Year 1 R.E - The Story of Zacchaeus

 Catholics believe we are called to take care of each other, especially those most in need.

🌟The Story of Zacchaeus

We began with a warm‑up called “Who Needs Help?”. The children looked at pictures of people who were sad, lonely, hungry or unwell. They shared thoughtful ideas about who might need help and how we can show kindness. This prepared them beautifully for our Gospel story.

We listened to the retelling of Luke 19:1–9, the story of Zacchaeus. Together we explored new words like Jericho, tax collector, greedy and sinner, and the children quickly understood that Zacchaeus had made some unkind choices. They were fascinated that Jesus chose to spend time with him anyway.

The children learned that:

• Zacchaeus cheated people

• He was rich but not liked

• Jesus called him by name

• Meeting Jesus changed him completely

We talked about how Christians believe Jesus can help us change too. Using thumbs up and thumbs down, the children sorted words like greedy, kind, selfish and helpful to show how Zacchaeus changed on the inside.

To finish, the children created a Zacchaeus Tree. They drew Zacchaeus before and after meeting Jesus, labelling him with words such as selfish, greedy, kind and generous. Their reflections were thoughtful and full of empathy.

🌼 Lesson 2: Called to Care

We began with a sorting activity called “Before and After”, where the children sorted actions like sharing, pushing, helping and snatching into Good choices and Not good choices. They made strong links back to Zacchaeus and how he changed his behaviour.

We celebrated the message that:

• Zacchaeus was selfish

• Jesus called him by name

• Zacchaeus changed

• Christians celebrate that Jesus helps us change too

• We are called to care for those in need

To end our learning, the class worked together to create a Kindness Chain. Each child wrote or drew one way they can show kindness to someone who needs help. The chain is now proudly displayed in our classroom as a reminder that small acts of kindness make a big difference.

Here are three lovely quotes from the children:

“Kindness makes people feel warm inside.” – Emilia “If someone is lonely, I can play with them so they don’t feel sad.” – Olly “Jesus wants us to help everyone, even the people we find tricky.” – Anishka