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Age-Appropriate Scripture, Activities, and Simple Yet Meaningful Moments for Your Entire Family
The days between Palm Sunday and Easter are called Holy Week. For many in the Christian Faith, these days are reminders of the events that led up to the crucifixion and the miraculous resurrection of Jesus. This post is all about celebrating holy week with your grandkids.
It is a week to read scripture and participate in Holy Week activities that help us remember and apply what we learn.
This year I plan to send Bible verses each day to my grandkids. I’ll also have some simple Holy Week Activities ready to go if time and schedules allow. The activities will use mostly items already on hand.
Choose Your Form of Communication
I haven’t decided yet whether to send a Holy Week package or simply text the scripture passage each day for them to read as a family. My grandkids’ Spring Break will be this same week, so I’ll have to get together with their mom and figure out our plan, as this plan does rely on the support of the grownups in the house.
A Quick Note for Success
I’ve chosen very short scripture passages. You can use longer or shorter passages depending on your grandkids’ ages.
It is not necessary to do each day individually. The bigger point is to help grandkids understand the events that led up to our Easter celebration.
7-Day Guide to Celebrating Holy Week With Your Grandkids
Day 1 – Palm Sunday
This is the day Jesus is celebrated as King. People of all ages were excited about Jesus. *They laid down their cloaks and waved palm branches while shouting Hosanna!
Scripture: Luke 19:28-38
Activity: Send green streamers. Encourage them to wave pieces of the streamer and have a dance party to an applicable Easter Song. This would also be a great virtual connection if you are a long-distance grandparent!
*Easter Story Cards/Puppets are great for preschoolers and can assist you with telling the story.
Day 2 – Monday
Jesus Cleanses the Temple. Jesus was upset when he saw how people were treating the temple. It was supposed to be a place people prayed, but they had turned it into a crazy store instead.
Scripture: Luke 19:45-48
Activity: Encourage block play to build a temple. Thank Jesus in prayer for the opportunity to attend church and learn about how He wants us to live.
Day 3 – Tuesday
Jesus Teaches at the temple. The temple leaders challenged Jesus. They put Jesus to the test, literally. They did not like what he was teaching.
Scripture: Luke 20:1-2.
Activity: Google ‘Jesus teaching’ for a great selection of coloring pages for this day. If you know you will be connecting virtually, print one for yourself too! Talk about how we can learn what Jesus wants us to do.
Day 4 – Wednesday
Judas agrees to betray Jesus for 30 coins. This is a sad day. It would be sad to know that one of your friends wanted to hurt you.
Scripture: Luke 22:4-6
Activity: Count out 30 some type of coin, or small object. Possibly send a small cloth sack of fake coins. Share about your good friends and thank Jesus for them!
Day 5 – Thursday
Jesus washes the disciple’s feet and celebrates communion. Jesus showed all of his followers that he was a servant.
Scripture: John 13: 4-5
*Scripture: Matthew 26:26-28
*Okay – my grandkids are little. At their age and their literal interpretation of everything. I may leave out the words ‘This is my body.” and “This is my blood.”. Check in with the grownups on this one.
Activity: They can always wash each other’s feet. Alternatively, make a list of how you could serve people around you.
Activity: Enjoy a special snack together. Make it your ‘think about Jesus’ snack. It might be fishy crackers and juice, or it might be a cracker and water. Talk about the meal they shared together, and how they would always remember Jesus when they ate those things.
Day 6 – Good Friday
Jesus is crucified. This is a super sad day. Jesus was dying on the cross for the sins of everyone in the world.
Scripture: Luke 22:45-48
Activity: Glue two craft sticks together in the shape of a cross. (Or you can mail a cross already formed). Grandkids can color it, write on it, or decorate it however they want. It can be a reminder of how much Jesus loves us!
Day 7 – Saturday
Jesus in the tomb. Another sad day. Many people have lost hope by this day. Jesus had been placed in a tomb that was sealed with a huge rock, and there were even soldiers there guarding the tomb! But don’t give up hope yet, because nothing is impossible with God!
Activity: Use building materials – legos or blocks or blankets and chairs, to create the tomb that Jesus was placed in. Then declare “Nothing is impossible with God!” (Save the tomb for tomorrow if that works for you.)
Day 8 – Easter Sunday
Easter! He has Risen! Jesus is no longer dead! He rose from the dead and appeared to Mary. He lives forever in heaven, and wants to be our friend forever!
Scripture: Luke 24:1-8
Activity: Use or recreate the tomb made the previous day, and take turns looking inside and declaring “He is not here! He is risen!”
Have a wonderful day celebrating the miraculous story of Easter!
READ: 9 Genius Easter Gifts for Grandchildren Their Parents Will Love Too