A Universal Sunday School Approach

So, here you are, a Sunday school teacher, maybe not Catholic, but keen on making the most of this Easter season, starting with Lent with a bunch of boisterous kids. You're as ready as possible, hoping to share with them about Lent. But wait, Lent, kids, and a Sunday school classroom? Is that a mix that even clicks? Well, it's not just about prayer and fasting – it's about engaging these curious minds in a journey that's as educational as it is meaningful.

Lent is more than a season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving for a Catholic or Anglican community; it's a journey for anyone toward renewal, reflection, and embracing faith. For Sunday school teachers and those who guide the spiritual growth of young hearts, Lent offers a beautiful canvas for teaching, empathy, and development, even for the youngest and tiniest of believers. Suppose you find yourself leading the way for children during this sacred time, regardless of your denomination. In that case, it's both a challenge and a privilege that we're about to make brimming with creativity and spiritual depth.

Let's embark on a journey to make Lent a formative, multi-sensory experience for your Sunday school classes, one that leaves lasting impressions and nurtures the seeds of faith within these young souls.

Understanding Lent in Sunday School

The ABCs of Lent

Begin by demystifying Lent. Describe it not just by what it requires—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—but by what it symbolizes. For children, the 40-day journey echoes Jesus's time in the desert. It's a chance to learn how Christ overcame his struggles by drawing closer to God. Utilize storytelling, perhaps with visual aids and maybe even some YouTube on the wall, to take the class "into the desert" with Jesus. Encourage questions and explorations. The desert isn't just a place; it's a mindset of seeking God in simplicity and silence.

Creative Workshops

Through workshops, contrast the abundance of everyday life with the symbols of Lent—ashes, purple, thorns, and the empty tomb. How do these symbols relate to Jesus's time in the desert? Consider making DIY prayer ropes, planting "resurrection" seeds, or creating gratitude journals.

The Power of Storytelling

Lent is also a time for unique stories. Each biblical or contemporary story can illustrate the concepts of compassion and sacrifice. From Jesus's temptation to modern tales of kindness and charity, stories can make Lent real and relatable.

Inclusive Approaches for Evangelical Settings

Exploring Common Ground

While specific religious elements may vary, Lent's core values of prayer, simplicity, charity, and spiritual growth are universal. Teaching children to love others as much as they love themselves, to be kind, and to make sacrifices for the good of others are lessons that transcend faith traditions. Hence, discussions can revolve around these shared values.

Adapted Traditions

For those in ecumenical or interfaith settings, finding common ground is vital. Sharing the practices of various faiths during Lent can foster understanding and respect. For instance, read and compare different fasting traditions and abstaining from worldwide.

Engagement Strategies for Sunday School Teachers

Interactive Lessons

Set up a pretend "prayer hotline" where children can 'prayerfully' answer and listen to concerns. Create a "Lenten path" in the classroom, marking it with the milestones of Lent, such as 'pray', 'give', and 'reflect', where children can move a marker each time they engage in a related activity.

Arts and Crafts

Engage children's creativity with crafts such as making prayer flags, crafting Lenten calendars, or building a charity "bank" where they can deposit a coin for every act of kindness.

Parental Guidance and Involvement

Family Activities

Recommend family activities like volunteering together at a local charity, devoting a quiet corner at home for family prayer, or picking a Lenten mission to focus on as a family, such as helping neighbours or caring for the environment.

How about creating a Lenten garden together? Seeds of awareness and kindness while you plant and nurture seeds in a classroom garden. It's a visual reminder that growth happens on the earth and within us.

A Unified Front for Lent

Encourage parents to set examples of personal sacrifices (e.g., giving up a favourite treat), reinforcing that Lent isn't just about children's commitments; it's about a family and community-wide commitment to growing in faith and love.

Reflection and Communication

Suggest ways parents can engage children in conversations about their Lenten experiences—perhaps during car rides or family mealtimes. Open communication about feelings and reflections can make the journey meaningful for the entire family.

We know that Lent can sometimes feel like a daunting and serious time of year, but we're here to make sure you see it in another way as well. At The Scripture Scout Christian Resources, The Supercharged Sunday School is all about making faith fun and engaging for kids, and this Lent is no different in our Devotional Discovery Resources for adults.

For example, My Lenten Journey incorporates activities, enthusiasm, and the confidence we have in Christ into our Lenten journey. At The Supercharged Sunday School resources, there is He's Alive, Passover Palms, Who's in the Egg?, and a Free Easter Colouring Book. There is also an awesome Passover Seder Plate to help kids enrich the celebration of Passover.

Recap of a Transformative Season​

Lent in Sunday school can catalyze profound growth in young hearts, regardless of denomination. By simplifying the teachings, celebrating shared values, and utilizing engaging strategies, we can shape children into compassionate individuals with a growing relationship with spirituality.

Plus, what better way to connect with God and others than through remembering this important event that changed (and still has the power to change) the world?

Embrace the mystery and beauty of Lent by reading its stories and lessons. Let the rich heritage of Easter seep into your consciousness, reminding you of the profound love and sacrifice that undergirds the Christian faith.

Remember, the ultimate goal is not just to GET THROUGH Lent but to GROW THROUGH it, and when guiding our little ones, our efforts will ripple out, shaping not just their Lenten seasons but their entire lives. So, let's take this opportunity and guide with the assurance that we are all walking the Lenten path together.