Year 1 - Celebrating Palm Sunday

 

Why do Catholics believe that Palm Sunday is special?

This week in Year 1, the children have been exploring the story of Palm Sunday and learning why it is such an important celebration for Catholics. Over two lessons, we focused on hearing the story from Scripture and celebrating the symbols and actions that help Catholics remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

🌟 Lesson 1 – Palm Sunday (Hear)

We began by looking at a picture of a donkey and asking a simple but powerful question: Why might Jesus choose a donkey instead of a horse? The children shared thoughtful ideas about peace, gentleness, and humility.

We then listened to the Palm Sunday story from Luke 19:28–38, where the crowds welcomed Jesus with joy, waving branches and shouting “Hosanna!” Together, we explored new vocabulary such as procession, hosanna, and cloaks, helping the children understand the meaning behind the actions.

For their activity, the children created a story map, drawing the key events of Palm Sunday in order. They included Jesus riding the donkey, the crowds spreading their cloaks, and the joyful shouts of welcome.

We ended the lesson by acting out the scene, practising our very best palm‑waving as the children imagined being part of the crowd greeting Jesus.

🌿 Lesson 2 – Palm Sunday (Celebrate)

In our second lesson, we explored how Catholics celebrate Palm Sunday today. We listened to a Palm Sunday song and talked about the special symbols used in church:

• Palm branches

• Cloaks

• The joyful word “Hosanna!”

The children then took part in a creative craft activity, making their own Palm and Cloak Hats. Using paper plates, construction paper, and lots of imagination, they designed hats decorated with palm leaves, cloaks, and joyful messages. This hands‑on activity helped them remember how people welcomed Jesus with excitement and love.

To finish, we held our very own Palm Sunday procession around the classroom. The children proudly wore their hats, waved their palms, and recreated the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.

✨ What a joyful week!

The children have shown wonderful curiosity and reverence as they learned about Palm Sunday. They now understand that Catholics believe this day is special because it marks the beginning of Holy Week and celebrates Jesus as a humble, peaceful king.

We are so proud of their thoughtful discussions, beautiful artwork, and enthusiastic participation.

If you’d like to continue the conversation at home, you might ask your child: “How would you have welcomed Jesus on Palm Sunday?”