Explore the Bible®

Helpful Tips for Teaching Kids the Crucifixion

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Written by Shelly Harris

I don’t know about you, but I get an extra dose of nerves when it is time to teach the Easter story. It is a super important story and I don’t want to mess it up! If you are like me, then I hope you will find the following tips useful as you prepare to teach about Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.

  1. Practice. It never hurts to practice telling the Bible story. Gather your family or stand in front of a mirror. Both will help you be aware of pacing, gestures, and facial expressions. I also suggest having a clock or a timer nearby.

  2. Don’t leave out the “why.” If you are telling kids that Jesus died on the cross, tell them why Jesus died on the cross. And the why? Our sin! Sin has a price and Jesus paid the price for our sin.

  3. Always include the resurrection! Please don’t teach the crucifixion and expect kids to wait a week to hear about the resurrection. The crucifixion is only part of the story. The triumph of the resurrection is crucial. Kids need to hear that Jesus defeated sin and death! Nothing holds Jesus down.

  4. The younger the kids, the fewer the details. Preschoolers don’t need to hear the gory details of the crucifixion account. Some details are emotionally and mentally overwhelming for kids and can completely derail what you are trying to accomplish. Think carefully about which details you want to include and remember to keep them age-appropriate.

  5. Give kids a chance to respond. Ask some parents and other teachers to be prepared to counsel with kids individually. Sometimes, kids have a quick question they need to ask. Other times, they want to respond to the Holy Spirit’s prompting.

Also, here are some great activity ideas you can use this Easter to reinforce the Bible story.

Resurrection Rolls:

http://www.lifeway.com/kidsministry/2014/03/31/easter-recipe-resurrection-rolls/

Lamb of God Craft:

http://www.lifeway.com/kidsministry/2014/04/14/easy-easter-craft-the-lamb-of-god-2/

Easter Word Search:

http://www.lifeway.com/kidsministry/2014/03/28/free-easter-activity-pages/

Stained Glass Cross:

http://www.momontimeout.com/2012/03/stained-glass-cross-easter-craft/

Easter Trivia Game (good for older elementary kids):

http://www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com/2014/04/printable-easter-story-trivia-game/