Christmas Cards Creation

Overview

• Year Group: 4
• Duration: 45 minutes
• Class Size: 21 students
• Unit: Christmas Journey Exploration (Lesson 5 of 6)
• Subject: Religious Education (RE)
• Theme: Christmas story – messages of hope and goodwill
• Curriculum Link: National Curriculum for England, Religious Education (Locally Agreed Syllabus; linked with Primary National Curriculum frameworks for English and Art)

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will:

1. Understand and articulate key themes of the Christmas story, particularly hope and goodwill. (Religious Education)
2. Communicate these themes creatively through art and writing. (Art and English)
3. Develop empathy by considering how Christmas messages impact people’s feelings and relationships. (Personal, Social, and Emotional Development linked to spiritual reflection)

National Curriculum References:

• Religious Education: Pupils should reflect on the significance of religious stories and symbols, recognising meanings and values (Locally Agreed Syllabus typically requires KS2 pupils to: "recognise the impact of religion on believers’ daily life" and "express well-informed insights into religious ideas," focusing here on Christianity and the Nativity story).
• English: Year 4 Writing — Pupils should write for a range of purposes and audiences, organising ideas clearly; use imaginative description to engage the reader (English Programme of Study, Writing).
• Art and Design: Pupils should use drawing, painting and other techniques to communicate ideas and feelings inspired by religious and cultural themes (National Curriculum for Art).

---

Resources

• Blank card stock (A5 size) – 1 per pupil
• Colouring pencils, felt tips, crayons
• Glitter, stickers (stars, angels, doves)
• Examples of traditional and modern Christmas cards
• Whiteboards and markers
• Copies of a simple excerpt of the Christmas story highlighting hope and goodwill (e.g., Luke 2:8-20 simplified)
• Sentence starters and writing frames for support

---

Lesson Structure

Starter (5 minutes)

Engage with the theme through discussion and reflection

• Begin by reading aloud or summarising a short excerpt from the Christmas story focusing on the shepherds and the message of hope and goodwill.
• Ask: “What messages do you think the story of Jesus’ birth brings to people at Christmas?”
• Capture ideas on the whiteboard – e.g., peace, hope, kindness, joy, sharing.
• Recap how Christians use symbols and stories to share these messages with others, including through cards.

Main Activity (30 minutes)

Design and create Christmas cards with personal messages

1. Planning (5 mins):

   • Display examples of Christmas cards, note their use of images and words to communicate messages.
   • Invite pupils to plan their Christmas card:
     • What message of hope or goodwill will you include?
     • What illustrations will show this? (e.g., stars, angels, nativity scenes, symbols of kindness)
   • Provide sentence starters for pupils needing writing support:
     • "I wish you a Christmas full of…"
     • "May your new year be filled with…"
     • "Jesus’ birth reminds us to…"

2. Creation (20 mins):

   • Pupils create their Christmas cards on card stock, drawing and colouring themed images.
   • Encourage use of symbols connected to the Christmas story.
   • Pupils write inside their card a simple message of hope or goodwill inspired by the story.
   • Circulate, offering encouragement and prompting reflection: “How does your card share the hope of Christmas?”

3. Sharing & Reflection (5 mins):

   • Pupils share their cards with a partner or small group, explaining their chosen message and design.
   • Encourage positive feedback focusing on how effectively the message was communicated.

Plenary (10 minutes)

Class Reflection & Assessment

• Collectively display some finished cards for a gallery walk.
• Use questioning to assess understanding:
  • “Which messages stood out to you?”
  • “How did the Christmas story inspire these messages?”
  • “How can we use kindness and hope in our daily lives?”
• Ask pupils to self-assess one thing they did well and one thing they found challenging.
• Optional: Pupils can write a sentence on a post-it note summarising what hope/goodwill means to them, which can be shared on a classroom display.

---

Assessment

Formative assessment through:

• Listening to pupils’ explanations of their card messages (speaking and listening skills).
• Reviewing written messages for understanding of hope/goodwill themes and ability to communicate clearly.
• Observing engagement with art and personal response to the Christmas story.

---

Differentiation

• Provide writing frames and sentence starters for pupils with lower confidence in writing.
• Offer additional support with drawing or colouring materials.
• Encourage more complex messages or symbolic imagery for higher-attaining pupils.
• Allow pupils to dictate messages to an adult if fine motor skills are a barrier.

---

Cross-Curricular Links

• English: Writing for purpose and audience; descriptive and emotive language.
• Art & Design: Communicating ideas through visual media; exploring symbolism linked to religious stories.
• PSHE: Reflecting on personal values of kindness, hope, and community spirit.

---

Extension/Homework Suggestion

• Invite pupils to create a card for a family member or local community member, sharing hope and goodwill beyond the classroom.
• Suggest pupils interview a family member about their favourite Christmas story or message and share findings in the next lesson.

---

This lesson encourages meaningful reflection on Christmas themes, combining RE with creative expression and literacy skills, aligned tightly with the National Curriculum expectations for Year 4 pupils.