Easter Sunday is a special time of year filled with joy, hope, and celebration. Music is a great way to teach kids about the love and sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for us because singing often keeps young children engaged and helps them remember the lesson. Whether you’re needing lesson plans for a Sunday school class, leading a children’s choir, or planning a homeschool activity, Easter singing time can be both meaningful and ensure that your children are having a good time.
We are going to explore a variety of Easter singing time ideas that both younger and older kids will love. From interactive songs to creative activities, these ideas will help children connect with the message of Easter while having a fantastic time.
Why Singing Time Is Important for Easter
Singing is a powerful way for kids to learn and remember the story of Easter. Music engages multiple senses, making it easier for children to recall lyrics and concepts. Songs about Jesus’ resurrection, God’s love, and new life help reinforce the significance of Easter in a fun and engaging way. Plus, singing together fosters a sense of community and joy!
Classic Easter Songs Kids Will Love
Here are some classic Easter songs that are easy to learn and sing with kids:
1. “Jesus is Alive!” by KidsSpring Children’s Ministry
This upbeat song celebrates the resurrection of Jesus in a joyful and exciting way. Kids love the energetic rhythm and powerful message.
2. “Jesus Loves Me“
A timeless classic, “Jesus Loves Me” is a simple yet profound song that reminds children of God’s love. You can add hand motions to make it even more engaging.
3. “This Little Light of Mine“
Though not specifically an Easter song, it fits well with the theme of sharing the good news of Jesus. Encourage kids to let their “light shine” through their faith and actions.
4. “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today“
This traditional hymn can be simplified for younger children while still capturing the essence of Easter Sunday morning.
5. “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High“
With an easy-to-learn melody and lyrics that describe Jesus’ journey from the cross to resurrection, this song is great for an Easter singing session.
6. “The Easter Song (Hear the Bells Ringing)“
This joyful song describes the hope and joy of Easter morning. Kids love singing along to the happy tune.
7. “God’s Not Dead” by Newsboys
An upbeat song that will get even your older children up dancing and excited about the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Interactive Easter Singing Time Activities
To make singing time even more fun, consider adding an interactive singing time activity to engage kids. Here are some great ideas:
1. Easter Egg Song Hunt
Write the lyrics of an Easter song on small slips of paper and place them inside plastic Easter eggs. Hide the eggs around the room, and let kids hunt for them. Once all the eggs are found, have the children work together to put the lyrics in order and sing the song.
2. Action Songs with Movements
Adding hand motions or full-body movements to songs keeps kids engaged. For example:
- “Jesus Loves Me” – Have kids point to themselves, make a heart shape with their hands, and lift their arms toward the sky.
- “This Little Light of Mine” – Let kids hold up their finger like a candle and “hide it under a bushel” before letting it shine.
- “Jesus is Alive!” – Jump or clap on key words like “alive” to emphasize the excitement of the resurrection.
3. Resurrection Roll Rhythm Game
Give each child a small drum, egg shakers, or tambourine. Assign different instruments to different parts of a song. For example, kids with drums can play during the chorus, while kids with shakers can play during verses. This adds a fun musical element to singing time!
4. Pass the Easter Egg
Sit in a circle and pass around a plastic Easter egg while singing an Easter song. When the music stops, the child holding the plastic egg must sing the next line of the song alone or with a partner. This game encourages participation and confidence.
5. Easter Song Freeze Dance
Play an upbeat Easter song and have kids dance or move to the music. Pause the song at random moments—when the music stops, the children must freeze in place. You can add a twist by having kids recite a Bible verse related to Easter before the music starts again.
6. Picture Story Singing
Show children pictures that relate to the Easter story (e.g., a cross, an empty tomb, a sunrise). Assign a song to each picture, and as you hold up a picture, the kids must sing the corresponding song. This helps children associate the songs with the meaning of Easter.
Creative Ways to Teach Easter Songs
Teaching a new Easter song can sometimes be challenging but try these fun ways to make learning songs easier and more fun for kids.
1. Echo Singing
Sing one line of the song and have the children echo it back to you. This method is especially helpful for learning new songs.
2. Picture Cues
Create simple drawings or use printed images to represent different lyrics of the song. Hold them up as visual cues while singing to help kids remember the words.
3. Fill-in-the-Blank Singing
Write out the lyrics to a song but leave some words blank. Have the kids fill in the missing words while singing. This encourages active listening and memory recall.
4. Song Puzzle
Write the lyrics of a song on separate strips of paper and mix them up. Have kids work together to put the puzzle pieces in the correct order before singing.
5. Sing in Different Voices
Make singing more entertaining by having kids sing in different fun voices, such as a whisper, robot voice, or opera style. This keeps things playful and engaging.
Easter Singing Time Crafts & Activities
Complement your singing time with crafts and hands-on activities that reinforce the Easter message. Here are a few of our favorite activities:
1. Make Resurrection Eggs
Fill 12 plastic eggs with small items that represent parts of the Easter story (e.g., a cross, a nail, a stone). Open each egg while singing an Easter song to connect the story to the music.
2. DIY Musical Instruments
Let kids create their own simple instruments using household items:
- Drums – Use empty oatmeal containers or coffee cans.
- Shakers – Fill a plastic egg with rice or beans.
- Tambourines – Attach jingle bells to paper plates.
3. Easter Songbook
Have kids create a small booklet with their favorite Easter songs and decorate it with stickers, drawings, or Bible verses.
4. Handprint Cross Art
Have kids dip their hands in paint and make handprint crosses on paper while listening to Easter music. This creates a meaningful keepsake!
5. Palm Branch Praise Parade
Give each child a paper palm branch and let them wave the palm leaves while marching and singing “Hosanna” songs to celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry.
Wrapping Up Your Easter Singing Time
As you finish your Easter singing time, take a moment to reflect on the meaning of the songs. Ask kids questions like:
- What did you learn about Jesus from these songs?
- How do these songs make you feel about Easter?
- What is your favorite Easter song and why?
Ending with a short prayer or a final joyful song can leave kids feeling uplifted and inspired by the message of Easter.
Our Easter Unit Study is a great way to incorporate intentional time learning about the resurrection of Jesus. Join us for a 7-day bible study that will teach your kids the truth about why we celebrate Easter.
Easter singing time is a wonderful way to engage kids in the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. By incorporating fun songs, interactive activities, and meaningful crafts, you can make this great time both educational and enjoyable. Whether you’re leading a group of children at church, in a homeschool setting, or during a family gathering, these ideas will help create lasting memories while reinforcing the true meaning of Easter.
Happy Easter and happy singing!
Tell us in the comments some different songs that your kids enjoy singing on Easter!
