We have children ranging in age from 3 to 15 living at home right now, so I've been on the lookout for easy Lenten ideas for them. My friend Teresa gave me two: a crown of thorns made of clay and toothpicks, and a simple Lenten calendar with spaces big enough that 3-year-old "Alleluia" can mark off the days with her dot markers.
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| This type of calendar is easily found or made. Notice that Sundays are not included in the 40 days. |
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| We picked a purple dot marker because it's the color for this season. |
For the wreath Teresa gave us a hunk of clay (salt dough dries out), a sturdy plate and a bag of toothpicks.
Teenaged "Wasabi" rolled out the clay and braided it nicely while Alleluia and I counted out 40 toothpicks, enough so that she can remove one for each day of the 40 days of Lent. When the wreath was complete we all stuck the toothpicks into the clay to represent thorns. We explained that our sacrifices and good works during Lent can comfort our suffering Lord, and we can remove a "thorn" each time we offer something up out of love for Him. We hope to remove all of the thorns by Easter!
The third idea is straight from the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd calligraphy materials. We have lined paper, double-tipped calligraphy markers and verses for copying for 6- through 9-year-olds that is a normal part of a Level 2 CGS classroom. Since our 9-year-old "Peel" has been learning cursive I suggested that she write out either one of the names of Jesus or copy a psalm each day during Lent. She liked the idea!
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| By the end of Lent I guess we'll have to think of something clever to do with all of her calligraphy. Any ideas? |
Thanks for sharing. These are great ideas!
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