SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 2 7– 2 8 ; MARK 1 5 –1 6 ; LUKE 2 3 – 2 4 ; JOHN 1 9 –20
CHRIST CONNECTION: Jesus died and came back to life to save people from sin. When we trust in Jesus, we become part of His family forever.
KEY PASSAGE PHRASE:  God loved the world, and gave His only Son, whoever believes in Him would have eternal life. (From John 3:16)
GOSPEL GEMS:
• After Jesus died, Mary went to where Jesus was buried. The stone was moved away from the door!
• Peter and John ran to the tomb. John looked inside and believed Jesus is alive!
• Mary saw Jesus. He told her to tell others that He was going back to God.

TEACHING STYLE:
Play, exploration, repetition and consistency help build a safe and fun environment for our Toddlers to learn about God's love. Consistency helps our littles know what to expect when they enter the classroom, they look for their favorite toys, know that they will always have time to play, sing songs, do a craft, go for a walk, and hear stories. Focusing on foundational Bible stories using visual and experiential learning to show that God is creator, loving, and sends Jesus. Gospel and Bible story vocabulary are introduced. Repetition through language and song help plant seeds in their little hearts. 

Directions:
Give each child one cross sheet and one sheet of stickers to decorate their cross with.

Say:
The soldiers put Jesus on a cross. The sky got dark, and Jesus died. When the women went to the tomb to see Jesus’ body, what did they find? The tomb was empty! Jesus is alive!

Directions:
The cards will already be taped to the ground for you. Beginning at the cross, have the kids hop in order, onto each page. (Cross – 1 – 2 – 3 – Empty Tomb). Say the below first and then repeat it as the kids are hopping on the pages.

Say:
Jesus died on the cross (point to cross), then after 1-2-3 days (point to numbers) Jesus came back to life! Jesus is alive! And the tomb is empty! (point to tomb).

Directions:
The sensory bin contains mini Jesus’, crosses and empty eggs. First show the kids the 3 things found in the bin and say below. Have the kids put the tiny Jesus’ into the bowls just to keep track of them, these are tiny, as is the pasta, keep a close eye that nothing goes into mouths (or up noses!).

Say:
“This is Jesus, this is a cross, this is an egg. Is there something in the egg? (shake it) No! The egg is empty, just like Jesus’ tomb was empty!” Jesus is alive!

Directions:
Have each child take a turn coming up and taking one cross out of the bag. When they take the cross out have them repeat after you “Jesus is alive!” and then lay the cross on the rug. Continue until every child who wants to has a turn.

Say:
Jesus died on the cross (show a cross), then after 1-2-3 days (count with your fingers), Jesus came back to life! Jesus is alive!