Easter Story KS2

Easter Story KS2 Information, Teaching Ideas and Lesson Packs

The Easter story is a central part of Religious Education teaching in KS2. It describes the events of Jesus’ final week, from his arrival in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to his crucifixion on Good Friday and resurrection on Easter Sunday.

For Christians, these events form the most important story in their faith. Exploring the Easter story in KS2 gives children the opportunity to consider its deeper meaning, including ideas about sacrifice, forgiveness, hope, salvation and new life.

What is the Easter Story?

The Easter story is the Christian account of the final days of Jesus’ life, his death and his resurrection. The main events take place during Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday and ending with Easter Sunday.

Although children may already be familiar with parts of the story, KS2 pupils can study the events in greater detail. They can explore the choices made by different people, the emotions experienced by Jesus and his followers, and the reasons Christians continue to remember these events today.

The Easter Story for KS2 in Order

The main events of the Easter story can be divided into six important stages:

1. Jesus enters Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
2. Jesus shares the Last Supper with his disciples.
3. Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane and is arrested.
4. Jesus is put on trial and crucified on Good Friday.
5. Jesus’ body is placed in a tomb.
6. The empty tomb is discovered on Easter Sunday.

Palm Sunday

The Easter story begins with Jesus travelling to Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish festival of Passover. Jesus entered the city riding on a donkey.

Crowds gathered to welcome him. They spread cloaks and palm branches on the road and praised him as he passed. This joyful arrival is remembered by Christians on Palm Sunday, the first day of Holy Week.

Jesus riding a donkey was significant because it presented him as a peaceful king rather than a military ruler. Christians may receive palm crosses in church today as a reminder of his arrival in Jerusalem.

Christians often give out palm crosses during Easter to remember Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem

The Last Supper

On the evening before his arrest, Jesus shared a final meal with his disciples. This meal is known as the Last Supper.

During the meal, Jesus broke bread and shared wine with his disciples. He told them that the bread represented his body and the wine represented his blood. Christians remember this event through Holy Communion, also known as the Eucharist.

Jesus also told the disciples that one of them would betray him. Judas Iscariot later left the meal and went to the authorities.

The Garden of Gethsemane

After the Last Supper, Jesus went with his disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane. He knew that he was in danger and prayed to God about what was going to happen.

Jesus asked his disciples to stay awake and keep watch, but they repeatedly fell asleep. Judas then arrived with a group of soldiers and identified Jesus by greeting him with a kiss. Jesus was arrested and taken away.

This part of the Easter story allows KS2 pupils to consider Jesus’ fear, courage and willingness to face what he believed he had been called to do.

The Trial of Jesus

Following his arrest, Jesus was questioned by religious leaders and taken before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Although Pilate was uncertain that Jesus had committed a crime deserving death, the crowd called for him to be crucified.

Jesus was mocked by Roman soldiers, who placed a crown of thorns on his head. He was then made to carry a wooden cross towards the place where he would be executed.

The Crucifixion

Jesus was crucified on a hill outside Jerusalem called Golgotha. Crucifixion was a form of execution used by the Romans.

According to the Gospels, darkness fell while Jesus was on the cross. After Jesus died, his body was taken down and placed inside a tomb. A large stone was rolled across its entrance.

Christians remember the crucifixion on Good Friday. They believe Jesus willingly sacrificed himself and that his death made forgiveness and reconciliation with God possible.

The Resurrection

Early on the Sunday morning, some of Jesus’ female followers went to visit the tomb. When they arrived, they discovered that the stone had been moved and the tomb was empty.

They were told that Jesus had risen from the dead. Jesus later appeared to his followers, who came to believe that he was alive again.

This event is known as the resurrection and is celebrated on Easter Sunday. For Christians, the resurrection demonstrates Jesus’ power over death and offers the hope of eternal life.

Why is the Easter Story Important to Christians?

The Easter story is important to Christians because it contains the central beliefs of Christianity: the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Christians believe that Jesus’ death was a sacrifice that made forgiveness possible. They believe his resurrection showed that death had been defeated and that those who follow Jesus can have the hope of eternal life.

The story also communicates important Christian teachings about:

• Sacrifice: Jesus was willing to suffer for others.
• Forgiveness: Christians believe Jesus’ death made forgiveness and reconciliation with God possible.
• Hope: The resurrection gives Christians hope that death is not the end.
• Salvation: Christians believe Jesus came to save humanity from sin.
• New life: Easter is associated with renewal and the promise of a new beginning.

What is Holy Week?

Holy Week is the final week of Lent and the period during which Christians remember the events leading up to Jesus’ resurrection.

Important days within Holy Week include:

• Palm Sunday: Jesus enters Jerusalem.
• Maundy Thursday: Jesus shares the Last Supper with his disciples.
• Good Friday: Jesus is crucified and dies.
• Holy Saturday: Jesus’ body remains in the tomb.
• Easter Sunday: Jesus’ followers discover the empty tomb and learn that he has risen.

Why is Good Friday Called Good?

The name Good Friday can be confusing because it commemorates the suffering and death of Jesus.

Christians call it “Good” because they believe Jesus’ death ultimately brought about something good. Through his sacrifice, Christians believe that forgiveness, salvation and a restored relationship with God became possible.

Why is Easter Sunday Important?

Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus and is the most joyful day in the Christian calendar.

The resurrection is important because Christians believe it confirms that Jesus was the Son of God and demonstrates that death does not have the final victory. It is therefore a celebration of life, hope and salvation.

Teaching the Easter Story in KS2

When teaching the Easter story to KS2 children, it is useful to move beyond simply recalling the sequence of events. Pupils can also investigate why each event matters to Christians and how it has influenced Christian beliefs and worship.

KS2 children might consider:

• why Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem as a king
• why bread and wine are important Christian symbols
• how Jesus may have felt in the Garden of Gethsemane
• why Judas betrayed Jesus
• why Christians describe Jesus’ death as a sacrifice
• why the empty tomb changed the lives of Jesus’ followers
• why the resurrection is central to Christian belief

Easter Story KS2 Discussion Questions

• Why did Jesus choose to ride into Jerusalem on a donkey?
• How did the mood of the story change between Palm Sunday and Good Friday?
• Why is the Last Supper still remembered by Christians?
• What choices did Judas, Peter and Pontius Pilate make?
• How might Jesus have felt in the Garden of Gethsemane?
• Why do Christians believe Jesus’ death was a sacrifice?
• What does the resurrection mean to Christians?
• Why is Easter considered the most important Christian festival?

Key Easter Story Vocabulary

• Crucifixion: the Roman method of execution used to kill Jesus.
• Disciple: a follower or student of Jesus.
• Gethsemane: the garden where Jesus prayed before his arrest.
• Holy Communion: a Christian act of worship involving bread and wine, based on the Last Supper.
• Holy Week: the week in which Christians remember the final days of Jesus’ life and his resurrection.
• Resurrection: Jesus rising from the dead.
• Sacrifice: giving up something important for the sake of others.
• Salvation: being saved from sin and restored to a relationship with God.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Easter story for KS2?

The Easter story for KS2 covers Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, the Last Supper, his prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane, his arrest and trial, the crucifixion, burial and resurrection. KS2 children also explore why Christians believe these events are important.

What are the main events of the Easter story?

The main events are Palm Sunday, the Last Supper, Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, his trial, the crucifixion on Good Friday, his burial and the discovery of the empty tomb on Easter Sunday.

Why is the Easter story important?

Christians believe that Jesus’ death made forgiveness and salvation possible. They believe his resurrection defeated death and offers the hope of eternal life.

What is the difference between Good Friday and Easter Sunday?

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Easter Sunday celebrates his resurrection from the dead.

Which KS2 year groups learn about the Easter story?

The Easter story may be taught throughout KS2, from Year 3 to Year 6. Children usually revisit the story at increasing levels of depth, focusing on its meaning, significance and influence on Christian belief and worship.