PDF lesson plan
KS1
Years 1-2
Help pupils develop their skills as philosophers by using their senses to find meaning in acts of worship with this Hindu shrine KS1 lesson plan…
Excitingly, RE is a multi-disciplinary subject, drawing on skills from many academic fields of study. Theology, philosophy and human and social sciences are often suggested as key disciplinary starting points.
However, many teachers find introducing these particular skills challenging. In this lesson, we encourage pupils to use their physical senses to explore examples of Hindu expressions of the divine through a home shrine.
Our senses are important. They help us make sense of the world around us – a task philosophers are always thinking about.
Hindu shrine learning objectives
- Worship is important to many Hindus as a way of connecting with Brahman
- Some Hindus worship using a home shrine appealing to all five senses
- We can find out about different types of Hindu worship using our senses
Starter activity
Begin by burning incense in the classroom (if your health and safety policy allows; if not, you can just hand out unlit incense sticks).
Invite pupils to close their eyes and focus on the scent. Ask them if they like the smell. Does it remind them of anything? What might the scent be useful for?
Continuing to experience the scent, share images of the Trimurti (trinity of supreme divinity). Discuss pupils’ prior knowledge of the symbolism of the Trimurti and what their special objects reveal about the deity. E.g. ‘Brahma’s prayer beads show he can concentrate his mind’.
Katie Gooch taught as a primary RE subject specialist for 12 years and is now the primary curriculum lead for religion and worldviews at United Learning.
