Using our KS2 lesson plan and template, learners will design and make their own prayer mat for Ramadan using string, wool and colouring pencils while nurturing an understanding of the religious festival of Ramadan In 2024 Ramadan starts on Sunday 10 March and ends on Monday 8 April. It is estimated that globally 1.6 billion Muslims will take part in Ramadan and will fast from sunrise to sunset for one lunar month. In this lesson activity learners will look at what Ramadan is, what happens during Ramadan and what is important to Muslims during Ramadan. They will look at existing prayer mats and design a prayer mat using a provided template suitable for the KS2 level. We’ve created this design activity to support the teaching of key topics within design & technology (D&T), religious studies and art. This could be used as a one-off lesson activity to develop designing and sketching skills or an understanding of Ramadan. Alternatively, it could be used as a part of a wider scheme of work to develop designing and modelling skills in design & technology and engineering. Tools/supplies needed: Paper and card Drawing implements: colouring pencils or pens, pencils and rulers Scissors Optional, if available – examples of actual prayer mats For extension activities: glue sticks, string, wool, selection of materials The Engineering context All designers and engineers need to be able to produce ideas related to certain themes and follow a design brief. This ensures that the products they design will meet the needs of the end users, customers or clients. Suggested learning outcomes It is important for learners to understand all types of religious festivals as part of their religious education. This resource combines religious education with art and design and technology with the aim that the learners will be able to generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches and pattern pieces. Specifically, children will learn the main considerations and features for designing a prayer mat for Ramadan and be able to design a prayer mat that reflects Ramadan using shapes and patterns. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources for free All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

Using our KS2 lesson plan and template, learners will design and make a charity box using card, glue sticks, split pins and decorations to count down the days of Ramadan while nurturing an understanding of this religious festival. In 2024 Ramadan starts on Sunday 10 March and ends on Monday 8 April. It is estimated that globally 1.6 billion Muslims will take part in Ramadan and will fast from sunrise to sunset for one lunar month. We’ve created this teaching resource to support the delivery of key topics within design & technology, religious studies and art. This could be used as a one-off lesson activity to develop making and designing skills or an understanding of Ramadan. Alternatively, it could be used as a part of a wider scheme of work to develop making skills for graphic products in design & technology. Learners will look at what Ramadan is, what happens during Ramadan and the importance of charity to Muslims. They will make a charity box that includes a feature to count down the days of the lunar cycle and can incorporate their own designs onto its external appearance. Tools/supplies needed: Paper and card (optional: paper plates) Drawing implement: colouring pencils or pens, pencils and rulers Scissors Glue sticks Split pins Optional: decorations such as sequins, glitter, etc. Suggested learning outcomes It is important for learners to understand all types of religious festivals as part of their religious education. This resource combines religious education with art and design and technology with the aim that the learners will be able to generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion and annotated sketches, and to use a range of materials creatively to design and make this product. Specifically, children will understand the main considerations and features for designing a charity box for Ramadan and be able to make this box considering the key features required, inclusion of the lunar countdown and how aesthetically pleasing it will be to the customer. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources for free All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.