Jesus’ Resurrection Beliefs

Learning Objective

Understand and explain why Christians believe Jesus was resurrected, using Luke’s Easter story and Christian evidence.

Success Criteria

• I can summarise the main events of Luke’s Easter account.
• I can identify key pieces of evidence Christians use to support belief in the resurrection.
• I can discuss reasons why Christians find these beliefs important.
• I can creatively present my understanding of the resurrection beliefs.

National Curriculum Link

• Religious Education: Christianity - understanding beliefs, teachings and sources of wisdom: Pupils should learn about the key beliefs and teachings of Christianity, including events of Easter and their significance.
• Key Stage 2 Programme of Study (England) – RE: Pupils should investigate and interpret religious texts and teachings to understand the impact of beliefs on individuals and communities.
• Develop pupils’ understanding of how religious beliefs affect worldview, values, and behaviour.

Key Vocabulary

• Resurrection
• Easter
• Disciples
• Tomb
• Evidence
• Faith
• Gospel
• Luke (Gospel writer)
• Belief
• Miraculous

Prior Knowledge and Experience

• Basic understanding of the life of Jesus and key events of Easter (Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday).
• Familiarity with Christian terminology and simple Bible stories.
• Experience with reading and interpreting narrative texts.
• Previous RE work on Christian beliefs about Jesus.

Resources to Prepare

• Copies of Luke’s Easter story (Luke 24:1-12) in simplified modern English suitable for Year 6.
• Whiteboard/Smartboard for note-taking.
• Print-out worksheet for evidence analysis.
• Art materials (paper, coloured pencils, markers) for creative presentations.
• Retrieval quiz cards or a digital quiz platform for starter activity.
• Sticky notes or small cards for group discussion brainstorming.

Common Misconceptions

• Assuming the resurrection is purely a metaphor or symbol, not a belief in a physical event.
• Confusing the resurrection with the ascension or other events in Jesus’ life.
• Thinking all Christians interpret the resurrection story identically—there is diversity in belief and emphasis.
• Believing the resurrection is only important historically, not personally or spiritually.

Adaptive Teaching Approaches

• For learners with reading difficulties: Provide audio recordings of Luke’s Easter story or read aloud as a class before analysis.
• For EAL pupils: Pre-teach key vocabulary using visuals; pair with peer buddies; provide word banks.
• For more able learners: Challenge them to compare Luke’s account with another Gospel’s version, noting differences and similarities.
• For sensory or kinesthetic learners: Include role-play or freeze-frame tableau of key resurrection scenes.
• Use mixed-ability groupings for discussion to promote peer support.

Lesson Structure and Timings

Time	Activity	Description
0-5 mins	Starter – Retrieval Quiz	Quick quiz on previous Easter knowledge using cards or digital quiz (e.g., key events of Holy Week). Activate prior knowledge.
5-15 mins	Reading & Comprehension	Read Luke 24:1-12 as a class (either silent or read aloud). Brief guided discussion on sequence of events.
15-25 mins	Evidence Analysis Activity	In groups, use worksheet to identify evidence Christians use to believe in the resurrection (empty tomb, angel’s message, disciples’ testimony). Groups record their findings on sticky notes.
25-35 mins	Group Discussion	Groups share evidence; teacher facilitates discussion on why this evidence is important to Christians and how it supports faith. Opportunity to challenge misconceptions.
35-50 mins	Creative Presentation	Groups prepare a creative response (poster, comic strip, or short dramatization) summarising their understanding of why Christians believe Jesus was resurrected.
50-58 mins	Presentations	Groups present to class; peer feedback on clarity and understanding.
58-60 mins	Plenary – Reflective Question	Teacher asks reflective question for whole class: "Why might the resurrection be important to Christians today?" Quick round-robin answers or exit ticket on a card.

Assessment for Learning

• Ongoing formative assessment through questioning during reading and discussion phases.
• Review group worksheets and sticky notes for understanding of evidence.
• Evaluate clarity and insight in creative presentations.
• Use plenary reflections as a quick check of personal grasp of importance of resurrection belief.
• Teacher notes misconceptions or gaps for follow-up.

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This lesson plan balances knowledge acquisition, critical thinking, and creative expression, firmly rooted in the National Curriculum requirements for Key Stage 2 Religious Education. It supports diverse learners, encourages active engagement with scripture, and deepens understanding of core Christian beliefs about the resurrection.