3 Questions to Shape Your Easter Sunday Lesson (And Make it More Effective)

On Easter, we have the privilege of teaching kids a central moment in the story of the gospel. Last week, we shared 20 creative ways to teach the Easter story to kids, but if you’re having trouble deciding how you want to engage kids in the story of Easter this year, ask 3 simple questions to help bring clarity to your teaching:

1. What do you want kids to think?
2. What do you want kids to feel?
3. What do you want kids to do?

Answering these questions ahead of time helps you teach with intention, and it can help you invite kids to experience and apply the gospel, not just hear it.

What Do You Want Kids to THINK?

Easter is a story kids hear every year, but it’s more than a story to remember. It’s a truth to understand. Rather than explaining every detail, focus on one clear takeaway, like:

• Jesus really died and really came back to life. This story is TRUE.
• Jesus chose the cross because He loves us.
• God is stronger than sin and death.

When parents ask “what did you learn today?”, what sentence do you hope kids say in response? Build your lesson around that one truth and repeat it often.

What Do You Want Kids to FEEL?

Easter stirs big emotions. Sadness, fear, joy, surprise, and hope all show up in the story. We’ve even shared in the past some helpful tips for talking about Jesus’ death with kids here. Your goal isn’t just understanding. It’s helping kids feel:

• Loved and known by Jesus.
• Hopeful, even when things feel confusing.
• Safe asking questions.

Tone matters. Words matter. Even when you talk about the cross, kids should leave knowing the story doesn’t end in sadness. The resurrection changes everything.

What Do You Want Kids to DO?

Easter invites a response. Not pressure or even an altar call, but a next step in some way. That might look like:

• Thanking Jesus in prayer.
• Talking with a parent about the Easter story.
• Choosing kindness or forgiveness because Jesus is alive.
• Exploring the Easter story through prayer stations like these for Good Friday or these for Palm Sunday. 

Keep it simple and doable. When kids know what to do with what they learned, the lesson goes with them beyond Sunday.

So this Easter, don’t just ask what you’re teaching.
Ask what you want kids to think, feel, and do as a result.

Find all of our Easter resources here.