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Free Easter Lesson Plan: From The Last Supper Through The Resurrection With Pegsies Peg Dolls

Easter Sunday School Lesson Plan, from the last supper through the resurrection. With polaroid photographs of Pegsies peg dolls.

Objective: To help students understand the significance of the Last Supper and the events leading up to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, using the Pegsies Easter Peg Doll Set and the Pegsies Last Supper Peg Doll Set as visual aids.

Recommended Age: Kids Elementary through Middle School

Materials:

Lesson Outline:

Introduction (5 minutes)

Unfinished baltic birch peg dolls that go to the Easter peg doll set. Characters include, Angel, Mary Magdalene, Jesus, Guard with sword, Guard with pike, Salome, Mary mother of James, Peter, James, and John.
Characters in the Pegsies Easter Peg Doll Set
Unfinished baltic birch peg dolls from Last Supper set. Includes Jesus and apostles: Andrew, Bartholomew, James the less, James, John, Judas, Matthew, Peter, Philip, Simon, Thaddeus, Thomas.
Characters in the Pegsies Last Supper Peg Doll Set
  1. Welcome the students and introduce the Pegsies Easter Peg Doll Set and Pegsies Last Supper Peg Doll Set.
  2. Explain that we will be using these sets to help us understand the significance of the Last Supper and the events leading up to the Resurrection.

The Last Supper (15 minutes)

  1. Read John 13:1-17, where Jesus washes the disciples’ feet.
  2. Use the Pegsies Last Supper Peg Doll Set to illustrate the different characters and events of the story.
  3. Ask the students questions about the story and encourage them to share their thoughts and reflections.

Scripture

John 13:1-7 (ICB)

John 13 It was almost time for the Jewish Passover Feast. Jesus knew that it was time for him to leave this world and go back to the Father. He had always loved those who were his own in the world, and he loved them all the way to the end.

Jesus and his followers were at the evening meal. The devil had already persuaded Judas Iscariot to turn against Jesus. (Judas was the son of Simon.) Jesus knew that the Father had given him power over everything. He also knew that he had come from God and was going back to God. So during the meal Jesus stood up and took off his outer clothing. Taking a towel, he wrapped it around his waist. Then he poured water into a bowl and began to wash the followers’ feet. He dried them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

Jesus came to Simon Peter. But Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

Jesus answered, “You don’t understand what I am doing now. But you will understand later.”

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+13&version=ICB

Questions

  1. Why do you think Jesus chose to wash the disciples’ feet? What do you think he was trying to teach them?
  2. Why did Peter object to Jesus washing his feet? How do you think Peter felt when Jesus explained why he was doing it?
  3. How can we follow Jesus’ example of serving others in our own lives? Can you think of any examples of times when you have served someone else?

Jesus’ Betrayal and Arrest (15 minutes)

  1. Read John 18:1-11, where Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested.
  2. Use the Pegsies Easter Peg Doll Set to illustrate the different characters and events of the story.
  3. Ask the students questions about the story and encourage them to share their thoughts and reflections.

Scripture

John 18:1-11 (ICB)

John 18 When Jesus finished praying, he left with his followers. They went across the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden of olive trees. Jesus and his followers went there.

Judas knew where this place was, because Jesus met there often with his followers. Judas was the one who turned against Jesus. So Judas led a group of soldiers to the garden. Judas also brought some guards from the leading priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns, and weapons.

Jesus knew everything that would happen to him. Jesus went out and asked, “Who is it you are looking for?”

The men answered, “Jesus from Nazareth.”

Jesus said, “I am Jesus.” (Judas, the one who turned against Jesus, was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, “I am Jesus,” the men moved back and fell to the ground.

Jesus asked them again, “Who is it you are looking for?”

They said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

Jesus said, “I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, then let these other men go.” This happened so that the words Jesus said before might come true: “I have not lost any of the men you gave me.”

10 Simon Peter had a sword. He took out the sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) 11 Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back. Shall I not drink of the cup[a] the Father has given me?”

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+18&version=ICB

Questions

  1. Why did Judas lead a group of soldiers to arrest Jesus? What was their goal?
  2. Why did Peter try to defend Jesus with a sword? What do you think he was feeling in that moment?
  3. Why do you think Jesus told Peter to put away his sword and allow himself to be arrested? What does this tell us about Jesus’ character?

The Crucifixion (15 minutes)

  1. Read John 19:16-30, where Jesus is crucified.
  2. Use the Pegsies Easter Peg Doll Set to illustrate the different characters and events of the story.
  3. Ask the students questions about the story and encourage them to share their thoughts and reflections.

Scripture

John 19:16-30 (ICB)

John 19 16 So Pilate gave Jesus to them to be killed on a cross.

The soldiers took charge of Jesus. 17 Carrying his own cross, Jesus went out to a place called The Place of the Skull. (In the Jewish language[b] this place is called Golgotha.) 18 There they nailed Jesus to the cross. They also put two other men on crosses, one on each side of Jesus with Jesus in the middle. 19 Pilate wrote a sign and put it on the cross. It read: “JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” 20 The sign was written in the Jewish language, in Latin, and in Greek. Many of the Jews read the sign, because this place where Jesus was killed was near the city. 21 The leading Jewish priests said to Pilate, “Don’t write, ‘The King of the Jews.’ But write, ‘This man said, I am the King of the Jews.’”

22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written!”

23 After the soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross, they took his clothes. They divided them into four parts. Each soldier got one part. They also took his long shirt. It was all one piece of cloth, woven from top to bottom. 24 So the soldiers said to each other, “We should not tear this into parts. We should throw lots to see who will get it.” This happened to give full meaning to the Scripture:

“They divided my clothes among them.
    And they threw lots for my clothing.”

So the soldiers did this.

25 Jesus’ mother stood near his cross. His mother’s sister was also standing there, with Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 Jesus saw his mother. He also saw the follower he loved standing there. He said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son.” 27 Then he said to the follower, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this follower took her to live in his home.

28 After this, Jesus knew that everything had been done. To make the Scripture come true, he said, “I am thirsty.” 29 There was a jar full of vinegar there, so the soldiers soaked a sponge in it. Then they put the sponge on a branch of a hyssop plant and lifted it to Jesus’ mouth. 30 Jesus tasted the vinegar. Then he said, “It is finished.” He bowed his head and died.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+19&version=ICB

Questions

  1. Why was Jesus crucified? Who was responsible for his death?
  2. Why did Jesus say, “It is finished” before he died? What did he mean by this?
  3. How do you think the disciples felt when they saw Jesus die on the cross? What do you think they did next?

The Resurrection (15 minutes)

  1. Read John 20:1-20, where Jesus rises from the dead.
  2. Use the Pegsies Easter Peg Doll Set to illustrate the different characters and events of the story.
  3. Ask the students questions about the story and encourage them to share their thoughts and reflections.

Scripture

John 20:1-20

John 20 Early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb. It was still dark. Mary saw that the large stone had been moved away from the tomb. So Mary ran to Simon Peter and the other follower (the one Jesus loved). Mary said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb. We don’t know where they have put him.”

So Peter and the other follower started for the tomb. They were both running, but the other follower ran faster than Peter. So the other follower reached the tomb first. He bent down and looked in. He saw the strips of linen cloth lying there, but he did not go in. Then following him came Simon Peter. He went into the tomb and saw the strips of linen lying there. He also saw the cloth that had been around Jesus’ head. The cloth was folded up and laid in a different place from the strips of linen. Then the other follower, who had reached the tomb first, also went in. He saw and believed. (These followers did not yet understand from the Scriptures that Jesus must rise from death.)

10 Then the followers went back home. 11 But Mary stood outside the tomb, crying. While she was still crying, she bent down and looked inside the tomb. 12 She saw two angels dressed in white. They were sitting where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and one at the feet.

13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

She answered, “They have taken away my Lord. I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 When Mary said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there. But she did not know that it was Jesus.

15 Jesus asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Whom are you looking for?”

Mary thought he was the gardener. So she said to him, “Did you take him away, sir? Tell me where you put him, and I will get him.”

16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

Mary turned toward Jesus and said in the Jewish language, “Rabboni.” (This means Teacher.)

17 Jesus said to her, “Don’t hold me. I have not yet gone up to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them this: ‘I am going back to my Father and your Father. I am going back to my God and your God.’”

18 Mary Magdalene went and said to the followers, “I saw the Lord!” And she told them what Jesus had said to her.

19 It was the first day of the week. That evening Jesus’ followers were together. The doors were locked, because they were afraid of the Jews. Then Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. His followers were very happy when they saw the Lord.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20&version=ICB

Questions

  1. Why did Mary Magdalene go to the tomb early in the morning? What did she find when she got there?
  2. Why did Peter and John run to the tomb after Mary Magdalene told them what she had seen? What did they find when they got there?
  3. Why do you think Jesus appeared to his disciples after he rose from the dead? What message do you think he wanted to share with them?

Conclusion and Activity (10 minutes)

  1. Close the lesson in prayer thanking God for sending his Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to forgive our sins and then rise from the dead.
  2. Provide coloring pages for students to color each of the characters in the Pegsies sets.
  3. Encourage them to think about the characters and events of the Last Supper and the events leading up to the Resurrection as they color.
  4. Encourage students to take their coloring pages home and share them with their families to facilitate discussion.
Coloring page of peg doll characters that are in the Bible's Last Supper Easter story. The 12 disciples/apostles and Jesus are the shown characters: Andrew, Bartholomew, James the less, James, John, Judas, Matthew, Peter, Philip, Simon, Thaddeus, Thomas.
Coloring page of peg doll characters that are a part of the Bible Easter story. Characters include: Angel, Jesus, Peter, James, John, Guard with sword, Guard with pike, Mary Magdalene, Salome, and Mary mother of James

Notes:

  • This lesson plan can be adapted for different age groups by adjusting the level of detail in the Bible readings and the questions asked.
  • Additional activities or discussions can be included to further engage students with the Last Supper and the events leading up to the Resurrection.

Products Mentioned

Last Supper peg doll set of Jesus and the 12 disciples. Includes peg dolls and baltic birch table with printable table cloth. Apostles include: Andrew, Bartholomew, James the less, James, John, Judas, Matthew, Peter, Philip, Simon, Thaddeus, Thomas.
Easter peg doll set that includes 10 peg dolls that look like Salome, Mary mother of James, Mary Magdalene, Jesus, Guard with sword, Guard with pike, Angel, Peter, James, and John. Also includes a cross with stand for Jesus and a Tomb with a rock.
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Get Creative! 4 easy tips for perfecting painted peg dolls

Blank peg dolls with title: 4 tips for perfecting painted peg dolls.

Are you looking for a fun and challenging creative outlet? Do you have a knack for painting, but are looking for a new canvas to unleash your inner artist? Look no further than peg dolls! These tiny wooden figures may look unassuming, but they’re actually a blank canvas just waiting for your artistic touch. So grab a few blank or Pegsies peg dolls and let’s dive into some tips and tricks to help you make your peg dolls pop!


1. Choose the right medium

Choosing the right medium for painting peg dolls is like choosing the right outfit for a first date. You want something that looks good, feels comfortable, and won’t make you sweat like a pig in a sauna. That’s why fine tip acrylic paint markers are a great choice for peg dolls. They’re easy to use, provide vibrant colors, and won’t leave you with a sticky mess to clean up.

wooden peg dolls laser engraved to look like a pirate, football player, and king all colored with various mediums: marker, crayon, and pencil

With fine tip acrylic paint markers, you don’t have to worry about brushes, water cups, or messy palettes. You can just pick up a marker and start painting like a boss. Plus, they’re great for people who have the artistic ability of a potato. I mean, let’s be real, it’s hard enough to paint on a flat surface, let alone a three-dimensional object. But with fine tip acrylic paint markers, you can achieve the same level of detail and precision as a Renaissance painter. So go ahead and treat yourself to some fine tip acrylic paint markers. Your peg dolls will thank you, and you’ll feel like the Bob Ross of miniature art.

Wooden peg doll laser engraved to look like an astronaut that is colored with acrylic paint markers.

Pegsies Recommends

We love the ease of acrylic paint markers, specifically fine tip markers that get details just right. Below is the least expensive set of paint markers we could find on Amazon and found them to work great! After painting, we seal our work with Liquitex (Matte finish if you don’t want it to be too shiny). Mod Podge also works well, but have found it gets sticky when wet or hot.

Below are links to a few products we recommend. Please know that these are affiliate links. We appreciate you supporting Pegsies by using these links since as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

2. Prepare the peg doll

Preparing a peg doll for painting is like preparing a pizza for toppings. You wouldn’t just throw some cheese and pepperoni on a raw ball of dough, would you? Of course not! You have to knead the dough, add some sauce, and maybe even sprinkle on some garlic powder. It’s the same with peg dolls. You have to be intentional and take the time upfront before paint touches the peg doll. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a lumpy, bumpy mess that looks like it was painted by a blindfolded chimp.

box of blank wooden peg dolls being emptied onto a table

One key aspect of preparation is sanding the doll to remove any rough spots or imperfections. This will help create a smoother surface for painting and ensure that the paint adheres properly. Sanding can be done using fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge, and it’s important to take your time and be gentle to avoid damaging the doll.

Another important aspect of preparation is applying a bottom coat of sealer. This can help make it easier to fix mistakes or make changes during the painting process. By applying a sealer to the doll before painting, you create a protective layer that prevents the paint from soaking into the wood. This means that if you make a mistake, you can simply wipe it off with a damp cloth or sand it down without damaging the underlying wood. Additionally, a sealer can help create a smoother surface for painting, making it easier to apply and blend colors. Overall, taking the time to prepare your peg doll for painting can lead to a more professional-looking and long-lasting finished product.

Pegsies Recommends

If you are painting a Pegsies Peg Doll, hopefully there isn’t much prep work needed! We strive to provide you with a ready-to-play or ready-to-color peg doll that is smooth with clearly etched lines. Depending on your coloring medium, you might want a smoother surface or bottom coat. For example, color pencil tends to look best on a smooth surface, while water color might have some unique character when used on a rougher surface.

For sandpaper, any brand will do, but we prefer 120 or 220 grit to smooth out surfaces. For a bottom coat primer, most top coat sealer will work.

Below are links to a few products we recommend. Please know that these are affiliate links. We appreciate you supporting Pegsies by using these links since as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

3. Make a plan

Have you ever started painting peg dolls without a plan, only to end up with a group of unrecognizable blobs that look like they were painted by a toddler? Yeah, me too. That’s why it’s important to make a plan before you begin painting. Not only will it help you avoid a disastrous outcome, but it’ll also make you feel like a professional artist.

Making a plan doesn’t have to be complicated. Just take a moment to think about what you want your peg dolls to look like. Do you want them to be superheroes, princesses, or zombies? Once you have a general idea, grab a piece of paper and sketch out your designs. Trust me, your peg dolls will thank you for it. Plus, you’ll avoid the embarrassment of having to explain to your friends and family why you painted a peg doll that looks like a melted crayon.

Little girl using crayons on a coloring page for a peg doll firefighter.

Pegsies Recommends

If you are painting a Pegsies peg doll, most of your plan will center around colors. The design is already done for you! To test your coloring medium, we include 1 inch wooden tokens so you can see how your color looks on wood before applying to your peg doll.

One inch wooden token for testing coloring tools

If you are starting from scratch … please draw out your design. It makes the process less stressful and will allow you to more enjoy the creative process, one step at a time. Pegsies has printables to help you through the design process. And if you are coloring a Pegsies peg doll, we have printable coloring sheets for many of our designs.

Twelve blank peg doll outlines to use for drawing design ideas.
Coloring page of peg doll characters that are in the Bible's Last Supper Easter story. The 12 disciples/apostles and Jesus are the shown characters: Andrew, Bartholomew, James the less, James, John, Judas, Matthew, Peter, Philip, Simon, Thaddeus, Thomas.

4. Take your time

When it comes to painting peg dolls, it’s important to remember that patience is a virtue. Sure, you might be tempted to rush through the painting process like a caffeinated squirrel, but trust me, that’s a recipe for disaster. Instead, take your time and approach the painting like a meditation session. You’ll be surprised at how calming and enjoyable it can be.

If you find yourself getting frustrated or bored, it’s okay to take a break and come back to it later. In fact, it’s probably better for your mental health if you don’t spend hours on end hunched over a tiny peg doll, muttering to yourself like a mad scientist. So go ahead and take a nap, play with your dog, or go for a walk. Your peg dolls will still be there when you come back, patiently waiting for you to give them the attention they deserve. And who knows, maybe you’ll come back with a fresh perspective and a newfound appreciation for the art of peg doll painting.

Wooden peg doll that is laser engraved to look like a mermaid. Side by side color pencil finished and one unfinished.

Pegsies Recommends

This one is up to you. As a family business we have realized time and time again that no two Pegsies creators’ workflow is exactly the same. Find what works for you and find your joy in the process.


Thanks for reading through our article! We always love hearing what tips, tricks, and recommendations other creators and artists have found and are willing to share. Remember, painting peg dolls is fun. If you aren’t having fun, take a step back, look at your process and the materials in front of you, and be honest with yourself about what is causing the stress.

If you’d like to see some videos we put together on painting peg dolls, check out our “Coloring Timelapse” playlist on YouTube.

Happy painting!

Products Mentioned

Laser etched peg dolls decorated to look like athletes that play baseball, softball, swim, soccer, golf, basketball, cheer, and football.
First Responder Peg Doll Set that includes a rescuer, doctor, police officer, fire fighter, and emergency medical technician. Sample coloring done with color pencils on baltic birch peg doll.
Full set of laser etched peg dolls resembling a Christmas Nativity scheme to include wise men, Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus with manger, Angel, Shepherd, Camel, Donkey, Cow, and three sheep.
Last Supper peg doll set of Jesus and the 12 disciples. Includes peg dolls and baltic birch table with printable table cloth. Apostles include: Andrew, Bartholomew, James the less, James, John, Judas, Matthew, Peter, Philip, Simon, Thaddeus, Thomas.
Sample coloring with color pencil of five peg dolls made from birch wood laser etched with pirate characters including a girl with a skull and crossbones shirt, others with sword, hook, hat, eye patch, telescope, parrot, and treasure map.
Digital water background of Mermaid peg dolls made of natural baltic birch with laser etched designs. Three designs include, floral, sea shells, and starfish.
Baltic birch peg dolls that are laser etched to look like astronauts. Baltic birch spaceship with platform to let peg doll astronaut see through window.
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Now Playing! The Pegsies Easter Stop Motion Video

Screenshot of title screen for the Pegsies Easter Story Stop Motion created by a young Expert Imaginer

We’re excited to announce the release of a new stop motion video, Pegsies Easter Story Stop Motion, now available on our new YouTube channel, @PegsiesPage. This heartwarming video was created by one of our talented young “expert imaginers”. It tells the Easter story of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection through the use of our Pegsies Easter Peg Doll Set.

The video brings the Easter story to life in a unique and imaginative way, using the peg dolls to act out the scenes and convey the story’s message. The attention to detail and creativity put into the video is truly impressive, and we’re proud to share it with the world.

The Pegsies Easter Peg Doll Set (and Last Supper Peg Doll Set) is the perfect tool for bringing the full Easter story to life, whether for personal or religious use, or for use in Sunday school or church programs. With the set, you’ll receive a variety of peg dolls, each carefully crafted and laser engraved with precision, as well as a cross and tomb to help tell the story.

The release of this stop motion video is just the beginning of what we hope will be a long and fruitful creative partnership with our young “expert imaginers” ????. We believe that their creativity and passion for storytelling can help bring the message of Easter to life in a new and exciting way, and we’re eager to see what they’ll come up with next.

Products Mentioned

Last Supper peg doll set of Jesus and the 12 disciples. Includes peg dolls and baltic birch table with printable table cloth. Apostles include: Andrew, Bartholomew, James the less, James, John, Judas, Matthew, Peter, Philip, Simon, Thaddeus, Thomas.
Easter peg doll set that includes 10 peg dolls that look like Salome, Mary mother of James, Mary Magdalene, Jesus, Guard with sword, Guard with pike, Angel, Peter, James, and John. Also includes a cross with stand for Jesus and a Tomb with a rock.