While Advent is a time of preparation and exciting festivities, Lent can be a more difficult journey for students to grasp; perhaps because it is more somber, includes sacrifice and self-denial, and waiting patiently for Jesus' resurrection. Included below are some of my favorite Lenten activities I have incorporated into my religion classes throughout the years.
Every liturgical season I display different books on a table surrounded by other artifacts to help celebrate the season. Here are a few of my favorite books to use during the season of Lent. Please note: this post contains Amazon affiliate links that help support and maintain this website.
The following websites can be used alongside any Stations of the Cross activity you are doing; but be aware that some of the links are for older students (more graphic), and others are a little more conservative. Most of them have reflection questions for students to ponder at each station.
1) Keep a journal. At the end of each day ask your students what mistakes/failures they felt they've made. Then, have them reflect on how they can learn from those mistakes. What can they do differently next time the same situation occurs? Encourage your students to turn failures into learning opportunities to improve oneself. Lent is a time of prayer, reflection, and growth.
At the end of the Lenten season, encourage your students to create a poster using a tree as the focus and on each limb have them label/illustrate how they have grown through the season, and help them realize that mistakes/failures can actually be good for them if they help them grow. You could have students do this individually or whole class. You might also include bible verses that pertain to overcoming failure or growing in faith such as Philippians 4:13, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Psalms 55:22, or Job 8:19. You can download a FREE, simple journal and poster for this activity here.
2) Meditative Coloring Pages
Kids love to color! Why not make it educational at the same time? Use these meditative Lenten coloring sheets to help students focus on what's really important during Lent. As they color they can contemplate on the focus of each page.
You could have students write about examples of each topic in their own lives or find bible verses that pertain to each, and write them on the back of the page. Use them as a bulletin board or string them together to make a banner. Click on the picture to get them for FREE!
3) Stations of the Cross Reflective Journal
Looking for a unique activity to help your students better understand the turmoil of the Stations of the Cross? In this journal students are asked to write a brief message to key persons at each event that took place on Good Friday. Not only will they learn about what happened each step of the way that day, but look at them from different points of view. Click on the photo to find out more.
I hope you've gathered some new ideas to make the season of Lent more meaningful for your students. Don't forget to grab your freebies above, and happy teaching!
1. The Centurion at the Cross retells the Crucifixion through the eyes of a soldier present at the events. This easily lends itself to a lesson on point of view. You could have students tell of the events from others' perspectives present that day as well.
2. The Day Jesus Died is a short read about Jesus' passion on Good Friday. Rhyming verse and bold illustrations make this a quick but informative read. I like to use this book to help with chronological order. I would have students divide a paper into sections and then draw and label each of the events in order to help with comprehension.
3. Wild Lent will have your students get outdoors this Lenten season to explore God in the wilderness. Your kids will discover the ups and downs of Jesus' trials and temptations through thoughtful activities that incorporate nature.
4. The Story of the Easter Robin relates the events of Good Friday to a robin caring for its young. One of the morals found in this book is compassion, which is a very important trait for students to learn during Lent (and all year long). Use with a lesson about teaching what compassion is and what it looks like in action.
5. The Story of the Empty Tomb is another easy and quick read about the events that took place after Jesus' crucifixion. This book will give your students hope after the grim events that took place on Good Friday. Discuss with your students what brings them hope.
1. Loyola Press
1) Keep a journal. At the end of each day ask your students what mistakes/failures they felt they've made. Then, have them reflect on how they can learn from those mistakes. What can they do differently next time the same situation occurs? Encourage your students to turn failures into learning opportunities to improve oneself. Lent is a time of prayer, reflection, and growth.
2) Meditative Coloring Pages
Kids love to color! Why not make it educational at the same time? Use these meditative Lenten coloring sheets to help students focus on what's really important during Lent. As they color they can contemplate on the focus of each page.
3) Stations of the Cross Reflective Journal
Looking for a unique activity to help your students better understand the turmoil of the Stations of the Cross? In this journal students are asked to write a brief message to key persons at each event that took place on Good Friday. Not only will they learn about what happened each step of the way that day, but look at them from different points of view. Click on the photo to find out more.
I hope you've gathered some new ideas to make the season of Lent more meaningful for your students. Don't forget to grab your freebies above, and happy teaching!
