New
New
Year 3

Christian rites of passage: baptism

I can explain how people celebrate important times in life with ceremonies, such as baptism and dedication in Christianity.

New
New
Year 3

Christian rites of passage: baptism

I can explain how people celebrate important times in life with ceremonies, such as baptism and dedication in Christianity.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Many people identify that there are different stages in a person's life.
  2. Many religions mark different stages with ceremonies, such as becoming an adult.
  3. Some Christians mark the birth of a baby with a ceremony of infant baptism or dedication.
  4. These ceremonies welcome a new baby into the Christian faith and are the same for boys and girls.

Keywords

  • Ceremony - a special event to celebrate something important

  • Rites of passage - special events that show someone is growing up or moving to a new part of life

  • Baptism - a Christian ceremony where water is used to welcome someone into the church

  • Dedication - a Christian ceremony where parents thank God for their baby and promise to care for them

Common misconception

Everybody marks the same stages in a person's life.

Different cultures and religions identify different stages. There are some similarities but also differences.


To help you plan your year 3 religious education lesson on: Christian rites of passage: baptism, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Use images from diverse religious and non-religious groups to explore how babies are welcomed and life stages are marked. Pupils can share photos or items from their own experiences, and a religious or community leader can be invited in to explain key ceremonies.
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

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Who do Christians believe is the Son of God?
Correct answer: Jesus
Moses
Krishna
Q2.
The Christian holy book is called the ...
Correct Answer: Bible, bible
Q3.
What is the name of the Hindu festival of lights?
Christmas
Correct answer: Diwali
Eid
Q4.
What symbol is often used in Judaism?
Cross
Om
Correct answer: Star of David

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What is a rite of passage?
a special meal shared with friends
a rule from the Bible
Correct answer: a celebration of life stages
Q2.
Rites of passage in Christianity are for both boys and ...
Correct Answer: girls, Girls
Q3.
Some Christians welcome a with a baptism ceremony.
Correct Answer: baby, Baby
Q4.
What happens at a dedication ceremony?
Correct answer: parents thank God and promise to raise their child as a Christian
water is used to baptise the child
the child promises to be a Christian