Holy Monday for Schools: How to Teach It Simply

Holy Monday is the second day of Holy Week and can be taught in schools as a gentle introduction to the more thoughtful part of the Easter story. It comes after Palm Sunday and helps pupils understand the shift from celebration to reflection in a simple, age-appropriate way.

⭐ Recommended Products & Ideas — Holy Week

Holy Week, a time for reflection on Jesus’ journey toward the cross. These items and ideas can help you observe the day meaningfully.

• Holy Week Devotional Book or Guide
A prayer and reflection book that takes you through Holy Week step-by-day, including specific readings and meditations for Holy Monday.
👉 Click here to see top options

• Holy Week Prayer & Reflection Journal
A dedicated journal to record your thoughts, prayers, and insights for Holy Week
👉 Click here to see top options

• Holy Week Candle Set
Candles for use each day of Holy Week — great for creating a peaceful space for prayer and contemplation on Holy Monday evening.
👉 Click here to see top options

• Scripture Reading Bookmark Set
Useful for marking Gospel passages or Holy Week readings — helps you engage deeply with the events of Holy Monday.
👉 Click here to see top options

• Holy Week Art or Icon Print
A framed artwork, icon, or devotional card that reflects the themes of Christ’s suffering and compassion — meaningful for quiet contemplation.
👉 Click here to see top options

Teaching Holy Monday works best when lessons focus on values, behaviour and simple storytelling, rather than complex theology.

What Is Holy Monday? (Child-Friendly Explanation)

Holy Monday is the day when Jesus, after being welcomed into Jerusalem, taught people how to do the right thing.

In simple terms for pupils:

• Palm Sunday is about celebration
• Holy Monday is about learning and thinking
• It teaches fairness, honesty and respect

This helps children see Holy Week as a journey, not just a single event.

What Happened on Holy Monday? (Simple Version)

On Holy Monday, the Bible tells us that:

• Jesus went to the Temple
• He saw people being unfair and disrespectful
• He reminded them that holy places should be calm and kind

The key message for schools is that doing the right thing matters, even when it is difficult.

Key Messages to Teach in School

Holy Monday lessons can focus on:

• Honesty – telling the truth and acting fairly
• Respect – caring for people and special places
• Reflection – thinking about our actions

These themes fit naturally into PSHE, RE and values-based learning.

Simple Classroom Teaching Ideas

Holy Monday can be taught through:

• Storytelling using age-appropriate Bible stories
• Class discussions about right and wrong
• Quiet reflection time or circle time
• Drawing or writing about kindness and fairness

The focus should be calm, thoughtful and inclusive.

Questions to Ask Pupils

Simple discussion questions include:

• Why is it important to do the right thing?
• How can we show honesty and kindness at school?
• What does respect look like in our classroom?

These help pupils connect the story to everyday life.

Linking Holy Monday to Easter Learning

Holy Monday fits into the wider Easter story taught in schools:

• Palm Sunday – welcoming and celebration
• Holy Monday – learning and reflection
• Good Friday – sadness and sacrifice
• Easter Sunday – hope and new life

This helps children understand Easter as a sequence of events.

Why Holy Monday Works Well in Schools

Holy Monday is ideal for schools because it:

• Focuses on behaviour and values
• Encourages thoughtful discussion
• Can be taught without distressing detail

It supports moral development while respecting different beliefs.

Simple Summary for Schools

Holy Monday teaches pupils to:

• Think about their actions
• Treat others fairly and kindly
• Understand that Easter is about learning as well as celebration

It is a calm, meaningful way to explore Holy Week in the classroom.