10 Tools to Teach Kids About Pentecost and the Holy Spirit
Pentecost is a very sacred and special time in the Bible when the disciples received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost took place 50 days after Jesus rose from the dead. The story in Acts 2:1-42 tells how the early followers of Christ came together on Pentecost. Today, Pentecost Sunday is the celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit. The word, Pentecost, originates from the Greek word for five, “penta,” meaning “the fiftieth day.” Pentecost was also called Shabuoth, Festival of Weeks, and the Day of the First Fruits. It is a renewal of the mission and purpose of our faith and a celebration of hope.
Pentecost is the perfect time for children to learn more about their faith. For some children, the concept of Pentecost can be hard to comprehend, and trying to talk to children about the function and role of the Holy Spirit in their lives can sometimes feel like an overwhelming discussion. Here are some tools and resources we’ve compiled to help explain the importance of Pentecost Sunday.
Books to Teach Kids About Pentecost
While it is important to begin the discussion of Pentecost using the Bible as your main guide and resource, storybooks on Pentecost can be extremely helpful to illustrate the meaning of that day.
The Day When God Made The Church: A Child’s First Book on Pentecost
The Day When God Made the Church is the story of Pentecost and how the Holy Spirit shaped, and continues to shape, who we are as God’s Church. Children will learn the story of Pentecost: the sights, sounds, and events of that miraculous day described in the Book of Acts.
Take a look at the behind the scene look at the making of the book in this video!
Encourage your kids to read and learn about God and His great love for His children with The Pentecost Story. Featuring a clever rhyming scheme and paired with vivid illustrations, this story takes the reader through the fall of Babylon up through the Pentecost.
Breathe: A Child’s Guide to Ascension, Pentecost, and the Growing Time
Breathe: A Child’s Guide to Ascension, Pentecost and the Growing Time explores the comings and goings of Jesus and the Spirit through retellings of the Biblical stories of Ascension and Pentecost, interwoven with contemporary reflections from the point of view of a child.
Videos to Teach Kids About Pentecost
What’s In The Bible?: A Helper Arrives
Buck Denver and friends learn about Pentecost and the arrival of the Holy Spirit. Then Jesus’ followers make a big splash in Jerusalem – with the Holy Spirit’s help!
The Disciples get a surprising visit on Pentecost, and afterward, none of them are the same.
In this fun and lively animated video created by Saddleback Church, Acts 2 is brought to life.
Presented by Crossroads Kids Club, this video tells the story of Pentecost from a kid’s perspective.
Arts and Crafts to Teach Kids About Pentecost
Pinwheels are designed to spin when blown upon by a person or by the wind. This can be used as an awesome demonstration of the Holy Spirit. This craft activity is a way to teach children how God’s Spirit operates in our lives.
Paint Blowing Craft For Pentecost
Using paint, straws, and paper this fun activity demonstrates Acts 2:3. Children learn about exactly how the Holy Spirit moved on that day and how it impacted the disciples.
Tongues of Fire Bible Verse Review Game
This game is an awesome tool to help children learn to memorize scripture and the craft helps give children a visual representation of Acts 2.
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These are just a few resources that can help aid you in your discussion with your child about Pentecost. Ultimately, it’s important for children to know that Pentecost is a day of remembrance and celebration! The Holy Spirit is our helper, teacher, comforter, and our friend! He becomes a part of us when we become a Christian and understand that Jesus died and rose for us. When we’re ready to live our lives in honor of God, the Holy Spirit will lead us and guide us every day.