Overview

This 60-minute lesson explores the concept of communities through the lens of Religious Education for Year 3 pupils. The focus will be on recognising the role of communities in different religions and understanding the values, symbols, and practices that bring people together. It aligns with the National Curriculum for England’s Religious Education aims for Key Stage 2, particularly the understanding of how beliefs and practices contribute to community cohesion and identity.

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Curriculum Links

Religious Education – Key Stage 2 (Years 3 & 4)
The scheme of work aims include:

• Pupils should learn about diversity within and between religious communities
• Explore how religion and belief contribute to community cohesion and individual identity
• Understand some religious and moral traditions and how these influence individuals and communities

Key Learning Outcomes from the National Curriculum Framework:

• Pupils should be able to retell and talk about religious and moral stories (DfE, RE guidance)
• They should identify some ways in which religious beliefs are expressed
• Pupils should show understanding of how belonging to a community can give a sense of identity and belonging
• Develop skills to ask and respond sensitively to questions about their own and others’ experiences

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will be able to:

1. Define what a community is and explain why communities are important.
2. Identify different religious communities (e.g., Christian, Muslim, Hindu) and describe key symbols, places, or practices that unite members.
3. Reflect on how belonging to a community gives people a sense of identity and support.
4. Ask and answer thoughtful questions about their own community and religious communities.

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Resources Needed

• Large world map or UK map
• Pictures/posters representing different religious symbols (e.g., cross, crescent moon, Om)
• Story cards with simple religious narratives linked to communities (e.g., The Good Samaritan, The Story of Guru Nanak)
• Large paper and coloured markers for group work
• ‘Community Web’ worksheet for reflection activity
• Whiteboard and pens

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Starter discussion: Write the word Community on the board. Ask, "What is a community?" and "Can you name some communities you belong to?" Accept answers such as family, school, sports team, religion.
• Show the map and point out that communities exist everywhere.
• Explain that today we will learn about communities in religion and why they are important.

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2. Exploring Religious Communities (15 minutes)

• Introduce 3 main religious communities: Christian, Muslim, Hindu.
• Show respective symbols and places of worship (church, mosque, temple).
• Share a simple story or teaching from each religion that highlights community or kindness:
  • Christianity: The Good Samaritan (helping others)
  • Islam: The importance of prayer in a mosque as a community act
  • Hinduism: Festivals like Diwali bringing families and neighbours together
• Pupils work in three groups, each assigned one religion to examine pictures and story cards. They discuss what they see and talk about what the community might mean to people in that religion.

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3. Group Activity – Community Web (15 minutes)

• Each group creates a ‘Community Web’ on large paper:
  • Write the name of their religion or community in the centre.
  • Around it, draw or write things that bring people together in that community (beliefs, festivals, places, activities).
• Groups present their webs to the class, explaining their choices.
• Highlight similarities and differences across communities, such as sharing values like kindness and support.

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4. Reflection and Discussion (10 minutes)

• Use the ‘Community Web’ worksheet individually: pupils write or draw about the communities they belong to and what makes these communities special to them.
• Discuss questions:
  • Why is it good to belong to a community?
  • How can communities help people feel safe and supported?
  • How do people show respect in communities?
• Encourage respectful listening and sharing of different views.

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5. Plenary and Assessment (10 minutes)

• Recap learning objectives. Ask pupils to share:
  • One thing they learned about religious communities.
  • One way their own community helps them feel included.
• Formative Assessment: Use observation notes of group discussions and presentations; collect the reflection worksheets to assess understanding of community identity and respect for diversity.
• Exit question: "What is one way you can help your community?" (Pupils answer orally before leaving.)

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Differentiation

• Support: Provide sentence starters for reflection worksheets; adult support during group work as needed.
• Challenge: Encourage more detailed descriptions in community webs, adding quotes or ideas about shared values. Pupils may compare how different communities celebrate or help each other.

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Extension Ideas

• Invite a visitor from a local place of worship to talk about their community.
• Create a classroom ‘Community Collage’ with photographs and symbols from pupils’ families and faiths.
• Link with PSHE lessons on friendship, respect, and cooperation.

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Teacher’s Notes

• Ensure pupils are aware of the importance of respect and listening when discussing beliefs.
• Use inclusive language emphasising that all religions and beliefs have different but valuable communities.
• Be prepared to handle questions sensitively, especially when discussing personal beliefs or cultural practices.

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Summary

This lesson plan meets the statutory expectations for Year 3 Religious Education in England, providing inclusive, engaging activities that teach pupils about religious and secular communities, promote respect for diversity, and encourage personal reflection on belonging. Through storytelling, collaborative work, and thoughtful discussion, pupils develop a deeper understanding of community identity consistent with the National Curriculum framework.