Lesson plan to help kids understand the Feast of the Annunciation

Ready to teach children about the miraculous moment when the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, changing the course of salvation history?

Here’s a ready-to-use lesson about the Feast of the Annunciation, celebrated on March 25, when Mary said “yes” to becoming the Mother of God.

1. Tell the story of the Annunciation

First, introduce the lesson:

Have you heard the word “annunciation” before? Does anyone know what it means? That’s what we call the moment when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary in Nazareth with amazing news to announce: God had chosen her to be the mother of his Son! Mary said “yes” to God, and her “yes” changed the world.

The words of the “Hail Mary” prayer come from the angel’s greeting to Mary. We celebrate the Annunciation nine months before Christmas, on March 25. In the Middle Ages, this day was called “Lady Day” and was celebrated as New Year’s Day. A traditional prayer called the Angelus commemorates the Annunciation, and lots of people pray it every day at noon.

Here’s an engaging animated video (1 minute) that tells the story:

2. Work and discuss

While watching or after the video, children can work on an Annunciation coloring page. Search “Annunciation coloring page” online for options featuring Mary and the angel Gabriel.

Or here is a simple drawing tutorial of the Annunciation from YouTube:

Discussion questions:

· How might Mary have felt when the angel appeared?
· What question did Mary ask the angel?
· Why was Mary’s “yes” so important?
· How can we say “yes” to God in our own lives?

3. Choose an extension activity

Enjoy a traditional food associated with the Annunciation: Waffles are traditional in Sweden for this feast. Other traditions include eating white-colored foods, foods shaped like a wreath or circle, or eating angel food cake. You can find a few food ideas here.

Famous Annunciation art: The Annunciation is so important that many famous artists chose to paint it. Show children images of famous Annunciation paintings through history (Fra Angelico, George Hitchcock, Leonardo da Vinci, Henry Ossawa Tanner, John William Waterhouse, and others). Discuss how artists portrayed this sacred moment differently.

A reminder to say yes: How can we remember to say “yes” to God as Mary did? Have children decorate an index card that says “Yes” (or “Fiat” in Latin) to hang somewhere they will see it often, or string letter beads spelling “YES” on a bracelet. These can help us remember to imitate Mary’s response to God.

4. Pray together

It seems especially fitting to pray the Angelus today. The Angelus was traditionally recited three times a day, at 6:00 a.m., noon, and 6:00 p.m. Set a reminder to pray it at one of those times, or all three! Or simply include it at the end of your lesson, whatever time that may be. You can find the full text of the prayer here.

You can find more lesson plans from Aleteia here.

This article was written by Theresa Civantos Barber for Aleteia.

Featured image: “The Annunciation” by Meister von Seitenstetten, c. 1490, Public Domain