Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, commemorating Jesus Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem. It's a time of reflection and celebration for Catholics as we seek to draw closer to Jesus in his passion, death, and resurrection. Engaging children in crafts related to this significant event can help them understand its importance in a hands-on, interactive way. In this blog post, we'll explore a sweet craft idea to make palm branches with the most precious palms of our children. My stencil hand print craft will surely create a memorable Palm Sunday for the entire family.
Craft Supplies Needed:
Construction paper (preferably green, but you can use any color)
Scissors
Pencil
Tape
Craft stick or popsicle stick (if you don't have this on hand you can use any stick like object like a plastic knife, paper towel roll, or a stick from outside)
Washable markers or crayons for writing and drawing
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Materials
Gather all the necessary materials listed above. Ensure that you have enough space to work comfortably with the children, covering the area with newspapers or a protective sheet to prevent mess from the markers.
Step 2: Trace Hands
Have the children trace their hands 5-6 times. You may need to help them keep their hand in place or move the pencil around their fingers.
Step 3: Cut Hand Prints
Depending on the child's age, they may need assistance with this step. Once traced, carefully cut out the handprints.
Step 4: Personalize the Palms
Using a crayon or washable marker, personalize each palm by writing Palm Sunday phrases like "Hosanna," or prayers like "for grandma's heath," or they can draw on them. Let the creativity flow!
Step 5: Assemble the Palm Branch
Once all the components are ready, it's time to assemble the palm branch. Arrange the handprints in a fan-like shape to resemble palm leaves. Then, tape the palm leaf handprints to the popsicle stick or craft stick.
Step 6: Play and Display
Encourage the children to display their creations proudly, whether it's at home, in a classroom, or at a church event. If you do a family procession, have the children walk around waving their hand made palm branches.
Creating stencil hand palm branches for Palm Sunday is a wonderful way to engage children in the observance of this important day in the liturgical calendar. Through this hands-on activity, children can learn about the symbolism of palm branches and reflect on the meaning of Jesus's entry into Jerusalem. Crafting together fosters creativity, strengthens bonds, and provides an opportunity for meaningful conversations about faith and tradition. So, gather your supplies, get creative, and enjoy making these memorable Palm Sunday crafts with your children.
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