Dophin Class – RE Lesson Plan – Sikhism
Lesson 1 – Symbols and Religious Expression
LI: To
understand
how the Sikh
religion was
founded
To recognise
some Sikh
symbols
Explain that this term we are going to be learning about the Sikh religion. Have children heard about this
religion before. With TP discuss what you already know.
Show powerpoint up to slide 3. Explain that Sikhism founded about 500 years ago in Punjab region in
North West India.
Show where India is on the globe in relation to UK.
It is the youngest religion in the world.
Slide 4: This particular area in India is very fertile due to five rivers and farming is the main industry.
Historically the area was Hindu but Muslims invaded trying to spread their religion. From the battle
between the two main religions the new religion: Sikhism, was founded.
Slide 5: It was founded by a teacher called Guru Nanak. He firmly believed that all peole were born
equal and should have equal opportunities. He was the first Sikh Guru.
What is a GURU? Look up in dictionary with rest of class. Ascertain that Guru is a spiritual leader and he
guides people in the way of God’s will believing there was one God.
There are over 20 million Sikhs worldwide and anyone can become a Sikh. About half a million live in
Britain.
Mini plenary: Have a quick quiz between the table groups to recap on what learnt so far.
Nominate a scribe for each table and all children to contribute to team answers.
How long ago was Sikhism founded?
Which country was it founded?
Can you remember the name of the region in India?
Why was this region good for farming?
Which two other religions were fighting all the time in this area?
Who started the new religion of Sikhism?
What does Guru mean?
How many Sikhs live in Britain?
Go through answers, which table got the most etc…
Resources
Powerpoint file
Globe
Dictionary
Miniwhiteboards
and pens
http://www.bbc.co.uk
/learningzone/clips/e
xplanation-of-kandaand-khalsa/4806.html
Sheets with three
symbols to cut out
Glue sticks
Recording sheets to
stick complete symbol
onto
Matching or sentence
activity for
differentiation.
Ext: Sheet for
designing own symbol.
Look at the next slide with the Hogwarts logo on. Anyone recognise it? Look at it closely what does it
show? The four houses at Hogwarts.
Crests are symbolic and sometimes have hidden meanings. Refer back to the White House crest which
should have been discussed in assembly.
Show the next slide with the symbol of the Sikh faith. It is called the Khanda it is made up of three
symbols:
The Khanda – the double edged sword which represents the supreme truth that there is one God.
The Chakra – The Circle. It represents the infiniteness of one God. Never ends. No beginning and no
end.
The Kirpans – The two swords symbolising spiritual and political power. They remind Sikhs to defend the
truth.
Put together they make the symbol of the Sikh faith that can be seen in many places in Sikhs lives. Show
short video clip about a Sikh community preparing for a celebration called a Vaisakhi.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/explanation-of-kanda-and-khalsa/4806.html
Activity:
SN/LA: Children to cut out the three elements that make up the Khanda symbol and stick together in the
complete symbol. Match the statement of the meaning to each component.
MA/HA: Children to cut out the three elements that make up the Khanda symbol and stick together in
complete symbol. Children to write own sentence about the meaning of of component.
Ext: Children to design their own symbol. List three things that are important about you. Ie) Family,
Brownies, swimming, Helpful etc. Design three simple symbols that show each that could be fitted
together to make one symbol.
Plenary