Easter is a spring holiday that celebrates the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ and thus is associated with the symbols of rebirth, new life which in the Northern Hemisphere is the essence of the season of Spring. After the death of winter with its short, days and long nights, that barren darkness, the days begin to lengthen and the earth wakes up.
In pre-Christian Europe this time was also celebrated by a fertility festival and some of those symbols of fertility, like the egg and bunny have been absorbed by modern Easter secular culture.
I think the butterfly life cycle is a relevant Easter lesson that demonstrates, not only the Risen Christ story but that central theme of metamorphosis, transformation and new life.
Kindergarten and emergent readers (Yellow Bear):
Yellow Bear class is super busy with their phonics reading, story book, and speech memorization. If we had time I'd have them read this booklet.
Reading:
When is Easter?
Sight words: when, does
Pre-Intermediate Readers (Vincent):
Reading 1:
Easter Customs and Traditions
Vocabulary:
Crucifixion, Good Friday, fortnight, currants, in many respects, customs, traditions, on behalf, legendary character
Conversation:
Do you celebrate Easter?
Reading 2:
Easter Sunday
Vocabulary:
angel, alive, bury, block, cave, celebrate, empty, promise, rise,
Intermediate Readers (Phoebe and Jaimie):
Reading 1:
What is Easter?
Vocabulary: celebrated, celebration, resurrection, service (church), original
Reading 2:
The Crucifixion
Vocabulary: cloak, criminal, crucify, forgive, garments, governor, kneel, mock, palace, spit, thorns, tunic, weep
Conversation:
Happy Easter!
Advanced Readers:
Reading:
Easter
Resources:
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/easter/
http://www.kidssoup.com/Easter/easter.html#freeEastercrafts
http://www.eslkidstuff.com/EasterGames.htm#.VRqenPyUeCo
http://www.esolcourses.com/topics/easter.html
http://www.eslflow.com/Cultureandcelebrationslessonplans.html
http://www.theholidayzone.com/easter/eread.html
