In This Issue: 5-Day Easter Unit Study
(with more than 50 links for further information)

Activities for Every Day
Day 1:  Christ's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Day 2:  Celebration of the Passover (Last Supper)
                 and the Garden of Gethsemane
Day 3:  The Hearings and Trial
Day 4:  The Crucifixion
Day 5:  The Resurrection and Ascension

Greetings!

     Our joyful celebration of our Lord's resurrection provides the opportunity for us to:
 •   Teach our children the heart of the gospel so that they will thoroughly and accurately understand this most important doctrine.
 •   Proclaim to the world the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ — and salvation through faith in Him.
 •   Remember, reflect on, and appreciate what the Lord has done for us — then thank and praise Him!

3 Ways To Use This Unit Study
     A variety of activities can enrich your teaching, contemplation, and proclamation of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1.  Substitute this study for your regular studies to provide a break and focus on the resurrection of our Lord.
     Optional: Continue math work and any other basic subject that needs daily attention.
2.  Use the Scripture portions for your family's daily Bible and devotional time.
3.  Pick and choose any activity to enrich your family.

     May the Lord bless your family for His glory.

Cordially,
The Pat Welch Family, Publishers
Pat, Sue, Heather, Holly, and Brian

The Teaching Home is a home-school, family-run business operated in our home since 1980.

Activities for Every Day

The following activities are included for each of the five days. Bible Reading and Study      Read notes in your Bible or from a Bible handbook and discuss the selected passages using who, what, where, when, why, and how questions for comprehension and understanding.      Most of the Scriptures listed by topic for each day (see below) are taken from "A Harmony of the Story of Jesus" with the Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John accounts rearranged by subject and approximate chronological order.      Another Harmony of the Gospels Prophecy Fulfilled      The Scriptures listed are from "Messiah Revealed."      Another site, "Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus Christ, Messiah." Bible Memory      Choose a verse from the day's reading or one of the suggested verses. Reading      Have your children (even beginning readers with help) read some of the Bible reading and study references directly from the Bible. Writing and Penmanship  •   Ask your children to write 1-5 paragraphs (depending on their ability) on a topic of study for the day.  •   Assign a portion of Scripture or your memory verse to write out.  •   Use writing and penmanship skills to make banners, cards, tracts, etc. (see "Evangelism" listings below). Art, Crafts, and Activities      Many good links, recipes, family traditions, stories, activities, cards. Also "Jesus, Messiah, the Fulfillment of Prophecy," Feasts of the Bible, Messianic Jewish and Passover links. AnniesHomepage.com ____________________________________________ Day 1: Christ's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem      See notes for "Activities for Every Day" above for Bible Study and Memory, Reading, Writing, and Activities. Bible Reading and Study  •   Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem      Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19  •   Cleansing the Temple      Matthew 21:12-17; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-48  •   Jesus Teaches about His Death and Resurrection      Matthew 16:21-23; 17:22-23; 20:17-19; 26:1-2      Mark 8:31-33; 9:30-32; 10:32-34      Luke 9:22; 9:43b-45; 18:31-34  •   Jesus' Anointing at Bethany      Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8 Bible Prophecy Fulfilled  •   Triumphal Entry      Psalm 8:2 / Matthew 21:15-16; Zechariah 9:9a / Matthew 21:8-10      Zechariah 9:9b / John 12:12-13; Zechariah 9:9f / Matthew 21:6-9 Major Concept: Christ's Purpose in Coming to Earth      Isaiah 53:5-12; 59:15-16a / Matthew 20:28 / Luke 23:33, 46 / John 1:29; 6:40 / 1 John 2:2 Bible Memory      John 1:29; John 6:40 Vocabulary and Spelling      Disciples, triumphal, anoint, temple, Messiah. The English word "Easter"  •   "Isn't Easter a Pagan Holiday?" and other articles.  •   "Is the word 'Easter' Mentioned in the Bible?" Music: "Messiah"      Handel's Oratorio "Messiah" speaks of Christ's life, death, and resurrection.  •   Words and the Scriptures to which they refer and "Libretto of Handel’s `Messiah'"  •   Open Score  •   Free MP3 Downloads Geography  •   On maps of Jerusalem and the Holy Land locate the following (possible) locations: East Gate, Herod's Temple, Golgotha, Garden Tomb, Garden of Gethsemane, Mount of Olives, Upper Room, Herod's Palace and Early Maps and Models of Jerusalem  •   See an "Outline of the Story of Jesus" using maps.  •   "Walk Where Jesus Walked" teaching cards and maps. Evangelism: Greeting Cards      A greeting card is a way to show thoughtfulness and love, as well as to furnish an opportunity to witness at this appropriate time. Handmade Cards  •   Find instructions to make greeting cards using a variety of materials and techniques.  •   Write a poem about Christ's death and resurrection and it's meaning to you. See poetry-writing instruction and tips.  •   Use your best penmanship to copy the words of a hymn or Bible verse in your handmade cards and greetings.  •   Be sure to include the gospel (I Cor. 15:3-4; John 3:16). Store-Bought Cards  •   Include gospel tracts or write out a verse in greeting cards to family and neighbors. Evangelism: E-Mail Cards and Tracts  •   Send an e-card with a Bible verse typed into the message area or a link to an online tract.  •   Online tract, "God's Simple Plan of Salvation," in many languages.  •   Crosswalk e-cards.  •   Answers in Genesis e-card with link to a gospel message. ____________________________________________ Create a Curriculum or Enhance Your Own Packaged Curriculum.      Complete lines of Common Sense Press, Beautiful Feet Books, Draw-Write-Now, Key to... Workbooks, CalcuLadder, Learning Magnets, and much more!      Free Media Mail shipping with online order.      For a free catalog, call 800-655-1811 or e-mail BirchCourtBooks@aol.com. www.BirchCourtBooks.com ____________________________________________ Day 2: Celebration of the Passover (Last Supper) and the Garden of Gethsemane      See notes for "Activities for Every Day" above for Bible Study and Memory, Reading, Writing, and Activities. Bible Reading and Study  •   The Plot To Kill Jesus      Matthew 26:3-5; Mark 14:1-2; Luke 22:1-2; John 11:45-57  •   The Passover Instituted      Exodus 12:1-36  •   Celebrating the Passover / The Last Supper      Matthew 26:17-29; Mark 14:12-25; Luke 22:7-30; John 13:1-30; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25  •   Judas Iscariot's Plans To Betray Christ      Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:3-6  •   In the Garden of Gethsemane      Matthew 26:30-46; Mark 14:26-42; Luke 22:31-46; John 13:31-38; 18:1-2  •   Jesus Betrayed and Arrested      Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-54a; John 18:3-12 Bible Prophecy Fulfilled  •   Messiah Betrayed      Psalm 41:9 / Mark 14:17-18; Zechariah 11:12-13a / Matthew 26:14-15  •   Messiah Abandoned      Psalm 22:11 / Mark 14:50; Psalm 69:20b / Mark 14:33-41 Major Concept: Jesus the Messiah      Read "How do we know that Jesus was the Messiah?." Bible Memory      John 1:29 / 1 Peter 1:18-19 Vocabulary and Spelling      Passover, communion, betray, a "Judas." Music: "Messiah"      Continue exploring and listening to Handel's "Messiah" (see Day 1). Christ Typified in the Passover  •   Read the "Introduction to a Christian Seder," explanation of terms and symbols of the Passover.  •   Print and read a sermon by C.H. Spurgeon, "Christ Our Passover." Comparative Religions  •   Islam: Find out what Muslims believe and what Islam teaches about the crucifixion.  •   Read what the Catholic church teaches about the "Sacrifice of the Mass." Drama      "God's Story" is a visual exploration of God's revelations in chronological order. Hear and read text in 27 languages.  •   The Betrayal and Crucifixion.  •   Resurrection to Eternity Evangelism: Tracts and Gospels of John 1. Purchase Tracts      Obtain a supply of gospel tracts to hand out at this season and throughout the year.      Good News & Crossway      "God's Simple Plan of Salvation" in 21 languages. 2. Write Your Own Tract      Consider writing your own tract including a short personal testimony and the gospel.      Read "How To Write a Tract."      You may use or include (copyright free) "God's Plan of Salvation." 3. Free or Low-Priced Gospels of John      Include a Scripture portion or the Gospel of John, in with your greetings cards throughout the year. The Pocket Testament League (Free; English, Spanish). Living Water ($20/100; English, Spanish, Dutch, Russian, French). ____________________________________________ Put the FUN Back into the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics!      Designed for home schooling families. The everyday experiences, games, and literature ideas described in this series complement any math curriculum you use, or you can use them as your primary source of instruction. Get more information on e-books and sign up for our free newsletter. www.MathFundamentals.net. Buy online at www.amazon.com ____________________________________________ Day 3: The Hearings and Trial      See notes for "Activities for Every Day" above for Bible Study and Memory, Reading, Writing, and Activities. Bible Reading and Study  •   Jesus Tried before Jewish Authorities; Peter's Denial      Matthew 26:57-27:2; Mark 14:53-15:1; Luke 22:54b-23:1; John 18:13-28  •   Judas Iscariot Commits Suicide      Matthew 27:3-10; Acts 1:18-19  •   Jesus before Pontius Pilate; the Sentence      Matthew 27:11-26; Mark 15:2-15; Luke 23:2-25; John 18:29-19:16a  •   Jesus Ill-Treated and Tortured      Matthew 26:67-68, 27:26b-31; Mark 14:64b-65, 15:15b-20; Luke 22:63-65; John 19:1-3 Bible Prophecy Fulfilled  •   The Messiah Rejected      Isaiah 6:9-10a / John 12:37-40; Isaiah 49:4a / Luke 19:41-42      Isaiah 53:3b / Matthew 27:21-23; Isaiah 49:4b / John 5:43      Psalm 69:8a / John 1:11; Zechariah 11:12-13b / Matthew 26:14-15  •   Messiah Judged      Psalm 109:2 / John 18:29-30; Isaiah 53:8b / John 18:13-22      Isaiah 53:7b / Matthew 27:12-14; Isaiah 53:9b / Mark 15:3 Major Concept: Why Jesus Needed To Die     Read Hebrews 9:22, I John 1:7, and "What about the death and resurrection of Christ was important and vital to Christianity?" with additional Scripture. Bible Memory      Isaiah 53:6 Vocabulary and Spelling      Sanhedrin, Pharisees, High Priest, blasphemy, denial, suicide. Music: "Messiah"      Continue exploring and listening to Handel's "Messiah" (see Day 1). History      Refer to a Christian history textbook (or the curriculum that you are using) and read about the Roman world in which Jesus lived. Evangelism: Outside Banners and Window Signs      Let your neighbors and those passing by know that you celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.  •   Make a banner or inside window sign with fabric, butcher paper, poster board, etc.  •   Texts can say, "Our Redeemer Lives!," "He Is Risen!," "Our Savior Is Alive!," or "Hallelujah, Christ Arose!" See samples. ____________________________________________ Meet the Goops — Whimsical Illustrations and Happy Rhyme Teach Children Manners!      Goops Unlimited publisher, Barbara Ross, seeks to bring proper manners and polite behavior back into the lives of contemporary families with her re-release of the original Goops and How To Be Them (Print and Audio Book) and a new watercolor children's book, A Treasury of Goops.      Introduce the Goops -- and good manners -- to your family! Nicholas@theGoops.com / www.thegoops.com Free Shipping in USA! ____________________________________________ Day 4: The Crucifixion      See notes for "Activities for Every Day" above for Bible Study and Memory, Reading, Writing, and Activities. Bible Reading and Study  •   Christ's Crucifixion and Death      Matthew 27:32-50; Mark 15:21-37; Luke 23:26-46; John 19:16b-30  •   Supernatural Events as Jesus Dies      Matthew 27:45,51-53; Mark 15:33,38; Luke 23:44-45  •   People at the Crucifixion      Matthew 27:54-56; Mark 15:39-41; Luke 23:47-49; John 19:25-26a  •   Christ's Burial      Matthew 27:57-66; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:31-42 Bible Prophecy Fulfilled  •   Place of Crucifixion      Genesis 22:14 / Luke 23:33; Isaiah 53:12c / Luke 23:32  •   Events during Crucifixion      Psalm 22:16c / Matthew 27:38; Psalm 109:4 / Luke 23:34      Psalm 69:20-21a / Matthew 27:34      Psalm 22:18a / John 19:23-24; Psalm 22:18b / John 19:23-24  •   Mocked by People      Psalm 22:17b / Luke 23:35; Psalm 22:7 / Matthew 27:39      Psalm 109:25 / Mark 15:29-30; Psalm 22:8 / Matthew 27:41-43  •   On the Cross      Psalm 22:14b / Matthew 27:35; Psalm 22:1a / Matthew 27:46      Psalm 22:1b / Mark 15:34; Psalm 22:15a / John 19:28  •   Messiah's Death      Zechariah 13:7b / Matthew 27:35; Psalm 22:17a / John 19:32-33      Zechariah 12:10a / John 19:34-37; Psalm 22:14a / John 19:34 Major Concept: The Importance of Jesus' Resurrection      Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 and the "Resurrection of Christ" with Scriptures included. Bible Memory      1 Corinthians 15:3-5; John 3:16 Vocabulary and Spelling      Crucified, myrrh, Golgotha, transgressors, mocking, tomb. Music: "Hallelujah! What a Savior!"      Words and music by Philip P. Bliss. Become acquainted with this great hymn of the faith and learn at least the first verse. See words, hear the music, read the story, and print music. Time  •   Explore the question: "Was Jesus crucified on Friday or Wednesday?."  •   What are the designations for years B.C. and A.D. derived from?      Why is B.C. being changed to B.C.E. and A.D. changed to C.E.?      Read one view here and another view here. Science: "The Science of the Crucifixion"      Have your older students read "How did Jesus Christ die?" and "The Science of the Crucifixion." Evangelism: Gifts      Include a greeting card, tract, and/or Gospel of John in thoughtful greetings such as:  •   Baked Gift to Neighbors.  •   Gifts to Shut-ins.  •   Instead of giving children "Easter Baskets," give a new Bible (if needed), Scripture bookmark, prayer journal, or something that will encourage their spiritual life. Order the Bible in Living Sound audio CDs of the Passion of Jesus Christ. ____________________________________________ NorthStar Academy and NorthStar HomeSchool      Two options enable homeschool students to study at their own pace.      NorthStar Academy is a teacher-led, nationally accredited, online school.      NorthStar HomeSchool is a parent-led, homeschool and independent study program.      See NorthStar's website or the accompanying e-mail to learn more about these two programs! ____________________________________________ Day 5: The Resurrection and Ascension      See notes for "Activities for Every Day" above for Bible Study and Memory, Reading, Writing, and Activities. Bible Reading and Study  •   The Empty Tomb      Matthew 28:1-8,11-15; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-13  •   The Resurrection and Appearances to Disciples      Matthew 28:9-10,16-17; Mark 16:9-14; Luke 24:13-44; John 20:14-21:14; Acts 1:1-5; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8  •   Christ's Commission      Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:45-50; John 21:15-23; Acts 1:6-8  •   The Ascension      Mark 16:19-20; Luke 24:51-53; Acts 1:9-11 Bible Prophecy Fulfilled  •   Resurrection of the Messiah      Psalm 16:8-10b / Acts 13:35-37; Psalm 16:8-10a / Matthew 28:6      Isaiah 53:10c / Mark 16:16  •   Ascension of the Messiah      Psalm 68:18a / Luke 24:51; Daniel 7:13-14a / Acts 1:9-11 Major Concept: Personal Application      Have I personally received the benefit of Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection? John 3:16; Romans 10:9; Ephesians 2:8-9 Bible Memory      1 Corinthians 15:3-5; Ephesians 2:8-9 Vocabulary and Spelling      Resurrection, appeared, commission, ascension. Music: "Christ, the Lord, Is Risen Today"      Words written by Charles Wesley in 1739. Become acquainted with this great hymn of the faith and learn at least the first verse. See words, hear the music, and read the story. Print the piano music. Apologetics      Stimulate your older children to think by examining and discussing one or more of these articles.  •   "10 Reasons To Believe Christ Rose from the Dead"  •   "Evidence for the Resurrection" by Josh McDowell  •   "Beyond Blind Faith" by Paul E. Little.  •   "How do we know that Jesus Christ really rose from the dead?" Drama  •   View "The Hope" (or just chapters 10-11) online.  •   Read and act out the sketch "Alive in Jerusalem." Evangelism: Invite Someone to Church      Many people will go to church on "Easter Sunday" that would not at any other time. Take advantage of this to invite family, friends, or neighbors to attend with you (and hear the gospel message). Consider some of the following:  •   Send a hand-written letter of invitation and follow up with a telephone call.  •   Offer a ride.  •   Invite them to dinner with you after the service.  •   Pray before and after that they will be saved or renew their commitment to the Lord.

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