Learning about different religions and their special festivals helps children learn to be tolerant of other people’s beliefs and helps them understand that not everyone thinks the same way they do – or even has to! It can also help them learn about and join in with their own communities and traditions.
There are thousands of different religions, different denominations and faith groups in the world so it would be impossible to cover every single one. Of the largest religions Hinduism is said to be the world’s oldest religion, being over 4,000 years old whereas Sikhism is only a baby at a mere 500 years old. According to census data the largest religions in the UK are, in order, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and Judaism. However, the UK is now largely a secular society, with over 37% of the population describing themselves as not following any religion at all.
Click on any of the links below for resources to help you explore religions and special festivals with the children in your setting.
- Diwali and Hinduism
- Easter
- Christmas
- Islam and Eid
- Chinese New Year
Products that can help you explore different religions with your children:
Diversity MEGA pack
The Diversity Mega Pack is a comprehensive collection of 20 mini printable packs, carefully crafted to equip childminders to teach 20 essential Diversity and British Values topics, including topics about different religions.
Each mini pack delivers impactful messages on important diversity and British Values themes, tailored for 2-5 year old children, providing all the necessary tools to navigate through complex topics at a level suitable for young minds. In total, the Mega Pack features 50 original art projects with templates, alongside over 100 suggested activities, including printable activity sheets and engaging cooking projects.
Childminding Best Practice Club
Members of the Childminding Best Practice Club receive different benefits including a monthly toolkit delivered straight to your email. Each month the toolkit features a different topic or concept to explore with the children, including topics about religions or religious festivals. As well as resources and fun activities there is full planning aimed specifically at childminders who often work with mixed age groups.
