Full Description
First published in 1987. The book is intended for class teachers (and trainee teachers) in primary schools who wish to teach religious education well but are unclear as to how they might. Firstly, this book maps out the changes that had taken place with regard to changing aims and objectives in the subject; children and their understanding of religion; and the broadening understanding of the notion of religion and considers the implications of these for the teacher. Secondly, it investigates ways in which the teacher can approach religion in the classroom. It develops five complementary approaches: thematic work, world religions, festivals, the Bible and biography. These are illustrated with numerous examples. There are also many accounts of successful pieces of teaching. Thirdly, the book recognizes that many teachers are not confident themselves in the world of religion and attempts to provide information and understanding at the teacher's own level. Overall the book sets out to be a straightforward, practical guide to the primary classroom teacher. It aims to provide a framework (rather than a straitjacket) in which teachers of different styles and from different backgrounds can work.
Contents
Acknowledgements; 1. Introduction 2. What Are We Trying To Do: Some Aims and Objectives 3. Children and Religion: Age and Understanding 4. What Do We Mean by Religion? 5. An Implicit Approach Through Themes 6. An Introduction to Five Religions 7. Teaching World Religions 8. An Extended Topic: Pilgrimage 9. Christian Festivals 10. Teaching Festivals 11. The Bible 12. An Approach Through Bible Background 13. Understanding the Bible 14. Teaching About Jesus 15. An Extended Topic: The Dead Sea Scrolls and Masada 16. Belief in Action 17. Resources; Index
