Learning Objectives

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

• Retell key events of the Easter story including Palm Sunday, the Last Supper, and the Resurrection.
  (National Curriculum for England: RE - Understanding Christianity Concept: Salvation - Understanding the story of Easter and its significance.)

• Create a palm cross using paper and markers, and explain its significance in the Easter story.
  (National Curriculum for England: RE - Expressing - beginning to explore ways Christians celebrate Easter.)

Success Criteria

• I can sequence and retell the main events of the Easter story.
• I can make a palm cross and say why it is important at Easter.

Curriculum Links

• Understanding Christianity: Salvation unit (EYFS to Year 2 level) focuses on recognizing that Easter is a Christian festival to remember the story of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection.
• RE Programme of Study KS1: Pupils should be introduced to Christianity and the celebration of Easter through stories and symbols.

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Lesson Duration

30 minutes
Class size: 14 students (Reception, Year 1 & Year 2 combined)

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Resources

• Large colourful storybook or visual story sequence cards illustrating key moments: Palm Sunday, Last Supper, Crucifixion, Resurrection
• Large story map or storyboard for group retelling
• Paper strips for palm crosses (pre-cut)
• Markers, crayons
• Visual aids: pictures of palm leaves, crosses, Last Supper table setting, empty tomb
• Sentence writing frames for extension activity
• Carpet or seating area

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Gather whole class on carpet.
• Explain today we will learn about the Easter story and why it is important to Christians.
• Show a simple timeline/storyboard of the Easter events using colourful images. Use clear, age-appropriate language.
• Ask guided questions:
  • What do you notice first on this story? (Palm branches)
  • Who do you think Jesus shared the meal with?
  • What happened after?

Differentiation:

• Visual learners: have story images visible throughout
• SEN & EAL: Use clear, simple vocabulary and repeat key phrases.

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2. Storytelling & Retelling (10 minutes)

• Tell the Easter story using the storyboard with interactive narration:
  • Palm Sunday: Jesus enters Jerusalem greeted with palm leaves.
  • Last Supper: Jesus shares a special meal with his friends.
  • Resurrection: Jesus comes back to life and the tomb is empty.
• Encourage children to join in with repeated phrases (e.g., “Hosanna!”).
• Invite volunteers to place story cards in sequence on a large board.
• Use open-ended questions to scaffold retelling:
  • What happened on Palm Sunday?
  • Why was the Last Supper special?
  • What did the empty tomb mean?

Differentiation:

• Supported learners: use sentence starters (“On Palm Sunday, Jesus...”)
• More able: prompt to explain why these events matter to Christians.

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3. Craft Activity – Making Palm Crosses (10 minutes)

• Show a model palm cross made from strips of paper.
• Guide children step-by-step to fold and cross their paper strips.
• Children decorate their palm crosses with markers/crayons.
• While crafting, reinforce the story link: Palm crosses remind Christians of Palm Sunday and Jesus’ welcome.
• Circulate and encourage pupils to say one thing about the palm cross’s meaning.

Differentiation:

• Fine motor support: pre-fold paper for younger/nursery children or those with SEN.
• Extension: more able children can add simple patterns/symbols related to Easter.

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4. Extension Activity – Reflective Writing (5 minutes)

• For Year 1 & 2 children ready to write: provide sentence frames such as:
  • “Easter means… because…”
  • “I like the story of…”
• EYFS children can draw a picture of their palm cross or favourite part of the story.
• Encourage sharing a sentence or picture aloud if confident.

Differentiation:

• Support with scribing or verbal prompts for reluctant writers.
• Advanced learners encouraged to use connectives ("because", "and").

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Assessment & Feedback

• Formative assessment through:
  • Observing children’s participation in retelling and sequencing.
  • Listening to explanations about palm crosses during craft time.
  • Reviewing completed extension sentences or drawings.
• Use mini plenary to revisit success criteria and praise achievements.

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Differentiation Summary

Learner Type	Strategy
Visual learners	Storyboards, picture cards, clear visuals
SEN/Lower ability	Guided questions, sentence starters, adult support, simplified language
EAL learners	Repeat vocabulary, model sentences, visuals
Advanced learners	Explain significance in own words, extended writing, decorate cross creatively

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Links to Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction

• Begin with a clear goal and an outline of learning (I can statements)
• Present new material using visual aids and storytelling with repetition
• Ask lots of questions and check for understanding
• Provide opportunities for guided and independent practice (retelling and craft)
• Immediate feedback during craft and discussion
• Engage multiple senses: listening, speaking, making, drawing

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Summary

This lesson provides a rich, multisensory introduction to the Easter story that meets National Curriculum expectations for RE across Reception to Year 2. It balances storytelling, interactive discussion, and hands-on crafting to nurture understanding of the key Christian narrative of Easter and its symbols. Differentiated supports enable access and challenge for all learners in your unique rural classroom context.