Exploring Easter on an A2 Level

• English
• Special Education

Exploring Easter

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to understand the origins and significance of Easter on an A2 level.

Introduce the learning objective and explain how it will be achieved.

What do you already know about Easter celebrations?

Introduction

Easter is a significant celebration in the Christian calendar. It is a time to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But, what is the history behind this celebration?

Provide a brief overview of what will be covered in the lesson.

History of Easter

Easter has its origins in the Jewish festival of Passover. It was during this festival that Jesus was crucified and later resurrected. The term 'Easter' comes from the Old English word 'ēastre' which was the name of a pagan festival celebrating the arrival of spring.

Explain the history of Easter and provide context for its significance.

Easter Symbols

There are many symbols associated with Easter, including the Easter bunny, Easter eggs, and lilies. The Easter bunny is a symbol of fertility and new life, while Easter eggs are a symbol of new beginnings. Lilies are a symbol of purity and hope.

Discuss the different symbols associated with Easter and what they represent.

Easter Traditions

Easter is celebrated in many different ways around the world. In some countries, people attend church services and participate in processions. In other countries, people decorate eggs and have Easter egg hunts. Some people also prepare special meals and give gifts to loved ones.

Explain the different Easter traditions around the world and how they are celebrated.

Easter in Christianity

For Christians, Easter is a time to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifice that he made for humanity and to celebrate his victory over death. Christians around the world attend church services and participate in special prayers and rituals during this time.

Discuss the significance of Easter in Christianity and how it is celebrated.

Easter in Other Religions

Easter is primarily a Christian celebration, but it is also celebrated by some other religions. For example, the Jewish holiday of Passover is celebrated around the same time as Easter and has similar themes of renewal and rebirth.

Explain how Easter is celebrated in other religions and how it differs from the Christian celebration.

Easter Around the World

Easter is celebrated in many different ways around the world. In Greece, for example, people dye eggs red to symbolize the blood of Christ, while in Spain, people celebrate with processions and street parties. In the Philippines, some people reenact the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Provide examples of how Easter is celebrated in different countries and regions.

Easter Eggs

Eggs are a common symbol of Easter, but why? Eggs represent new life and rebirth, which makes them a fitting symbol for a celebration of resurrection. In some countries, people decorate eggs in intricate patterns and designs.

Explain why eggs are a symbol of Easter and how they are decorated in different countries.

Easter Bunny

The Easter bunny is a popular symbol of Easter, particularly in Western countries. The bunny is seen as a symbol of fertility and new life, which ties in with the themes of Easter. In some countries, children are told that the Easter bunny brings them gifts and chocolate eggs.

Discuss the origins of the Easter bunny and why it is associated with Easter.

Easter and Commercialism

In recent years, Easter has become increasingly commercialized. Many businesses sell Easter-related products, such as chocolate eggs and stuffed bunnies. Some people argue that this takes away from the true meaning of Easter.

Discuss the commercialization of Easter and how it has changed the way the holiday is celebrated.

Easter and Religion

For many people, Easter is a deeply religious holiday. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for humanity and to celebrate his resurrection. However, not everyone sees Easter in a religious context.

Explain the different perspectives on Easter and how it is celebrated in a religious and non-religious context.

Easter and Family

Easter is also a time for families to come together and celebrate. Many people prepare special meals and have Easter egg hunts with their loved ones. It is a time to create memories and enjoy each other's company.

Discuss the importance of family in Easter celebrations and how it brings people together.

Easter and Charity

Some people use Easter as a time to give back to their communities. They may volunteer at a local charity or donate to a cause that they care about. This is a way to honor the spirit of Easter and help those in need.

Discuss the importance of giving back and how it is a part of Easter celebrations for some people.

Easter and the Environment

Easter is a time of renewal and rebirth, which makes it a fitting time to think about the environment. Some people use Easter as an opportunity to plant trees or start a garden. They may also make an effort to reduce their carbon footprint and live more sustainably.

Discuss how Easter can be used as a time to think about the environment and take action to protect it.

Easter Quiz

Test your knowledge about Easter with this fun quiz! See how much you've learned in this lesson.

Create a quiz for the students to test their knowledge on what they have learned.

Conclusion

Easter is a celebration of renewal, rebirth, and new beginnings. Whether you celebrate it in a religious or non-religious context, Easter is a time to come together with family and friends and enjoy the spring season.

Summarize the main points of the lesson and emphasize the importance of Easter in different contexts.

References

Here are some sources that you can use to learn more about Easter: [list of sources]

Provide a list of sources that the students can use to learn more about Easter.

Activity: Easter Egg Hunt

Have an Easter egg hunt with your classmates! Hide eggs around the classroom or outside and see who can find the most.

Provide instructions for the Easter egg hunt activity.

Activity: Easter Crafts

Make Easter crafts with your classmates! You can decorate eggs, make Easter cards, or create your own Easter bunny.

Provide instructions for the Easter crafts activity.

Activity: Easter Meal

Prepare a special Easter meal with your classmates! You can bring in dishes from your own culture or try something new.

Provide instructions for the Easter meal activity.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.