Exploring Megillah Esther

Lesson 1: Introduction to Megillah Esther

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Year Group: 3

Duration: 60 minutes

Class Size: 30 pupils

Subject: Religious Education

Unit: Exploring Megillah Esther (Lesson 1 of 3)

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National Curriculum Links (England)

• Religious Education Programme of Study (EYFS to KS3)
  • Understanding Christianity / Judaism
  • Pupils should develop knowledge and understanding of key stories, beliefs, and practices in religions.
  • Pupils should reflect on and respond to questions about meaning and purpose.
• Key Stage 2 Aims for RE (Year 3 relevant):
  • Identify and describe the core beliefs and teachings of religions studied.
  • Retell and suggest meanings for religious stories and teachings.
  • Recognise the impact of religion on believers’ lives.
  • Respond to ideas about values and moral decisions in stories.

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Learning Objectives

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

• Recall and sequence the key events of the Megillah Esther story.
• Identify and describe Esther’s bravery and its significance within the story.
• Demonstrate understanding of key Jewish beliefs and values reflected in the story (courage, loyalty, standing up for others).
• Participate thoughtfully in group discussion, developing speaking and listening skills.

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Success Criteria

Pupils will:

• Accurately retell main events of Megillah Esther in the correct order.
• Explain why Esther’s actions were important.
• Use appropriate vocabulary related to the story (e.g., King, Esther, bravery, Jewish festival).
• Respectfully listen and engage in group discussions.

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Resources Needed

• Age-appropriate printed or projected text of Megillah Esther story (simplified for Year 3).
• Story sequencing cards with key events.
• Whiteboard and markers / interactive whiteboard.
• “Bravery” and “Courage” word cards.
• Soft ball or “talking stick” for discussion.
• Visual aids: illustrations of Esther, King Ahasuerus, and key story scenes.
• Reflection worksheet with simple questions (optional as plenary).

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Lesson Outline

1. Starter Activity – Engaging prior knowledge (10 minutes)

• Begin with a brief, interactive question: “Has anyone ever heard the story of Esther before? What do you know about her?”
• Show a colourful picture of Esther and ask pupils what they think the story might be about based on the image.
• Introduce today’s story: "Today, we're going to learn about a very brave lady called Esther and a story that is special to Jewish people."
• Link to pupils’ own experiences: “Have you ever had to be brave or stand up for someone?”

2. Read-Aloud of Megillah Esther (15 minutes)

• Read the simplified Megillah Esther story aloud using expressive voice, showing pictures for visual engagement.
• Pause strategically after key moments (e.g., Esther becoming queen, the threat to the Jewish people, Esther speaking to the king) to check understanding and prompt brief reflections: “What do you think Esther is feeling right now? What might happen next?”
• Emphasise Esther’s courage and the story’s message of standing up for others.

3. Group Discussion & Sequencing Activity (15 minutes)

• Divide the class into 5 groups of 6 pupils.
• Give each group a set of story sequencing cards showing key events from the story.
• Groups work together to order the events. Support less confident groups with scaffolding questions.
• After grouping cards in sequence, each group shares their order and explains one key event to the class.
• Use the whiteboard to list the events as groups report back, creating a class timeline.

4. Focus on Bravery and Values (10 minutes)

• Introduce the concepts of “bravery” and “courage” using word cards.
• Ask pupils to identify moments in the story where Esther was brave. Encourage them to explain why these moments are important.
• Facilitate a whole-class discussion using a ‘talking stick’ or soft ball to allow turn-taking.
• Link Esther's bravery to Christian and Jewish values of standing up for others and making difficult choices.

5. Plenary / Reflection (10 minutes)

• Pupils complete a short reflection worksheet or draw a picture showing their favourite part of the story and why it was important.
• Invite a few volunteers to share their reflections with the class.
• Reiterate the key learning points: "Esther’s story shows us how one person can make a big difference by being brave."
• Assign a simple ‘homework’ challenge: “Over the next few days, try to notice when you or someone you know shows bravery or kindness.”

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Assessment Opportunities

• Formative assessment during group discussions and sequencing activity: check pupils’ understanding of story order and key events.
• Listening to pupils’ explanations of Esther’s bravery to assess comprehension of story themes and values.
• Evaluation of reflection worksheets/drawings for personal engagement and understanding.

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Differentiation

• Support: Provide word banks and picture prompts for sequencing. Partner quieter pupils with more confident peers.
• Challenge: Encourage more able pupils to consider why the story is still told today and relate it to wider moral lessons; invite deeper questions on courage and self-sacrifice.
• Use varied group roles (reader, writer, presenter) to engage different learning styles.

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Cross-Curricular Links

• English: Storytelling, sequencing, speaking and listening.
• PSHE: Exploring courage, friendship, and moral choices.
• Art: Illustrating scenes from the story in later lessons.
• History: Cultural understanding of Jewish festivals (to be explored in later lessons).

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Teacher’s Notes & Tips

• Use expressive storytelling to bring the Megillah Esther story to life.
• Monitor group work closely to support understanding and encourage respectful listening.
• Link discussion about bravery to real-life examples suitable for Year 3 pupils.
• Encourage respectful curiosity when discussing religious stories and their cultural significance.
• Save deeper theological questions for latter lessons or challenge groups to extend learning.

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This lesson sets a strong foundation for exploring the rich story of Megillah Esther with Year 3 pupils, beautifully weaving storytelling, values, and discussion skills in accordance with the National Curriculum for England.