Tuesday, April 1, 2014

The Way of Light Mini Book & Full Size Coloring Book

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5ETRkL51fhMVk9rNkszVWRod2s/edit?usp=sharing
While we are still deep in the throes of Lent, I know that many moms and catechists and teachers are out scouring Pinterest looking for new ideas to celebrate the season of Easter.  As well they should, because while Lent is an important season, Easter is the pinnacle of our faith.  We need enough activities to last more than just Easter Sunday (the season lasts 50 days!), and so I have been planning ahead.

I am sure you know The Way of the Cross- fourteen events that walk us through the Crucifixion of Christ.  We hang images of  them in our churches and pray them on Fridays during Lent.
But did you know there is also The Way of Light?  Fourteen events that walk us through the Resurrection of Christ and the events before Pentecost and focus on hope.
We put so much emphasis on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving during Lent that I think we sometimes forget that the season of Easter is actually longer and should be more special.  When I heard about the Way of Light a couple of years ago, I knew that it would be a great theme to help carry the stories surrounding Christ's Resurrection into the entire season.

You can read more about The Way of Light here and here and here.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5ETRkL51fhMVk9rNkszVWRod2s/edit?usp=sharing

The first activity that I am posting for The Way of Light is a mini coloring book that contains the name of each station, a Scripture reference, and a picture.  I am no good with drawing people, so most of the illustrations are of a symbol that would help kids remember that part of the Easter story.  Coming up later this week, I will share more ideas for crafts using The Way of Light and hands-on projects for teaching the message of Easter.

Here are the fourteen stations:













And I couldn't resist including this quote for the back cover...I know JPII hasn't officially been canonized yet, but he will be just a week after Easter!  It seemed perfect to include him.

Click on the image below for the free sixteen page mini book.  Print double sided, cut in half horizontally, fold, staple, color, and celebrate!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5ETRkL51fhMVk9rNkszVWRod2s/edit?usp=sharing

***Update- Click here for a full size 8.5x11 page Coloring Book:

Get a shareable version for Google Classroom here:


Check back for more activities, printables, and crafts using the Way of Light to celebrate Easter.

9 comments:

  1. Thank you immensely for this, and all your wonderful ideas. I totally appreciate your time and willingness to share. God bless you and your work--and your students!

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    1. You are welcome, Gabrielle! Thanks so much!

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  2. Thanks again for the great idea! I typically use your blog to spark my own imagination and creative side. Sometimes its tough for me to come up with ideas for my students, I typically "get called in from the bullpen" to step in at the last minute. I have had grades 3-6 in one class at times! It's awesome to know that I can almost always find something amazing here as seed for a great class. Thanks so much!

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    1. So glad to hear that, Terri! God bless you and all those kiddos :)

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  3. This is WONDERFUL! Thank you so much for sharing. I am so inspired by your blog!

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  4. I can't wait to practice this with my kids. FYI, the third link in the "here and here and here" ended at a 404 page.

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    1. I found the third link here: http://www.dow.org.au/item/via-crucis-via-lucis

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  5. I enjoyed presenting these 'Stations of the Resurrection' to my CCD class last night. It was a great learning experience reading the scriptures and hi-lighting the verses. Emphasizing that this is the most joyous season for a Christian because of the Good News. Going to the source makes it more personal. Thanks for this excellent resource!

















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