RE at key stages 1 and 2 (Year 4)
Unit 4C: Why is Easter important for Christians?
Section 1: What is Palm Sunday?
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Objectives |
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- about the events of Palm Sunday
- about the atmosphere and feelings of the crowd on Palm Sunday
- that emotions and feelings are involved with decisions and faith
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Activities |
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Outcomes |
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Children: |
- Show palm crosses and see if the children recognise them. Tell the story of Palm Sunday, drawing out that the crowd were excited because they believed Jesus to be the Messiah. Children could be asked to talk about processions. Have you ever seen or attended a procession (eg carnival)? Were you excited? Discuss the atmosphere and feelings surrounding the procession. When do large crowds gather (eg visits from special people such as sporting celebrities or film stars)?
- Children could create a joyful procession using music and dance, or make a frieze of a procession around the classroom. Make palm crosses with the children, and talk about their symbolism.
- Then talk about the feelings of people in the crowd. What did they expect of Jesus?
- Draw out the contrast between the excitement of the crowd and how Jesus might have felt as he prepared to face death.
- Read the story of Palm Sunday as Christians would hear it in church and talk about why some churches give out palm crosses.
- Begin to keep a diary of a 'Holy Week' from the point of view of a disciple, an onlooker or a Roman soldier.
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- talk about the fact that the crowd welcomed Jesus because they believed he was the Messiah
- recount the story of Palm Sunday
- talk about the feelings and expectations of people in the crowd
- explore the feelings of Jesus as he faced death
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Points to note |
- The story is in the Bible in Mark 11: 1-11, Matthew 21: 1-11, Luke 19: 28-38.
- It is important to be aware of the contrasting emotions in this story. Jesus is preparing to face death while the crowd are excited at the possibility that he is the Messiah.
- There are opportunities for extension activities on how we express our emotions and feelings and on the concept of loyalty.
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This unit is divided into sections. Each section contains a sequence of
activities with related objectives and outcomes. You can view this unit by
moving through the sections or print/download the whole unit.
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