When I was a kid, Easter meant baskets filled with gifts, colorful eggs, a required Easter bunny photo, and Sunday school crafts. But the older I get, the more I want to move beyond the candy with our kids. Easter is a yearly prompt to remember as a church, the story of Jesus' sacrificial love in obediently dying on the cross and God's ultimate power and plan in Jesus' victorious resurrection from the grave.
That’s why I’m so excited to share this month’s Ultimate Fine Motor Craft Sheet: a simple cross that helps your child practice important skills, have a little fun, and learn the story of the gospel in a hands-on way.
Download The Ultimate Easter Craft
Why the Cross Matters
The cross was once synonymous with shame, torture, and terror. It was the means by which the Roman Empire executed rebels and criminals. But Jesus changed all that. He took what was meant for evil and death, and turned into a symbol of hope and life.
For God so loved the world, that He sent His only son to live the perfect life we cannot, die the death we deserve for our sins, and rose from the dead defeating Satin, sin, and death, providing a way to everlasting life with Him. This is the Good News of the Bible—the Gospel.
How to Use the Cross Craft Sheet
This cross craft works great as an extension from a beloved Easter book (you can check out my 7 Easter book recommendations). It pairs really well with The Tale of Three Trees. As your child works on this craft over multiple days or sittings, you can use it to repeatedly share the Gospel story. This cross can help remind them (and you) of the truth in a way you can see, touch, and remember.
This craft is oepn ended. Your child can work at their level and proudce a product that can be displayed. It's perfect if you have multiple children, you could make three crosses to display representing the three crosses on that infamous day.
Below I'll walk you through recommendations on how to use this craft at different ages.
Toddlers:
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Have your toddler attempt to trace the straight lines on the cross using a chunky short crayon. Expert Fact: Toddlers age 2 should be able to imitate a vertical line and copy it by 3. Toddlers age 2.5 should be able to imitate a horizontal line and copy it by age three.
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After tracing the cross use any medium you like to fill in the shape (finger paint, crayons, bingo dotters, etc.)
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You can keep the conversation simple: “This is a cross. Jesus dies on a cross because He loves you."
Preschoolers:
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Have your preschooler trace (using a short pencil or crayon), color (using whatever medium you'd like), and punch the paper with a hole punch (with supervision).
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Save the punches and let your child decorate the cross by using tiny dots of glue and gluing on the punches.
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Ask your child what Jesus did on the cross and tell them why it was important.
Early Elementary:
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After tracing and coloring (using whatever medium you would like), have your child poke or punch along the dashed line using a push pin or hole punch (with supervision). Then your child can cut along the poked line or thread yarn through holes and cut an oval shape around the cross.
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Ask open-ended questions like: “Why do you think Jesus died on the cross?” or “What does Easter mean to you?”
Why I Love This Craft
These pages aren’t just a one-time activity. They’re meant to be printed once and used various ways, helping your child repeatedly practice fine motor skills while creating stamina in a longer project, and multiple opportunities to talk about the Gospel. Plus, it keeps your home clutter-free while your little ones build confidence and skills.
Get Your Easter Cross Sheet
Every month, a new Ultimate Fine Motor Craft Sheet is added to our free library. Sign up for our newsletter to get this month’s Easter cross sheet and start practicing fine motor skills while celebrating the gospel in a meaningful way.