Recap and Reflection

Overview

This is the final session in the unit “Why Jesus Was Special” aimed at EYFS and KS1 children (ages 3-7). The lesson consolidates previous learning by revisiting key stories from the unit and encourages children to reflect on what these miracles tell us about Jesus’ special nature and his identity as the Son of God. The lesson aligns directly with the National Curriculum for Religious Education in England for EYFS and KS1, emphasising understanding of key Christian beliefs and stories.

National Curriculum Links

EYFS: Understanding the World – People and Communities
Children talk about past and present events in their own lives and in those of their families and other people they know. The RE focus is on introducing children to the idea that some people are special because of what they do and teach.
KS1 (RE Framework - Christianity strand):
Pupils should be taught to:
- Retell and suggest meanings for a range of Bible stories they have listened to
- Recognise that Jesus is a religious figure for Christians and talk about how his teachings show he is special
- Reflect on stories and discuss what they mean for believers today
Key skills developed: Listening, story retelling, simple reflection, empathy, oral communication

Learning Objectives / “I can…” Statements

By the end of this lesson:

I can remember and retell some miracles and stories about Jesus.
I can say why Jesus was special to Christians.
I can explain what these stories tell us about Jesus being the Son of God.
I can talk about how these stories make me feel or what I think about them.

Success Criteria

I will know I am successful if:

I can confidently recall at least two stories/miracles told about Jesus during the unit.
I can explain one way those stories show Jesus was special.
I can share my ideas or feelings about the stories in my own words.
I listen respectfully when others share their thoughts.

Resources Needed

Picture cards or story booklets illustrating the miracles from the unit (e.g., calming the storm, feeding 5,000, healing the sick)
Large floor mat or story circle area
Whiteboard and marker for recording key points
Reflection sheets differentiated for EYFS and KS1 (e.g., colouring and drawing for EYFS, sentence starters for KS1)
Soft toys or simple props to represent Jesus and disciples
Timer or visual timer to help keep activities focused

Lesson Structure (30 minutes)

1. Welcome and Introduction (5 minutes)

Greet the children and gather them into a story circle (indoors or outdoors).
Briefly remind them about the unit theme: “Jesus was special because he did amazing things called miracles.”
Use “I can…” statements to share today’s learning goals and success criteria so children know what to aim for.

2. Story Recap Relay (10 minutes)

In small groups (EYFS and KS1 mixed), children take turns to pick a card or prop representing a miracle from the unit.
Each child retells or narrates in simple words what happened in that story. Adult support and scaffolding heavily for EYFS students.
After each story, ask the group: “What does this story tell us about Jesus?” and record their answers on the board/flip chart in simple language (e.g. “Jesus cares”, “Jesus is powerful”).
Introduce key phrases verbally for KS1 children to expand their vocabulary, such as “Jesus showed he was the Son of God by…”

3. Reflection Time (10 minutes)

Provide EYFS children with reflection sheets where they can draw their favourite miracle and adults scribes their oral expressions about why it is special.
KS1 children complete sentence starters like: “Jesus was special because…”, “This story makes me think/feel…” on differentiated sheets.
Adults circulate to support children with speech, writing, and ideas.
Encourage KS1 children to listen and share their reflections briefly in a whole-class ‘sharing time’.

4. Closing Discussion and Prayer (5 minutes)

Lead a calm and inclusive moment of reflection, asking: “What do you think is the most special thing about Jesus?”
Invite answers but allow children to pass if uncomfortable.
Close with a simple, non-denominational or Christian prayer/song thanking Jesus for his miracles and kindness (adapt to your school’s practice).
Praise all children for their thoughtful listening and sharing.

Differentiation

Group/Need	Strategies
EYFS Nursery (3-4 years)	Use picture clues, adult modelling, expressive storytelling, open-ended prompts, drawing as expression. Support fine motor skills with colouring.
Reception (mixed ability, SEN)	Allow sentence starters for writing, adult scribing for those with limited writing skills, paired talk before sharing. Use visual timetable for routine clarity.
Year 1 and Year 2 (mixed KS1)	Encourage more developed verbal reasoning, sentence completion tasks, opportunities for peer support and sharing ideas. Scaffold with vocabulary word banks.
Advanced learners at KS1	Challenge with “Why do you think Jesus did these miracles?” or “Can you tell a new story about why Jesus is special?” extension verbally or through drawings.

Extension Activities

Create Your Own Miracle Story: Children invent a new miracle Jesus might do today, explaining why it shows he is special. Illustrate or role-play informal mini-stories.
Role Play Reflection: Use simple costumes/props; children act out a favourite miracle with emphasis on emotions and meanings.
Godly Play-style Guided Questioning: Invite deeper thinking through teacher-led open questions: “How would you feel if Jesus helped you like that?”
Parents/Home Link: Send home a short story summary sheet with a question to discuss at home: “Why do you think Jesus is special?”

Assessment

Formative assessment through:

Observation of group retelling and reflection discussions, noting confidence and understanding.
Completed reflection sheets demonstrating comprehension and ability to express ideas.
Listening to oral feedback and questions for misconceptions or deeper understanding.

Notes for Teacher

Use Rosenshine’s principles: Review previous learning (story recap), provide scaffolding during reflection, allow practice through retelling, and conclude with summarising key ideas.
Nurture the whole child by valuing personal responses and emotional reflection related to faith stories—no right or wrong answers.
Emphasise early Christian understanding of Jesus and build cultural literacy in a respectful, inclusive way consistent with Church of England ethos.
Keep the tone light and engaging – stories and reflection time should feel like a celebration of learning.

This detailed plan ensures a rich, engaging, and curriculum-aligned experience for your mixed-age, mixed-ability class while supporting your growth as a confident, reflective practitioner in Religious Education.

Teaching Instructions