The main activity is to read through the readings of Palm Sunday in any way you want to. Talk about what happened, what it means, and what we do today.
Focus on the Institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper, Jesus' sacrifice for our sins and Reconciliation, and His love for us. Or whatever you feel they need.
With more shy students, they could just read the different parts from their desks.
With more active students, push back the desks to create a stage area and only use chairs today. Make sure every student has at least one role.
Be creative and find things around the hose to use. A red ribbon can be the crown of thorns and a soldiers whip. 2 large sheets of brown paper can be rolled up to make a cross. Jesus can carry them and the red ribbon can tie them together at the center.
Flour tortillas can be the bread at the last supper. They can be passed to everyone. Swords can be made from cardboard and tin foil.
The whole story can be acted out in one class persiod if the students cooperate well. It is a tight squeeze, though, so try not to take too long between acts.
Other ideas: Pray the meal prayers at the Last Supper. Pray the Our Father when reading how Jesus prayed in the garden. Pray the Hail Mary as Mary mourns at the foot of the cross. Pray the Act of Contrition when Jesus dies on the Cross. Mention the Resurrection and pray the Glory Be. Pray the Creed when everything is done. etc.
The saint for today is St. Peter. You could talk about how Peter sinned by denying Jesus but Jesus forgave him and he went on to become the leader of the Church, the first Pope.
Readings for Palm Sunday - Luke - Can be acted out (MS Word Doc)
Readings for Palm Sunday - Luke - Can be acted out (pdf)
The Easter Gospel - John - Acting directions (MS Word Doc)
The Easter Gospel - John - Acting directions (pdf)
Donkey picture - good for a prop for Palm Sunday reading
Head of a donkey - good for a prop for Palm Sunday
Picture of a rooster crowing - prop for Peter's denial
INRI sign for the cross - good for a prop for the crucifixion
Picture of Jesus Praying in the Garden of Gethsemane to color by number
Picture of Jesus Praying in the Garden of Gethsemane to color
Picture of Jesus carrying the Cross to color
Picture of Jesus on the Cross to color
Picture of the Ressurected Jesus to color
Maze to Golgotha
Worksheet - Read Bible passages and answer questions
Worksheet - Triduum quiz
Worksheet - The Last Supper Quiz
Worksheet - Easter Gospel Search - hunt through Bible for answers
Worksheet - Alleluia Word activity
Meditation on the Cross - only the teacher needs a copy of this. The students listen.
Resources and ideas for Palm Sunday readings.
One of the ideas here is a Jelly Bean Prayer. If not acting out the passion, putting together a container of Jelly Beans with this prayer could be fun.
The recommended saint for this class is
St. Peter.