Let’s talk about celebrating Easter with small children

Celebrating Easter with Meaning and Joy

Easter is a time for reflection, gratitude, and renewed optimism. As mums, we have a wonderful opportunity to make this holiday both meaningful and educational for our children. In this blog post, we will explore practical tips and examples to help you celebrate Easter with your family, planting seeds of faith, wonder, and joy in your children's hearts.

Understanding and conveying the Easter story to children can be a joyous and enlightening experience. Explaining the Easter story to children isn't always straightforward and can pose challenges. To assist with this, I've compiled a list of suggested films and DVDs that can help children of all ages grasp the significance of Easter. see below

Here's a guide on how to communicate the Easter story to various age groups in a manner that's suitable for their understanding:

Babies and Toddlers

Even the littlest members of your family can begin to understand the joy of Easter. You can read picture books like "The Story of Easter" by Patricia A. Pingry, which uses age-appropriate language and illustrations to introduce the resurrection story.

 

Or, you might say something like:

"Easter is a special time when we remember how much Jesus loves us. Just like you are loved, Jesus loves all of us very much."

 

Preschoolers and Young Children

Preschoolers are curious and eager to learn. You can delve a bit deeper into the Easter story using interactive storybooks and videos designed for their age group such as, "The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name" by Sally Lloyd-Jones.

You may articulate the Easter story as:

"Easter is a time when we remember the story of Jesus' love and sacrifice for us. Jesus came to show us how to love God and each other. He was very brave and strong, even when it was hard."

 

For School-Aged Children

You may choose to say:

"Easter is when we remember the most important part of the Christian faith. Jesus died on the cross to take away our sins and rose again to give us new life. It's a time to reflect on His love, sacrifice, and the hope we have because of His resurrection."

For Teenagers

An explanation for this age group could be:

"Easter is a profound reminder of God's love and the lengths He went to reconcile us to Himself. Jesus' death and resurrection offer us forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life. It's a time to deepen our understanding of faith and reflect on the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice."

Or

"Easter is a special time in the Christian faith when we celebrate the incredible love and sacrifice of Jesus. He willingly gave His life on the cross to save us from our sins, and He rose again to give us new life and hope. It's a time to remember His love, share His story with others, and express our gratitude for the salvation He offers."

 

Engage your family in meaningful Easter projects and activities that not only create lasting memories but also sow seeds of faith in your children's hearts. see below

 

Gather the family for a special Easter devotional time and spark insightful conversations:

  1. Read the Easter story from the Bible (Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-18).

  2. Discuss the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection.

  3. Share what Easter means to each family member and how they have experienced God's love and grace in their lives.

  4. You can use study guides or devotionals to facilitate meaningful conversations.

Encourage open and honest conversations, allowing your children to ask questions and share their thoughts and feelings.

By weaving together age-appropriate explanations, films and dvd’s, engaging activities, and heartfelt discussions, you can create lasting memories and sow seeds of faith in your children.

Remember, the goal is not just to celebrate Easter but to help your children understand and embrace the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. May your Easter be a time of spiritual growth, family togetherness, and joyful celebration of our risen Saviour!

Happy Easter from our family to yours!

With love and laughter,

V.A.

image UNSPLASH - Sai-de-silva

Suggested Christian Films and DVDs to Help Children of All Ages Understand the Easter Story

Preschoolers and Young Children 

  1. "VeggieTales: An Easter Carol"

A light-hearted and engaging adaptation of the Easter story featuring the popular VeggieTales characters, suitable for school-aged children.

  1. "The Beginner's Bible: The Easter Story"

A simple and colourful animated film that tells the Easter story in a way that's easy for young children to grasp.

  1. "Resurrection Eggs: A Family Tradition"

This DVD includes a series of short animated stories that correspond to each of the Resurrection Eggs, helping children understand the events leading up to Easter.

  1. "The Jesus Storybook Bible Animated DVD: Volume 3"

This DVD includes animated stories from the Jesus Storybook Bible, including several that focus on the Easter story.

  1. "Hillsong Kids: Crazy Noise"

A lively musical DVD that includes songs and stories about Jesus, some of which relate to the Easter story.

  1. "God Rocks! BibleToons: The Ten Commandments/The Easter Story"

This DVD combines two episodes, one focusing on the Ten Commandments and the other on the Easter story, presented in a fun and engaging manner for children.

  1. "The Story Keepers: Trapped!"

A series set in ancient Rome, this episode follows a group of children who are trying to keep the stories of Jesus alive, including the Easter story.

  1. "Animated Stories from the New Testament: He is Risen"

An animated retelling of the resurrection of Jesus and the events leading up to it, designed to help children understand the significance of Easter.

  1. "Superbook: He Is Risen!"

The Superbook series offers an animated version of the Easter story, helping to bring the biblical account to life for young viewers.

  1. "The Donut Man: After School & The Easter Experience"

This DVD includes episodes from The Donut Man series, with one specifically focused on the Easter story presented in a way that's accessible for young children.

For School-Aged Children:

  1. "VeggieTales: 'Twas the Night Before Easter"

  1. "The Greatest Adventure Stories from the Bible: The Easter Story"

An animated retelling of the Easter story that is both educational and engaging for school-aged children.

  1. "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe"

While not strictly a Christian film, this adaptation includes allegorical elements that can help older children grasp the themes of sacrifice and redemption similar to the Easter story.

Also, (as per Preschoolers)

  1. "Resurrection Eggs: A Family Tradition"

  2. "The Jesus Storybook Bible Animated DVD: Volume 3"

  3. "God Rocks! BibleToons: The Ten Commandments/The Easter Story"

  4. "The Story Keepers: Trapped!"

  5. "Animated Stories from the New Testament: He is Risen"

  6. "Superbook: He Is Risen!"  

  7. "The Donut Man: After School & The Easter Experience”

For Teenagers:

  1. "The Passion of the Christ"

A powerful and intense film that portrays the events leading up to and including the crucifixion of Jesus, aimed at older audiences who can handle the graphic nature of the story.

  1. "Risen"

A compelling fictional film that tells the Easter story from the perspective of a Roman soldier investigating the resurrection of Jesus, making it relatable and thought-provoking for teenagers. It offers a fresh perspective on the Easter Story 

  1. "The Gospel of John"

This film offers a word-for-word adaptation of the Gospel of John, including the Easter story, providing a comprehensive and authentic portrayal of the biblical account.

  1. "Jesus Film Project: Magdalena: Released from Shame"

This film focuses on the life of Mary Magdalene and includes the Easter story, presenting it in a way that can resonate with teenagers and address contemporary issues.

  1. "The Miracle Maker"

A unique and artistic film that combines both claymation and traditional animation to tell the story of Jesus, including the events of Easter, in a way that resonates with teenagers.

  1. "Son of God"

A film that focuses on the life and ministry of Jesus, including the Easter story, providing a dramatic and emotionally engaging portrayal suitable for teenagers.

  1. "I Can Only Imagine"

While not exclusively about Easter, this film explores themes of faith and redemption, making it a relevant and inspiring choice for teenagers during the Easter season.

  1. "God's Not Dead 2"

This film addresses issues of faith and religious freedom, and while it's not strictly an Easter film, it can serve as a meaningful discussion starter for teenagers exploring their faith.

  1. "The Cross: The Arthur Blessitt Story"

A documentary-style film that tells the true story of Arthur Blessitt, who carried a cross around the world, connecting his journey with the themes of sacrifice and redemption central to the Easter story.