The Virtues of Bravery

Overview

Subject: Religious Education
Year Group: Year 2
Curriculum Area: Understanding religious beliefs, values and the impact on individuals and communities, specifically related to key figures in Sikhism (aligns with UK education standards on fostering tolerance, diversity, and cultural understanding).
Lesson Duration: 60 minutes
Focus Topic: Exploring the virtues of the Chaar Sahibzaade and their meaning in everyday life.

---

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Understand the concept of the Chaar Sahibzaade (the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji) as inspirational figures in Sikhism.
2. Explore the virtues of bravery, sacrifice, faith, and selflessness through storytelling and discussions.
3. Reflect on how these virtues can be demonstrated in their own lives.
4. Work collaboratively on a creative activity to deepen understanding and personal connection.

---

Materials Needed

• Photographs or illustrations of the Chaar Sahibzaade (appropriate for KS1).
• A simplified and age-appropriate storybook or written narrative outlining their lives.
• Whiteboard or interactive display for leading class discussions.
• Worksheet (provided below).
• Colouring pencils, pens, or crayons for the activity.

---

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Begin by greeting the class warmly and asking: “Who can tell me what it means to be brave?” Allow 2-3 volunteers to share their ideas. Write their responses on the board.
• Introduce the topic, explaining:
  • “Today, we will learn about four very brave brothers called the Chaar Sahibzaade. They made very big decisions and showed us how to be brave, loving, and kind, even in hard times.”
• Show the class illustrations of the Chaar Sahibzaade (if available). Briefly share their names (Ajit Singh, Jujhar Singh, Zorawar Singh, and Fateh Singh), but keep this simple for Year 2 comprehension.

---

2. Storytelling (15 minutes)

• Narrate an age-appropriate version of the story of the Chaar Sahibzaade. Ensure the storytelling emphasises these virtues:

  • Bravery: Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh standing up for their faith.
  • Sacrifice: Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh’s decision to never waver in values, even in the face of danger.
  • Faith: Their unwavering belief in the teachings of their father and Sikhism.
  • Selflessness: Thinking of others above themselves.

• Use an engaging, interactive tone during storytelling. Pause to ask questions such as:

  • “How do you think they felt?”
  • “What would you do if someone asked you to give up something important to you?”

• After the story, summarise the virtues displayed by the Sahibzaade and link them to their daily lives (e.g., standing up for a friend, being kind to someone struggling, sharing toys).

---

3. Discussion (10 minutes)

• Lead an open discussion using prompts:
  1. “What does being brave mean to you?”
  2. “Can you think of a time when you were brave or kind to someone?”
  3. “How can we use what we’ve learnt about the Sahibzaade to be better friends and classmates?”
• Encourage students to raise hands and share. Reinforce positive answers by restating them for the class (e.g., “That’s an excellent example of being selfless!”).

---

4. Creative Activity (20 minutes)

• Distribute the worksheet (below).

• Explain the instructions clearly:

  • The top half contains a colouring section with a simple illustration of four figures representing the Sahibzaade.
  • The bottom half includes prompts such as:
    1. “What does bravery mean to you?” Write one sentence.”
    2. “Draw a picture of a time you were kind or brave.”

• Let children work individually or in pairs. Walk around the classroom to assist and encourage creativity.

---

5. Plenary (5 minutes)

• Gather the class on the carpet and ask a few volunteers to share their drawings or what they wrote on their worksheet.

• Wrap up by linking the lesson back to their daily lives:
  “The Chaar Sahibzaade showed us that being brave, kind, and selfless can make a big difference. Who can promise to try being more like them this week?”

• End with a brief reflection: “Let’s say thank you to the Sahibzaade for showing us how we can be better friends, family members, and classmates.”

---

Assessment Criteria

• Participation during storytelling and discussion.
• Understanding of virtues as demonstrated in their worksheet responses and artwork.
• Engagement with peers and lesson materials.

---

Worksheet

Name: _____________ Date: _____________

The Virtues of the Chaar Sahibzaade

1. Colour the picture below (large outline of four outlined figures in robes, simple design).

2. Write one sentence about bravery:
   Bravery means ________________________________.

3. Draw a picture of you being kind or brave.

---

Extension Ideas

1. Role Play: In future lessons, students could reenact key moments from the stories to deepen their understanding.
2. Class Virtue Chart: Create a wall display highlighting examples of bravery, kindness, and selflessness observed in the class that week, linking back to the lesson.

This dynamic and interactive lesson will ensure Year 2 students not only learn about a key aspect of Sikh faith but also develop important personal values.