The Easter Story

by Hannah Knight

Suitable for Key Stage 1

Aims

To teach young children about the story of Easter.

Preparation and materials

• Gather some words and images associated with Easter and have the means to display them during the assembly.
• You could ask some children to read and they can read much of the content of the assembly if you wish.
• Choose one of your favourite Easter hymns or songs to sing at the end of the assembly.

Assembly

1. Easter is a time for egg hunts, bunnies and chocolates, but there is a special person who is celebrated at Easter. Can anyone guess who this could be? Put your hand up if you know.

That’s right, the special person we celebrate at Easter is Jesus.

2. Easter is a sad story because Jesus died on the cross, but don’t worry, the story has a very happy ending.

3. Let’s begin the story.

On Holy Thursday, or Maundy Thursday as it is also known, Jesus and his disciples had their very last supper and Jesus shared bread and wine with his friends.

At the table, Jesus explained that one of his friends would soon betray him to his enemies. Jesus also said that, very soon, he was going to die. The disciples were very sad, but Jesus smiled and said that he would still be with them and they would see him with their very own eyes.

4. On Good Friday, Jesus was made to carry his heavy cross to the place where he would be crucified. When they arrived, Jesus was put on the cross and crucified.

After he had died, Jesus was laid in a special tomb – a cave with a big stone door to keep him safe.

5. On Easter Sunday, Jesus’ friend Mary went to the tomb to say goodbye to Jesus.

When she arrived, she noticed that the big stone door had been moved. Mary walked inside and, to her surprise, she found that Jesus’ body had disappeared.

Mary was very upset, but, all of a sudden, she saw an angel standing before her. ‘Don't be alarmed,’ he said. ‘You are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here.’

6. Christians believe that God had brought Jesus back from the dead and Jesus is still with us, just as he promised.

7. Christians also experience Easter as a very sad but also a very happy time, because Jesus died, then came back to life again! People all over the world celebrate Easter for this reason and pray to Jesus because he is a very special person.

8. If you give your friends Easter eggs or Easter cards this year, remember that we do this to celebrate Easter, new life and to be kind and generous like Jesus. We should also try to forgive, just like Jesus did when he forgave the disciples and the people who hurt him. 

Time for reflection

Prayer

Dear God,
Thank you for Jesus and our family and friends.
Thank you for teaching us to be caring and forgive.
Amen.  

Song/music

Sing your favorite Easter song.