Kindness and Helping Others

Curriculum Area

Religious Education – Key Stage 1 (Year 1)
UK National Curriculum Focus: Learning about the life and teachings of Jesus, exploring his words and actions, and applying them to real-life situations.

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Understand how Jesus showed kindness and helped others.
• Identify ways they can be kind and help others in their daily lives.
• Reflect on a real-life scenario and discuss how to apply Jesus’ teachings.

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Resources Needed

• Storybook or visual slides of ‘Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand’
• Picture cards showing different acts of kindness
• A small basket with role-play food items (to aid storytelling)
• Stickers or certificates for praise

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Lesson Structure (30 Minutes)

1. Introduction – Hook (5 Minutes)

• Begin with a question: “Has anyone ever helped you when you needed it?” Encourage brief discussions.
• Tell students they will learn about someone who helped many people – Jesus!
• Show an image of Jesus and ask, “What do you know about him?”

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2. Main Story – Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand (10 Minutes)

• Read or tell the story in an engaging, interactive way.
• Use a small basket with play food to demonstrate how Jesus shared the little food he had to help others.
• Ask: "How do you think the people felt when Jesus helped them?"
• Relate it to their lives: "When have you helped someone or shared something?"

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3. Reflect and Apply – Real-Life Scenarios (10 Minutes)

• Show picture cards with different actions (helping a friend, sharing toys, comforting someone sad).
• For each picture, ask: "What would Jesus do?"
• Encourage students to share ways they can be kind like Jesus in daily life.

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4. Activity – Kindness Pledge (5 Minutes)

• Each child shares one kind act they will do this week.
• Write pledges on a class kindness display.
• Reward participation with stickers or "Kindness Star" certificates.

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Assessment and Reflection

• Observe student discussions and responses.
• Ask: "What did you learn from Jesus today?"
• Encourage students to practise their kindness pledge and share their experiences in the next lesson.

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Extension Activity (For Early Finishers or Home Discussion)

• Role-play: In small groups, act out different kindness scenarios.
• Home Task: Encourage children to share one kind action they did at home and bring a picture or drawing to the next class.

Teacher’s Wow Factor!

This lesson is designed to be interactive, reflective, and meaningful. By using real-life connections and practical applications, students experience rather than just hear the teachings of Jesus!