Ash Wednesday Activity

Something we've done as a whole school, but could be done in the classroom or in an early childhood center is burying the "Alleluia."

Traditionally, the word "Alleluia" is not used in Lent.  During this time of contrition, we set aside that word and so it is even more meaningful to use at Easter!

I teach the children the Caribbean song "Halle, halle, halle," - which is very simple and catchy.  We sing it for the two weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday.  Have each child (or classroom) make an "Alleluia" banner (class) or small poster (child).  For individuals, simply give them a 9 x 12 sheet of construction paper with the word "Alleluia" printed in large block letters.  They can decorate with beads, sequins, glitter, paints, etc.  If a class is doing a banner, they can do it any way they'd like.  Work together to brainstorm what it should look like, it's fun to see what the different classes come up with.

At chapel on Ash Wednesday (or could be the week before), the children can process in with their Alleluia posters.  Or, if each class does a banner, they can process in with the first person in their line holding the class banner.  They sing "Halle, halle, halle" as they process in.  Have a large box or trunk in the front of the church and after they process in, they place their poster/banner in the box and as they do, they stop singing the song.  This way, the song gradually fades away as the Alleluias are placed in the box.  The box can be closed up and then opened at the first chapel after Easter. Make sure you sing lots of "Alleluias" at that chapel! The banners and posters can be placed in the classroom or worship space to celebrate the Easter season.

I like this because it is very visual and concrete for young (and older) children.  It is fun for them to catch others saying "Alleluia" in Lent.  If you do this, make sure that whoever chooses your chapel music knows not to use "the A word" during Lent. 

--
Julie Bedard
St. John Lutheran School
New Orleans, LA

 

Creative Communications for the Parish has a Children's Message series for The Seven Last Words of Christ.  Here is the link.

http://protestant.creativecommunications.com/viewproduct.php?prodid=KSB