## Lesson Plan: The Resurrection of Jesus
**Target Audience:** Toddler Class (Ages 2-4)
### Objective:
To introduce toddlers to the concept of Jesus' resurrection in a simple, engaging, and heart-warming way that they can understand and remember. This involves basic storytelling, interactive activities, and crafts.
### Materials:
- Children’s Bible or Bible Storybook with illustrations
- Picture cards depicting the story of the resurrection
- Coloring pages with images of the tomb, angel, and Jesus
- Crayons and markers
- Soft play materials (e.g., soft blocks for the tomb)
- A safe area for a simple play/walk activity
### Opening (5 minutes):
1. **Greeting:** Welcome each child warmly.
2. **Prayer:** Start with a simple prayer.
- **Example:** “Dear Jesus, thank you for loving us. Help us to learn about you today. Amen.”
### Introduction (5 minutes):
1. **Circle Time:** Gather the children in a circle.
2. **Show and Tell:** Show a big, colorful picture of Jesus.
- **Say:** “Today, we are going to learn an exciting story about Jesus. Can everyone say ‘Jesus’?”
- Let the children repeat "Jesus."
### Bible Story (10 minutes):
1. **Read the Story:** Use the Children’s Bible or Bible Storybook to tell the story of Jesus’ resurrection. Use simple, clear language.
- **Story Points:**
- Jesus was very kind and taught people about God's love.
- Some people didn’t understand Jesus and they put him on a cross, and Jesus died.
- Jesus was placed in a tomb with a big stone in front of it.
- On the third day, some friends came to visit Jesus and found the stone rolled away.
- An angel told them, “Jesus is not here; He has risen!”
- Jesus visited his friends and they were very happy.
2. **Show Pictures:** Use picture cards to visually represent each key point of the story.
### Discussion (5 minutes):
1. **Ask Simple Questions:**
- “Who rolled the big stone away?” (Encourage responses, then say, “An angel!”)
- “Where was Jesus?” (Encourage responses, then say, “He wasn’t in the tomb, He is alive!”)
- “How did Jesus' friends feel when they saw him?” (Encourage responses, then say, “They were happy!”)
2. **Reinforce the story with repetition:** Repeat the main points in clear, simple terms.
### Activity 1: Coloring (10 minutes):
1. **Give out Coloring Pages:** Distribute coloring pages with images from the story.
2. **Color Together:** Encourage children to color the pictures of the tomb, angel, and Jesus while discussing the story.
- Walk around, engage with each child, and talk about their drawings.
### Activity 2: Interactive Play (15 minutes):
1. **Soft Block Tomb:**
- Set up a mock tomb using soft play materials or blocks.
- Have a blanket or cloth to represent the stone.
- Act out the angel rolling the stone away.
2. **Role Play:**
- Let children take turns being Jesus' friends visiting the tomb.
- Use the play area to mimic the story setting.
- Adults/teachers can act as angels and narrate the story again.
### Closing (5 minutes):
1. **Summarize the Lesson:**
- “Today we learned about Jesus’ resurrection. That means Jesus rose from the dead and is alive!”
2. **Sing a Song:** Simple song like “Jesus is Alive Today” or “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” with actions.
- **Example:** "Jesus is alive, He’s alive today! Clap your hands and say hooray!"
3. **Closing Prayer:**
- **Example:** “Dear Jesus, thank you for rising from the dead. Thank you for loving us so much. Amen.”
### Optional Take-Home:
1. **Hand Out Coloring Pages:** Allow children to take their coloring pages home.
2. **Parent Note:** Include a simple note for parents explaining the day's lesson and suggesting they talk about it at home.
**Note:** Adjust the plan based on the attention span and needs of your specific group of toddlers, ensuring safety and engagement throughout the session.