The Importance of Shabbat

Lesson Details

• Subject: Religious Education
• Year Group: Year 1
• Lesson Duration: 30 minutes
• Class Size: 25 students
• Curriculum Area: Key Stage 1 – Religious Education
• Focus: Why is Shabbat important to Jewish people?

Learning Objectives

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

• Understand that Shabbat is a special day for Jewish people.
• Recognise key traditions and customs of Shabbat.
• Appreciate the importance of rest and family time in religious practice.

National Curriculum Links

This lesson aligns with the UK Key Stage 1 Religious Education curriculum, specifically:

• Understanding beliefs and practices – Exploring how Jewish people celebrate Shabbat and why it is meaningful.
• Developing respect for different religions and cultures – Encouraging curiosity and appreciation of religious traditions.

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

📢 Teacher’s Script:
"Today, we are going to learn about a very special day for Jewish people called Shabbat! Have you ever had a special day where your family comes together, maybe for a Sunday roast or a birthday celebration?"

👂 Discussion Question:

• Can you think of a time when your family spends time together? What do you do?

👀 Engagement Strategy:
Show students a Shabbat table set-up with a candle, challah (bread), and a grape juice cup (pictures or real objects).

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2. Storytime – A Child’s Shabbat (5 minutes)

📖 Storytelling:
Read a short, age-appropriate story about a Jewish child celebrating Shabbat at home. Ensure the story highlights:

• Lighting of the candles
• Blessing the challah bread and grape juice
• A special family meal
• A break from work and technology

💬 Quick Quiz:
Ask students:

1. What special food do Jewish families eat on Shabbat?
2. Why do Jewish people rest on Shabbat?
3. What is something they do to celebrate?

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3. Hands-on Activity – Shabbat Table Craft (10 minutes)

🎨 Activity:
Each child makes their own mini Shabbat table using:

• A paper plate (as a table)
• Drawings of challah, candles, and a cup
• Cotton wool for the challah texture
• Yellow tissue paper for 'candle flames'

👀 Outcome:
Children will describe what they have created and reflect on why these items are important for Jewish families.

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4. Discussion and Reflection (5 minutes)

🔄 Turn and Talk:
In pairs, students share one thing they learned about Shabbat.

🎤 Whole-Class Reflection:
Teacher asks:

• Why do you think Jewish families like celebrating Shabbat together?
• How would you feel if you had a special day every week where you rested, played, and spent time with family?

💡 Key Takeaway:
"Shabbat is a special time for Jewish families to be together, rest, and be thankful."

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Assessment for Learning

✔ Informal Observation:

• Are students engaged in the story and answering questions?
• Do they understand the key Shabbat customs?

✔ Craft Outcome:

• Can students identify the symbols of Shabbat on their craft table?

✔ Reflection Responses:

• Can students explain why Shabbat is important to Jewish people?

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Extension Ideas

📌 Role Play:

• Students act out a mini Shabbat meal with props.

📌 Comparisons:

• Discuss how different cultures have special days (e.g. Sunday lunch, Eid celebrations).

📌 Music:

• Play a Jewish song about Shabbat to close the lesson in an interactive way.

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Resources Needed

• Picture cards of a Shabbat table
• Storybook/printed story
• Paper plates
• Coloured paper, glue, cotton wool
• Tissue paper for flames

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🌟 Teacher’s Note:
Keep the atmosphere joyful and engaging, ensuring students understand that Shabbat is all about family, togetherness, and rest. This lesson should promote respect and curiosity about different cultures in a simple and meaningful way for Year 1 learners.

🚀 Now – let's bring Shabbat to life!