Easter is an important holiday for many families, but it can be difficult to teach children about its true meaning. Easter marks a time of rebirth and renewal, and symbolises the importance of hope and grace in the Christian tradition.
As teachers, parents and educators, we have the opportunity to help our students explore Easter with activities that engage both their bodies and minds while strengthening their understanding of this special occasion.
Jesus' resurrection represents a victory over death
Easter is a religious holiday celebrated by Christians in honour of Jesus Christ and His resurrection from the dead. Easter dates vary each year as it always falls on the first Sunday after the full moon following the vernal equinox, which usually occurs around mid-March.
Symbolically, Jesus' resurrection represents a victory over death for all believers. This victory is celebrated through colourful decorations, the giving of eggs, thought to be symbolic of Jesus' tomb at His resurrection, and other festive activities.
Regional customs may also include candlelight services in church and many other traditional practices that are held sacred by people within the Christian faith as they show their devotion to Jesus and His triumph.
Together, these festivities make up an important part of Easter worship in Christianity and continue to be practiced annually.
Chocolate Easter eggs
Celebrating Easter with children can be a wonderful, meaningful experience for the whole family. Church is a great place to start, attending together allows you to focus on spiritual aspects of the holiday, and plenty of churches host fun, kid-friendly services or events.
You can also choose to incorporate some traditional elements into your own celebration at home. An egg hunt is always a hit; you can use hardboiled eggs dyed in bright shades, or opt for the iconic chocolate Easter eggs, filled with surprises like small toys and candy!
Whether you decide to stick with classic traditions or come up with something completely unique that works best for your family, Easter is an opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Teach the Easter story in a fun and engaging way
Assemblies are a great way to teach primary children about Easter. While primary assemblies can be a fun and engaging way to tell the Easter Story KS2, they should also cover practical aspects of the holiday such as chocolate eggs, rabbits, and Easter bunnies.
Schools can involve parents by encouraging them to discuss with their child at home in an age-appropriate manner topics that were discussed in the assembly. Schools could also incorporate volunteers from the community, such as church leaders or local artists, that can explain the Easter story Ks1 with interactive activities for students to engage with.
Easter assemblies offer a creative platform for schools to teach primary children about not just the religious elements of Easter, but also participating in cultural symbols associated with it such as egg hunts or decorating eggs.
Decorating Easter eggs
With Easter just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about activities that you and your loved ones can do during the season. One of the most exciting traditions is visiting an Easter egg hunt, whether organised by a local non-profit or held in your own backyard.
You can also get crafty with some art projects, such as decorating Easter eggs with dye and stickers, to create something special for yourself or a loved one. If you're looking for something more outdoorsy, try going on a nature walk and taking pictures of the beautiful floral arrangements that are appearing everywhere this spring.
Make this holiday even more festive by gathering your family or friends together to prepare a traditional meal or even an Easter feast! Whatever activity you decide on doing this Easter, you're sure to have a great time enjoying the season with beloved friends and family.
Easter eggs signify renewed life
Easter eggs have been symbols of new life for centuries, making them essential to the holiday’s celebration. According to ancient mythology and folklore, Easter eggs signified renewed life after long winters in countries like Greece, Germany, and Italy.
In Eastern cultures, they were more traditionally linked to spring fertility celebrations. The first chocolate Easter eggs were made in Europe around the mid-1800s, though even today there is considerable cultural variety regarding the types egg used.
Decorating eggs has remained popular throughout the years, with variations ranging from dyeing boiled eggs in bright colours to intricately crafted works of art.
What remains true across global customs is that Easter eggs remain an integral part of celebrating life itself, no matter how they are presented.
