7 Simple Ways to Count the Omer with Your Kids

Counting the Omer

Apr 18

After Passover, many families breathe a sigh of relief — and understandably so! It’s a rich, meaningful celebration. But what if I told you there’s still more?

Between Passover and Shavuot (Pentecost) lies a 50-day journey that God laid out in Scripture — and it’s an invitation to prepare our hearts for deeper encounter.

It’s called Counting the Omer (Leviticus 23:15–16), and it’s a beautiful, daily rhythm you can bring into your home — especially with your children.

And no, it doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. It can be creative, meaningful, and fun.

Here are 7 ways to count the Omer with your kids — while building memories and planting truth.

1. Build a Paper Chain

Instead of making a 50 link paper chain and ripping one off each day, start with one and ADD a link each day so your kids can visiually see GROWTH in abundance! This is also a great craft for Preschoolers and Kindergarteners. Let them decorate each link that day and write the number on it. Each night after you say the blessing, let them practice counting each chain until they get all the way to fifty!

Why it works: Kids love visual progress. It teaches anticipation and discipline over time.

2. Say the Blessing Together

Light a candle and say the traditional Omer blessing aloud. Let your child repeat after you, or say it with you in Hebrew and English.

Hebrew:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ עַל סְפִירַת הָעֹמֶר

English:
“Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us by Your commandments and commanded us to count the Omer.”

Then say the day: “Today is the eleventh day of the Omer. That is one week and four days.” (because although we are counting days, we are also counting WEEKS. That’s why it’s called the Feast of Weeks)

Grace note: Don’t stress about pronunciation. This is about heart, not perfection.

If you want to hear how the blessings are recited, join my online community here!

3. Read a Verse Together Each Night

Get the Word of God into those precious little souls <3 Choose one short Bible verse per day — maybe from Psalms, Proverbs, or the life of Yeshua — and read it before you count.

Let your kids take turns reading or drawing what the verse reminds them of. Or you can take this time to start learning and memorizing the Fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 and make the goal to have them all memorized by Shavuot.

Pro tip: Print a calendar with daily verses and keep it on the fridge.

4. Create a Family Omer Journal

Use a simple notebook or printable and write one word or prayer each day. You can also let your child draw something that represents the day’s reflection.

Bonus idea: At Shavuot, read through it together as a family!

5. Plant Seeds on Day 1 and Water Daily

This turns the spiritual theme of growth into something tangible. Use herbs, wildflowers, or even beans in a jar — and tie it to spiritual growth as you count.

Conversation starters:

What do you think God is growing in your heart during this season?
What helps our hearts grow like the water helps this seed?

6. Sing a Counting Song

If your kids are musical or just love silly rhythms, sing a daily song together as you count! You can even make up your own melody aside from the Hebrew liturgy. Because why not? Kids LOVE getting goofy and they’ll never forget it! Or count outloud like Count Dracula - a family favorite!

Example lyrics:
🎵 “This is the day… of the Omer… day number four, and we’re growing more…” 🎵

Simple, memorable, and meaningful.