Introduction to Christianity

Lesson Overview

Year Group: Year 3
Subject: Religious Education
Unit: Easter Stories Unveiled (Lesson 1 of 6)
Duration: 60 minutes
Curriculum Area: UK National Curriculum – Religious Education (KS2)
Focus: Exploring the foundations of Christianity, including key beliefs, figures, symbols, and practices.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Identify the key beliefs of Christianity.
• Recognise significant symbols and figures in Christianity.
• Understand why Easter is important to Christians.
• Express their thoughts on the values of Christianity and how they relate to their own lives.

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter Activity (10 minutes) – "What Do You Know?"

• Objective: Activate prior knowledge and introduce Christianity in a relatable way.
• Activity:
  • Display a large question on the board: What do you know about Christianity?
  • Hand out sticky notes and ask students to write what they already know or any questions they have.
  • Collect responses and categorise them into "Facts," "Questions," and "Misconceptions."
  • Quickly address a few responses to spark curiosity.

Wow Factor: A mystery box filled with Christian symbols (e.g., a cross, a Bible, a fish symbol). Students take turns picking an item, describing it, and guessing its meaning.

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2. Introduction to Key Beliefs (15 minutes) – "The Christian Story"

• Objective: Students understand the core beliefs of Christianity in an engaging way.
• Activity:
  • Use storytelling to explain Christianity’s key beliefs:
    • Christians believe in one God.
    • Jesus Christ is the central figure, believed to be the Son of God.
    • The Bible is their holy book, teaching love, kindness, and forgiveness.
  • Ask students to imagine they are hearing this story for the first time. How does it make them feel?

Interactive Element: Display images of Jesus, churches, and the Bible while discussing. Encourage students to notice and describe details.

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3. Key Figures & Symbols (15 minutes) – "Secret Symbol Mission"

• Objective: Recognise important Christian figures and symbols.
• Activity:
  • Show four key Christian symbols (Cross, Dove, Fish, Bible) and explain their meanings.
  • Assign small groups each symbol and give them a secret mission: prepare a 30-second role-play or drawing to explain their symbol’s importance.
  • Groups present to the class.

Wow Factor: Reveal a secret message hidden within the symbols (e.g., each symbol represents values like peace, faith, and hope).

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4. The Importance of Easter (10 minutes) – "A Special Time"

• Objective: Introduce why Easter is significant to Christians.
• Activity:
  • Show an image of Easter celebrations (church services, hot cross buns, Easter eggs).
  • Discuss: Why might Easter be an important time for Christians?
  • Ask students to think about a special celebration in their own lives and how it brings people together.

Class Discussion: "If you created a celebration about kindness, what would it include?"

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5. Reflection & Plenary (10 minutes) – "What Have We Learned?"

• Objective: Consolidate learning and encourage personal connections.
• Activity:
  • Revisit the sticky notes from the starter activity. Have students see if any questions were answered.
  • Ask students to write one thing they learned and one question they still have about Christianity.
  • End with a "Think-Pair-Share" where they discuss their reflections with a partner.

Wow Factor: Present a small scroll with an uplifting message from Christian teachings (e.g., "Love one another"). Hand them out as mini keepsakes.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Informal questioning during discussions.
• Observation of participation in group activities.
• Written reflections from plenary.

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Differentiation

• Support: Provide sentence starters for sharing thoughts (e.g., One thing I learned is...)
• Challenge: Ask higher-level thinking questions (e.g., Why might Christians find comfort in these beliefs?)

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Resources & Materials

• Mystery box with Christian symbols
• Sticky notes & pens
• Picture slides of key Christian figures & symbols
• Mini scrolls with positive messages

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Homework / Extension Activity

• Ask students to find one Christian symbol in their community (e.g., a cross on a building) and describe where they saw it.
• Optional: Illustrate a symbol that represents a belief or value they think is important.

Next Lesson: Exploring Jesus’ Life and Teachings 🎉

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This lesson plan ensures an engaging mix of storytelling, hands-on activities, and discussion, making Christianity accessible and age-appropriate for Year 3 students. It fosters curiosity and respect for different beliefs while laying a strong foundation for the rest of the unit.