Baptism Promises Journey

Lesson Overview

Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 30 students
Year Group: Year 2
School Type: Catholic school
Subject: Religious Education (RE)
Topic: The Promises Made at Baptism

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National Curriculum Links

This lesson aligns with the Religious Education Curriculum Directory (Catholic Education Service, England) and addresses the following aims from the National Curriculum for England relevant to RE at Key Stage 1 (Years 1-2):

• Religious Education Attainment Target 1: Pupils will learn about Christianity (specifically the significance of Baptism).
• AT1: To deepen pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith by learning about the promises made at Baptism.
• AT2: To develop pupils’ skills of reflection and response, expressing ideas and feelings about their own faith journey.

This lesson supports the Early Learning Goals within "Understanding the World" and "Personal, Social and Emotional Development" frameworks.

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Learning Objectives (WALT)

• WALT understand the promises made during Catholic Baptism.
• WALT explore the meaning of these promises through storytelling and discussion.
• WALT recognise how Baptism is the beginning of a lifelong journey with God and the Church.
• WALT express our own ideas and feelings about promises and commitments.

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Success Criteria

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

• Describe at least two promises made at Baptism.
• Explain in their own words what these promises mean.
• Share an example of a promise they would like to keep.
• Engage in a group activity relating to Baptism promises.

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Resources

• Baptism storybook with large print and dyslexia-friendly font
• Visual aids: Pictures showing Baptism ceremony elements (water, candle, white garment, sign of the cross)
• Whiteboard and markers
• “Promise Cards” – simplified promise statements for group activity
• Art supplies for creative reflection (paper, crayons, stickers)
• Audio recording of a Baptism hymn/song
• Quiet reflection corner with comfortable seating

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter (10 minutes)

Activity:

• Begin with a brief whole-class discussion: "What is a promise?"
• Invite examples of promises students have made or kept in daily life.
• Use a short, animated story or read aloud a simple story featuring a character making a promise to introduce the concept gently.
• Engage: Ask, “Have you heard of Baptism?” – record initial thoughts on the board.

Differentiation: Use visuals and simple, clear language. Provide concrete examples and allow EAL or struggling learners to respond non-verbally (e.g., thumbs up/down).

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2. Introduction to Baptism Promises (15 minutes)

Activity:

• Read a dyslexia-friendly story about a Catholic Baptism focusing on the promises made (using large print and friendly fonts).
• Show pictures of the ceremony parts which relate to the promises (water, candle, white garment).
• Pause to explain each promise simply (e.g., “We promise to follow Jesus” / “We promise to be kind and loving”).
• Use questioning: “Why do you think these promises are important?”

Differentiation: Provide printed copies for those who prefer to follow along. Pause frequently to check comprehension. For advanced learners, ask how these promises might help someone in difficult times.

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3. Main Activity: Promise Cards Group Work (20 minutes)

Activity:

• Pupils work in small groups of 4-5. Each group receives Promise Cards with simplified or illustrated promises from Baptism.
• Children discuss and match cards with pictures or examples of what these promises look like in real life (e.g., helping a friend, loving family).
• Groups present one promise and example to the class.

Differentiation:

• For pupils with literacy difficulties, cards have symbols or pictures instead of long text.
• Use adult or peer support in groups needing extra help.
• Challenge advanced learners to think about how they can keep these promises every day.

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4. Reflection and Creative Expression (10 minutes)

Activity:

• Quiet time in the reflection corner listening to a gentle Baptism song/hymn.
• Pupils create “My Promise” artwork: drawing or writing a personal promise inspired by the Baptism promises.
• Volunteer children share their promise with the class if comfortable.

Differentiation:

• Offer options: draw a promise, write a sentence, or dictate to an adult.
• Use lined paper with clear spacing and dyslexia-friendly fonts for writing tasks.

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5. Plenary and Assessment (5 minutes)

Activity:

• Recap promises by asking: “What promises did we learn today?”
• Use a quick thumbs-up or thumbs-down quiz style for understanding.
• Ask children to complete the sentence orally: “One promise I want to keep is...”
• Teacher notes observations for each pupil’s participation and understanding (informal assessment).

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Extension Activity for Advanced Learners

• Write a short prayer or thank-you to God for the promises made at Baptism.
• Create a mini “Baptism book” with drawings and simple sentences about each promise.

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Differentiation Summary

Learner Type	Differentiation Strategy
EAL / Language Support	Visual aids, simple sentences, peer support
Dyslexic Learners	Dyslexia-friendly texts, audio supports, coloured overlays for reading
SEN Learners	Adult/peer support, simplified tasks, alternative communication methods
Advanced Learners	Challenging questioning, extension tasks like prayer writing

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Reflection for Teacher

• Note which pupils could confidently explain promises and those who need reinforcement.
• Reflect on engagement level during group work and creative task.
• Plan follow-up lessons reinforcing the sacrament journey and linking to family and parish life.

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This lesson plan uses storytelling, discussion, visual and creative approaches to deepen year 2 pupils' understanding of Baptism promises, while fully adhering to the National Curriculum and Catholic Education guidelines.