April is a special month for many faiths. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday into Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, ending on Easter Sunday. The Jewish people will remember their journey out of slavery and God’s promise to their people during Passover. And the holy month of Ramadan takes place for those of the Muslim faith.
What a great opportunity for families to learn about the history and story of other faith traditions, and respect and honor their spiritual heritage.
EASTER
Learn about the founding story of the first Easter and the day Jesus had risen.
Video links for the Simple Easter Story for Young Children
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HL8R158Ujp4
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY2NH8Wpoog
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYdP7nozxUQ
Video links for the Detailed Easter Story for Older Children
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkNTU_Vv5Ew
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhE6ELj2kVM
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3F0rt2AiqJY
Activities Links for Easter
- https://www.liveabout.com/easter-traditions-for-families-3129336
- https://ministry-to-children.com/childrens-ministry-links-for-easter/
- https://www.daniellesplace.com/html/bible_themes_easter.html
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Purchase a downloadable easter story flip book here. |
Purchase a downloadable story eggs here. |
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Free printable “make an easter story wreath” here. |
Free downloadable easter story packet here. |
PASSOVER
Movie Recommendation: Prince of Egypt
Children’s Bible Story: Story of Passover
Seder
Learn about the Seder plate and the gathering the Jewish people have every year as the elders tell the story of Passover. Each food represents a part of the journey of their people out of slavery.
Activity Links for Passover:
https://pjlibrary.org/passover
https://www.mommyblogexpert.com/2015/03/free-passover-kids-printables-crafts.html
https://www.care.com/c/stories/3667/10-kid-friendly-crafts-for-passover/
https://www.activityvillage.co.uk/passover
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Step by Step directions available here. |
Understand the Seder plate:
Purchase your downloadable file here. |
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Purchase your set Some good reads: Resources for Adults to learn about the Story of Passover
- What is Passover
- Everything You Need to Know about Passover
- Passover: Pesach 1010
- New York Times:‘That Is What We Do’: The Power of Passover and Tradition Across Generations
RAMADAN
Good reads and videos for non-Muslims to understand and respect Ramadan
- The Shukr Blog: Explaining Ramadan to Your Non-Muslim Friends
- It’s Ramadan! A Guide For Non-Muslims On What The Holy Month Is And How To Be Helpful
- Explaining Ramadan to non-Muslims
- Ramadan Guide for Non-Muslims
- What is Ramadan? Fun Facts about Ramadan (Social Studies Cartoon)
Other resources I found insightful to see how families and the children observe Ramadan. This includes recipes for treats, prayers corners for children, journals for observing a month of gratitude and giving, children doing their first fast of something before they do a full fast at 12, and and retelling of how Ramadan began:
- http://ourmuslimhomeschool.com/2018/05/easy-ramadan-activities-children.html
- https://www.littlewingscreative.com/ramadan-for-kids-activities/
- Teaching Resources for Ramadan
- Parent24: How to explain the holy month of Ramadan to your kids
- https://goodtreemontessori.wordpress.com/2008/08/22/30-childrens-activities-for-ramadan/
Ramadan from the reflections of children:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoB0avMa_nU
- https://goodtreemontessori.wordpress.com/2008/08/22/30-childrens-activities-for-ramadan/
A storybook about Ramadan: