Inspiring Mata Bhaag Kaur

Lesson Overview

Curriculum Area: Religious Education (RE) – Learning about Sikhism
Level: Key Stage 1 (Aligned with UK National Curriculum)
Topic: Stories of Inspirational Figures in Sikhism
Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 40 students

This lesson introduces Year 1 students to Mata Bhaag Kaur Ji, a significant female figure in Sikh history. Students will learn about her courageous leadership, values of bravery and equality, and her importance in Sikhism. The activities in this lesson will develop skills in listening, drawing, sequencing, and reflective thinking, while fostering mutual respect for religious diversity.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

1. Know who Mata Bhaag Kaur Ji was and why she is remembered in Sikhism.
2. Understand the values of courage, loyalty, and equality as displayed by Mata Bhaag Kaur Ji.
3. Engage creatively to summarise the story through drawing and collaborative activities.

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Resources Needed

• A4 paper for booklets (stapled in advance, 8 pages per booklet).
• Colouring pens, crayons, and pencils.
• Printed illustrations of Mata Bhaag Kaur Ji (age-appropriate line drawings).
• Laminated cut-outs of key events in her life (with simple sentences).
• A simple timeline sheet.
• Sikh symbols cards (e.g., Khanda) used for interactive discussions.

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter Activity (10 Minutes)

Warm Welcome and Sikhism Review – Sit the students in a circle. Put a picture of the Golden Temple in the centre.

• Ask: “Who remembers what the word ‘Sikh’ means?” (A learner or seeker.)
• Briefly discuss that Sikhism teaches values like courage, equality, and kindness.
• Introduce Mata Bhaag Kaur Ji as one of the Sikh faith’s role models who inspires people today.

Interactive Personal Connection:
Ask: “Have you ever stood up for what’s right, even when it was hard? What did that feel like?” Let a couple of students share their feelings, linking this to courage.

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2. Story Time (15 Minutes)

Introduce Mata Bhaag Kaur Ji’s Story:

• Narrate the story in an animated but age-appropriate way:
  • Explain her journey – when the Mughals attacked Punjab and Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Khalsa army needed help.
  • Highlight how she led 40 soldiers (the 40 Mukte) in courage, even though she was deeply devoted to peace and fairness. She became an example of leadership and loyalty.
  • Emphasise her values of equality—she believed all humans, no matter their role, were important.
• Reinforce key messages like bravery, standing up for others, and community.

Add Visual Aids: Show printed pictures of Mata Bhaag Kaur Ji and laminated scenes from her story to visually engage children.

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3. Activity 1: Create the Booklet (20 Minutes)

Each child will create their own "Mata Bhaag Kaur Ji Booklet" as a keepsake.

• Page 1: Title Page – Write “Mata Bhaag Kaur Ji” with a printed outline of her illustration for students to colour in.
• Page 2: Key Facts – Provide simple bullet points about her life to trace. Example:
  • She was brave.
  • She loved fairness.
  • She led 40 soldiers.
• Page 3-6:
  • Ask them to draw different parts of her story based on the visuals shown earlier. For instance:
    • Page 3: "Mata Bhaag Kaur Ji and the Khalsa Fighters" (illustration of soldiers).
    • Page 4: "She led with courage” (her riding confidently).
    • Add sentence prompts like “She was…” to guide their reflections.
• Page 7: Reflection Activity – "What bravery means to me" (students draw or write their ideas).
• Page 8: Back Cover – Colour Khanda (symbol of Sikh faith).

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4. Activity 2: Timeline Challenge (10 Minutes)

Work in small groups to piece together a laminated timeline of key events from Mata Bhaag Kaur Ji’s life. To make it fun:

• Mix the event cards and images, and let each group discuss and sequence them correctly on their table.
• Offer hints if needed, e.g., “What happened after she showed leadership?”

Once the timeline is complete, have one group explain their version to the class.

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5. Plenary: Values Discussion (5 Minutes)

Circle Time Sharing: Discuss:

• What did you like most about Mata Bhaag Kaur Ji?
• Why do you think courage and fairness are special?

Bridge to Other Faith Figures: Recap how stories of leaders in all religions (e.g., Jesus, Prophet Muhammad, etc.) teach us values to live by. End with positive affirmations for respecting everyone’s cultures and beliefs.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observe participation during group discussions and timeline sequencing.
• Evaluate booklets for understanding of Mata Bhaag Kaur Ji’s story and values.
• Listen to individual reflections during the plenary.

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Differentiation

• Pair advanced readers with less confident students for booklet reading and sequencing.
• Provide visual prompts for non-verbal learners.
• Offer extra teacher support for children requiring assistance with fine motor skills.

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Extension Activity

For early finishers:

• Provide word search puzzles with keywords related to Mata Bhaag Kaur Ji.
• Ask students to write their own mini-story about a time they did something brave.

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Teacher Reflection

After the lesson, consider the following:

• Did students grasp the key values of courage and fairness?
• Were all students engaged in the booklet creation and timeline challenge?
• How can the reflection exercise be adapted for deeper exploration in future lessons?