Wiltshire RE Starter Stimulus Starter ideas for the following key question from the 2011 Agreed Syllabus: KS1 7 Why and how do special places and symbols help people show what they believe? This resource aims to provide some stimulus images and ideas to help pupils begin to address the above question. It links to the following learning outcomes from p.40 of the syllabus: Pupils can: work out a symbol to remind themselves of something special in their own experience identify special objects and symbols found in a place where people worship and be able to say something about how these are used and what they mean to believers talk about meanings contained in stories, objects and symbols Many of the slides have notes to give suggestions for use. Look at the slide show in Normal mode and look for the notes at the bottom of the page. © Wiltshire Council Images © RE Today Services, permission given for their use in Wiltshire schools
Amy is holding an object that is special to her. What is she holding? Why do you think it might be special to her? This is Benjy. He’s my favourite toy because he’s from Australia. I got him when I went on a special holiday to go to my cousin’s wedding. He’s only small because I had to carry him back on the plane!
Ailsa is holding an object that is special to her. What is she holding? Why do you think it might be special to her? I love this cross because I got it in Scotland where my Granny lives. It feels nice in my hands, I like to hold it when I pray. It reminds me of how important Jesus is to me.
In the box there is something very special to Hannah and her family. What do you think it could be ? Why do you think it might be special?
© RE Today Services Hannah and her brother are unfolding the Tallit. What do you think it is for ? What are they going to do with it?
This is my Dad’s prayer shawl or Tallit. I love to wear it because it reminds me that we are Jewish and part of a big community. My Dad says he wears it when he prays and it reminds of him of all the commandments in the Torah.
Hannah said this is her favourite part of the synagogue. What has she chosen? Why do you think it might be important to her? Hannah says, “The Torah scrolls are decorated with pictures like the tree of life and shining silver crowns. These make a jangling noise when they are moved. When the Torah is seen we all stand up and we say a prayer together in Hebrew.”
Some more suggestions for using this resource: 1. Visit the church Take a group of children to visit the local church. Give each group a camera and ask them to photograph four things that they think are important to the people who worship there. Ask the vicar to show the photos to the congregation and ask them to briefly explain why each thing is significant. 2. Make a link Give out a selection of images or objects, and a selection of stories – one object for a pair of children, one story for a pair of children. They go around and try and match up the object they have with a story. For example, image of donkey and story of Palm Sunday for Christians; cross/story of crucifixion; Hanukkiah and story of Hanukkah for Jewish people.
3.Create a personal symbol Children could think of a story from their experience and either bring in or draw/create an object to symbolise that story for them, like Amy’s koala; or a T-shirt design to represent someone special in their family. 4. Create an exhibit Show the children a series of significant symbols from Christianity and Judaism e.g. cross, crucifix, chalice, mezuzah, menorah. Ask them to choose an object to create to put in the exhibition. Each child should then make an artefact and create a label showing what it means.