Palm Sunday celebrates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, just a few days before His betrayal and execution. On Palm Sunday, people celebrated Him and cheered, calling for salvation. Jesus brought salvation, of course, but not quite as they had anticipated. These crafts recall the events of Palm Sunday and various aspects of the story. A headband with “palm branches and cloaks” reminds students of the patriotic symbols that people put before Jesus when He came into town. A donkey paper bag puppet visits the peaceful gesture and prophecy fulfillment that riding a donkey represented. And a “Crying Stones Ma-ROCK-a” noisemaker provides a joyful sound and references how if we don’t praise Jesus, even the rocks will know better and do so!
Verses or Captions to Consider…
“Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!” -John 12:15
So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” -John 12:13
And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! -Mark 11:9
And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” -Luke 19:39-40
Hosanna! Jesus Saves!
More Teaching Ideas:
- Watch the video demonstration of this message and related craft ideas
- Compare our Sunday School Lesson on Mark 11:1-11
- Compare the children’s sermons from rfour.org and sermons4kids on this passage
- See all our latest children’s sermons, Sunday School Lessons, and Sunday School curriculum
- See the Palm Sunday Lesson from the Sunday School Store
Craft one: “Palm and Cloak Hat ”
You will need:
- Scissors
- Construction paper (green and other colors)
- Markers or decorating materials
- Glue, stapler or tape
- Paper plate (optional)
- Additional decorations (optional)
Procedure:
- Create the base of the hat: either cut out the center of a paper plate or cut and staple together strips of construction paper.
- Decorate the hat band/plate with verses, captions, or extra items (stickers, glitter, etc.).
- Decorate the hands with words, phrases, or verses.
- Cut out “leaves” or “palm” shapes, as well as shirt/coat/cloak shapes, using the paper.
- Attach the palms and “cloaks” to the plate using tape, glue, or a stapler. Fabric can also be used, if desired.
- Wear the hat with shouts of “hosanna” and joy!
Craft Two: “Jerusalem-Bound Donkey” Puppet
You will need:
- Construction paper (brown or gray)
- Glue, tape, or staples
- Markers or crayons
- Scissors
- Paper bags
- Google eyes
Procedure:
1. Decorate the paper bag with eyes and a “face” to represent a donkey.
2. Cut out paper pieces to look like ears and legs. Decorate if desired.
3. Attach the “ears” and “legs” to the paper bag using staples, glue, or tape.
4. Add extra decoration or verses and captions, if desired.
5. Play with your puppet to recall the donkey in the Palm Sunday celebration!
Craft Three: “Crying Stones Ma-rock-a” noisemaker
You will need:
- Paper or Styrofoam cups
- Paper towel tubes
- Stickers (optional)
- Markers or crayons
- Scissors
- Construction paper
- Cupcake liners (optional)
- Rubber bands
- Tape
- Rocks
Procedure:
1. Decorate the tube or cup with verse captions, markers, and stickers.
2. Cover one end of the tube (if using) with paper or cupcake liner. Secure with rubber bands and/or tape.
3. Carefully place small rocks inside the tube or cup.
4. Secure the other end of the tube (or one end of the cup) with paper or cupcake liner. Tape or rubber band to secure in place.
5. Shake to make noise and rejoice in Christ’s salvation!