PHOTO CAPTION: Spring is almost here. Easter soon to follow.
Yes, this is repost, but since it’s close to Easter, I wanted to share some ideas on how to talk to young children about the Easter story. I don’t mean the story of the Easter bunny, but rather the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Many people have opinions on what is the right way to share the Easter story with preschoolers. Some people avoid the story all together because they feel that telling about Jesus dying on the cross may be too much for little ones. They think it’s too violent. Others focus on Palm Sunday and the resurrection, choosing to simply tell preschoolers that Jesus is alive and leave it at that. Still others tell the whole story from start to finish. However you choose to tell the story to your preschooler is definitely your call. There isn’t a right or wrong way to share the story of Jesus crucifixion. You know your child best. You know when he or she is ready to hear the whole story. With that said, I wanted to give you a couple of hints of things that I have done in the past when sharing the Easter story. I would love to hear from you too. What have you done? What has worked and what hasn’t?
SIMPLE TIPS FOR SHARING EASTER WITH PRESCHOOLERS
- Focus On the Positive. Be sure to emphasize that Jesus didn’t stay dead. He is alive! Yes, He did die on the cross, but He is alive and well and He doesn’t hurt any more. (I had one little girl who was afraid that Jesus hands and body still hurt even though He is alive. I reassured her that Jesus is alive and completely well. He doesn’t hurt any more.) I would recommend telling only the highlights and not all the graphic details with preschoolers.
- Keep It Simple. Whether you choose to tell or not to tell about the crucifixion, keep it simple. I usually state that Jesus died in a matter-of-fact way, as simply something that happened. Jesus died because He loved us, but He didn’t stay dead, He rose from the dead and He is alive. He is with us everyday even though we can’t see Him. He wants to be our forever friend.
- Let Kids Know It’s Okay To Be Sad. Yes, it was sad that Jesus died. His friend were sad when He died and we can feel sad when we hear about what happened to Jesus or when something sad happens to us But remember, Jesus didn’t stay dead did he? No way! Jesus is God and He can do anything. He is alive! He’s our forever friend and He can help us feel better when we feel sad.
- Listen To Your Child. Watch and listen to your child as you tell the story of Jesus‘ death and resurrection. Is he or she looking worried? Does he or she have questions? Reassure, comfort, go over the story again, ask questions and pray together. Take time to really understand where your child is coming from. God will help you tell your little ones in such a way that they will be able to understand yet not become overwhelmed.
- Most of All, Ask God To Help You. And be sure to tell your child how much God loves and cares for him or her.
Whatever you decide your child is ready to hear, do let them know that Jesus wants to be their forever friend too. He is alive and He loves you.
OTHER IDEAS
Use Appropriate Illustrations – nothing too graphic. I like the Bible Ap For Kids stories that you can download on your phone. They are very preschool appropriate.
Resurrection Eggs – They are colorful plastic eggs with various objects inside that help tell the Easter story. For preschoolers, I like using just a few of the eggs instead of the whole dozen or making up my own with just a few objects or pictures inside.
Simplified Version Of The Resurrection Eggs – Use 3 colored plastic eggs with these items.
Pink Egg – Heart inside because God loves me and sent Jesus.
Yellow Egg – Cross inside. Jesus died on a cross because He loves me.
Blue Egg – Empty – Just like the tomb or the cave that Jesus was buried in. This egg is empty, because Jesus didn’t stay in the tomb, He is alive and He wants to be your friend forever.
Use A Simple Children’s Bible or Bible Storybook – I like the “Easter Bible for Me” by Andy Holmes, Illustrated by Ralph Voltz
Use Online Resources – “The Jelly Bean Prayer” and “Resurrection Rolls”
are two resources I found online that are a fun way to tell the story. The “Jelly Bean Prayer” uses the colors of the jelly beans to tell about the Easter story. each color represents an aspect of story such as red for Jesus blood.
Don’t Create Fear. Let your child know that Jesus did what He did because He loves us. He didn’t have to die for us, He chose to because He loves us so much and wants to be our forever friend.
Don’t Stop With the Cross. It didn’t end there. Young children need to know that Jesus is alive. He didn’t stay dead, He is alive and He is totally okay. Never stop with the cross, but always end with the resurrection. Jesus is alive and will be our friend forever.
PARENT PRAYER:
Dear Jesus,
I’m so thankful for what you did for me by dying on the cross. You forgave me and you love me so much. I want to help the little ones in my life understand that you loved them enough to die for them too. Help me to tell the story in such a way that they will understand and yet not be afraid. I want them to know that even though you died on the cross, you are now very much alive and that you are okay. I want them to know that you are alive forever. I also want them to know that because you died and rose again, so you can be their forever friend. Thank you for opportunities to share your story with kids. Help us all to understand what you did and the magnitude of your great love for us. Amen
- Keep It Simple. Whether you choose to tell or not to tell about the crucifixion, keep it simple. I usually state that Jesus died in a matter-of-fact way, as simply something that happened. Jesus died because He loved us, but He didn’t stay dead, He rose from the dead and He is alive. He is with us everyday even though we can’t see Him. He wants to be our forever friend.
Kid’s Section
SHARE A STORY : Jesus Welcomes Children – Luke 18:15-17
Let’s pretend that we’re eating a special dinner with our family or friends. What kinds of foods would you like to eat? (Give your child a chance to respond.) Our family likes lots of different food. Whatever we have for dinner, I love to spend time with you.
One day Jesus wanted to have a special meal with His friends. He knew that soon His time on earth would be done and He wanted to spend time with them before He went back to heaven. Jesus sent Peter and John into Jerusalem to get everything ready for this special meal. When everything was ready, Jesus and His disciples gathered to eat. Jesus said, “I have really looked forward to eating this meal with you.”
Then while they were eating, Jesus did something to show His friends how very much He loved them. He got up from the table, took a towel and poured water into a large bowl. (Pretend to pour water into the tub.) Then He washed all his friends’ dirty, stinky feet. (Pretend to wash feet.) The disciples had walked dirty, dusty roads all day and their feet were really dirty, still Jesus took the time to wash their feet because He loved them and wanted to serve them. (Give self a hug.)
Jesus wanted them to know that they could love and serve others too just like He loved (Give self a hug.) and served them by washing their feet. When we love and serve others, we are showing Jesus’ love. (Give self a hug.) We are being good friends.
Jesus loved spending time with His friends and Jesus loves you. He wants to be your forever friend. You can spend time with Jesus by talking to him everyday. Even though you can’t see him, He hears you. He is alive. God sent Jesus to forgive us and be our forever friend. He forgives us when we do wrong things or make wrong choices and He loves us. If you want Jesus to be your friend, all you have to do is to ask Him to forgive you and be your friend. He is a very good friend to have!
PRAYER:
Dear God,
Thank you for Jesus. Thank you Jesus for loving me and being my friend. Please forgive me when I make wrong choices. Come, be my forever friend and help me do the things you want me to do. I want to love you with all my heart. Help me to remember to love and serve others too, just like you did. Amen
KNOW: Jesus is a good friend.
TALK ABOUT: Friends. Loving others.
ASK: Who wants to be your forever friend? Jesus.
How did God show His love for us? He gave us Jesus. How did Jesus show His love for His friends? Washed their feet.
AND DO: I can love and help others because Jesus loves me.
MEMORIZE: John 3:16 – (Hands open like holding a book.)
God – (Point up.)
So loved – (Give self a hug.)
The world – (Make w’s with fingers & roll hands around each other.)
That He gave – (Extend hands out like giving.)
His only Son – (Pretend to rock a baby.)
FUN IDEAS FOR THIS WEEK
* Talk about friends. Jesus is the best friend of all.
* Invite a friend over to play.
* Fix a snack or meal together with you child. Talk about how Jesus ate a special meal with his friends.
Faith Steps and More 