Understanding Good Friday

Lesson 3: WALT: Understand Good Friday

National Curriculum Links

• Religious Education (RE) KS2:
  • Pupils should be taught to:
    • “Explore and understand the story of Easter, particularly the significance of Good Friday as a key event in Christianity.”
    • “Retell and suggest meanings of some religious and moral stories, exploring the ideas they contain.”
    • “Use religious vocabulary to describe some key features of religious festivals, such as Good Friday.”
• Key Stage 2 Attainment Targets:
  • AT1: Learning about religion – Describe and suggest meanings for religious stories and symbols.
  • AT2: Learning from religion – Express ideas about the significance of religious beliefs on people's lives.

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Learning Outcomes

WALT

• Understand the key events of Good Friday, including the crucifixion of Jesus.
• Explain why it is called "Good Friday".
• Create a simple timeline of the key events leading up to Jesus’ death.

Success Criteria

• I can recall the main events that happened on Good Friday.
• I can explain why Good Friday is important to Christians.
• I can arrange events in the correct order on a timeline.

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Resources

• Storybook or simplified text on the events of Good Friday (dyslexia-friendly font e.g., OpenDyslexic or Comic Sans).
• Large printed event cards with pictures and simple sentences describing key moments (e.g., Last Supper, Jesus praying, Jesus carrying the cross, crucifixion).
• Timeline worksheet with blank spaces for events.
• Whiteboard and markers.
• Visual aids: large picture sequence of Good Friday scenes.
• Audio recording of a Good Friday story (for auditory learners).
• Sticky notes or coloured cards for categorising activities.

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter Activity (5 minutes)

• WALT reminder: Write “Understand Good Friday” on the board. Read aloud together.
• Quick discussion: Ask children if they know what Good Friday is and why it might be called "good" even though it is a sad story.
• Show a simple picture of the cross and ask children: “What do you think happened on Good Friday?” — Record answers, praising all contributions to build confidence.

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2. Interactive Story Time (10 minutes)

• Use the dyslexia-friendly storybook or audio recording to share the story of Good Friday in a simple, clear narrative.
• Pause to ask comprehension questions:
  • “Who was Jesus?”
  • “What happened to Jesus on Good Friday?”
  • “Why do you think Christians remember this day?”
• Use visual aids to reinforce understanding — show pictures at each point in the story.

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3. Discussion and Vocabulary Building (10 minutes)

• Introduce and explain key vocabulary on the board: crucifixion, cross, betrayal, forgiveness, sacrifice.
• Use simple explanations and examples: e.g., “Crucifixion means Jesus was put on a cross and died.”
• Group brainstorm: Why might people call it ‘Good’ Friday? Link to ideas of forgiveness and hope.
• Use sentence starters for children to express ideas: “Good Friday is called good because...”

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4. Timeline Activity - Sequencing Events (15 minutes)

• Show large event cards with pictures and captions.
• Teacher and class jointly arrange these cards in order on the board timeline as a story recap.
• Children complete their individual timeline worksheets, sticking or drawing events in the correct sequence.
• Support groups:
  • Lower ability/dyslexic learners: Use pre-cut images to stick in sequence with fewer writing demands.
  • Average learners: Write one sentence explaining each event.
  • Extension: Write three sentences explaining why Good Friday is called ‘good’, using new vocabulary.

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5. Plenary and Assessment (5 minutes)

• Class Share: Invite volunteers to explain one event on their timeline or share why Good Friday is ‘good’.
• Recap WALT and success criteria, asking pupils to self-assess using thumbs up/middle/down.
• Quick oral quiz: Ask 2-3 simple questions on the day’s learning, e.g., “What happened on Good Friday?”, “Why is it important?”

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Differentiation Strategies

• Visual supports: Use large clear pictures and symbols throughout.
• Auditory support: Audio storytelling and teacher explanations.
• Simplified language: Use short sentences and repeat key vocabulary.
• Reading support: Dyslexia-friendly font printed materials; read aloud option.
• Writing support: Allow drawing instead of writing for lower attainers; sentence starters.
• Peer support: Pair lower-attaining pupils with supportive peers for discussion.
• Extension activities: Advanced learners write a short paragraph about forgiveness and its importance in the Good Friday story.

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Additional Notes for Teachers

• Use calming, respectful tone when discussing sensitive topics such as death.
• Emphasise the concept of hope and forgiveness to keep the lesson positive and age-appropriate.
• Monitor engagement regularly, and pause to clarify or revisit vocabulary.
• Use praise generously to build confidence, especially for lower-attaining pupils.

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Extension Ideas

• Create a Good Friday reflective art piece (cross collage with words about forgiveness).
• Write a short diary entry from the perspective of one of Jesus’ disciples describing Good Friday.
• Explore the different Easter traditions in Christian communities (linking learning from prior lessons).

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This detailed, structured lesson provides an accessible and respectful exploration of Good Friday aligned with the National Curriculum for KS2 RE and meets the needs of mixed Year 3 and Year 4 learners with varying attainment levels.