Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter, is an important day for Christians around the world.
It commemorates Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where he was welcomed by crowds waving palm branches.
For preschoolers, Palm Sunday can be an opportunity to learn about the story of Jesus and engage in fun activities that bring the story to life.
We’ll explore Palm Sunday Activities for Preschoolers.
Palm Branch Craft –
Making palm branches is a great way to get preschoolers involved in the story of Palm Sunday. Using green construction paper, have them cut out long, narrow strips and then glue or tape them together to create a longer branch. To make it even more realistic, add a few leaves at the top of the branch by cutting out smaller strips of paper and gluing them on. Once the branches are complete, encourage the children to wave them around and shout “Hosanna!” just like the crowds did when Jesus arrived in Jerusalem.
Storytime –
Reading a children’s book about Palm Sunday is a great way to introduce the story to preschoolers. There are many options available, such as “The Donkey Who Carried a King” by R.C. Sproul or “The Story of Easter” by Patricia A. Pingry. As you read the story, encourage the children to ask questions and make connections to their own lives. After the story, you could even act out the scene with the children, assigning roles for Jesus, the donkey, and the crowds.
Snack Time –
Snacks are always a hit with preschoolers, and there are many options for Palm Sunday-themed treats. One idea is to make “palm tree” snacks using celery sticks as the trunk and green grapes as the leaves. Another idea is to make “Hosanna bread” by shaping bread dough into the letters of the word “Hosanna” and then baking them until they are golden brown.
Parade –
A Palm Sunday parade is a fun way for preschoolers to get active and engaged in the story. Encourage the children to decorate toy wagons or strollers with palm branches and then have them parade around the room, shouting “Hosanna!” and waving their branches. You could even play music and encourage the children to dance along with the parade.
Coloring Pages –
Coloring pages are a simple but effective way to engage preschoolers in the story of Palm Sunday. There are many free resources available online, such as coloring pages of Jesus riding on a donkey or of the crowds waving palm branches. Encourage the children to color the pages and then display them on a bulletin board or wall for everyone to see.
Related: 25 Vocabulary Activities for Kindergarten & 1st Grade
Sensory Bin –
Create a sensory bin for the preschoolers filled with items that relate to Palm Sunday, such as palm branches, toy donkeys, and rocks. Encourage the children to explore the bin, ask questions, and make connections to the story.
Playdough Scene –
Set up a playdough station where the preschoolers can create their own scenes from the story of Palm Sunday. Provide them with different colors of playdough and small toys or figures to use as props. Encourage them to talk about their creations and share them with the group.
Puppet Show –
Have the preschoolers make their own puppets using paper bags or craft sticks and then put on a puppet show retelling the story of Palm Sunday. They can take turns playing different characters and telling the story in their own words.
Simon Says –
Play a game of “Simon Says” with a Palm Sunday twist. For example, instead of saying “Simon says touch your nose,” say “Simon says wave your palm branch.” This game is a fun way to reinforce the vocabulary and concepts related to Palm Sunday.
Donkey Races –
Set up an obstacle course and have the preschoolers race toy donkeys through the course. Encourage them to make “Hosanna” noises and wave their palm branches as they race. This activity is a great way to get preschoolers moving and active while learning about the story of Palm Sunday.
Sensory Walk –
Create a sensory walk by placing different materials on the ground, such as grass, stones, and leaves, and having the preschoolers walk barefoot through it. As they walk, discuss how Jesus would have walked into Jerusalem and the significance of the palm branches.
Palm Sunday Bingo –
Make bingo cards with pictures of items related to Palm Sunday, such as a donkey, palm branch, and cross. As you call out the items, the preschoolers can cover them with small items like buttons or beads.
Hosanna Dance –
Play music and have the preschoolers dance and move around the room while shouting “Hosanna!” Encourage them to use their palm branches as props and to move in ways that tell the story of Palm Sunday.
Paper Plate Donkey –
Provide the preschoolers with paper plates, construction paper, and other craft materials to create their own paper plate donkeys. Once the donkeys are complete, the children can use them to act out the story of Palm Sunday.
Palm Sunday Scavenger Hunt –
Hide small items related to Palm Sunday around the room, such as palm branches or small crosses. Encourage the preschoolers to search for the items and discuss their significance as they find them. This activity is a great way to keep preschoolers engaged and learning as they explore.
Story Sequencing –
Print out pictures that tell the story of Palm Sunday, such as Jesus riding a donkey and the crowds waving palm branches. Cut them out and have the preschoolers put them in the correct order to retell the story.
Related: 100 Days of School Activities for Preschool
Donkey and Palm Branch Relay Race –
Divide the preschoolers into teams and have them race to carry a toy donkey and a palm branch to a designated spot and back. The first team to finish wins a prize. This activity is a great way to get preschoolers moving while learning about the story of Palm Sunday.
Fruit Palm Trees –
Provide the preschoolers with green construction paper, glue, and small pieces of fruit like grapes or raisins. Have them create their own fruit palm trees by gluing the fruit onto the paper. This activity is a fun and healthy way to reinforce the importance of palm branches on Palm Sunday.
Palm Sunday Sensory Bottle –
Fill a clear plastic bottle with water, green food coloring, and small palm branches. Encourage the preschoolers to shake the bottle and watch as the branches move around in the water. As they shake the bottle, discuss the story of Palm Sunday and the significance of the palm branches.
Palm Sunday Wreath –
Provide the preschoolers with paper plates, green construction paper, scissors, and glue to create their own Palm Sunday wreaths. Encourage them to cut out palm leaves and arrange them in a circular pattern to make a wreath.
