An Advent Calendar for the Entire Group

To demonstrate the ways in which we observe Advent

The children will be able to identify the events leading up to the birth of Jesus.

• Large poster paper or blank wall calendar poster
• Colored paper in 1" x 1" inch squares
• Markers, crayons, pens, pencils
• Glue
• Scissors

• Ask the children to share the ways in which we celebrate the Advent season (making Advent wreaths, calendars, or Jesse trees).
• As a group, brainstorm the types of ornaments we create for our Jesse trees and the types of messages we find in Advent calendars observing the days leading up to the birth of Jesus.
• When the group has come up with a list of ideas, ask the children to work with partners to create a special prayer, message, or illustration for one of the days on an Advent calendar.
• Tell the children that they will be creating a group calendar, and each pair will need to fill in one or two of the days of the four-week calendar.
• Provide each pair with two or four colored paper squares on which to draw or write. Tell the children to staple a blank square over their picture or message so that it can later be opened.
• The squares will cover four weeks on a large calendar. In each session, reveal the days that have passed.
• Try to have the calendar hanging somewhere in the room so that all the children can look at it.

Art/Space Smart, People Smart, Self Smart, Word Smart

You might find it helpful to use a large, blank calendar for this activity.