Ash Wednesday KS1 Assembly Script & PPT

Title: Ash Wednesday: A Journey with Jesus

Running Time: - 10 minutes

Audience: 5-7 year olds (Classroom or Assembly)

Format: - Gather - Listen - Respond - Go Forth

Description: - The script introduces the young children to Ash Wednesday in an engaging and simple way. It begins with a warm welcome (Gather), where the children are invited to reflect on God’s love. The story (Listen) a short reading from Matthew 6:6. A brief, child-friendly explanation follows, helping children understand that Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent - a special time to grow closer to God.

In the (Respond), children participate in a short reflective activity, such as tracing a cross on their hand or sharing one kind action they can do during Lent.

Finally, they are sent forth (Go Forth) with a simple prayer and blessing, encouraged to show kindness and love as they begin their Lenten journey.

Extract:

*Classroom Collective Worship: Ash Wednesday – KS1: A Journey with Jesus
Gather:

(Invite children to sit in a circle or quietly at their desks.)

Leader: “Today is a very special day called Ash Wednesday. It is the beginning of Lent, a time when we get ready for Easter. Let’s take a moment to be still and quiet, thinking about how much God loves us.”

(You may light a candle or display a cross to set a prayerful atmosphere.)

Leader: “Let’s make the Sign of the Cross together.” (Children join in: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”)