Easter can sometimes be puzzling for young children, but thanks to resources like the Easter Activity Workbook, Easter Treasure Hunt, and the Wordless Book, we can help them understand Jesus’ love through the holiday. Another favorite when my kids were young are the Resurrection Eggs.
What are Resurrection Eggs?
The idea behind Resurrection Eggs is that items (symbols or trinkets) are placed in eggs to tell the story of Jesus’ last days on earth, His death, and His resurrection. The activity can be used as a countdown to Easter or as a stand-alone activity to do all in one sitting.
Each numbered egg contains a trinket or symbol that relates to a part of the Passion Week Bible story. Also included is a corresponding scripture verse (rolled up scroll style) to read together. The eggs are opened in event order and the symbol is discussed with the child. The final egg is empty as the tomb was empty.
Most Resurrection Egg kits contain 12 eggs. You will find that purchased sets and instructions to make your own may vary in their order and contents, but the basic concept is the same. The eggs may also be hidden, gathered, and then opened. If hidden together, be sure to open in order.
Resurrection Eggs Supplies
It is simple to make your own Resurrection Eggs specifically for preschool or elementary-aged children using the ABCJesusLovesMe Resurrection Eggs Printables. The Preschool or Elementary versions will guide you through the process. Here are the remaining suggested supplies.
- Symbols or Trinkets (Noted in the Printable)
- 12 or 20 Plastic Eggs
- Scissors
- Marker
- The Beginner’s Bible (Preschool)
- Bible
Resurrection Eggs Directions
Choose the Resurrection Eggs printable that is best of your child’s age. Next, gather the plastic eggs and symbols or trinkets. Do not worry if you are unable to find the exact item. Instead substitute with what you have available as all of the items merely represent a part of the story. For example, if you don’t have linen, use toilet paper. If you don’t have a palm branch, use a leaf.
Cut apart the numbered sections on the final page of the printable. Roll each up as a scroll and place the corresponding slip of paper and trinket in an egg. Then write the number on the outside of the egg.
For example. Egg #1 – Place a toy, sticker, or image of a donkey or craft fur in the egg with the following slip of paper.
Preschool – Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem. Mark 11:1-7
Elementary – “The disciples brought the donkey and placed their cloaks on it for Jesus to sit on. Jesus rode the donkey into Jerusalem.” Matthew 21:6-7
If desired, hide the egg. When the child has found the egg, discuss the trinket and what symbol it represents in the Easter story. Read the coordinating Bible story or verses from a children’s or adult Bible. Remember to open the eggs in order.
Why the Two Different Printables?
Reading in an adult Bible the Easter story provides details that may be too graphic for some young or sensitive children. Using The Beginner’s Bible as the guide, I created 12 eggs that are easier for young children to understand and also skip the graphic details (e.g. thorns, sword).
A few years ago, Bonnie shared with me the ideas behind 20 Resurrection Eggs. These are perfect for elementary-aged children as they provide more details to aid in understand the magnitude of Passion Week. Use the elementary printable for older children or those who are more familiar with the Easter story.
Explaining the Resurrection Eggs
If you feel intimated or have never done an activity like this with your children, it’s okay. Here are a few resources to guide you through the process.
Lily’s Easter Party: The Story of the Resurrection Eggs
Crystal Bowman wrote a book to explain the Resurrection Eggs. Lily’s Easter Party: The Story of the Resurrection Eggs is a story about an Easter egg hunt between Lily and her friends. Upon opening each of the eggs, the symbolism of the item inside is explained. With 37 pages, this is a long picture book. The first third of the books sets up the hunt and the rest explains each symbol found in the eggs. While my elementary-aged children enjoyed this book, I would break it into small parts for preschoolers.
Miss Patty Cake’s Egg-Strava-Ganza (ad)
In this music-packed DVD, Miss Patty Cake discusses the Resurrection Eggs with children. Enjoy fast-paced songs with the truth of the Gospel.
Discover more free and purchasable ABCJesusLovesMe Resurrection and Easter Egg Activities:
- Resurrection Rolls Recipe and Discussion Guide
- Easter Story Cookies Recipe
- FREE Easter Bible Time Videos
- Easter Activity Workbook
- Easter Treasure Hunt (Free to subscribers)
- Caterpillar to Butterfly Activities
- Explaining Easter with Colors
Thank you for allowing me to partner with you during this week leading up to Easter. Be sure to reach out if you have any questions.
