The children revisited the story of the Early Church (Acts 2:42–47) and learned that today’s Church continues what Jesus’ followers began: gathering together, receiving the Eucharist, praying, praising God, and supporting those in need through collections. They explored key features found in Catholic churches, such as the altar, tabernacle, crucifix, Stations of the Cross, and baptismal font, using images and a fabric model church.

A role-play altar was set up in the classroom, allowing children to act as priests or altar servers while learning the names of altar items and practicing reverent actions like kneeling, bowing, and joining hands. They also viewed images of church interiors and stained-glass windows, learning that churches are made beautiful to honour Jesus and to tell stories from His life.

Finally, the children created their own stained-glass window pictures using different materials and experimented with light, and they built model churches using wooden blocks.

The children discussed how Jesus’ followers formed the Early Church by living as a family, sharing meals, praying together, and caring for one another. They reflected on what it means to be part of a family and how their school community is part of the wider parish family, called to live, share, and pray together with Jesus at the centre.

They explored ways they demonstrate these values within their class and the whole school, linking this to the school motto: “We live, love and learn happily in our work and play as part of God’s family.” The children learned its meaning, explored where it is displayed around the school, and practised saying it together.

The story Maybe Something Beautiful was shared to show how creating art can bring people together and build a sense of community. Inspired by this, the children created their own artwork to share with the wider church community.

Book Title: Molly’s Circus                                            Author: Esther Kent

Last week, we explored the story “Molly’s Circus” by Esther Kent, after noticing that the circus had arrived in our town. The children enjoyed linking their own experiences to the story and came up with very imaginative drawings and sentences to accompany it.

Vocabulary: show man, balancing, flustered and somersault

Animation: Piper created by Pixar

This week, we are using a 4-minute Pixar clip called “Piper,” a short that shows a sandpiper persevering to find a snack and demonstrating his newfound skills to others. The children will discuss and relate their own experiences to the setting and create their own character and adventure.

Vocabulary: submerged, crustacean, sandpiper and determination.