The Easter Story: A Visual Representation

"Resurrection Eggs" by Family Life
Help Tell the Easter Story

In the teaching of the Easter story to my children (ages 2,3,and 4), I have been using a "Resurrection Egg" set I purchased on clearance after Easter several years ago. Using an egg carton, a dozen plastic eggs, and different objects to represent pieces of the Easter story, my children are learning the truth of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.  This particular set is still available for purchase here or here, and comes with a booklet explaining each part of the story.  However, this concept could become a DIY project.  You will find the information for making your own visual of the Easter Story below.

Joanne's Children
Making an Easter Story Timeline

Besides reviewing the Easter story with our Resurrection Eggs every day, we've also worked on a pictorial timeline to tell the story.  I created a page of clip art images that coordinate with the 12 objects in the eggs, and my kids colored the pictures; then we cut and glued the pictures in a timeline format.  I posted the finished timelines on the wall at my children's eye level - and now they love to tell me the Easter story using their timelines.

DIY Easter Story Visual
Supplies:

• 1 egg carton
• 1 permanent marker
• 12 plastic eggs
• 1 donkey (represents the Triumphal Entry)
• 3 silver coins (represents the 30 pieces of silver Judas received for the betrayal of Christ)
• 1 small cup (represents the last supper with Christ and the disciples in the Upper Room)
• 1 set of praying hands (represents the time Christ and the disciples prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane)
• 1 small leather strip (represents the whip the Romans beat Jesus with)
• 1 thorn (represents the crown of thorns placed on Jesus head)
• 3 nails (represents the nails used to secure Jesus to the cross)
• dice (represents the casting of lots for Jesus robes)
• 1 small spear (represents the spear used to pierce Jesus side)
• 1 small piece of cloth (represents the linens Jesus body was wrapped in the tomb)
• 1 rock (represents the stone over the door of the tomb) 
• The twelfth egg remains empty (represents the empty tomb - evidence of the resurrection)

1. Use the marker to number the 12 eggs.
2. Place each object (or set of objects) in each egg, in the order listed above.
3. Fill the egg carton with the twelve filled eggs.
4. Open one egg at a time to help tell the story of Easter, starting with the Triumphal Entry and ending with the Resurrection.