and the symbols associated with the holiday.
Activity 9: Palm Sunday Word Search
A. Explanation of the activity:
A word search is a fun way to reinforce learning and test children’s knowledge of Palm Sunday.
B. Printable word search puzzle:
Create a printable word search puzzle with words related to Palm Sunday such as “Jesus”, “donkey”, “hosanna”, “palm branch”, etc.
C. Biblical significance:
The word search puzzle helps children reinforce their understanding of the events of Palm Sunday and the symbols associated with the holiday.
Activity 10: Palm Sunday Discussion Questions
A. Explanation of the activity:
Discussion is a great way to encourage children to reflect on what they have learned about Palm Sunday. By asking open-ended questions, you can help them explore the significance of this important event and how it relates to their lives.
B. Discussion questions to spark conversation:
- What do you think it was like to be in the crowd welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem?
- Why do you think people waved palm branches to welcome Jesus?
- How do you think Jesus felt during his triumphal entry into Jerusalem?
- What does Palm Sunday teach us about Jesus and his mission?
- How can we show Jesus that we love and honor him like the people did on Palm Sunday?
C. Biblical significance:
The discussion questions help children to understand the deeper meaning of Palm Sunday and how it relates to their lives. By reflecting on the significance of this important event, children can gain a deeper understanding of Jesus and his mission.
Conclusion
In this post, we covered 10 Palm Sunday activities that are perfect for Sunday school. These activities include a palm branch craft, a Palm Sunday dramatization, coloring pages, Bible verse memorization, snacks, a scavenger hunt, a puppet show, a crossword puzzle, a word search, and discussion questions.
Final thoughts on teaching children about Palm Sunday: Teaching children about Palm Sunday is an important part of their spiritual growth. By engaging them in these fun and educational activities, you can help them gain a deeper understanding of the significance of this important event in the life of Jesus.
Call to action for parents and Sunday School teachers to incorporate these activities in their lessons: We encourage parents and Sunday School teachers to incorporate these activities in their lessons to engage children in learning about Palm Sunday. These activities are designed to be fun and interactive, while also helping children to gain a deeper understanding of the significance of this important event.