The children in Roses have been using their artistic skills in creating their own Easter Cross - which was to include images related to what Easter means to them. The discussion whilst these were being made was fantastic, retelling the story, sharing opinions and making connections. Lottie said she had put an image of 'Jesus' in the middle of her cross because he was the centre of the story. Ashley added food which represented the last supper, a palm tree which reminds her of Jesus coming on a donkey into Jerusalem, a rock which covered the cave where Jesus was buried and a sunrise when Jesus arose again! Noah added a chick, which he said reminds him of 'New Life' at Easter.  Happy Easter Everyone! 

The children in Shamrocks recreated their version of the Easter story, which included songs, solos and acting. We shared the production with community members and parents. 

The children in Roses have been listening to and discussing the Easter story. Here are Lottie and Alexa's cartoon versions. 

This afternoon we recapped the Easter story so far, recalling Jesus went into Jerusalem on a donkey and everyone was happy and waved their Palm leaves. We then heard the rest of the story and talked about how Jesus died on the cross on Good Friday and was buried in a cave. We were very happy to find out the story ended happily with Jesus returning on Easter Sunday! 

This afternoon the children in Daffodils talked about the Christian belief that Jesus rises from death (resurrection) on the Sunday after his death, which shows Christians that Jesus has opened up a way for them to have a new life after they die – a life with God in heaven. We thought carefully about signs of new life and decided that we eat Easter eggs as the egg is a symbol for new life. Oscar asked why it is called 'Good Friday', being the day Jesus died. Charlie explained that it was Gods plan that Jesus had to die on the cross, to right our wrongs. 

The children in Roses recapped the events of Holy Week, thinking carefully about how people during the time would have felt. We created a emotions graph showing how Mary would have felt during that week. Alan thought Mary would be so excited seeing everyone cheering Jesus on Palm Sunday, Albie said she would be very proud. During the Last Supper Mary wouldn't be feeling as happy, but she would be pleased to see Jesus with his friends (AJ). On Good Friday, Daisy said she would be feeling devastated and on Holy Saturday Erin thought she might be feeling happier as they were taking care of Jesus' body. Finally we all agreed on Resurrection Sunday Mary would be feeling happier as Jesus had 'arisen' and his death wasn't in vain. Following this we discussed what happens in churches during Easter, and how different people celebrate it.  

This afternoon we explored the Christian belief that Jesus’s death was a sacrifice – a price he paid to save people from their sins and bring them back to God. Jesus took everyone’s sins as he died, lifting the burden from the believer. We watched a short video and discussed why 'Good Friday' is a good day in the eyes of Christians. Finally we spent some time reflecting on those ideas and talking them through with our partners. 

This afternoon we recapped the Easter story, trying to recall it in order and developing or language of feelings. We noticed at the beginning of the story the feelings were of happiness (Dominik) and excitement (Poppy), but as the story went on characters were sad (Theo) and upset (Isla). Finally the story ended the feelings changed again to confused (Dylan) and excited (Ameila). What a lot of emotions in one story!!!

This afternoon we watched a short film which recounts the story of Palm Sunday. We learnt that Jesus was an adult in the story and he was about 33 years old. We talked about what it would be like coming into Jerusalem with everyone shouting your name and waving big leaves. Teddy said he wouldn't like it but Felicity thought it would be fun! We looked at crosses made of palm leaves that are given out at churches on Easter Sunday, which remind us that Jesus died on the cross. 

We had a lovely class discussion about the seasons this afternoon. Eliza remembered there were four seasons and could name them all! We looked at a birds nest Dexter had brought in to share and talked about what happens in Spring - Dexter knew the birds make nests in spring to have their baby chicks. The children then talked all about the signs of spring - lambs, chicks, calves, kids, daffodils and trees growing leaves. We then talked about another very special Christian festival that happens in Spring - Easter!