HOSANNA!

JESUS ENTERS JERUSALEM RIDING ON A DONKEY 

Zech 9:9 Rejoice, people of Jerusalem. Shout for joy, people of Jerusalem. Your King is coming to you. He does what is right, and He saves. He is gentle and riding on a donkey. He is on the colt of a donkey.

BIBLE REFERENCES: Zech 9:9; Mt 21:1-11; Mk 10:32-34; Mk 11:1-11; Lk 19:28-40; Jn 12:12-19

lesson plan pdf

Image copyright 2026 LDF

 

DECLARATION AT THE CLASSROOM DOOR (Gate of Praise):

HOSANNA, KING JESUS! (Hosanna means “save us”). When Jesus entered Jerusalem on the way to the cross, the people shouted, “Hosanna!”

 

WORKTABLES: blank worksheet pdf

Printing: HOSANNA, KING JESUS!

Drawing: A DONKEY: Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the colt of a donkey

 

 

TRANSITION TO CIRCLE SONG:

PREPARATION SONGS:

 

BIBLE STORY: manipulative for storytelling

  • Read THE TRIUMPHANT ENTRY from a Children’s Bible OR…
  • Enact the story with props OR…
  • Read the first 2 pages of THE EASTER STORY by Allie Zobel-Nolan, Illustrated by Trace Moroney

DISCUSSION / COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS:

  • Where was Jesus going? (Jerusalem)
  • What was Jesus ready to do in Jerusalem? (die on the cross)
  • Was He riding a horse or a donkey? (colt of a donkey)
  • What did the people do as He rode into Jerusalem? (waved palm branches / laid coats on the ground like a royal carpet / shouted “HOSANNA!”)
  • Some people did not like Jesus; what did they do? (whispered about getting rid of Jesus)
  • SHORT VIDEO CLIP: PALM SUNDAY

 

PRAYER: prompts

  • Jesus knew it was time for Him to die on the cross. He did not run away. He went to the cross to pay for our sins.
  • If you had been there that day, what would you want to shout to Jesus?

 

 

RELEASE CHILDREN TO PLAY CENTERS: One at a time with playcards

  • DRY TABLE: manipulative from today’s story
  • TRAIN TABLE: Roadway with Cars, Trucks, Buses and Houses/Buildings
  • KITCHEN: Standard Set-Up
  • PLAY DOUGH: Assorted Playdough Colors / Shape Cutters
  • EASEL: HOSANNA coloring page PDF
  • CRAFT: “PALM” BRANCHES to wave for Jesus!.
    1. Green paint handprint on green card stock.
    2. Cut out handprint when dry.
    3. Print child’s praise statement on palm print.
    4. Attach to a green popsicle stick.
    5. Use during worship songs.

 

CLEAN-UP:

Students must tidy up the centers where they were playing when the timer rang. Teachers/Helpers oversee this activity.  Students learn to sort and return items to their proper place.  In so doing, they are learning to take care of the classroom.  It also helps them be prepared for dismissal.  Once the centers are tidy, students move to the BOOK NOOK and quietly look at books.

BOOK NOOK COLLECTION:

GAME:

If parents have not arrived after 5 minutes of quiet reading, lead the children in a game. Today’s special game: Instead of “Doggie Doggie”, change it up to “Sheepie, Sheepie, where have you gone?” Use a small stuffed lamb for children to hide.

DISMISSAL:

Assign an adult to greet parents/guardians.

Call students ONE AT A TIME when families arrive.  Prompt the remaining student to call out, “GOODBYE (student’s name).”

Families check mailboxes.  Today’s TAKE HOME: Donkey worksheet / Booklet: Hosanna