When I was in grade school my teacher assigned a Lent activity that involved illustrating a Lent hymn picked from the hymnal without adding the name of the song from which we drew inspiration. She then put them up on the bulletin board and throughout Lent the class tried to determine which hymn each picture represented. We quickly figured out not to pick a Palm Sunday hymn because they stood out from the rest like a sore thumb. They were so filled with joy that they could be guessed far too easily. Palm Sunday is a major high point right before the lowest point in Jesus’ life. How can we observe it this year?
Palm Sunday Ideas
First, try joining in the celebration! At my church, adults are invited to join the children in a palm procession down the aisle. Everyone enjoys it because it gives all ages a chance to act in the story. If this isn’t an option for you, wave your palm branch a little higher and sing a little louder. The crowd on the streets to Jerusalem was not holding back in its celebration! Second, save your palm and twist it into a cross to carry with you throughout the rest of the week to remind you of the events following Palm Sunday. Finally, come to church for the rest of the services leading to Easter! Easter’s joy is so much greater when we have descended into the depths of sorrow with Jesus on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
Resources and Lessons
If you need something new to boost your Palm Sunday lesson this year, try this Palm Sunday mini book. It works well in a Kindergarten or first grade classroom. The book will outline the main events of Palm Sunday to help even the youngest students understand the significance of the day. Be sure to add it to your Holy Week religion classes today!
If you are looking for more ready-to-use resources for your students, check them out in my store.
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