Easter Sunday Bible Lesson for Preschool and Big 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.
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:
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
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.