Year 3 Catholic RE lesson plans for Branch 1: Creation and Covenant, with seven sequenced 80-minute lessons. Explore the Creation story, human dignity, Fairtrade, St Francis, stewardship, Laudato Si’ and Psalm 8 through practical, classroom-ready activities.

This complete Year 3 RE unit supports pupils aged 7–8 to develop a rich understanding of God as Creator, the dignity of every person, care for creation and our responsibility as stewards of the earth. Each weekly lesson is planned for 80 minutes and includes a natural break point for delivery as two 40-minute sessions.

What is included

• Seven 80-minute lessons, each with a natural break point for delivery as two 40-minute sessions
• Clear learning sequences, key questions, independent tasks and success criteria for every lesson
• Scripture-based learning using the Creation story, St Francis’ Canticle of Creation, Laudato Si’ and Psalm 8
• Suggested resources including Bibles or printed scripture, art materials (paints, pencils, collage, pastels), image banks, chart paper, nature items and Fairtrade product samples or fact sheets
• Practical activities including class discussions, nature walks, role plays, poster and collage design, prayer writing, Stewardship Diaries, ripple-effect diagrams and composing original psalms or poems
• Assessment and recording tasks with success criteria for every independent task, including a Creation Pattern Chart, Made in God’s Image Reflection, Fairness Poster or Story, My Own Canticle, Stewardship Promise, Ripple Effect Diagram and an original Psalm
  *** Downloadable lesson-plan document in PDF (.pdf) format**
• Curriculum and classroom use
• Designed for Year 3 pupils aged 7–8, this resource is part of the Discerning Disciples curriculum and aligns with the Archdiocese of Birmingham Catholic RE curriculum, drawing on the Catholic “Know” strand and Catholic Social Teaching principles of dignity, stewardship and fair payment.

Pupils encounter the Creation story and reflect on what it means to be made in God’s image and likeness. They explore human dignity and fairness through the lens of Fairtrade, discover St Francis’ vision of creation as family, and develop ecological virtues of gratitude, simplicity and care. The unit draws on Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ to explore our interconnectedness with creation, and concludes with Psalm 8 as a response of awe, wonder and praise.

Ideal for
Year 3 teachers and lower Key Stage 2 RE leaders
Catholic primary schools following the Archdiocese of Birmingham RE Curriculum
Schools using the Discerning Disciples Catholic RE curriculum
Teachers seeking structured, progressive and classroom-ready Year 3 Catholic RE lesson plans
Lessons connecting Catholic Social Teaching with everyday life, including fair trade, care for the environment and respect for all people
Planning meaningful lower Key Stage 2 Religious Education with scripture, discussion, creative activities, reflection and recorded outcomes