Free Reformation Day Printables, Worksheets & Activities

Published:
October 16, 2014

Annette Breedlove

Contributor:
Annette Breedlove

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Reformation Day is a holiday I want my kids to know all about. It’s a pivotal point in church history that shaped the beliefs and freedoms we have today. Check out these Reformation Day Printables that you can use to teach your kids about the celebration of Reformation Day.

What happened on Reformation Day?

Many of us have heard about Reformation Day later in life. I know I did. I had no idea what it was until I became a Christian and thankfully so.

Reformation Day commemorates one of the most significant times in Christian history after the time of the apostles.

On October 31st, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses on the Wittenberg church door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. This action marked the Protestant Reformation, breaking from the Catholic Church.

Martin Luther taught that good works wouldn’t gain you admittance into Heaven and that believers had only to depend on God’s grace. People far and wide began to dig into Holy Scripture for themselves, which had always been discouraged.

Reformation Day celebrates this event and the religious, social, and political changes of the time. It sparked something in believers to dig into the Word of God for themselves.

Knowledgeable proclaimers such as Luther, William Tyndale, and Ulrich Zwingli helped spread the new reformation of the church. Other church leaders caught on and started forming Protestant communities. 

What did the Reformation teach us?

The Reformation encouraged people not to blindly believe what the “church” was teaching about God’s grace and Jesus Christ. Roman Catholics were furious because people started thinking for themselves in regards to what Scripture taught. No longer did the sale of indulgences appeal to those who had learned about the grace of God. 

Unbiblical doctrines were exposed and a new reformation of the church began. The good news of salvation was spread far and wide and people broke free from the abuse of indulgences. Many heard the truth of the gospel for the first time. 

Protestants became the defenders of Biblical truth. Protestant churches were sprouting up everywhere, and Bible study became a common occurrence among Protestant Christians. 

What is interesting about the Reformation?

Besides reformation Day meaning so much to Christians, there are other facts that are worth knowing about and that are still relevant today. You and your students will find them interesting. Here are a few:

  • The word “Protestant” derived from princes in Germany issuing a “protest” against the Roman Catholic Church Emperor at the time, Charles V.
  • The Edict of Worms declared Luther an obstinate heretic and banned the reading or possession of his writings.
  • The spread of the new protestant ideas was made possible because of Gutenberg’s printing press.
  • An important part of the 95 Theses was the selling of indulgences in the church. This means priests were selling salvation!
  • Martin Luther wrote the Hymn, “A Mighty Fortress.” The hymn talks about the Reformation as a free rework of Psalm 46.
  • Chile in South America recognizes the public holiday Reformation Day.
  • Explore these Reformation Day Resources (free printables, activities, and more) for a whole unit on an event that shaped Christianity forever.

Reformation Day Printables

Reformation Day Printables – A Halloween alternative is easier than you think. Grab these Reformation Day party ideas that will blow any Halloween party out of the park. These are meaningful alternatives to point children to Christ.

Reformation Day Notebooking Pages – Notebooking pages are a great way for your students to take notes on any subjects including Reformation Day. Your students can capture this great historical action of bravery in our Christian faith.

Martin Luther and the 95 Theses Study Guide – Check out this When Lightning Struck! The Story of Martin Luther Discussion Free Study Guide. The guide has discussion questions, timeline dates, and more to learn all about Martin Luther and 95 Thesis debates and events.

Free Reformation Day Printables

Reformation Day Study Printables – Your older students will do well with using these Reformation Day printable resources for studying. The printables include a brief introduction, art activities, Discussion Topics for Reformation Day, a word search, vocabulary guides, and more.

Coloring Pages for Reformation Day – These coloring pages will go perfectly alongside your Reformation Day Lesson Plans. Your students color the 95 Theses action picture, Luther Rose, Martin Luther, Solas of Reformation image, and more.

Fun Reformation Day Printable Pack – You will not want to miss a few of my favorite resources with amazing ideas for celebrating Reformation Day in your home. The Reformation Day printable pack includes a passport cover, a printable passport, 95 Theses, Sola Scriptura Chocolate Labels, Five Solas of the Reformation Coloring Page, and more.

Printable Unit Study of Martin Luther & The Reformation – Enjoy this whole unit for free! The unit will help children to learn all about the history of the Reformation and Martin Luther’s role. It is suitable for students in elementary through high school.

sketch of Martin Luther with overlay - "Resources About Martin Luther and the Reformation"

Reformation Day Videos & Books

Works of Martin Luther with Introduction and Notes (Vol. 1) – This is a free Kindle version of all the Works of Martin Luther with Introduction and Notes. This text may be challenging for younger children but hugely useful material for older students studying the Reformation.

The Barber Who Wanted to Pray – This story is based on a true story but is mostly imaginative. It is written by R. C. Sproul and has a fictional character, Master Peter, whose life changes when he encounters the Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the Apostle’s Creed.

Spy for the Night Riders – This is an adventure story introducing a Martin Luther story told from his student’s perspective. The book is ideal for young readers from the age of 8-12 years old.

Ten Boys Who Made a Difference (Lightkeepers) – This book is about how ten boys made a difference in the world around them, Augustine discovered the love of God and it changed the way we think.

Martin Luther Sermons

Martin Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses and Selected Sermons – Explore these selected sermons and Martin Luther’s 95 Theses for only $99 USD on the Kindle. Learn all about Luther’s actions that changed world history forever.

Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther – This book talks about the life of Martin Luther during the sixteenth century. Learn about this historical figure and what led him to make such a bold move.

Thunderstorm in Church – This story is told by Hans Luther, Martin Luther’s son. It was at a time when Hans was about 9-14 so kids of this age might find it very interesting.

The Church History ABC’s: Augustine and 25 Other Heroes of Faith – This recounting of history follows 25 heroes of the Faith including Martin Luther and John Calvin. The way the book is laid out is in a Church History ABCs format to help kids learn about these figures in an easy way.

Martin Luther (NR – 1953) – This is a black and white classic of Martin Luther’s life story in the 1950s. The movie was nominated for an Academy Award and is worth remembering. This is an Amazon Prime video or available on DVD.

Luther (PG-13, 2004) – This is an Amazon Prime video of the life of Martin Luther. It also comes on DVD if you want to keep it for your whole family.

Reformation Day Crafts & Activities

Teaching Toddlers about Martin Luther and the Reformation – Yes, even younger kids can be taught briefly about Martin Luther and the Reformation. Puzzles and gluing are a great way our toddlers can begin hearing about this incredible change to an era and Christianity.

What is Reformation Day? Resource – This resource has loads of photos with a focus and explaining what Reformation Day is. It is a great reading resource for your kids to get context, vocabulary, and more.

Easy Reformation Day Lesson Plan – Check out this easy homeschool lesson plan for slackers. This resource contains videos, audio, and a free Gospel-focused challenge. This story is all about God’s plan in Jesus.

Reformation Day Activities for Kids – This resource provides  10 hands-on Reformation Day Activities. The activities include art appreciation exercises, acting out scenes, calligraphy, science fun, and more.

50+ Kids Reformation Songs – If your children love music, then share with them this resource of 50+ kid songs about Reformation theology and history. Add your favorite songs to a variety of fun activities.

Reformation Day Celebrations

Reformation Day was the precursor of Halloween, and as such many Christians prefer to celebrate this time of year celebrating the Protestant holiday of Reformation Day instead of Halloween.

You can easily  replace Halloween activities with one of the simple activities above. Celebrating Reformation Day is a fun way to teach your children about Christianity in place of the worldly holiday full of candy and spooks. Maybe, keep the candy.

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