2. Look at photographs the pupils have brought in. Invite them to talk about their photo and explain the occasion and what was particularly special about it. Write down some of their answers ready to add to a ’Milestones Tree’. (5a,d)
Ask pupils to help you group all the photos according to type, eg, birthdays, weddings, and discuss similarities and differences between them. Point out any symbolism illustrated in the photos, eg, wedding rings, special clothes, religious settings and symbols. Record more of the pupils’ comments for later display. (5c)

3. Tell the pupils you are going to start a ‘Milestones Tree’ which will ‘grow’ during the rest of the year, starting with birth and growing up and sprouting branches to indicate possible milestones’ in people’s lives. There will also be links with religious people and events. This could be displayed on poster paper on a class or corridor wall. With permission, put the pupils’ photos on the Milestones Tree at appropriate points.
Ask pupils to draw and label four pictures of personal important events. Cut them out and order in a time line. Add a selection to the Milestones Tree. (5a)

4. Discuss the excitement surrounding the birth of a new baby in the family. In Circle Time, pass a ‘new’ baby doll around, encouraging each pupil to think of a name for the baby. Ask pupils why it might be important to get a good name. Tell them the meaning of some religious leaders’ names: Jesus means ‘God will help’; Krishna means ‘The one who attracts’, Muhammad means ‘Praiseworthy’, Moses means ‘Drawn out of the water’. Do they know why their own names were chosen?
Use a ‘meanings of names’ guide to look up pupils’ names and ask them to draw or paint a portrait of themselves with their names and corresponding meaning or how they got their name. Explain that everyone’s name is special. (5b)