Easter brings together both fun traditions and deep spiritual meaning. This interactive lesson helps children ages 5-10 understand both the secular aspects of Easter (bunnies, eggs, and baskets) and the true Christian meaning of Jesus’ resurrection. Through hands-on activities, discussion, and crafts, children will discover why Easter is the most important celebration in the Christian calendar.
Materials Needed
– Plastic eggs
– Easter symbols (chocolate bunnies, crosses, empty tomb pictures, palm branches)
– Cards with Easter symbols and their meanings
– 12 plastic eggs for Resurrection Eggs activity
– Small items for Resurrection Eggs (listed in activity)
– Card stock cut in door hanger shape
– Art supplies (markers, crayons, stickers, glue, scissors)
– Children’s Bible or Easter story printout
Opening Activity: Easter Symbol Hunt (10 minutes)
1. Before children arrive, hide various Easter symbols around the room (plastic eggs, chocolate bunnies, crosses, empty tomb pictures, palm branches).
2. Divide children into small groups with an adult helper.
3. Have children find as many items as they can in 5 minutes.
4. Gather children back together and sort the found items into two groups: “Commercial Easter” and “Jesus’ Easter.”
Introduction Discussion (5 minutes)
Ask: “What are some things you think about when someone says ‘Easter’?”
Write responses on a board in two columns (without labeling the columns yet). After children share, explain how some items are part of the fun traditions of Easter, while others remind us of the true meaning.
Scripture & Story Time (10 minutes)
Read an age-appropriate version of the Easter story from Matthew 28:1-10 or use a children’s Bible.
Say: “Easter is the most important day in the Christian calendar. It’s when we celebrate that Jesus rose from the dead! This is why Easter is so special to Christians. Jesus died on the cross for our sins, but He didn’t stay dead – He came back to life! This shows God’s amazing love and power.”
Activity 1: Easter Symbol Matching Game (15 minutes)
Create cards with Easter symbols (both secular and religious) and their meanings. Have children match them.
Examples:
– Easter Egg → New life (can be connected to Jesus’ resurrection)
– Easter Bunny → Spring and new babies (remind children this is just for fun)
– Cross → Where Jesus died for us
– Empty Tomb → Jesus rose from the dead!
– Easter Basket → Gifts (can connect to God’s gift of salvation)
Activity 2: “Real Meaning” Resurrection Eggs (15 minutes)
Use a set of 12 plastic eggs, each containing an item representing part of the Easter story:
1. Small donkey toy (Jesus’ triumphal entry)
2. Silver coins (Judas’ betrayal)
3. Piece of bread (Last Supper)
4. Praying hands picture (Garden of Gethsemane)
5. Small rope (Jesus was bound)
6. Thorns or crown (Crown of thorns)
7. Nail (Crucifixion)
8. Dice (Soldiers gambled for Jesus’ clothes)
9. Sponge piece (Jesus was given vinegar)
10. Spices (Jesus’ body was prepared)
11. Stone (Tomb was sealed)
12. Empty! (The tomb was empty – He is risen!)
Have each child open an egg and explain what it means in the Easter story.
Discussion Time (10 minutes)
Sit in a circle and ask:
– “Why do you think we have Easter bunnies and eggs when Easter is really about Jesus?”
– “What parts of Easter do you enjoy the most?”
– “How can we remember Jesus while we’re having Easter egg hunts?”
– “How can we tell others about the real meaning of Easter?”
Craft: Two-Sided Easter Door Hanger (15 minutes)
Materials:
– Card stock cut in door hanger shape
– Markers, crayons, stickers
– Easter symbols (both commercial and religious)
– Glue, scissors
Instructions:
1. On one side, children decorate with fun Easter symbols (bunnies, eggs, baskets)
2. On the other side, they decorate with Christian Easter symbols (cross, empty tomb)
3. Write “Easter is fun, but Jesus is the reason!” along the edge
Closing Activity: Easter Joy Sharing (5 minutes)
Have each child share:
1. One fun Easter tradition they enjoy
2. One thing about Jesus’ resurrection that makes them happy
Take-Home Elements
– The door hanger they created
– A plastic egg with a small cross inside and note: “He is risen!”
– Simple family devotion sheet with Easter story and discussion questions
Conclusion
This lesson helps children understand that while Easter traditions like egg hunts are fun, the true meaning of Easter is celebrating Jesus’ resurrection. By engaging with both aspects of Easter, children can enjoy the seasonal traditions while keeping their focus on the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.