New
New
Year 1

Belonging as a humanist

I can describe what humanism is and how humanists might show they belong.

New
New
Year 1

Belonging as a humanist

I can describe what humanism is and how humanists might show they belong.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Humanists believe that they should be happy and make others happy.
  2. Humanists do not believe in God.
  3. Some humanists meet with others in groups. They might take action for other people and nature.
  4. The 'happy human' shows belonging to humanism.

Keywords

  • Humanist - a person with a non-religious worldview based on values of kindness

  • Symbol - a picture, sign, or object that helps us to understand what someone believes or where they belong

  • Beonging - the feeling of being accepted, respected, safe and valued within a group

Common misconception

That only religious people can be part of a group with others who share their values.

A person does not have to be religious to have values such as kindness.


To help you plan your year 1 religious education lesson on: Belonging as a humanist, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Focus on what humanists do believe, such as being kind, helping others, looking after the environment etc., rather than what they do not believe. Pupils should understand more about humanists than just not believing in God. See humanists.uk website for more information.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
Match the keywords with their meanings.

Correct Answer:symbol,a picture, sign, or object that helps us understand belonging

a picture, sign, or object that helps us understand belonging

Correct Answer:belong,being accepted, respected, and valued within a group

being accepted, respected, and valued within a group

Correct Answer:community,a group of people who share something in common

a group of people who share something in common

Q2.
What is a mezuzah?

a prayer said before meals
Correct answer: a small case with words from the Torah on a door
a candle used on special holidays

Q3.
What does a Christian faith family do together?

compete in games and sport
go on holiday each year
Correct answer: meet, worship and support each other

Q4.
A person can only belong to one group.

True - belonging means choosing just one group.
Correct answer: False - people can belong to many groups and communities.
False - you must live with people to belong.

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What is a humanist?

someone who believes in many different gods
someone who only celebrates religious festivals
Correct answer: someone with a non-religious view

Q2.
What do humanists believe is important?

going to religious services
Correct answer: being happy and making others happy
following rules from sacred texts

Q3.
What is the symbol of humanism?

a rainbow
a handshake
Correct answer: the happy human

Q4.
A person does not have to be religious to have values such as kindness.

Correct answer: True - people can have shared values without religion.
False - only religious people have shared values.
False - non-religious people cannot work together.