A resource designed to introduce children to the symbols and beliefs of world religions. It supports RE lessons in KS1 and KS2 by helping children recognise religious symbols, understand their meanings and develop respect for different faiths and cultures.
• Page 1: A poster displaying 10 religious symbols from a range of world religions, ideal for classroom displays or introducing the topic.
• Page 2: Each religious symbol is shown individually with a simple explanation of what the symbol represents.
• Page 3: Each religion is named alongside its symbol, with a brief explanation of the symbol’s meaning and significance within that faith.
• Page 4: An easy-to-read overview of six principal religions —Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Sikhism and Buddhism. Each overview includes the religion’s symbol, key beliefs and key vocabulary to support children’s understanding.
The resource introduces four additional world religions—Shinto, Taoism, the Baháʼí Faith and Zoroastrianism—helping children appreciate the diversity of beliefs around the world.
Ways to use this resource in RE
• Compare and discuss the meanings of different religious symbols.
• Match symbols to the correct religion.
• Develop religious vocabulary and subject knowledge.
• Use as a classroom display or reference poster.
• Use as a starting point for simple research and non-fiction writing.
• Support cross-curricular learning linked to PSHE, Citizenship, Geography and Art by exploring different cultures, beliefs and traditions.