Eggs are nice, but . . . : An Easter assembly
To reflect the joy of surprise beginnings.
by The Revd Alan M. Barker
Suitable for Key Stage 1
Aims
To reflect the joy of surprise beginnings.
Preparation and materials
- You will need a copy of the story Dora’s Eggs by Julie Sykes (Little Tiger Press, ISBN 1-85430-407-0).
Assembly
- Tell the story of Dora’s Eggs (synopsis: Dora the hen has her first batch of eggs. The eggs are nice, but not as nice as the fluffy ducklings, wriggly piglets, playful lambs, excited puppies and gentle calves that are the offspring of other farmyard residents. Dora feels rather sad, and when her eggs crack dismay turns to tears. However, new chicks emerge from the broken shells. They’re everything that Dora ever wanted!)
- Invite the school community to describe Dora’s changing emotions throughout the story. Her sadness, disappointment and dismay are turned to pride and joy when (to her surprise) the eggs hatch.
- Explain that eggs are a symbol of the Christian festival of Easter. Refer to the Easter story: like Dora, Jesus’ friends were sad. While other people laughed and had fun, they felt hopeless and alone. They cried. Jesus was gone. (Reflect that everyone feels like this at times.)
But something unexpected happened. Jesus came back. He promised that his love would be always with them. It was a surprise beginning. Jesus’ friends were soon jumping for joy! - Conclude with the thought that at Easter, Christians celebrate surprise beginnings. It is a joyful time. Easter tells us that sadness does not last for ever.
Time for reflection
Imagine you are Dora, sitting on your nest –
crack! One of your eggs has broken!
Crack! Another egg has broken too!
Crack! Crack! Crack!
Oh dear! All of the beautiful smooth round eggs are spoiled.
How sad you feel.
But listen!
Cheep! There’s a newborn fluffy chick!
Cheep! And another!
Cheep! Cheep! Cheep!
Let’s jump for joy!
What a surprise beginning!
Prayer
Loving God,
thank you that when awful things happen
sadness does not last for ever.
Thank you for the surprise beginnings
that today will hold in store.
Amen.
Song/music
‘Thank you, Lord, for this new day’ (Come and Praise, 32)
‘Spring Chicken’ (A Spring Thing, Out of the Ark Music)
