Wiltshire RE Starter Stimulus Starter ideas for the following key question from the 2011 Agreed Syllabus: KS2.3 What makes some books sacred, how are they used and why do they matter to believers? 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 p51 of the syllabus: Pupils can: describe how and why sacred texts are important to believers ask questions and suggest answers about how and why the Bible influences Christians (and other texts influence other believers) and identify what influences them 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.

Who needs what, when? Why? Tom is trying to make a model Sarah is baking a cake Sam is feeling ill Abi is lost Recipe book Map Medicine Instructions

Christians believe that the Bible is great because… Holy Bible It is inspired by God It gives instructions on how to live It offers a recipe for a good life Like a map, it shows Christians the way they should go to be close to God It reminds Christians about how God loves people. This can help them to feel better when they are upset.

Bible similes For a Christian, the Bible might be like … …a map because …a comfort blanket because …a football manager because …breakfast cereal because …a police officer because …it can give you the strength to face the day …it can show you the right path to choose …it can tell you what you are doing wrong, and help you do right …it can make you feel safe when you’re in danger …it can challenge you to do your very best

Some Christians were asked a question. “How has the Bible changed your life?” What do you think they said?

Now I know that God is passionate about people who are suffering Now I am caring, listening and helping Now I want to share the bible with others Now I can know God and find peace Now I see how God loves me!!! Now I have a guide and encouragement for daily living Now God is priority for me Now I know more about God Now I see things more clearly

Additional suggestions 1. This unit is about sacred books. It would be possible to use some of the strategies here for the Bible with other sacred texts. For example, the similes exercise would apply to the Holy Qur’an. 2. Bring in something precious to you, talking about how and why it is special, and how you treat it. Ask children to think about something that is precious to them. Use this as an introduction to how important the Bible or Qur’an, Torah or Guru Granth Sahib are to believers. The Bible is not always treated physically differently to other books, but the Qur’an, Torah and Guru Granth Sahib are all treated with care and respect, especially in the context of worship. Make sure you point out the difference between something being special/precious and something being holy/sacred. Mention that “sacred” is a word that means something like “precious”, but that it is used for things that are set apart or dedicated in religions – usually things that come from God or are used in worship of God. “Holy” is a similar term, often applied to things that are regarded with awe.