Social Studies · Primary 3

Active learning ideas

Hari Raya Haji: Pilgrimage and Sacrifice

Active learning helps students internalize cultural values like sacrifice and charity by connecting abstract concepts to personal stories and group activities. For this topic, movement and discussion make the global significance of Hajj and the local practice of Korban tangible and memorable.

• MOE Syllabus Outcomes
• MOE: Festivals and Celebrations - Sec 1
• MOE: Religious Diversity and Harmony - Sec 2

• 20–40 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Think-Pair-Share
• 20 min · Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: What is Sacrifice?

Students think of a time they gave up something they wanted (like a toy or their time) to help someone else. They discuss with a partner how it felt to be 'selfless' and share how this value is at the heart of Hari Raya Haji.

What is the religious significance of Hari Raya Haji and its connection to the story of Prophet Ibrahim?

Facilitation Tip

During the Think-Pair-Share, circulate to listen for students’ personal definitions of sacrifice before they share with the class.

What to look for

Students will receive a card with one of the key vocabulary terms. They must write one sentence explaining its connection to Hari Raya Haji and one sentence describing a value associated with it, such as sacrifice or charity.

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Activity 02

• Inquiry Circle
• 40 min · Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: The Hajj Journey

In groups, students look at a map and photos of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. They investigate why millions of people from all over the world travel there and what they do during this special time, then present a 'Traveler's Report.'

Explain the importance of the Hajj pilgrimage in Islam and its global impact.

Facilitation Tip

For the Collaborative Investigation, assign each pair a different stage of Hajj and provide a simple infographic template to structure their findings.

What to look for

Facilitate a class discussion using the prompt: 'How does the practice of Korban during Hari Raya Haji help build a stronger community in Singapore? Discuss specific ways the meat is shared and the impact this has on people.' Encourage students to share examples.

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

Activity 03

• Role Play
• 30 min · Small Groups

Role Play: The Spirit of Sharing

Students act out a scene where a family is preparing to share food with their neighbors and the needy. They practice how to give with a 'sincere heart' and discuss why helping others is an important part of a strong and caring community.

Analyze the practice of Korban (sacrifice) and its role in fostering charity and community solidarity.

Facilitation Tip

Set clear time limits for the Role Play to keep the focus on the values of sharing rather than performance.

What to look for

Present students with a short narrative about a family preparing for Hari Raya Haji. Ask them to identify and list two actions that demonstrate the values of devotion and charity mentioned in the story.

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Social Awareness
• Self-Awareness

A few notes on teaching this unit

Experienced teachers frame this lesson around three anchors: first, personalizing sacrifice through students’ own experiences of giving up something meaningful; second, sequencing the Hajj journey visually so its scale and steps become clear; third, modeling empathy by having students recount how it feels to receive help. Avoid framing Hari Raya Haji as ‘just another festival’—emphasize its spiritual and social purpose.

Students will articulate the meaning of sacrifice through personal reflection, trace the steps of Hajj through collaborative research, and demonstrate empathy by role-playing the sharing of meat with the needy. Listen for vocabulary such as devotion, obligation, and compassion in their discussions.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During the Collaborative Investigation, watch for students who label both Hari Raya Haji and Hari Raya Aidilfitri as the same festival.

  Use the Compare and Contrast chart completed during the Think-Pair-Share to highlight differences: create two columns labeled ‘Hari Raya Aidilfitri’ and ‘Hari Raya Haji,’ and have pairs fill in facts about fasting, pilgrimage, and celebration dates.

• During the Role Play, listen for students who describe the Korban only as a meat distribution event.

  After the Role Play, conduct a class reflection using the prompt: ‘Why do you think meat is divided into three parts?’ Guide students to identify the one-third rule and its purpose of ensuring all members of the community can celebrate.

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Methods used in this brief

• Think-Pair-Share
• Inquiry Circle
• Role Play