Exploring Being Good

Overview

This 45-minute lesson invites year 1 pupils (ages 5-6) to explore what it means to be ‘good’ through the lens of three world faiths: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. The focus is on understanding the Golden Rule — a principle about kindness and respect found in all three religions — making it accessible and meaningful for young children.

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National Curriculum Links

Religious Education – Key Stage 1

• Pupils should learn about:
  • Christianity, Islam and Judaism and their beliefs about how to live.
  • The significance of stories and teachings for believers.
• Pupils should be taught to:
  • Recognise what is important in life for themselves, including values and commitments.
  • Explore how religious and moral teaching guide believers.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will:

• Understand the idea of the Golden Rule: “Treat others as you would like to be treated.”
• Identify one way Christians, Muslims, and Jews describe what it means to be ‘good’.
• Reflect on how being kind and ‘good’ helps in friendship and family.

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Success Criteria

Pupils will be able to:

• Recall at least one example from each religion about being ‘good’.
• Demonstrate understanding through a group activity or drawing.
• Use simple words to explain how they can be ‘good’ to others.

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Resources

• Large colourful poster or board with simple images of: a cross, a crescent moon and star, and a Star of David
• Storybook or short scripted stories/examples about kindness from each religion
• Paper, crayons, and stickers
• “Goodness Tree” large paper (tree trunk with branches)
• Sticky notes or pre-cut paper leaves
• Audio or video clip of a Christian, Muslim, or Jewish child explaining being good (optional)

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Gather pupils in a circle. Show the three symbols (cross, crescent & star, Star of David).
• Explain: “Today we are going to learn how Christians, Muslims and Jews think about being good and kind.”
• Introduce the Golden Rule simply: “It means we should treat others the way we want to be treated.”
• Briefly mention: “Each religion has its own stories and teaching about being good.”

2. Story Time & Discussion (15 minutes)

• Share a short story or example from each faith, saying how it teaches being good:
  • Christian story: The Good Samaritan — helping others no matter who they are.
  • Muslim story: Hadith about kindness — helping family and neighbours, caring for everyone.
  • Jewish story: Teaching from the Torah about love your neighbour as yourself.
• After each story, emphasise the shared message about kindness and respect.
• Ask simple questions: “What can we do to be good like the people in the story?”
• Encourage children to give their own ideas.

3. Activity: The Goodness Tree (15 minutes)

• Show the “Goodness Tree” with bare branches.
• Explain that each leaf will have something kind or good we can do.
• Ask children to think quietly about one way to be ‘good’ (inspired by the stories or from their own ideas).
• Children draw or write their idea on paper leaves (teacher can scribe for early writers).
• Invite children to stick leaves on the tree, sharing in 1-2 words what their ‘good’ act is (e.g., share, help, listen).
• Praise all ideas and connect back to the Golden Rule teaching.

4. Reflection and Sharing (5 minutes)

• Sit in a circle again and invite a few volunteers to share their ‘good’ act leaf.
• Summarise: “Being good means being kind and helping others — like our stories said.”
• Reinforce that Christians, Muslims, and Jews all believe this too.

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Assessment for Learning

• Observe pupil participation and responses during the discussion for understanding.
• Evaluate their contributions to the “Goodness Tree” for grasp of the Golden Rule concept.
• Listen to explanations during sharing for ability to articulate simple ideas about ‘being good’.

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Differentiation

• Support less confident speakers by pairing them with a buddy during discussions.
• Provide pre-written word cards (e.g., share, help, kind) for pupils who struggle with writing.
• Challenge more able pupils to explain differences or similarities in the stories.

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Extension Ideas

• Send home a simple “Golden Rule” poster children create to share with family.
• Encourage children to try one of their ‘good’ acts at home or school and talk about how it felt next time.

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Final Notes

This lesson builds empathy and respect while introducing children to religious diversity rooted in shared human values. It aligns with the key aims of the National Curriculum for Religious Education by promoting understanding, reflection, and respect for different faith perspectives on living well.