Celebrating with Friends

Subject: Religious Education

Key Stage 1 – Year 1 (Ages 5–6)
Duration: 40 minutes
Number of Students: 22

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Curriculum Reference

Religious Education: Early Years/Key Stage 1 (National Curriculum; locally agreed syllabus references in line with SACRE guidance)
This lesson aligns with:

• Non-statutory guidance for Religious Education in KS1
• Learning Objective: Pupils should explore how and why celebrations are important in religion.
• Focus Religion: Islam

Pupils will learn:

• That Muslims celebrate special days such as Eid-ul-Fitr.
• What these celebrations mean to Muslim children.
• Key symbols, food, and emotions associated with Eid.

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Learning Objectives

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

• Identify Eid as a special celebration for Muslims.
• Describe at least 3 traditions that take place during Eid.
• Recognise similarities and differences between Eid and a celebration they are familiar with such as birthdays or Christmas.
• Show understanding through creative expression and group discussion.

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Resources Needed

• Storybook: “Hassan and Aneesa Celebrate Eid” by Yasmeen Rahim (UK Curriculum Appropriate)
• A low table or carpet area with props: prayer mat, (toy) crescent moon, traditional dress, plastic dates
• Eid gift bag or decorative wrapping with visual items (e.g., sweets, small clothing items, henna patterns)
• Music player: gentle Nasheed (non-instrumental Islamic song for children)
• A1 paper and colouring materials
• Laminated emotion cards (happy, excited, tired, etc.)
• Printable Eid 'thank you' card templates
• PowerPoint slides with 4–5 big, bright images: family praying, Eid food, giving gifts, new clothes

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Key Vocabulary

• Eid / Eid-ul-Fitr
• Mosque
• Fasting / Ramadan
• Celebration
• Prayer
• Charity (Zakat)
• Festival

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Lesson Breakdown

Starter (5 minutes) – Setting the Mood

• Play soft Nasheed music as children enter.
• Sit in a circle on the carpet. Greet with a warm, inviting tone.
• Ask: “Have you ever been to a party or celebration? What did you enjoy?” (Encourage brief sharing.)

Teacher Tip: Create a “Celebration” word cloud on whiteboard: cake, presents, clothes, dancing, etc.

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Main Part 1: Exploring Eid (10 minutes) – Story Time and Talk

• Read aloud: “Hassan and Aneesa Celebrate Eid”.
• Pause for questions:
  “Why do you think their mum is making special food?”
  “What do they wear for Eid?”
  “How do they feel?”

Emphasis: Eid is a joyful time after Ramadan. It's about family, sharing, and being grateful.

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Main Part 2: Discovery Time (15 minutes) – Group Activity Stations

Children rotate in groups of about 5-6 (4 mins per station, 1 min transition). 4 stations in total:

Station 1: Role Play “Eid Morning”

• Dress up in traditional clothing, “wake up,” “get ready,” and “pray.”

Station 2: Create an Eid Card

• Use templates to write “Happy Eid” and draw their favourite parts of the celebration.

Station 3: Eid Senses Table

• Smell spices (cardamom, cinnamon), observe dates, plastic samosas, henna pattern cards. Touch prayer beads. “Which item do you think you’d find at Eid?”

Station 4: Matching Emotions

• Use laminated emotion cards. Match feelings to Eid pictures: “How do you think this child feels opening a present?”

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Plenary (5 minutes) – Reflection and Connection

Circle time:

• “What did you learn today?” (Hands up to share)
• “How is Eid similar to something you celebrate?”
• Teacher summarises main messages:
  • Eid is special for Muslims.
  • It comes after Ramadan.
  • It’s about family, food, dressing up, sharing, and being thankful.

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Extension / Early Finishers

• Puzzle: Eid word-matching cards
• Colouring sheet: “My Eid Celebration”
• Envelope station: Prepare to give their Eid card to a class display board or take home.

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Assessment for Learning (AfL)

• Formative questioning during storytelling and station activities.
• Observation of children describing or representing aspects of Eid in their artwork and play.
• Listening to explanations during the plenary.

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Adaptations & Differentiation

• SEND: Visual aids and PECS-style communication cards at each station; allow longer time at sensory station.
• EAL: Use images and objects for meaning; pair with fluent English speaker.
• Greater Depth: Challenge to describe why Muslims celebrate Eid and to compare symbolism in different faith festivals.

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Cross-Curricular Links

• Literacy: Listening, speaking, vocabulary enrichment, sequencing story events
• Art & Design: Card-making and creative expression
• PSHE: Emotions, family, and respect for diversity
• Music: Nasheed as part of religious celebration

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Teacher Reflection Notes (Post-Lesson)

• What surprised me about their reactions?
• Did pupils draw comparisons independently?
• How might we explore Ramadan more deeply in another session?
• How did my pupils respond to objects and textures?

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Suggested Follow-Up

• Display pupils’ Eid cards on a “Celebrations Around the World” board.
• Invite a Muslim parent (if appropriate) to share how they celebrate Eid.
• Revisit topic in summer term when discussing other faiths’ festivals (e.g., Diwali, Hanukkah).

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End of Lesson Plan
Prepared with UK Key Stage 1 standards and age-appropriate pedagogy in mind.