Easter Story KS1
The Easter story KS1 is one of the most important stories children learn in primary Religious Education. It helps pupils understand why Easter is the most significant festival in the Christian calendar while encouraging thoughtful discussion about kindness, hope, forgiveness and new life.
Whether you're introducing the story for the first time or revisiting it during an Easter topic, this guide explains the Easter story for KS1 in simple language and includes classroom activity ideas, discussion questions and a free Easter lesson.
Need an Easter Story lesson for KS1?
Download a ready-to-teach lesson for Year 1 or Year 2 exploring the Easter story in an age-appropriate way with a range of supporting activities. It includes:
- A detailed lesson plan
- Teaching slides
- Differentiated worksheets and printable resources
- Practical classroom activities
Perfect for KS1 teachers who want everything prepared and ready to teach.
The Easter Story for KS1
The Easter story begins when Jesus travelled to Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish festival of Passover. Many people welcomed him by waving palm branches and laying them on the road.
A few days later, Jesus shared a special meal with his friends, known as the Last Supper. During the meal, he broke bread and shared wine, asking his followers to remember him.
Later that night, Jesus was arrested. He was put on trial and sentenced to die on a cross.
After Jesus died, his friends placed his body inside a tomb and rolled a large stone across the entrance.
Three days later, some women visited the tomb. When they arrived, the stone had been rolled away and the tomb was empty. An angel told them that Jesus was alive. Christians believe that Jesus had risen from the dead, which is why Easter is a celebration of hope and new life.
Easter Story Summary for KS1 Teachers
- Jesus and his disciples travelled to Jerusalem. Many people were pleased to see Jesus there, but some were not - the high priests didn't believe that he was the son of God.
- One of Jesus' disciples, Judas, betrayed him. He went to the high priests and agreed to lead them to Jesus in return for thirty pieces of silver.
- A man called Pontius Pilate condemned Jesus to die on a cross.
- After the crucifixion, Jesus' body was placed in a cave. A great stone was rolled in front of the entrance.
- Jesus' friends came to see his body on Sunday. However, the stone had been rolled aside, and the tomb was empty. An angel appeared and told them that Jesus was alive and well.
- Over the next few days, Jesus appeared to all his disciples to prove that he had risen. He asked them to go out and spread the good news.
- Forty days after he had risen, Jesus ascended to Heaven to be with his father, God.
Why is the Easter Story Important?
For Christians, Easter is the most important festival of the year because it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. The story reminds Christians about God's love, forgiveness and the promise of new life.
When teaching the Easter story in KS1, children are encouraged to think about both what happened and why Christians believe these events are so important.
How is the Easter Story Taught in KS1?
Children usually explore the Easter story through storytelling, sequencing activities, drama, discussion and artwork. Teachers often encourage pupils to think about the emotions of the different people in the story and the meaning behind the events.
KS1 pupils may:
- sequence the events of the Easter story
- retell the story using pictures or story maps
- discuss how different characters might have felt
- learn about Palm Sunday, the Last Supper, Good Friday and Easter Sunday
- compare Christian Easter celebrations with their own family traditions
Easter Activities KS1
If you're planning an Easter topic, you could also include a range of cross-curricular activities alongside your RE lessons.
- Write diary entries from the viewpoint of different characters.
- Create Easter story sequencing cards.
- Make Easter cards inspired by symbols of hope and new life.
- Complete Easter reading comprehension activities.
- Write simple Easter prayers or thank-you poems.
- Solve Easter-themed maths investigations.
- Create Easter crafts linked to the events of the story.
Easter Story Discussion Questions
- Why did people welcome Jesus into Jerusalem?
- What happened at the Last Supper?
- Why was the empty tomb surprising?
- Why do Christians celebrate Easter?
- What message of hope does the Easter story share?
Books About the Easter Story for KS1 Children
Picture books can help younger children understand the Easter story through simple language and engaging illustrations. Reading different versions of the story also encourages discussion about the key events and helps children remember the sequence.
Looking for Ready-to-Teach Easter Lessons?
Our Easter Beginnings unit contains fully planned RE lessons with PowerPoints, differentiated worksheets and practical activities designed specifically for KS1 classrooms.
Start by downloading the Easter Story lesson and see how easy it is to teach the Easter story with engaging, ready-made resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Easter story for KS1?
The Easter story tells children about Jesus arriving in Jerusalem, the Last Supper, his crucifixion, burial and resurrection. It helps children understand why Easter is the most important Christian festival.
How do you explain Easter to KS1 children?
Use simple language, clear sequencing and age-appropriate discussion. Focus on the key events and explain that Christians believe Jesus came back to life on Easter Sunday, giving people hope.
What activities can you do alongside the Easter story?
Sequencing cards, role play, storytelling, Easter writing, reading comprehension, crafts, artwork and Easter maths activities all work well alongside RE lessons.
Which year groups learn the Easter story?
The Easter story is commonly taught throughout Key Stage 1, particularly in Year 1 and Year 2, although many schools revisit it in later year groups with increasing depth.
