Palm Sunday is the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey while crowds waved palm branches and praised Him as King. It’s an exciting Bible story that helps kids understand who Jesus is and why people celebrated Him. There are many engaging Palm Sunday ideas for kids, including crafts, hands-on activities, YouTube videos, and printable lesson plans to help children learn and remember this important moment in the Bible.

when is Palm sunday?

Palm Sunday is the final Sunday of Lent, and the week before Easter Sunday. So, to figure out which day Palm Sunday falls on, first determine when Easter is (this changes from year to year), and then subtract 7 days.

What does Palm Sunday celebrate?

Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Week. This is the week leading up to Good Friday and Easter Sunday, when Jesus died and rose again. Palm Sunday is a day to celebrate Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, when the crowds praised and honoured Jesus. It also reminds us of what Jesus endured on the cross a week later.

Why is Palm Sunday so important?

The Old Testament is filled with hundreds of prophecies about the coming Messiah, and Jesus fulfilled every one of the prophecies. The Old Testament is building towards Palm Sunday and Holy Week, when God’s great rescue plan for humanity would unfold. 

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem, He knew that crucifixion awaited Him at the end of the week, yet He chose to enter Jerusalem because He loves us.

Palm Sunday is a day to remember Jesus’ great love for us. It’s a great chance to show gratitude and love to Him, and to check our heart posture, ensuring we are in line with Jesus.

If you’re looking for a simple way to explain the importance of Palm Sunday to kids, check out the script provided in Palm Sunday for Little Learners or Palm Sunday for Older Kids.

Palm Sunday Bible Lessons for Kids

Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to teach about Palm Sunday? Check out our scripted lesson plans, activities, and printable crafts. Perfect for kids aged 3 to 8.

(Click HERE for the preschool/kindergarten version!)

Click here for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade version

ACTIVITIES FOR PALM SUNDAY

Bigger kids will play a relay-style sorting game that looks at the kind of king Jesus is.

Activities are a fabulous way to help kids engage with a topic, and when it comes time to tell parents what they learned, they will likely have an easier time recalling the activity than a verbal lesson. 

In Palm Sunday for Older Kids, you’ll find a card-sorting activity where kids sort cards in small groups under two titles: “The King People Expected” and “The King Who Arrived (Jesus)”. This activity can easily be turned into a relay by having kids take turns bringing the cards across the room to stick them under the two titles. Once this activity is complete, kids will be able to clearly see that Jesus was not who people expected, but He is EXACTLY the king we need.

Younger Kids will enjoy acting out three parts of the story with actions, as outlined in Palm Sunday for Little Learners: 

• Pretending to be the donkey that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Be sure to remind kids that donkeys move slowly and have them say “clip-clop” as they move around the room.

• When you shout, “Hosanna!” kids will stop and wave their arms like palm branches. 

• When you say, “The King is here!” they will stop and bow their heads

Palm Sunday Craft - A Donkey that Carried the King

Making a simple donkey craft is a great way for younger kids to engage with the Palm Sunday story in a hands-on way. A template for this craft can be found in Palm Sunday for Little Learners. Kids will color the pieces and assemble them to create their own donkey, helping them picture the moment when Jesus rode into Jerusalem while people welcomed Him with palm branches.

As they work, remind them that Jesus chose to ride a donkey because He is a gentle and humble King. This simple craft helps children remember that Jesus is our King and He came to save us.

Palm Sunday Playing Card Craft

These playing cards are a great way to visualize key details from the story.

These Palm Sunday Playing Cards from Palm Sunday for Older Kids make a fun, hands-on craft that also helps kids review the story. Give each child a set of the printable cards and have them color the illustrations before carefully cutting them out. Each card has a front and a matching back that should be glued together to create a sturdy playing card.

As kids work, they’ll see different moments from the Palm Sunday story and can talk about what is happening in each scene. This is a great opportunity to remind them that the crowds welcomed Jesus as King, and to help them think about how this moment shows that Jesus is the promised King God had been preparing His people for.

Palm Sunday Worship Songs

Palm Sunday is a beautiful time to worship Jesus and praise Him for what He chose to do. He chose to enter Jerusalem, knowing that crucifixion was waiting for Him at the end of the week. There are many songs that focus on the word “Hosanna!” Take time to worship with your children. Here are some song suggestions:

• Hosanna Rock by Yancy and Little Praise Party

• Hosanna by Hillsong Worship

• Hosanna (Praise is Rising) by Shout Praises Kids

• To God Be the Glory by LifeTree Kids

More activities and ideas for Palm Sunday

• Felt Palm Branches: Create simple felt palm branches for reenacting the story of Palm Sunday using these instructions from Toddler at Play.

• Waving Palm Branches: Use green tissue paper or green streamers as palm branches and have kids wave these as they sing worship songs.

• Accordion-Folded Palm Branches: Follow these instructions from Faith-Filled Fun for accordion-folded palm branches.

Looking for More Easter Lessons?

This lesson is part of a two-lesson series, Palm Sunday and Easter. Kids will explore both Jesus’ triumphal entry on Palm Sunday and the significance of the cross and the empty tomb on Easter. These lessons help kids see how Jesus fulfilled God’s promises and why His resurrection gives us hope.

Teaching kids about the story of Easter in the Bible is a wonderful way to help them understand the true meaning of the holiday. Whether you're a parent, Sunday school teacher, or teach at a faith-based school, finding creative and engaging ways to share the story of Jesus’ last days, arrest, and resurrection can make a lasting impact. From hands-on crafts and activities to kid-friendly videos, there are many ways to bring the Easter message to life for children.

What is easter about in the bible?

While bunnies, egg hunts, and baby chicks get most of the commercial time around Easter, the real reason for Easter is Jesus. Easter is a time to remember Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Jesus died but rose again after three days! We remember the day Jesus died on Good Friday and celebrate his resurrection on Easter Monday.

Four print-and-go lessons that make it easy to teach the Easter story

Don’t miss these scripted lessons, printable crafts, and take-home coloring pages, which make it easy to teach Easter stories to children in preschool through third grade.

(Find the Preschool/Kindergarten Bundle HERE)

Find the 1st, 2nd, 3rd grade version here

Palm Sunday - Jesus rides into jerusalem

Palm Sunday is celebrated/observed on the Sunday before Jesus died.

On this day, Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem on a borrowed donkey. The story reminds us that Jesus is King, and deserves to be celebrated as such.

There are many ways to bring this story to life, including recreating the story by having kids wave branches and praise Jesus and laying out a real path of palm branches or local foliage.

For more ideas, including simple printable crafts, check out Palm Sunday Bible Lessons for Kids. 

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The Last Supper

Jesus and his disciples gathered to celebrate the Passover meal, the last meal Jesus shared with his disciples before his arrest.

It was at this meal that Jesus started the tradition of communion, a time to pause and remember His sacrifice. Many churches observe communion in different ways, and learning about The Last Supper is a great chance to lead a discussion on how you celebrate communion.

While learning about The Last Supper, try sharing a meal with your kids, baking unleavened bread like what is eaten at Passover, and writing thank-you letters to Jesus. For more details on these ideas, as well as ideas for simple crafts and lesson plans, check out The Last Supper Bible Lessons for Kids blog.

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Good Friday - jesus is arrested

After sharing the Passover meal with his disciples, Jesus prayed to the Garden of Gethsemane. While there, he was arrested and later crucified.

This event is usually remembered on Good Friday.

This story teaches about Jesus’ great sacrifice and incredible love for humanity. For craft and activity ideas, printable lesson plans, and kid-friendly videos, check out Jesus’ Arrest Bible Lessons for Kids.

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easter sunday - Jesus is Risen!

Three days after he was crucified, Jesus rose from the dead! He appeared to many of his disciples, and they rejoiced. We also rejoice and remember that death did not have the final word.

We celebrate this event on Easter Sunday.

Take time to celebrate with your kids: worship and dance, make Resurrection Buns, and do crafts to retell the story. Check out the Jesus is Risen Bible Lessons for Kids blog for more ideas, including a simple printable empty tomb craft.

Despite the emphasis many put on Easter bunnies and egg hunts, let us not forget that Jesus should be the central focus of Easter. Teach your kids this story; they will remember it forever. So many great activities can make the Easter story engaging for preschool and elementary-aged kids.

He is Risen! Teaching kids about Jesus’ resurrection is a powerful way to help them understand the true meaning of Easter Sunday in the Bible. Using engaging videos, hands-on activities, creative crafts, and printable lesson plans can make this important story come to life easily for children to grasp. Whether you're a parent, Sunday school teacher, or work in a faith-based school, these kid-friendly resources will help you share the message of Jesus' victory over death in a fun and meaningful way. In this blog, you'll find exciting lessons for Easter Sunday that capture kids' attention and deepen their faith.

what is the easter story in the bible?

Jesus was crucified and laid in a tomb. Three days later, some women (including Mary Magdelene) went to the tomb with spices they had prepared. When they arrived, they found the stone had been rolled away. An angel appeared to them and told them Jesus was alive! Jesus appeared to the women, his disciples, and many others in the days following his resurrection, proving his victory over death and sin!

Easter Bible Lessons for Kids

Are you looking for a simple way to teach the Easter story to kids? Our printable crafts, discussion questions, and scripted lessons are perfect for kids aged 3 to 8.

(Click HERE for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade version)

click here for the preschool/kindergarten version

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS

The religious leaders asked for guards to be stationed at the tomb because they didn’t want anyone to steal the body of Jesus. They remembered Jesus had said He would be risen after three days. They didn’t believe Jesus, but they thought the disciples might come to steal the body and trick people.

It’s very special that Jesus appeared to women first. In Bible times, women were viewed as less important than men. But Jesus went against what society said and did things God’s way – showing love to everyone! 

easter sunday craft for preschool - the empty tomb

Making a craft with moving pieces brings joy to preschoolers. Using a simple paper fastener can help facilitate kids’ imagination when they learn about the empty tomb. Complete a simple printable craft of Jesus’ tomb and attach the large stone piece to the front of the tomb. You can find template pieces in Jesus is Risen for Preschool. Kids will enjoy swinging the stone back and forth to see that the tomb is empty. Jesus is alive!

Easter Sunday craft for big kids - ‘he is risen’ paper scene

Older kids will enjoy the challenge of layering different shapes and pieces together to create an empty tomb scene. Have kids trace their hands on yellow paper. This will be the sunrise! Then, use the template pieces provided in Jesus is Risen for Older Kids and have kids layer and glue them together.

When you’re done, add the square piece that reads “Jesus is Alive” to help kids remember the story's big idea.

OTHER IDEAS for Easter Sunday

• Rock Painting: Gather rocks of various sizes, clean them off, and have kids paint the rocks. They might want to add an image of the cross or a memory verse. The rock will serve as a reminder that the stone was rolled away and the tomb was empty. 

• Resurrection Buns: These delicious treats are fun to make and teach a powerful lesson that the tomb is empty. Make bread bun dough, and put a large marshmallow inside. As the dough cooks, the marshmallow will melt into the dough. When kids break open the buns, an empty cavity will be inside. Kids are amazed that the marshmallow disappears, and this is a great reminder that Jesus is no longer in the tomb. Many recipes are online, but here’s one suggestion from Oh Sweet Basil.

• Resurrection Eggs - Resurrection Eggs by Family Life are a simple yet powerful way to retell the story of Jesus' death and resurrection. There are twelve eggs, each containing an object representing a part of the story. A little story goes along with each egg. Kids love opening the eggs and hearing the corresponding parts of the story. This resource is great for years to come and could become a fun new Easter tradition.

• Roll the Stone Relay: Use big exercise balls and have kids do a simple relay of rolling the ball back and forth or around the room. In this relay, they pretend to move the stone away from the tomb. 

• Throw a Party: Have balloons, music, and snacks! Celebrate together that Jesus is alive! Here are some song suggestions for your party: 

  • Jesus is Alive by LifeTree Kids

  • He’s Alive, He’s Alive! By Yancy & Little Praise Party

  • Jesus is Alive (Freeze Dance) by KidSpring

YouTube videos about the easter story 

Many YouTube videos about Easter include the crucifixion as well as the resurrection. The crucifixion can be an upsetting part of the story for kids, so (as always) preview all videos you intend to show your kids. Here are some suggestions for videos:

• The Story of Jesus’ Resurrection by Minno Bible Stories for Kids

• God’s Story: Jesus is Alive by Crossroads Kids’ Club

• God’s Story: Easter by Crossroads Kids’ Club

• The Story of Easter by the Beginner’s Bible is a more extended episode that covers the entire Easter story.

• Jesus Forgives Peter by Saddleback Kids - This video gives a good overview of the events surrounding Peter’s denial of Jesus and how Jesus forgives him.

LOOKING FOR MORE BIBLE LESSONS ABOUT EASTER?

Continue your learning with more Easter Bible lessons. This lesson is part of a series exploring the Easter story in the Bible. The other lessons in the series are The Triumphal Entry (Palm Sunday), The Last Supper, and Jesus is Arrested (Good Friday).

From printable crafts to hands-on projects, these activities bring the Easter message to life, making it both memorable and faith-filled for children.

Teaching kids about the true meaning of Good Friday, when Jesus was arrested, can be engaging and meaningful with the right activities. Whether you're a Sunday school teacher, homeschool parent, or work in a faith-based school, using crafts, games, kid-friendly videos, and printable lesson plans can help bring this Easter-season story to life. In this blog, we’ll explore creative and age-appropriate ways to help children understand Jesus' arrest, its significance, and how it fits into the larger story of His love and sacrifice. Keep reading for fun and faith-filled teaching ideas!

where is the story of Jesus’ arrest found in the Bible?

The story of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion is told in all four gospels: Matthew 26:36- 27, Mark 14:32- 15, Luke 22:39- 23, and Mark 18-19.

Jesus went to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. Judas Iscariot led the religious leaders to Jesus, and they arrested him. Jesus was brought before the Sanhedrin and then Pontius Pilate.

Jesus suffered greatly. He was beaten, mocked, and given a crown of thorns. He was made to carry his cross. They nailed him to the cross between two criminals, with a sign over his head saying “King of the Jews.”

When Jesus died, the veil in the temple tore in two, and the earth shook. 

One of Jesus’ followers, named Joseph of Arimathea, took Jesus’ body and laid it in the tomb. The tomb was sealed with a large stone, and Roman soldiers were stationed out front.

But this was not the end of the story…

Jesus is Arrested and Crucified Bible Lessons for Kids

Are you looking for a simple, meaningful way to teach the Easter story? Our printable crafts, discussion questions, and scripted lessons are perfect for kids aged 3 to 8.

(Click HERE for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd grade version)

Click Here for the preschool/kindergarten version

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT JESUS’ ARREST

The crucifixion was a terrible way to die, and there are many graphic details you could go into while describing Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. However, remember that this story's central message is that Jesus died for us because He loves us and Jesus is the Son of God. I try not to focus on the gruesome details that might instill fear and take away from the story. Children will learn more about the arrest and crucifixion when it is appropriate. 

Emphasize to kids that this is not the end of the story. A great miracle is yet to come, and Jesus will not stay dead! This is important, especially if kids have until the following week to hear the rest of the story. We want kids to remember that Jesus died because He loves them. But He did NOT stay dead! 

THREE CROSSES easter CRAFT FOR PRESCHOOLERS

The imagery of the three crosses is a big part of this story and a beautiful reminder of what Jesus did for us. In this hands-on craft, kids will create the three crosses scene. This can be done in a couple of ways.

Craft Option 1: Play Dough and Paper Plates

In this hands-on three-crosses craft, you will make the scene using popsicle sticks, play dough, and paper plates. First, create the crosses ahead of time by hot-gluing popsicle sticks together in the shape of a cross. Then, use playdough or clay to make the hill and stick the crosses into the hill. With any remaining time, you can color the crosses or the paper plate.

Craft Option 2: Printable Scene

Create the scene of the three crosses using printable pieces. The background scene (in color or line art) is available in the lesson plan ‘Jesus is Arrested’ for Preschoolers. 

THREE CROSSES easter CRAFT FOR OLDER KIDS

Painting a sunset background using watercolor paints.

Show older kids pictures of sunsets and help them notice that sunsets aren’t a single color. Discuss what they see. Where are the darkest colors in the sunset? Where are the lightest colors in the sunset? Print off a picture or two of a sunset to keep available as kids complete the art project.

• Then, give the kids time to create a sunset using watercolor paints. This is best done on a piece of thicker paper, like cardstock.

While the paint is drying, create three crosses out of black cardstock paper. I cut the paper into thin strips and gave the kids glue to create the cross shape. Then, glue the crosses onto the watercolor sunset.

EASTER EGG CRAFT FOR OLDER KIDS

The Easter Story printable basket craft.

Easter eggs are another popular symbol of Easter. So why not have kids create Easter eggs to help them retell the story of Jesus’ Arrest? Using the template pieces provided in Jesus is Arrested and Crucified for Older Kids, have kids assemble a basket and eggs with pictures of the story on them. Kids can pull the eggs out of the basket and explain each part of the story!

WORSHIP AND PLAY

‘Color and Worship’ coloring pages.

Sometimes, it's easier for kids to worship and sing if their hands have something simple to do. Give kids coloring or a small sensory toy like play dough or rice. You can also set out a simple coloring worksheet. Play worship music that connects to the theme as they play or color. Some song suggestions are:

• He’s Alive! by Yancy & Little Praise Party

• What a Beautiful Name by Hillsong Worship

• Reckless Love by Cory Asbury

• King of Kings by Brooke Fraser

• Jesus Paid it All by Gateway Worship

MORE ACTIVITIES TO TEACH ABOUT JESUS' ARREST 

• Nail in the Cross Station: This activity, often done with teenagers or adults, helps kids visualize that Jesus took our sins to the cross. Have kids draw or write down a sin. It could be something they have done or something more generic from a class discussion. Then, have kids either nail this piece of paper to a wooden cross or lay it in a basket at the foot of a cross. Then, lead the kids in a prayer, thanking Jesus for dying for us. 

• Garden Prayer: Before his arrest, Jesus went to the garden to pray. Walk through a garden with your kids and pray, thanking Jesus for his sacrifice. If you can't go outside, create a pretend garden inside with plants, pictures, or images on a TV. 

• The Story of Easter Symbol Hunt: This story involves many symbols, including a crown of thorns, a purple robe, a cross, a tomb, dice, coins, and nails. Print out pictures of these items and hide them around the room. Then, give kids different Bible references; they will find the image that matches the reference. For example, you could give kids the verse Mark 15:17, and they would have to find the purple robe and the crown of thorns to match the verse. 

YOUTUBE VIDEOS for good Friday

As mentioned earlier, this story can be upsetting for some kids, especially when an emphasis is placed on Jesus' suffering. When choosing videos to watch, be mindful of your kids and pre-watch them to ensure they are age-appropriate. Most video suggestions below also show the resurrection:

• The Story of Jesus’ Death by Minno Bible Stories for Kids

• Why did Jesus Die? By Minno Bible Stories for Kids

• Jesus Prays in Gethsemane by Saddleback Kids

• The Gospel Project for Kids: Easter

• God’s Story: Easter by Crossroad Kids

LOOKING FOR MORE BIBLE LESSONS ABOUT EASTER?

Continue your learning with more Easter Bible lessons. This lesson is part of a set of four lessons that explore the Easter story in the Bible. The other lessons in the series are The Last Supper, Jesus is Arrested (Good Friday), and Jesus is Risen (Easter Sunday).

The story of Good Friday, Jesus’ Arrest and Crucifixion, is a perfect reminder of Jesus' love and sacrifice. Whether through crafts, activities, worship, or discussion, there are many ways to help this story make a lasting impact on kids.

Teaching kids in preschool and beyond about The Last Supper can be both meaningful and fun! These crafts, activities, kid-friendly videos, and printable lesson plans will help children understand this important Bible story. Whether you’re a Sunday School teacher, homeschooling parent, or work in a faith-based school, you can bring the story of Jesus’ final meal with His disciples to life in a way kids can grasp and remember.

THE bible STORY of the last supper

The story of the Last Supper is told in all four gospels: Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-38, and John 13:1-30. (John’s telling focuses on Jesus washing his disciples’ feet.)

Jesus and his disciples went to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. Jesus told them that one of them would betray him. He was referring to Judah Iscariot, but the disciples didn’t understand what he meant.

During the meal, Jesus broke bread, telling them that the bread represented his broken body. Jesus also drank wine, saying that the wine represented his blood. After sharing the meal, they sang a hymn.

Paul’s teaching on communion found in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 also goes well with the story of the Last Supper.

The Last Supper Bible Lessons for Kids

Are you looking for a simple way to teach about communion and the Last Supper? Our printable crafts, discussion questions, and scripted lessons are perfect for children aged 3 to 8.

(Click HERE for the Preschool/Kindergarten version!)

Click here for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade version

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE LAST SUPPER

The Passover is a special meal to remember how God saved the people from slavery in Egypt; this story can be found in Exodus. Jews still celebrate Passover today.

The Israelites celebrated Passover every year with specific foods and a strict schedule. For example, they ate unleavened bread (bread made without yeast) to remember that they left Egypt so quickly that there wasn’t time for the bread to rise.

When Jesus told the disciples that the bread represented his body and the wine represented his blood, he gave these elements a new purpose. Jesus was the new Perfect Lamb, and the bread and wine would remind God’s people of his sacrifice.

COMMUNION PLACEMAT FOR KIDS

Although Jesus led the first communion with bread and wine, we can choose to remember Jesus at every meal.

Kids will love a simple craft where they create a communion placement that they can bring home to help them explain what they learned to their parents. This placemat can sit on the table and help kids remember Jesus whenever they gather to eat. For a placemat template, check out The Last Supper for Older Kids.

As kids color, talk to them about how every meal can be a time to remember Jesus and his sacrifice. It doesn’t just need to be during Communion time at church.

COMMUNION IN MY CHURCH

What does communion look like at your church? When do you have it? Who partakes? Which elements are served?

Communion can be observed in various ways in different churches. Use the provided graphic organizer to discuss what communion looks like in your church. 

Use the graphic organizer in The Last Supper for Older Kids to help guide this conversation. It’s also a great chance to compare and contrast how other local churches might observe communion.

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FILLING THE TABLE CRAFT FOR PRESCHOOL

Younger kids will enjoy a simple cut-and-glue craft. Gather family-friendly magazines and cut out pictures of food. Use the template provided in The Last Supper for Preschool. Then, let the kids fill out their table templates with images of their favorite foods!  

Cooking magazines are great resources to get the images for this craft!

OTHER ACTIVITIES TO TEACH ABOUT THE LAST SUPPER

• Share a Meal - Share a meal while sitting around a table. You could prepare items similar to those served at Passover, like unleavened bread and charoset, or keep it simple and bring in snacks like fishy crackers, fruit, and chips. Regardless of what is served, kids will remember the experience of sharing a meal.

• Playdough Meal - If sharing an authentic meal isn’t an option in your context, give kids playdough and have them make pretend food to share.

• Foot Washing: Use small basins, water, and towels, and have kids wash each other’s feet (or their own feet if the idea of washing someone else’s feet makes them feel awkward). Jesus washed his disciples' feet at the Last Supper. Why not recreate this moment of humility with your students? 

• Bake Bread—If you are able, bake unleavened bread with your students. Find a simple recipe and follow the steps with your kids. Here are a few suggestions: Unleavened Bread by All Recipes or Unleavened Bread by Oh Sweet Basil. 

• “Thank You, Jesus” Letter—Communion is a beautiful time to remember what Jesus did for us and to thank him for his sacrifice. Have kids write a letter thanking Jesus and sharing anything else they want to pray about. 

YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT THE LAST SUPPER 

Watching YouTube clips can be a great way to help our visual learners glean more from the lesson. But be sure to pre-watch any videos you plan on showing to ensure they are age-appropriate and match the content you want to teach. Here are some suggestions: 

• The Last Supper by Saddleback Kids

• The Story of the Last Supper by Minno—Bible Stories for Kids:  This video details Passover and how Jesus and his disciples came to Jerusalem to celebrate it. 

• God’s Story: The Last Supper by Crossroad Kids

• What is Communion? by Kids on the Move: This video explains what communion bread and wine represent and how communion is an integral part of remembering Jesus. 

LOOKING FOR MORE BIBLE LESSONS ABOUT EASTER?

Continue your learning with more Easter Bible lessons. This lesson is part of a set of four lessons that explore the Easter story in the Bible. The other lessons in the series are The Last Supper, Jesus is Arrested (Good Friday), and Jesus is Risen (Easter Sunday).

The Last Supper is a beautiful story of Jesus' humility and new covenant with his people. Whether in Sunday school, at home, or in a faith-based school, there are many ways to make this story memorable for kids as you seek to teach them about Jesus' love.

Teaching kids the Bible story of Palm Sunday is a fantastic way to help them understand the joy and significance of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. You can bring this important story to life with engaging lesson plans, hands-on crafts, fun activities, and kid-friendly YouTube videos. Whether you're a Sunday school teacher, homeschool parent, or work in a faith-based school, these ideas will help you share the message of Palm Sunday in a way kids in preschool and beyond will love!

WHAT IS PALM SUNDAY?

Palm Sunday is a day that people celebrate and remember when Jesus entered Jerusalem, and people honored him. They waved palm branches, laid their coats on the road, and shouted, "Hosanna!" which means "Save us!" They welcomed Jesus like a king! How quickly things change because just a few days later, the people would be mocking him and calling for his crucifixion.

Palm Sunday is the start of Holy Week, which leads up to Easter. On this day, we celebrate Jesus’ love and His amazing resurrection!

THE STORY of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem

The Bible story of Jesus’ Triumphal Entry story is in all four gospels (Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19).

Jesus and his disciples were traveling to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. When they were close to the city, Jesus instructed two disciples to go to a nearby village and find a young donkey. Jesus rode the donkey into Jerusalem.

People threw their cloaks on the ground and laid palm branches before Jesus. They cried, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38 NIV)

Palm Sunday Bible Lessons for Kids

Are you looking for a simple way to teach kids about Palm Sunday? Our printable crafts, discussion questions, and scripted lessons are perfect for children aged 3 to 8.

(Click HERE for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade version)

Click here for the preschool/kindergarten version

fulfilling a prophecy 

The fact that Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem is an important detail in the story. Kings rode donkeys, and Jesus is the King of kings. Zechariah also prophesied that the Messiah would come riding a donkey, and Jesus fulfilled this prophecy when he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey.

PALM BRANCHES CRAFT FOR preschool and kindergarten

Preschool and kindergarten-aged children will enjoy a simple craft where they add palm branches to a scene of Jesus riding into Jerusalem. This craft can help them retell the story to their parents or caregivers.

This craft can be done with real foliage available in your local area. Gather some small greenery and glue it to the road under Jesus’ feet.

You can also use the printable palm branches. I suggest cutting out the branches ahead of time (they’re in the  Jesus Riding into Jerusalem for Preschoolers Bible lesson). Then, give the kids the coloring page and let them add their own colors. Finally, have them glue the pre-cut palm branches onto the picture.

WAVING IN WORSHIP - Palm Sunday ACTIVITY FOR OLDER KIDS

Explain to kids that the people in this story waved palm branches to celebrate Jesus. As a craft, kids can create a flag to wave to honor Jesus. Brainstorm different worship phrases you could write on your flag. For example, Jesus is King, Hosanna, or Thank you, Jesus. Or use one of the flags with a phrase already included from Jesus Rides into Jerusalem for Older Kids. 

Give the kids time to decorate their flags and write their phrases. As they work, try playing worship music. Then, cut out the flag and attach it to something sturdy, such as a chopstick, pencil, or stick.

OTHER PALM SUNDAY ACTIVITIES: 

• Hand Print Palm Branch: Oak and Oats has an adorable hand print palm branch craft where kids trace their hands on green paper and then glue their traced hands together to form a palm branch.

• Act it out: Have kids lay branches, flowers, or leaves down to create a path for Jesus; use whatever you have available. When you’re done, play a worship song and allow students to worship while holding their branches.

• Worship Songs: Singing worship songs together is a great way to praise Jesus! Here are some suggestions:

  • Superhero by Hillsong Kids

  • Praise by Elevation Worship

  • What a Beautiful Name by Hillsong Worship

  • Goodness of God by Bethel Worship

YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT PALM SUNDAY

YouTube videos can help kids learn about Palm Sunday, but preview all videos to ensure they are age-appropriate and match what you are trying to teach. Here are some suggestions:

• Crossroad Kids Club - Jesus and Palm Sunday

• Saddleback Kids - The Story of Easter (The Triumphal Entry)

• Palm Sunday - The Triumphal Entry by ShareFaith Kids is a reading of Luke 19 with beautiful illustrations to help kids follow the story.

• The Story of Palm Sunday by Minno is a Bible story for Kids. This video reviews Passover and how Jesus and his disciples came to Jerusalem to celebrate it. 

 
LOOKING FOR MORE BIBLE LESSONS ABOUT EASTER?

Continue your learning with more Easter Bible lessons. This lesson is part of a set of four lessons that explore the Easter story in the Bible. The other lessons in the series are The Last Supper, Jesus is Arrested (Good Friday), and Jesus is Risen (Easter Sunday). 

Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday) is the pinnacle story of Holy Week. Whether you teach at home, in church, or in a faith-based school, there are many creative ideas for helping kids learn the importance of this story: Jesus is King, and Jesus is worthy of praise!

Of all of the holidays, Easter is one of the 'big ones' in my classroom.  Teaching at a Christian school allows me to stray further from the theme of bunnies, eggs, and chicks (however cute they may be) and focus my kids on the story of new life through Jesus' sacrifice. The Bible lessons that we teach at Easter are, hands-down, the ones that I wait for all year.

I work in a Christian school and I love it. I love being able to talk about my faith all day and play my favorite worship songs as my students work.  I have had so many incredible conversations with students about their big questions, and worries, and it's great to be able to point them back to the Bible in all things.

This year, to tie our Bible lessons into our Language Arts, we are going 'in depth' into the symbols seen in the Easter Story in the New Testament.

Following this complete plan, we have been learning about Jesus by actually reading our Bibles, and spending time in Bible study! All of the reading is from the New Living Translation of the Bible, and it's the perfect level for my third-grade students.  I love that they can 'dive into' The Word on their own!

Then, we craft!  In my third grade classroom, Art is a tie-in to almost every subject, and my students love getting crafty.   Check out our Symbols of the Easter Story mobiles

The whole Easter unit is available HERE  from my Teachers Pay Teachers store .

I've also created a special free version of the craft for my lovely blog readers.  You can find that HERE.

Let me know, how do you prepare for Easter in your classroom?  Any tips or great resources to share?  Sound off in the comments below!

- Rachel