Springtime is a time of renewal - of making old things new again. Many religious traditions celebrate holidays about renewal at this time of year. One of the biggest spring celebrations is Easter. Easter comes from the Christian religion, and celebrates the renewal Jesus experienced himself and taught about. Jesus was a wise teacher who shows us that all of us can renew our lives all the time, which lets us grow more and more magnificent (or awesome!). See Entire Lesson Here
 The Parable of the Seed Growing Secretly - Mark 4: 26-28 Craft: Planting Seed in Cup Symbolism of Craft: Planting bean seeds is an activity that is appropriate for children of all ages. Younger children will enjoy putting their hands in the dirt and watching the seedlings sprout and grow, while older children are able to understand how the sprouted seed is an expression of potential. Bean seeds are the best choice for children because they sprout quickly and easily, are simple to care for and are relatively inexpensive. Materials: Soil Beans Water Cup Instructions: Fill the cup halfway with soil. Place 1 to 3 beans in soil. Tip: To speed germination, you can first soak the beans in water overnight. Add more soil into the cup to cover the bean (this final layer should be about 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep). Water the soil well. Leave the plant in a warm, sunny spot to sprout. Water as necessary to keep the soil about as wet as a damp sponge.  The Story of the Butterfly Craft: Butterfly Mask Symbolism of Craft: Butterfly masks are a great way for children to get creative and then engage in some play with their new masks. Attach a chopstick (or other sturdy stick) to one side to create a masquerade-ball style mask. Materials: 1 x butterfly mask template scissors colored pencils or markers glue 1 x wooden chopstick masking tape Optional extras: glitter glue, feathers, ribbons, anything you want! Instructions: Print out the butterfly mask template on sturdy paper and cut it out. Draw shapes and patterns, color it in or decorate it with sequins or glitter glue if you have them. Attach the wooden chopstick to one side of the mask (on the blank side of the mask) with the masking tape. |  The Story of Holy Week Craft: Easter Egg Baskets Symbolism of Craft: Eggs are a big part of many Easter celebrations and this craft enables children to create a polka dot cup Easter basket with eggs. Materials: Hole punch Pipe cleaners (any color) Paper shred or Easter grass Polka dot or Easter Theme Paper cups Colored gum balls or jelly beans Instructions: Punch two holes in the paper cup, across from each other (this is for your handle). Thread your pipe cleaner handle through the holes. Twirl the ends of your pipe cleaner so the ends will not slide back through the holes. Fill your cup with Easter grass or paper shred. Top with gum balls or your favorite wrapped Easter candy. Give to a friend!  The Butterfly Flaps Its Wings Craft: Hands of Friendship Symbolism of Craft: We are interconnected and all part of the whole. These colorful hands will help your children identify with their classmates and their special circle. Materials: Colored construction paper Scissors Markers or Crayons Instructions: Place children in groups to best match the size of your class. They can trace each others hands on colored construction paper and cut them out to make the Hands of Friendship as shown in the photograph. Cut out four hands for each child so they each have one to bring home. The children can also print their names on the hands |