Easter Homeschool Activities - A Week

Last year we picked up the book A Christ-Centered Easter by Joe and Janet Hales. It is full of stories and many more activities and can be purchased here http://deseretbook.com/store/product/4253892
Here are the activities from the book we are doing this week.

Day 1
Palm Sunday -
Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-36

Discuss the word Hosanna. Discuss what our family would do if Jesus came today.
Make palm branches out of cardboard (spine) and green construction paper (leaves) or pick up palms if you have a palm tree handy. Act out Triumphal Entry Play.

Triumphal Entry Play -
Disciples are sent in search of a donkey (Mark 11:1-3)
Disciples find donkey and owner (Mark 11:4)
Owner questions intentions (Mark 11:5-6)
Clothing draped on colt, Jesus sits and rides into Jerusalem (Mark 11:7)
Disciples wave palms and shout Hosanna (Mark 11:8-10)

Day 2
Monday - Cleansing the temple
Mathew 21:12-18; Mark 11:12-19; Luke 19:45-48

Discuss how our homes can be a temple. Choose one way to purify it this week.
Practice pronouncing Messiah, Atonement, Crucifixion, and Resurrection. Make sure we know the meanings of each word.

Day 3
Tuesday - Parables and Teachings
(Reading over the next two days)
Parable of the ten virgins - Matthew 25:1-13
Parable of the Entrusted Talents - Matthew 25:14-30

Discuss the definition of the word parable and why Jesus would use stories to teach.

Make oil lamps. (Our own version of the one found in the book) Mold sculpy clay into shallow bowl with flat bottom. Coil a thin "snake" of clay around itself several times to form the bowl shape and smooth. Pinch one side to form a spout. Bake or air dry.

Tell the story of the Entrusted Talents. Talk about our own talents and how we can increase them.

Day 4
Wednesday - Rest in Bethany
No events are recorded for this day. It is assumed he spent the day in Bethany.

Take the lamps made yesterday and put in a candle. Act out the parable of the ten virgins with our 'lamps'

Day 5
Thursday - The Last Supper and Prayer in Gethsemane
Matthew 26:17-75; Mark 14:12-27; Luke 22:7-65; John 13:1-18 and John 18:27

Discuss Jewish traditions before passover. (Matthew 26:17-19) Clean the house in preparation for passover. Prepare a meal with food common in Jesus' day. Before the meal play or sing a chosen atonement song. During dinner discuss the significance of the prayer in Gethsemane.

Last Supper Ideas
fish, yogurt, flatbread, lamb, lentil soup, pilaf, figs, dates, cheese


Day 6
Friday - Trial and Crucifixion
Matthew 27:1-61; Mark 15:1-47; Luke 22:66 and 23:56; John 18:28 and 19:42

Talk about whether Jesus understood what he was required to do. What did Jesus mean by, "Not as I will but as thou wilt?"
Compare and contrast events after the Crucifixion in the old and new world. (Luke 23:44-47; Nephi 8:5-23 (Book of Mormon)) Turn out all lights in the evening for a time to signify the three hours of darkness.

Day 7
Saturday - The Jewish Sabbath
Matthew 27:62-66; Luke 23:56

Prepare rolls for Easter Breakfast Rolls and discuss Sabbath Observance today with the Jewish observance. Discuss ways we can make our sabbath more reverent.

1 package frozen bread rolls 1 bag large marshmallows
6 Tablespoons sugar 1/4 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Combine sugar and cinnamon. Divide dough into roll portions and press into circle. Place marshmallow in center. Pinch dough around marshmallow. Brush with butter. Sprinkle with sugar. Cover and put in fridge. On Sunday morning bake at 350 degrees for 15 min. or so. Just like the tomb the rolls will be empty.

Sabbath Observances -
Prepare for sabbath by taking baths, cleaning house, dressing in best clothing. Friday evening they light the holy lamps, prayers, unleavened bread to represent manna. No lighting fires, working, walking too far etc. on the sabbath.

Day 8 Easter Sunday
Do Easter Egg activity hidden along with regular Easter Eggs. These are hollow, are numbered 1-12 and are called Resurrection Eggs. They can be found at this link
http://rainbowcastle.org/resurrectioneggs.html
or this one

http://www.mormonshare.com/sites/default/files/The%20Easter%20Story_ResurrectionEggs.pdf