Welcomed Through Baptism

Overview

This 60-minute lesson introduces Year 2 pupils to the concept of baptism as a welcoming sacrament into the Catholic Church, using the new RE Directory (RED) as a foundation. The lesson addresses Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education by fostering understanding of community, belonging, and religious traditions in line with the National Curriculum for England (2021) and Catholic education requirements.

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National Curriculum Links

• PSHE Education:

  • Core Theme 1: Health and Wellbeing - Recognise what makes a community and how different groups belong
  • Core Theme 3: Living in the Wider World - Recognise and respect that people belong to different religions and celebrate special times in different ways

• Religious Education (based on RED and Birmingham Archdiocese)

  • Understanding the meaning and significance of Baptism in the Catholic Church
  • Exploring rites and symbols connected to Baptism
  • Recognising the theme of welcome and community in Church life

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Learning Objectives (WALT)

• WALT understand what Baptism is and why it welcomes people into the Church family.
• WALT recognise some key symbols and actions involved in Baptism.
• WALT reflect on the importance of being part of a community.

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Success Criteria

• I can explain what Baptism is and why it is important.
• I can identify at least three symbols used in Baptism.
• I can describe how Baptism shows that someone belongs to the Church.
• I can share my ideas about what it means to belong to a community.

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Resources Needed

• Baptism picture storybook or illustrated book from RED resources (dyslexia-friendly font and clear images)
• Large print symbol cards: water, candle, white garment, oil
• Whiteboard and markers
• Craft materials: paper, crayons, blue cellophane (to represent water), small candles (battery-operated for safety), cotton fabric pieces
• Printable ‘My Welcome’ reflection worksheet (with picture prompts and space for words)
• Circle time seating arrangement
• Visual timetable displayed

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Gathering Activity: Welcome children and introduce the topic using a friendly question: “Have you ever been welcomed somewhere special or had a celebration with your family?”
• Show a colourful picture storybook narrating a child’s Baptism story (use a RED resource).
• Discuss briefly: “Today, we will learn about Baptism, a special way to welcome someone into the Church family.”

Differentiation:

• Provide an illustrated glossary of Baptism words (welcome, water, candle, Church) with pictures for EAL and SEN learners.
• Use clear, slow speech and repeat key vocabulary.

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2. Explore Baptism Symbols (15 minutes)

• Introduce four key symbols: water, candle, white garment, and oil. Present symbol cards with images and explain simply their meanings:

  • Water cleanses and welcomes
  • Candle shows light and new life
  • White garment means being new and pure
  • Oil is a special blessing

• Pupils handle the craft materials related to each symbol, reinforcing tactile learning (e.g. blue cellophane for water, cotton for garment).

• Invite children to match symbols to their meanings using the cards in small groups (mixed ability groups).

Differentiation:

• Support lower ability or dyslexic learners by pairing them with peers and providing symbol-word cards with both pictures and words.
• Use chunking and short, simple sentences.

Extension:

• Advanced learners can create sentences about why each symbol matters or role-play the actions connected to each symbol.

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3. Reflecting on Belonging (15 minutes)

• Circle time discussion: “How do you feel when you are welcomed into a group, school, or family?”

• Link sharing back to Baptism: “Baptism is a way to say ‘you belong’ to the Church family.”

• Pupils complete the ‘My Welcome’ worksheet, drawing or writing how they feel when welcomed and what being in a family or group means to them.

Differentiation:

• Provide sentence starters for children who find writing challenging, e.g., “I feel happy when…” or “I belong because…”
• Use sticky notes for those who prefer drawing or captions instead of extended writing.

Extension:

• Use role-play scenarios where children welcome a new friend to the class to demonstrate understanding practically.

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4. Group Prayer and Wrap-up (10 minutes)

• Teach a simple, short prayer thanking God for welcoming us. Example:
  “Thank you, God, for welcoming us into your family. Help us to show love and kindness to everyone.”

• Invite children to say the prayer together, using visual prayer cards with symbols from the lesson.

• Recap success criteria by asking pupils to share one thing they learned about Baptism.

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Assessment for Learning

• Verbal feedback during group discussions and matching activity.
• Review ‘My Welcome’ worksheet to assess understanding and reflection on belonging.
• Use thumbs up/down signals after prayer to check engagement.

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Additional Notes

• Ensure classroom is calm and accessible for all children, with movement breaks if needed.
• Provide captions or simple videos of Baptism if resources allow, focusing on sensory needs.
• Liaise with teaching assistants prior to deliver support during symbol matching and worksheet activities.

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Summary

This lesson marries PSHE themes of community and belonging with Catholic teaching on Baptism from the RED framework. It uses multi-sensory activities, differentiated support, and reflection to engage Year 2 pupils meaningfully. Pupils leave with an understanding of Baptism as both a religious welcome and a message of love within a community.