Passover Activities for Sunday School: Crafts, Games, and Stories

Passover is a significant Jewish holiday that commemorates the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and their liberation from slavery. For children in Sunday School, learning about Passover can be both educational and enjoyable through hands-on activities.

These activities not only help youngsters grasp the historical and religious importance of Passover but also engage them through creativity and play.

Craft Activities

Engaging children in Sunday School with crafts can make the Passover story come alive. These creative projects not only provide a tangible connection to the holiday but also allow for personal expression and understanding.

Making Passover Lamb Masks

One enjoyable activity is crafting Passover lamb masks. Begin by providing each child with a paper plate, cotton balls, glue, and markers. Instruct the children to glue cotton balls around the rim of the plate to create the lamb’s woolly appearance. Next, help them draw or attach pre-cut shapes for the lamb’s eyes, nose, and mouth. Adding a popsicle stick to the bottom of the plate allows the mask to be held up to the face. This craft serves as a fun way to discuss the significance of the lamb in the Passover story, particularly the lamb’s role in the tenth plague and the origins of the holiday’s name.

Creating Passover Placemats

Another creative project involves making Passover placemats. Supply the children with large sheets of construction paper, markers, stickers, and Passover-themed stencils. Encourage them to decorate their placemats with symbols related to the holiday such as the Star of David, menorahs, and illustrations of the ten plagues. This activity can include a discussion about the Seder meal and the various items traditionally placed on the Seder plate. Laminating the finished placemats will allow them to be used during the Seder meal, giving the children a sense of pride and participation in the family celebration.

Constructing Miniature Seder Plates

Creating miniature Seder plates is another hands-on way to teach children about Passover. Provide small paper plates and materials to represent each of the symbolic foods: a parsley sprig, a small piece of horseradish, a dab of charoset made from apples and nuts, a small bone (or a picture of one), a boiled egg, and a small piece of lettuce. Children can glue these items onto their plates or draw representations of them. This craft not only familiarizes them with the Seder plate’s components but also opens a discussion about their meanings and the rituals associated with them.

Interactive Storytelling

Engaging children in the rich narratives of Passover can be immensely rewarding when approached through interactive storytelling. This method transforms the traditional recounting of events into a dynamic and participatory experience, fostering a deeper connection and understanding of the holiday’s significance.

Begin by setting the scene with a vibrant and immersive environment. Use props and costumes to bring characters and settings to life, allowing children to step into the shoes of historical figures. For instance, draping a simple cloth over a child’s shoulders can instantly transform them into Moses, while a staff can symbolize his leadership. Encourage the children to take on roles, giving them small lines or actions that align with the story. This type of role-playing not only makes the narrative more engaging but also helps children remember the story more vividly.

Incorporating multimedia elements can further enhance the storytelling experience. Utilize audio clips of traditional Passover songs or sounds that can represent different events, such as the rustling of the Nile River or the bustling marketplace of ancient Egypt. Visual aids like storyboards or illustrated books can be shown alongside the narration, providing a visual anchor for the children and helping them follow along with the unfolding events.

Interactive storytelling can also be enriched by integrating sensory experiences. For example, as the story describes the Israelites baking unleavened bread in haste, pass around a piece of matzah for the children to touch and taste. When recounting the crossing of the Red Sea, use a small fan to simulate the wind that parted the waters. These tactile elements create a multi-sensory narrative that captivates young minds and strengthens their connection to the Passover story.

Passover Songs and Music

Music plays an integral role in the celebration of Passover, bringing the stories and traditions to life through melody and rhythm. For children in Sunday School, learning Passover songs can be a delightful way to connect with the holiday’s themes and narratives. Songs like “Dayenu,” which means “it would have been enough,” are perfect for teaching gratitude and appreciation. This traditional tune, with its repetitive and catchy chorus, is easy for children to learn and sing along to, making it a staple in any Passover program.

Another engaging musical activity involves teaching the children about the different instruments that can be used to enhance the experience. Simple percussion instruments such as tambourines, maracas, and hand drums can be utilized to create a lively and participatory atmosphere. Encourage the kids to create their own rhythms to accompany the songs, fostering a sense of involvement and creativity. This hands-on approach not only makes the music session more interactive but also helps children understand the cultural significance of music in Jewish traditions.

Incorporating movement into the musical activities can further enrich the experience. Introduce simple dance steps or hand motions that go along with the lyrics of each song. For example, during the singing of “Chad Gadya,” a playful song that tells the story of a little goat, children can act out the different characters and actions described in the verses. This kinesthetic involvement helps solidify the children’s connection to the music and the stories they tell, making the lessons both memorable and enjoyable.

Passover-Themed Games

Games are an excellent way to reinforce the lessons of Passover while keeping children engaged and entertained. These activities can be both educational and fun, helping to solidify the holiday’s themes in a playful manner.

Passover Bingo

Passover Bingo is a fantastic game that combines learning with excitement. Create bingo cards featuring various Passover symbols and terms, such as matzah, the Seder plate, Moses, and the Red Sea. As the teacher calls out each item, provide a brief explanation of its significance to reinforce the children’s understanding. This game not only helps familiarize the children with important Passover concepts but also encourages active listening and quick thinking. To add an extra layer of fun, offer small prizes for the winners, such as Passover-themed stickers or small toys, making the game both educational and rewarding.

Matzah Hunt

A Matzah Hunt is a delightful twist on the traditional Easter egg hunt, tailored for Passover. Hide pieces of matzah or small matzah-shaped tokens around the classroom or outdoor area. Provide the children with baskets or bags to collect their findings. This activity can be tied to the search for the afikoman, a piece of matzah hidden during the Seder that children traditionally search for. Explain the significance of the afikoman and how it represents the hidden and revealed aspects of freedom. The Matzah Hunt not only engages children in a fun and active way but also deepens their understanding of Passover traditions and the importance of the afikoman in the Seder.

Red Sea Relay Race

The Red Sea Relay Race is an energetic game that brings the story of the Israelites’ escape from Egypt to life. Set up an obstacle course that represents the parting of the Red Sea, using blue fabric or streamers to create “water” on either side. Divide the children into teams and have them race through the course, mimicking the Israelites’ journey to freedom. Along the way, include challenges that represent different aspects of the story, such as carrying a “staff” like Moses or gathering “manna” (small balls or tokens). This relay race not only provides a fun physical activity but also reinforces the narrative of the Exodus, helping children to internalize the story through movement and teamwork.