Caring for the World

Curriculum Area

Religious Education – KS1 (Year 2)

UK National Curriculum Link:
This lesson aligns with the UK Religious Education (RE) curriculum, specifically focusing on Judaism and how religious beliefs influence caring for the world. The lesson integrates elements of moral education, philosophy, and cultural understanding.

Learning Objective (LO)

To know about Jewish practices and how they show they care for the world.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the lesson, pupils will:

• Identify key Jewish practices linked to caring for the world (e.g., Tikkun Olam).
• Understand how Jewish teachings encourage respect for nature and sustainability.
• Reflect on how they can apply similar values in their own lives.

Resources Needed

• A world map or globe
• A picture of a synagogue
• A short animated story about Tikkun Olam (teacher to narrate)
• Images of Jewish environmental practices (e.g., planting trees on Tu B’Shevat)
• Paper, coloured pencils, craft materials for practical activity

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter Activity - (10 mins) (Engage & Connect)

Discussion Question:
"Who looks after the world? How can we take care of it?"

• Begin with a mystery object in a box (e.g., a small plant, a littered item, or a reusable bag). Allow a few students to feel inside the box and guess what’s inside.
• Reveal the object and ask: "How does this link to looking after the world?"
• Show a map or globe and explain that different religions have their own ways of respecting and protecting the Earth. Today, they will learn about Judaism!

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2. Main Teaching - (15 mins) (Teach & Explore)

Introducing Tikkun Olam:

• Introduce the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam which means "repairing the world."
• Explain that Jewish people believe it is their duty to take care of the world because God created it beautifully!
• Use a storytelling session: Narrate the story of a Jewish family planting trees for Tu B’Shevat or helping clean a community space. Ask:
  • "Why did they do these actions?"
  • "What can we learn from this?"

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3. Group Activity - (20 mins) (Apply & Create)

Creative Posters – "Caring for the World"

1. Small Group Work: Divide the class into groups of 4-5 students. Give each group materials to create a mini-poster with a drawing and sentence about how Jewish people show care for the world.
2. Topic Ideas:
   • Recycling in Jewish families
   • Planting trees for Tu B’Shevat
   • Looking after animals (Kosher laws)
   • Saving water and avoiding waste

Plenary: Gallery Walk (5 mins)

• Groups present their posters.
• Walk around and appreciate each other’s work.

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4. Reflection & Discussion - (10 mins) (Deepening Understanding)

• Ask: "If you could change one thing in the world to make it better, what would it be?"
• Introduce the idea that different faiths and cultures have ways to help the world – what can WE do?
• Pupils write or draw one action they can take this week to care for the world.

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Differentiation

• Higher Ability: Encourage students to make connections between Jewish teachings and their own values or school eco-projects.
• Lower Ability: Provide sentence starters for poster activity (e.g., "Jewish people care for the world by…").

Assessment Opportunities

• Verbal contributions during discussion.
• Creativity and understanding shown in poster activity.
• Reflection task at the end of the lesson.

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Teacher’s Notes

• Keep the discussion warm and engaging, allowing pupils to reflect and share their views.
• Judaism is a living faith—emphasize how its teachings apply to everyday life.
• This lesson links to PSHE (Respect & Responsibility) and Geography (Caring for the Environment).

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Extension/Homework (Optional)

• Nature Walk: Ask students to go outside with an adult and find something special in nature. Discuss how they might protect it.
• Ask a family member: "What do we do at home to care for the world?" Share their answers in the next lesson!

This lesson will inspire and engage pupils by combining storytelling, hands-on crafts, and deep discussions about our shared responsibility to care for the world. 🌍✨