The Words and Actions of Jesus

Curriculum Information

Subject: Religious Education
Year Group: Year 1
Time: 40 Minutes
UK Curriculum Reference: Christianity – The Life and Teachings of Jesus (KS1)

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Understand that Jesus was a key figure in Christianity.
• Reflect on the kinds of actions Jesus carried out.
• Identify ways they can show kindness and love like Jesus.

Resources Needed

• A children's Bible or storybook (pictures included)
• Printed emoji cards (happy, kind, sad, angry)
• A soft ‘Kindness Ball’ (a plush toy or softball for an activity)
• A large sheet of paper and colourful markers

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Lesson Outline

1. Introduction – Gathering and Warm-Up (5 minutes)

Teacher’s Script: “Today, we are going to learn about a very special person called Jesus. He was known for saying kind words and doing good actions. Can you think of a time when someone was kind to you?”

• Allow a few students to share their thoughts.
• Introduce the idea that Jesus loved to help people.

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2. Story Time – The Actions of Jesus (10 minutes)

Teacher Narrative: Read a short, age-appropriate version of Jesus Feeds the 5,000 (or Jesus Heals the Blind Man). Ensure students can see the pictures.

• Ask:“What did Jesus do in this story?”
• Use the printed emoji cards to encourage students to describe how the people in the story felt before and after Jesus helped them.

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3. Jesus’ Words – ‘Love One Another’ (10 minutes)

• Write the phrase on a board or paper: "Love one another." – Jesus
• Briefly explain: “Jesus told people to be kind and help others. Can anyone think of how they can show love?”
• Use role-play: One student pretends to drop their book, and another helps to pick it up. Discuss how this is a kind action, just like Jesus taught.

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4. ‘Kindness Ball’ Reflection (10 minutes)

• Sit the children in a circle.
• Pass a Kindness Ball around the group. When a student catches it, they say one kind action they can do today (e.g., “I can share my toys.”).
• Encourage all students to take part.

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5. Plenary – Drawing Activity (5 minutes)

• Hand out paper and markers.
• Ask students to draw themselves doing something kind like Jesus (helping a friend, sharing a toy, comforting someone sad).
• Display drawings in the classroom to remind students of their reflections.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Informal questioning during the emoji game.
• Observing participation in the Kindness Ball activity.
• Checking understanding through drawings and discussions.

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Teacher’s Reflection

• Which activities engaged students the most?
• Did students connect Jesus' words and actions to their own behaviour?
• Any changes to make for next time?

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By using interactive storytelling, sensory activities, and creative expression, this lesson ensures Year 1 students can grasp the kindness and teachings of Jesus in a meaningful way.