Choosing Easter songs for your elementary school
According to a recent survey*, more than 50% of children do not know why we celebrate Easter. And with chocolate eggs, bunnies and chicks appearing in supermarkets starting in January, it’s no surprise. Added to this, many of the Easter songs and activities one finds in schools have their roots in popular ‘bunny and chocolate’ culture, so it’s no surprise that this special day has lost its meaning among much of the population. younger generation. This guide will take you through some of the best christian songs for holy weekhelping you bring Jesus’ story to life in a way your class will love.
The best Christian songs for Easter
When it comes to young children, the best christian songs for holy week they are those that tell bits and pieces of the Easter story in a modern, relevant, and compelling way. Elementary school children will be able to identify with these songs much more easily than with the obscure and archaic ones.
Here are some of the best christian songs for holy week I have used with my class.
The story of Easter: three days that changed the world – a summary of the main Easter events in one neat little package. This song has a catchy and uplifting chorus interspersed with more moving verses that tell the story, from Judas’ betrayal to the resurrection.
The Crucifixion: Song of Mary. This heartfelt song conveys the pain that followed Jesus’ crucifixion, told from his mother’s perspective. There is no easy way to approach death with young children, but Mary’s Song is a moving piece that will strike a powerful note in your class. In addition to touching on the important topic of life and death, it also explores empathy, an emotion that is incredibly important in children’s emotional development.
The Resurrection: Join the Dance. With an energetic feel reminiscent of Jewish folk music, this upbeat ditty about the resurrection will have your class clapping and stamping their feet in no time. You could even tag a simple dance scheme to go along with it, creating the perfect Easter celebration.
Of course, these are just a few examples of the best christian songs for holy week but they are certainly the ones I have found to work best with my class. They are excellent as a starting point for further teaching and discussion, providing an overview of the Passover story in an easily digestible format.
* http://blog.echurchwebsites.org.uk/2012/04/08/53-children-meaning-easter-25-celebrating-easter-bunnys-birthday/