• Presentation: Expand and add detail.
• Presentation: Celebrating Easter.
• Presentation: Easter around the world.
• Presentation: Easter celebrations discussion.
• Presentation: Easter community celebration.
• Presentation: Wrapping up words.
• Whiteboards and pens (one each).
• A3 plain paper (one sheet between four).
• Devices with access to the internet (Optional – see Adaptive teaching).

Subject knowledge

Easter

• Most people who follow the Christian worldview believe Jesus died on the cross on a day called Good Friday and came back to life (resurrection) three days later as part of God’s plan to save humanity from sin (salvation).
• The Easter story is a crucial part of this belief.
• Easter is celebrated worldwide in either March or April every year, with Western Easter (the official date for the UK) being the first Sunday after the full Moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox. This varies by 4-5 weeks for Eastern or Orthodox Easter.

The Last Supper

• In English translations of the Bible, it explains how Jesus shared bread with his disciples at the Passover meal.
• According to Jewish law, leavened food (food made with a raising agent such as yeast) would not have been eaten at Passover so it is likely that this was an unleavened bread similar to flatbread or crackers.
• In the Pupil video: Holy week just the word bread is used reflecting the language used in English translations of the Bible.

Misconceptions

The children may believe that:

• ‘Easter is about chocolate eggs and bunnies’ – it is important to explain that while Easter is celebrated in different ways across cultures, its religious significance for many Christians focuses on the death and resurrection of Jesus. The symbols of eggs and new life often represent the Christian message of hope.
• ‘Easter is only celebrated by Christians’ – it is helpful to explain that while Easter is an important religious festival for many Christians, some people with different worldviews also participate in cultural or family traditions during this season, such as egg hunts or spring-themed celebrations.

Lesson organisation

The lesson includes information about Easter traditions in France, Greece, Spain and the United States. You could adapt it to include traditions from other communities represented in your school or local area.

If you know a child has specific issues, consider discussing the lesson with them in advance and adapting it as needed. They might benefit from adult support. If problems emerge during the lesson, consult your Senior Leadership Team.

It is the teacher’s responsibility to check all resources and lesson content to ensure it is suitable for their class setting.

Jesus’ crucifixion

• Although this lesson focuses on Easter celebrations, there are some images of and discussion about Jesus’ crucifixion, death and resurrection.
• When teaching these themes, present them sensitively and age-appropriately, avoiding graphic details about death and punishment. Focus instead on the broader message of hope and forgiveness.
• Some children might find the topics of crucifixion, death and resurrection to be a source of worry. Teachers should approach these themes with caution and be prepared to offer reassurance and clear, gentle explanations.

The wonder box

• Remind children that they can use the wonder box if they have questions or concerns they would rather not share in front of the class.
• The wonder box gives the children the opportunity to share questions they may not feel comfortable asking in class. More challenging questions can be researched and additional time can be given to consider them. Children who may find writing questions challenging could either use a recording device or ask an adult to scribe for them.
• See: Teacher video: The wonder box for information on how to create and use this resource.