Good Friday in the Classroom: A Kind Approach for Early Learners - post

Good Friday can feel like a “big” topic but in early childhood, it can be gentle, calm, and caring. In many Christian families, Good Friday is a day of remembrance. In childcare settings (especially mixed-faith programs), the kind approach is to focus on values kids understand: love, kindness, helping others, and quiet reflection. #GoodFriday #EarlyChildhood

If you want ready-to-use classroom ideas, start with this ChildCareEd resource:
Good Friday Activities

What is Good Friday, and how do I explain it to early learners?

For young children, keep it simple and respectful:

• “Good Friday is a day some families observe.”

• “It’s a day for being calm and thinking about love and kindness.”

• “Different families celebrate different days, and that’s okay.” #InclusiveClassroom

You do not need to explain detailed religious events in a childcare classroom (unless you are in a faith-based program and families expect that). A child-friendly message is enough: “We practice kindness and care for others.”

How can I teach Good Friday in a way that includes all families?

A kind approach works best when it is:

• Optional (children can join in without being singled out)

• Respectful (“some families…” language)

• Values-based (kindness, helping, empathy)

• Simple (short activities, short circle time)

Try these family-friendly phrases:

• “Some families go to church on Good Friday.”

• “Some families have a quiet day.”

• “In our classroom, we practice kindness every day.”

If you want guidance on inclusive classroom celebrations, this ChildCareEd article is a strong companion:
How Educators Can Create Joyful, Inclusive Celebrations

What are easy Good Friday activities for childcare that don’t feel heavy?

Choose activities that feel calm and meaningful without being scary or too serious.

Kindness Handprint Wall

Children trace their hands or make handprints and add one kind idea:

• “Help a friend.”

• “Share toys.”

• “Use gentle hands.”

• “Say kind words.”

Post it with a simple message: “Kind hands help our classroom.”

Helping Hearts (fine motor + SEL)

Cut out paper hearts. Children decorate them and add a “helper promise” (teachers can write the words):

• “I can help clean up.”

• “I can include someone.”

• “I can listen.”

Peace Garden Planting (science + calm routine)

Plant seeds in cups or a small garden box.
Talk about:

• “Plants grow slowly.”

• “Kindness grows when we practice it.”

This activity works for toddlers through school-age with small adjustments.

Quiet Choice Centers (calm and regulated)

Offer calm centers during the day:

• puzzles

• playdough

• books

• drawing

• sensory bottles

Say: “Today we’re practicing calm choices and kindness.”

What activities work best by age group?

Use the same theme (kindness + calm), but change the level.

Toddlers (1–2): short, sensory, and simple

• Sticker hearts on paper

• “Gentle hands” practice with soft toys

• Read a short friendship book and point to pictures

• Sing a slow “hello” song and practice waving

Keep it to 3–5 minutes at a time.

Preschool (3–5): feelings + friendship

• Make a “kind words” chart together

• Do a role-play: “How do we invite someone to play?”

• Create a class book: “In our class, we help by…”

School-age: service and leadership

• Make thank-you cards for community helpers

• Start a “kindness challenge” for the week (one kind act per day)

• Let children help lead a calming activity (breathing, stretching)

What are good circle time ideas for Good Friday in the classroom?

Circle time should be short, calm, and predictable (8–10 minutes).

Simple circle time script:

• “Today we are learning about Good Friday.”

• “Some families observe it.”

• “It can be a quiet day to think about love and kindness.”

• “In our classroom, we practice kindness every day.” #SEL

Circle time activities kids understand:

• Feelings check-in: children point to a feelings card (calm, happy, tired)

• Breathing star: trace a star with your finger—breathe in on one side, out on the next

• Kindness question: “How can we help a friend today?”

What books should I read for a kind Good Friday approach?

In mixed settings, choose books about:

• kindness

• helping

• friendship

• hope

• quiet moments

If you’re in a faith-based program, choose Good Friday/Easter books that are:

• gentle (not scary)

• age-appropriate

• focused on love, hope, and caring

Tip for non-native English learners:

• Do a picture preview first

• Teach 2–3 key words (kind, help, calm)

• Ask simple questions: “What do you see?” “How did they help?”

How do I communicate with families about Good Friday activities?

A short, clear note helps families feel respected.

Family message example (simple and inclusive):

• “This week we will practice kindness and calm routines. Some families observe Good Friday, so we will offer gentle activities focused on helping and caring for others. Participation is optional.”

If your program is faith-based, you can add:

• “We will share an age-appropriate story and a kindness activity.”

What training can help providers plan respectful, inclusive celebrations?

These ChildCareEd courses connect well to building an inclusive classroom and communicating respectfully with families:

• Cultures in the Classroom

• Bridging Cultures: Family Communication & Collaboration

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education

These trainings support respectful language, family partnerships, and inclusive planning—especially during holidays and cultural moments.

What’s a simple “kind approach” checklist for the day?

Use this quick check before you start:

• Are activities calm and age-appropriate?

• Can every child participate without feeling singled out?

• Are directions short, visual, and easy to follow?

• Are we focusing on kindness and community?

• Do families understand what we’re doing (and that it’s optional)?