5 Easy And Engaging Mother’s Day Ideas For Sunday School

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission from purchased products at no additional cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

Mother’s Day is a wonderful time to celebrate and honor the love and care that mothers provide, but it can also be a sensitive day for some children, especially those without mothers or whose situations are difficult. 

As Sunday school leaders and volunteers, it’s essential to create an environment where all children feel valued and included, while still celebrating the beauty of motherhood. With that in mind, here are five simple, engaging, and thoughtful Mother’s Day ideas for your Sunday school class, perfect for any age group!

Tips For Making Mother’s Day Special In Children’s Ministry

To make Mother’s Day special in children’s ministry while being sensitive to all family situations, focus on honoring all caregivers, not just mothers, by celebrating grandmothers, aunts, older siblings, and mentors. Encourage children to create personalized cards or notes for any special person in their lives, and highlight God’s love as a nurturing, parental force for those without motherly figures. Use Bible stories of strong, faithful mothers to connect themes of love, faith, and care, and consider hosting a “Family Appreciation” event to recognize all forms of support. Provide opportunities for children to express gratitude through acts of kindness and create inclusive displays that celebrate love and care, ensuring every child feels valued and supported, regardless of their background.

5 Fun And Easy Mother’s Day Ideas For Sunday School

1. Personalized Heart Handprint Cards

Craft Overview: 

A handprint card is a classic and heartfelt way to make a memorable gift. The children will place their handprint on a piece of cardstock, decorate it, and then personalize it with a message.

Materials Needed:

• Construction paper or cardstock
• Washable paint (for handprints)
• Markers, stickers, and crayons
• Glue and scissors
• Optional: Glitter or ribbon

Steps:

1. Have each child dip their hand in washable paint and press it onto the card. This forms the “handprint.”
2. Allow the prints to dry.
3. Once dry, the children can decorate the card with markers, stickers, or other embellishments.
4. On the inside, encourage them to write a short, loving message like “I love you” or “You’re the best!” Depending on the child’s age, help them with the wording.

Engagement Tips:

• As children work on their cards, ask them what they love most about their mothers or caregivers. For those who might not have a mother figure, encourage them to think about other special people who show them love and care.
• Discuss how God’s love is like a mother’s love, which will help children relate the activity to faith and scripture.

Sensitivity Consideration: 

Remind the children that the card can be made for any special person in their life—a grandmother, aunt, older sister, or even a close family friend who fills that nurturing role. You might want to encourage children to write “Thank you for loving me” rather than focusing solely on the word “mom.”

2. Paper Plate Flower Bouquets

Craft Overview: 

A simple and fun way for children to create a flower bouquet using paper plates. This craft is perfect for younger children and provides plenty of opportunities for creativity.

Materials Needed:

• Paper plates
• Paint or markers
• Scissors
• Pipe cleaners or popsicle sticks (for stems)
• Glue

Steps:

1. Cut the paper plate into petal shapes (children can help or have this done ahead of time).
2. Have the children paint or color their petals, decorating them with their own designs.
3. Once dry, glue the petals onto a larger circle (which can also be a part of another paper plate) to form the flower’s center.
4. Attach the flower to a pipe cleaner or popsicle stick to create a stem.
5. For added fun, provide leaves and encourage children to add them to their bouquet.

Engagement Tips:

• Discuss the concept of “growing in love,” just as flowers bloom with care, so does the love between families and caregivers.
• Ask the children to think about the flowers and plants in God’s creation, and how mothers nurture their children just as God nurtures us.

Sensitivity Consideration: 

This craft can be adjusted by talking about how everyone can appreciate the beauty of creation, and how God’s love is universal. Encourage kids to make bouquets for someone who has shown them kindness or love, even if that person is not their biological mother.

3. Bible Verse Bookmarks

Craft Overview: 

A thoughtful craft for Mother’s Day that combines creativity and scripture. Each child will make a personalized bookmark featuring a Bible verse that speaks to the theme of love and nurturing.

Materials Needed:

• Colorful cardstock or sturdy paper
• Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
• Stickers and embellishments
• Ribbon or yarn (optional)
• Bible for verse reference

Steps:

1. Cut the cardstock into bookmark-sized strips.
2. Have children select a Bible verse to write on the bookmark, such as Proverbs 31:25, “She is clothed with strength and dignity” or 1 Corinthians 13:4, “Love is patient, love is kind.”
3. After writing the verse, let children decorate the bookmarks with drawings, stickers, and designs that symbolize love, kindness, and beauty.
4. Add a ribbon or yarn at the top of the bookmark for an extra touch of creativity.

Engagement Tips:

• Encourage the children to reflect on the Bible verse as they create their bookmarks. Ask them how the verse speaks to them about the love of mothers and God.
• Share how bookmarks can be used to keep God’s word close every day, just like mothers are always there for their children.

Sensitivity Consideration: 

Children who may not have a mother can still benefit from the message of love and nurturing in the Bible. Encourage them to focus on the fact that God’s love is always present, and they can give the bookmark to anyone who has shown them kindness and support.

4. Clay Or Salt Dough Hearts

Craft Overview: 

These homemade clay or salt dough hearts can be personalized and given as a special keepsake for Mother’s Day. The crafting process is enjoyable, and the hearts can be made into ornaments or decorations.

Materials Needed:

• 1 cup salt
• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup water
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters (heart-shaped)
• Paint or markers for decoration
• Ribbon (optional)

Steps:

1. Mix the salt, flour, and water to form the dough. Knead until smooth.
2. Roll out the dough on a flat surface, then use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out heart shapes.
3. Allow the hearts to dry (either air dry for a day or bake in the oven at a low temperature for faster results).
4. Once dry, children can paint or decorate their hearts with their own designs.
5. If you wish to make the hearts into ornaments, punch a hole at the top and add a ribbon.

Engagement Tips:

• While the dough is drying, engage children in a discussion about the love between mothers and children. How is God’s love like a mother’s love? What makes a heart special?
• If possible, set up a drying station where children can place their hearts to finish drying. While they wait, share stories of biblical mothers like Mary and Hannah.

Sensitivity Consideration: 

If any child has a strained relationship with their mother or does not have one, offer them the opportunity to decorate the heart for someone who has been a positive influence in their life, such as a teacher or mentor.

5. Love Notes For Caregivers

Craft Overview: 

This simple yet meaningful craft allows children to write or draw “love notes” for the special people in their lives, whether it be their mother, grandmother, or another caregiver. These notes can be accompanied by a small gift or token.

Materials Needed:

• Small cards or stationery
• Markers or pens
• Stickers
• Small decorative items (optional)

Steps:

1. Provide each child with a small card or piece of stationery.
2. Have the children write a heartfelt message, draw a picture, or create a small “love note” to someone special. For younger children, you can prompt them with phrases like, “Thank you for loving me,” or “I’m so glad you take care of me.”
3. Decorate the note with stickers and drawings.
4. Optional: Attach a small treat or gift, such as a flower or candy, with the note.

Engagement Tips:

• Ask children to share why they appreciate the special people in their lives. It’s a great way to practice gratitude and reflection.
• Talk about how God wants us to show love and appreciation for others, not just our mothers but all who show care.

Sensitivity Consideration: 

For children who may not have a traditional mother figure, remind them that they can give their note to anyone who has supported them in a loving way, such as a guardian, relative, or even a friend.

Focusing On Love And Appreciation

Crafting is a beautiful way to engage children in the celebration of Mother’s Day while also making space for all experiences and backgrounds. By focusing on love, appreciation, and God’s nurturing care, you can create an inclusive and thoughtful environment in your Sunday school class. Most importantly, these crafts provide an opportunity for children to reflect on the love of mothers and caregivers, while also being mindful of those who may find the day difficult. Happy crafting, and may these creations serve as reminders of the many forms of love and care we are blessed with!

Read More:

Top Ways Your Small Church Can Celebrate Mother’s Day

3 Reasons Women Don’t Come To Church On Mother’s Day

New Sunday School Tips For Building Deeper Connections