Lent and Symbols

WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Understand what Lent is and when it occurs in the calendar.
• Identify ways young Catholics can participate during Lent.
• Recognise and explain the meaning of Lent signs and symbols.

Success Criteria

• I can explain the purpose and timing of Lent.
• I can describe some ways to take part in Lent.
• I can identify at least two symbols associated with Lent and explain their meanings.

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Curriculum Links and Learning Objectives

Religious Education Learning Area (New Zealand Curriculum & Catholic perspective):

• Engage with Christian traditions and celebrations, understanding their significance (linked to Key Competencies: Participating and Contributing; Relating to Others).
• Develop knowledge of Christian symbols and rituals used to express faith.
• Reflect on their own beliefs and values in relation to religious practices.

English Learning Area (Years 3-4):

• Comprehend informative texts about real-life topics such as significant religious events.
• Use reading comprehension strategies including asking questions, visualising, and summarising.
• Discuss texts orally, providing evidence and explanations.

Key Competencies:

• Thinking: drawing conclusions from text and prior knowledge.
• Using Language, Symbols and Texts: reading comprehension and symbol recognition.

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Lesson Duration

25 minutes

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Lesson Outline

1. Introduction (3 minutes)

• Begin with a brief class talk: "Does anyone know what Lent is?"
• Share basic facts: Lent is a Christian season of preparation and reflection before Easter.
• Introduce the WALT and success criteria visibly.

2. Reading Comprehension Activity (12 minutes)

Materials:

• Short, dyslexia-friendly reading passage about Lent (simplified text, short sentences, clear vocabulary; includes visuals such as a calendar showing start and end dates).
• Printed copies for each student (use a coloured background paper like pale yellow or blue for easier reading, larger font size 14-16, and clear typeface).

Text Content Outline (Sample):

• Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts 40 days until Easter.
• It is a time to prepare and remember Jesus' journey.
• Young Catholics can take part by doing good deeds, praying, and giving up something enjoyable.

Activity Steps:

• Read the passage aloud with the class, using echo reading to support fluency.
• Students read individually or in pairs, supported with reading prompts/question cards to stimulate engagement (e.g., "When does Lent begin?" "What can you do during Lent?").
• Ask guided questions to check comprehension:
  • What is Lent for?
  • When does Lent start and end?
  • How can young people join in Lent?

3. Signs and Symbols Extension Activity (7 minutes)

• Show images or real objects representing Lent symbols:
  • Ashes (sign of repentance)
  • Cross (reminder of Jesus' sacrifice)
  • Palms (from Palm Sunday)
  • Purple colour (used during Lent, symbolising penance)
• Discuss each symbol briefly, asking students to guess the meanings.
• Students create a simple matching activity or draw their favourite Lent symbol with a one-sentence explanation.

4. Wrap-Up and Assessment (3 minutes)

• Review the WALT and success criteria together.
• Ask students to share one new thing they learned about Lent or a symbol meaning.
• Provide verbal feedback and encouragement.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For diverse learners/Dyslexia-friendly:
  • Use short, clear sentences in the reading text.
  • Provide audiobooks or read-aloud support.
  • Use coloured overlays or background paper to reduce visual stress.
  • Pair students with peer buddies for reading.
• For advanced learners:
  • Challenge them to write a short paragraph on why symbols are important in faith.
  • Ask them to research another Christian season or symbol and share with the class.

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Additional Notes for Teachers

• Incorporate tikanga Māori perspectives where possible by linking concepts of reflection and preparation in Māori culture.
• Reinforce positive classroom discussions by modelling respectful listening and questioning.
• Use think-aloud strategies during reading to model comprehension and inference making.
• Encourage students to use prior knowledge about Easter and Christian celebrations to build understanding.

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This lesson plan aligns closely with the New Zealand Curriculum and recommended literacy practices for years 3-4, including explicit comprehension strategies, and supports engagement with Christian tradition and symbols important in Religious Education.