### Lesson Plan: Jesus Rode into Jerusalem
**Grade Level:** Toddlers (Ages 2-4)
**Duration:** 30 minutes
**Objective:**
- Introduce toddlers to the story of Jesus riding into Jerusalem.
- Teach the concept of welcoming and celebrating Jesus.
- Engage toddlers in interactive and creative activities related to the story.
**Materials:**
- Children's Bible or storybook version of "Jesus Rides into Jerusalem"
- Soft toy donkey or a picture of a donkey
- Palm leaves (real or craft paper versions)
- Coloring sheets with images of Jesus, a donkey, and palm leaves
- Crayons and markers
- Glue and scissors (for teacher's use)
- Simple craft materials (construction paper, stickers, etc.)
- Music player with kids’ worship songs
**Lesson Outline:**
### 1. **Introduction (5 minutes)**
- **Greeting:** Welcome the children warmly and gather them in a circle.
- **Prayer:** Start with a simple, short prayer asking God to help them learn and have fun.
- **Brief Overview:** Introduce the story by showing a soft toy donkey or a picture and asking if they know what it is. Explain that today they will hear a story about Jesus and a donkey.
### 2. **Story Time (10 minutes)**
- **Reading the Story:** Read a simple, age-appropriate version of "Jesus Rides into Jerusalem" from a children’s Bible or storybook. Keep it engaging with expressive voice and visuals.
- **Interactive Questions:** After reading, ask simple questions like:
- "Who rode on the donkey?"
- "What did the people shout?"
- "What did the people lay on the road?"
### 3. **Activity Time (10 minutes)**
- **Palm Leaf Wave:** Give each child a palm leaf (real or crafted). Play a joyful kids' worship song and encourage them to wave their palm leaves just like the people did for Jesus.
- **Craft Activity:**
- Hand out coloring sheets of Jesus, palm leaves, and the donkey.
- Provide crayons and markers for coloring.
- If time allows, assist them with a simple craft like making a palm leaf from green construction paper.
### 4. **Closing (5 minutes)**
- **Review:** Recap the story by asking the children what they learned and enjoyed the most.
- **Prayer:** Close with a short prayer thanking Jesus for coming into our lives and asking Jesus to be with us every day.
- **Goodbye Song:** End with a simple song of farewell and joy.
### 5. **Optional Follow-Up:**
- Provide parents with a summary sheet and suggestions for follow-up activities at home, such as practicing a simple prayer or reading another story about Jesus.
**Assessment:**
- Observe participation and engagement during story time and activities.
- Note any responses to questions for an understanding of the story.
- Assess the completion and enthusiasm in the coloring or craft activity.
**Adaptations for Diverse Learners:**
- Use pictures and props to accommodate visual learners.
- Offer help during craft activities for those needing additional assistance.
- Keep instructions simple and clear, using gestures and demonstrations where possible.
This lesson plan is designed to be fun, engaging, and educational, helping toddlers to begin their journey of learning about the life and love of Jesus in a way that's suitable for their developmental stage.