Learning About Christianity: A Gentle Guide for Kids, Parents, and Teachers
Hello, wonderful parents and educators! Teaching children about world religions is a beautiful way to foster kindness, understanding, and curiosity. Today, we’re going to gently explore Christianity, one of the biggest religions in the world.
Our goal here is to learn about the stories, beliefs, and celebrations that are important to Christians. This guide is the perfect companion to our “Learning About Christianity” presentation, which you’ll find embedded below. Together, they provide a simple and respectful introduction, complete with practical tips for how to teach this subject in your classroom or at home.
What is Christianity? A Religion of Love and Kindness
Christianity is a religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus. People who follow Christianity are called Christians, and they believe in one God. A central message of the faith is the importance of love and kindness. Jesus taught people to love and help each other , and Christians try to show this kindness in their daily lives.
The Heart of Christianity: Jesus, the Bible, and the Church
Who Was Jesus?
For Christians, Jesus is a very special and important person. They believe he is the Son of God. He lived a long time ago, and his life was spent teaching people how to be kind and loving and helping those in need. His stories are still shared with children and adults today.
A Special Book of Stories: The Bible
The holy book for Christians is called the Bible. Christians believe it is a special book filled with stories that teach about God and Jesus. It provides guidance on how to live a good life and is read in churches and at home.
A Special Place: The Church
A church is a special place where Christians go to worship God and pray. It’s a place for singing songs, listening to stories from the Bible , and being part of a big, supportive family called a community. Important symbols you might see in a church include:
- The Cross: This is a special symbol that reminds Christians of Jesus.
- Pews: These are the long benches where people sit.
- Stained-Glass Windows: These often show pictures from the Bible stories.
Important Christian Celebrations
Christmas: Celebrating the Birth of Jesus
Christmas is the happy festival that celebrates the birth of Jesus. The story begins with Mary and Joseph travelling to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born in a humble stable and laid in a manger (an animal’s feeding box). The first people to visit him were shepherds , and wise men followed a bright star to bring him gifts. Christmas is a time for joy, family, and celebrating this special birth.
Easter: A Time of Sadness and Joy
Easter is a very important festival that reminds Christians of hope and new beginnings. It tells the story of two very different days.
- A Sad Day: Christians remember when Jesus died on a cross on a hill, which was a very sad time for his followers.
- A Happy Day: Three days later, Christians believe that Jesus came back to life. This happy event brings hope and is a celebration of new life.
Stories with a Meaning: The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Jesus often told simple stories called parables to teach people important lessons about being kind and loving. One of the most famous is the Story of the Good Samaritan.
In the story, a man is hurt and left on the side of the road. Two important people see him but walk past without helping. Then, a man from a different land, a Samaritan, sees the hurt man and feels sorry for him. He stops, cleans the man’s wounds, and takes him to an inn to be looked after. The lesson Jesus taught with this story is that we should be kind and help everyone , no matter who they are.
How to Teach Christianity in a Kind and Respectful Way
When teaching religion, the focus should always be on understanding and respect. Here are a few ideas for the classroom:
- Focus on the Stories: The parables are wonderful for teaching moral lessons. After telling the story of the Good Samaritan, use drama or puppets to re-enact it. Ask children, “What would you do if you saw someone who needed help?”
- Explore Special Objects and Symbols: Bring in (or show pictures of) objects that are important to Christians, like a cross, a Bible, or a Christingle. Let the children hold them and ask questions. This makes the learning tangible.
- Celebrate Festivals Through Craft: Connect learning to celebrations that children may already be familiar with. At Christmas, they could make Nativity scenes from craft materials. At Easter, they could create Easter gardens or cards showing symbols of new life, like flowers and butterflies.
- Emphasise Shared Values: Focus on the universal messages that all children can relate to, such as the importance of kindness, helping others, and being a good neighbour, which are central to the story of the Good Samaritan.
We hope this guide helps you and your children explore the Christian faith with kindness and curiosity. For a full visual journey, be sure to use our “Learning About Christianity” presentation!
