I am not typically a history buff, but when I read Christian history written by Danika Cooley, I love it! She writes with humor, playfulness, and an understanding of the spiritual capabilities of children. Even though her books aren’t written for me, but for my kids, I always learn from her and think about things in a new way. And, as C.S. Lewis says, “A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children isn’t a good children’s story in the slightest.”
I also am not typically a fan of step-by-step crafts, but I think when your kids freely choose to do these activities, and you hold the product loosely by focusing more on the process, you can use these activities with a playfulness that encourages meaning-making for the child. They are also great resources for homeschooling!
Guest Post from Danika Cooley
Teach kids the meaning of the Cross of Jesus with fun crafts and activities. They’ll remember what the cross means after this in-depth unit.
The Cross of Jesus Christ is more than a symbol. Christians use the symbol of the Cross to remind us that Jesus, the Son of God, took the punishment for the sin of believers on the Cross. Because of his work on the Cross, we can be forever forgiven and saved. That’s an amazing gift! All of Scripture points to the work Jesus did on the Cross. From the third chapter of Genesis, the Passover feast in Exodus, through the message of the prophet Isaiah, God told us he would send a Messiah–the Christ–to bear our sin so that we can be forgiven. The New Testament points to the Cross, as well, as the crucial moment in our faith. Using activities, story, and crafts, your kids can learn about Jesus’ mission–his work on the Cross, how it affects them, and how all of Scripture points to the Cross.
The Meaning of the Cross of Jesus
Teach your kids about the Cross in a fun, age-appropriate way with this hands-on unit study.
- What Was the Cross? by Danika Cooley | What Was the Cross? (Christian Focus Publications, 2025) is a fun way for kids to learn about how the Old Testament pointed to Jesus as the Messiah, about God’s plan for salvation, the work Jesus did on the Cross, and about what the Cross means for us today.
- The Cross of Jesus Christ Craft | Your kids will create a representation of the Cross of Jesus and the crosses of the criminals on either side of his.
- Jesus’ Death and Resurrection Craft | Your kids will construct two scenes–one of the Cross of Jesus, and one of the empty tomb.
- Women at the Cross Craft | Your children will create toilet paper roll busts to represent each of the named women who followed Jesus. They will learn who the Bible names as the women as the Cross, and add two of his female followers.
- What Was the Cross? Lapbook | The lapbook completes your unit study of the Cross, allowing your kids to record what they’ve learned about:
- The impact of the Cross on the New Testament world, on the Church, and on your child’s world.
- The New Testament world. Your child will learn about what it was like to live during the time of Jesus.
- Biblical stories that point to the story of Jesus’ work on the Cross.
- Vocabulary from the story of the Cross.
- The timeline of each story.
- The geography of each Resurrection story.
- Theology: Colossians 2:13-14, how the Bible points to the Cross in Genesis, Exodus, Isaiah, and the Gospels.
Danika Cooley’s Who What Why Christian history series is perfect for your 7-12 year olds. Your children will better understand the history of the Christian faith, the people who loved Jesus, and what the Bible says about really important issues! Danika is an award-winning children’s author and Bible curriculum developer. Her popular Bible Road Trip™ is used by tens of thousands of families. Learn more about the Who What Why series and grab your free history lapbooks here.
Check out some of Danika’s previous guest posts:
Check out my reviews of some of Danika’s books:
- Help Your Kids Learn and Love the Bible
- Abolitionist Series
- Reformation Series
- Bible Investigators: Creation
