Energizer Bunny's Mommy Reports: What does Easter mean to your child? (Resurrection Eggs)

Apr 1, 2010

What does Easter mean to your child? (Resurrection Eggs)

Photo credit: Getty Images

Yes it's that time of year when companies, once again, have managed to commercialize the beauty and symbolism of a special event. Ask preschoolers what Easter is about and you will have a majority reply excitedly it's all about the Easter Bunny and Easter Eggs.....ooooooh Candy!! One little boy in my Preschooler's Bible Education Class last evening even said it's all about cracking eggs!

I decided I'd give my class of 12 kids last night an insight into what Easter is really all about and I sincerely hope when they're asked later, they'll be able to answer in confidence what they know now.

I did my lesson using 12 plastic colored eggs, 12 tiny teaching aids, the great article from the Easy Fun School site and a generous topping of prayer!

It was easy to follow the instructions. For your reference, I've copied Easy Fun School's article verbatim, to avoid missing out on any important elements........

First, purchase 12 plastic Easter eggs, the kind that you can open and fill. I recommend the size that can fit in a Styrofoam or cardboard egg carton. You can reuse one that you bring home eggs in from the grocery. This makes for easy storage so that you can use these many times without losing any of the bits and pieces.

If possible, try and have each of the 12 eggs a different color. This makes it easier as well. If having 12 different colors isn’t an option, use a permanent marker to write the number 1 through 12 on each egg and then put them in the egg carton.

Into each egg place the item and scripture reference written on a small piece of paper.

Egg #1:

Message -- Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. The people waved palm branches.
Passage -- Matthew 21:1-11
Item -- Piece of palm branch. Another option for those of you with extra leggo parts or plastic novelty beads would be to place a small plastic leaf in the egg

Egg #2:

Message -- Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus' feet.
Passage -- John 12:2-8
Item -- Small perfume sample or cloth with perfume or a piece of cotton with cologne on it

Egg #3:

Message -- Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples.
Passage -- Matthew 26:17-19
Item – a piece of Chex cereal; piece of fresh bread, or take clay and make a small bread-like shape

Egg #4:

Message -- Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.
Passage -- Matthew 27:3
Item -- 3 dimes or plastic “silver” money

Egg #5:

Message -- Jesus carried His own cross.
Passage -- John 19:17
Item – toothpicks or Popsicle stick cut and glued in a cross form; or, a small plastic cross from a Christmas ornament or necklace.

Egg #6:

Message -- Soldiers placed a crown of thorns on Jesus' head.
Passage -- John 19:2
Item -- Small thorny branch, or a large thorn all by itself.

Egg #7:

Message -- Soldiers parted Jesus' garments and cast lots for His coat.
Passage -- John 19:23
Item -- Swatch of burlap and a nail. I’ve also seen miniature dice used for this one.

Egg #8:

Message -- Jesus was nailed to a cross and pierced in His side.
Passage -- John 19:18,37 & John 20:25-29
Item -- A nail

Egg #9:

Message -- They gave Jesus vinegar mixed with gall on a sponge to drink.
Passage -- Matthew 27:34
Item -- A small sponge

Egg #10:

Message -- Spices to prepare Jesus for burial.
Passage -- John 19:40
Item -- 7 or 8 whole cloves, or other whole spices

Egg #11:

Message -- The stone covering Jesus' tomb was rolled away.
Passage -- John 20:1
Item -- A small rock

Egg #12:

Message -- The napkin around Jesus' head was lying separately from His linen clothes. He was not there. He has risen!
Passage -- John 20:6-7
Item -- A scrap of linen-type fabric

The only thing I did differently was leave the 12th egg empty to symbolize the empty tomb

My preschoolers class stayed focused and enrapt from start to finish. The excitement to see what was in each egg was fun and only mounted as I'd make them chant "Open the Egg" each time I'd finish telling them that specific story segment.

I also encouraged the little ones to hold, touch, smell and feel each of the little aids in the egg.

My favorite moment of the evening was definitely seeing the priceless expressions of surprise, awe and wonder cushioned in an atmosphere of silence when I opened the last egg and it was empty. Gave me goosebumps!

I encourage you to do this little activity with your children.
Not only is it easy, inexpensive and very 'preschooler-understandable' but I sincerely believe it will always remind our children of the actual joy Easter beholds.....and that, I believe, is so important.

Be blessed!

* Credit for the Resurrection Eggs Article goes to Easy Fun School. All details have been taken off their site and I'm so grateful that I found the link. Such a blessing! *

Labels: Christian, Easter, Mommy Tips, Reflections, Resurrection, Sunday School

3 Comments:

At April 1, 2010 at 2:02 PM , Ms. Anita said...: Thank you for sharing this, Marina! :)
At April 1, 2010 at 5:58 PM , Unknown said...: I can't wait until JDaniel is old enough for them.
At April 2, 2010 at 2:31 AM , EG said...: That was so special and I too had my hair rise when I read about the eggs and the climax to the Empty Tomb..I am very sure this has been a memorable lesson that your tiny tots in Church School wont forget ...

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Energizer Bunny's Mommy Reports

Apr 1, 2010

What does Easter mean to your child? (Resurrection Eggs)

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