World Religions Card Sort Activity with Graphic Organizer

Major World Religions Card Sort Activity with Graphic Organizer by Miss Middle School Teacher

This is a great introductory activity to the 5 major world religions. Students complete an anticipatory set card sort (trying to correctly place different characteristics of each of the 5 religions under the correct category) and finish by checking their work through the completion of a graphic organizer that correctly identifies those characteristics. We always have a discussion regarding observations we've made, similarities and differences we've noted, and questions we still have.We also fill out a 3-way venn diagram, choosing to compare any 3 of the 5 religions we've just discussed.

This includes: 5 Major World religions graphic organizer (1 teacher key fully filled out and 1 partially filled out organizer for students to fill in the blanks), copy of 30 cards to sort with various information on the 5 major religions, and a copy of the student venn diagram.

How I use the cards:

Before we fill out the graphic organizer together as a class and have a discussion comparing the 5 belief systems, I have 6-7 sets of these cards printed on card stock and laminated. I put students into groups of 3-4 and ask them if they can sort the cards according to the beliefs/characteristics of the 5 major world religions (Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism). It’s a great anticipatory set for students and gives them an opportunity to read through and discuss the information first. It really promotes a strong class discussion after.

I then have them leave their sorted cards out on their tables/desks. I hand out the graphic organizer and we fill out the information together while students check for accuracy. It’s a great way for them to assess their prior knowledge. When discussing the religions, we look for similarities and differences between them. Sometimes we fill out a venn diagram (choosing 3 religions to compare). I am sure to note to students that this is not all encompassing and only provides a glimpse of the beliefs and tenants of each of these faiths.