Learning objective
- To interpret Buddhist beliefs about suffering using the story of Kisa Gotami.
Success criteria
- I can discuss some Buddhist ideas about suffering.
- I
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Religious Education Council Curriculum Framework for RE in England (non-statutory guidance):
- A2: Describe and understand
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Cross-curricular links
English
Reading – comprehension
Pupils
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Before the lesson
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Lesson plan
Recap and recall
Show the Presentation: Fact tennis and pair the children. Ask them to take turns sharing one idea at a time about Humanist responses to suffering. Give each child one minute to talk. Encourage them not to repeat any ideas.
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Adaptive teaching
Pupils needing extra support:
- Could watch the Pupil video: The Buddha and read the Resource: The mustard seeds before the lesson to become familiar with the story and key ideas.
- Could focus on just one of the three poisons during the Attention grabber to reduce cognitive load by discussing how that single trait could lead to suffering.
- Could use the Activity: The mustard seeds: support version to label the three poisons in the story already highlighted.
Pupils working at greater depth:
- Should make explicit links between the three poisons and the Four Noble Truths, explaining how these traits help Buddhists understand why suffering exists.
- Should use their knowledge of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to justify predictions about how the Buddha may help Kisa Gotami cope with her suffering.
- Should consider how accepting suffering as an unavoidable part of life might help someone respond differently to loss or grief, giving reasons linked to Buddhist beliefs.
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Assessing progress and understanding
Pupils with secure understanding can:
- Acknowledge that many Buddhists accept that suffering is
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Vocabulary definitions
-
dukkha
The Buddhist idea that suffering and discomfort are a normal part of life.
-
Four Noble Truths
Core Buddhist teachings to support the understanding of life's challenges.
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In this unit
Assessment – R&W Y6: Why is there suffering? (Part 2)
Lesson 1: What can suffering teach us about happiness?
Lesson 2: What can cause suffering?
Lesson 3: How do some people overcome suffering?
Lesson 4: How can Hukam help in difficult times?
Lesson 5: Who is the best at helping?
Lesson 6: How can beliefs affect our understanding of suffering?
Maintained by: Kapow Primary team
Last update: 24th April, 2026
Lesson 5: Who is the best at helping?
Exploring Shinto beliefs about kami and how these may help during times of suffering.
Lesson 1: What can suffering teach us about happiness?
Exploring what responses to suffering might tell us about people's beliefs.
Lesson 3: How do some people overcome suffering?
Considering the impact of the Buddha’s guidance on how Kisa Gotami coped with suffering.
Lesson 4: How can Hukam help in difficult times?
Using Sikh teachings from scripture and the lives of the Gurus to understand the importance...
