Little Bears Family Homeschool Study Notes
Religious Education
Introduction
There is currently no National Curriculum guidlines for Religious Education, despite the fact that British Law still states that Religious Education must be taught in schools and that a 'mostly Christian' religious assembly must be held every day in every school, believe it or not!
(In fact, most people seem to think the opposite - I was most dismayed recently when I was confronted by a trainee teacher who told me that, "obviously", since it's not in the National Curriculum, schools aren't required to teach Religious Education! From what I can gather, this seems to be the widely held view, and many schools are breaking the law in this area!)
I have been desperately searching for a suggested guide for Religious Education along the same lines as the National Curriculum, and I've read a tantalising suggestion that there are two 'models', but alas, that's as much as I've been able to discover. I'm told that each LEA (Local Education Authority) agrees its own curriculum for Religious Education locally, so I will be in touch with my local authority & will then either add a link or post a copy of the local curriculum on this site.
Although I am a Christian, I do actually think it's important to teach on all the major 'world' religions, and I'm actually particularly interested in finding out & teaching about Wicca which may or may not be part of our Anglo-Saxon religious heritage, but also to ensure that they are thoroughly aware of the dangers of the occult.
If it were my decision alone, I would teach from a "Christian standpoint", but since Mark isn't a Christian, I will be endeavouring to teach from a "neutral" standpoint and leave the children to decide for themselves... there is a very fine line though between leaving children to choose, respecting their 'human right' to freedom of religion, and making them feel excluded by not involving them (There is also a conflict between submitting to my husband, and obeying the charge to 'bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord'.)
The decision to take Tommy to church on Sunday, for instance, was made with reference to the fact that it's valuable social contact, quite apart from the religious aspect. With regard to praying & singing together every morning and evening, it could be argued that I'm overstepping the mark (or Mark!) but I really feel that it's a good, 'wholesome' routine, and not 'indoctrination'.
Themes
Bible Themes: * Old Testament: Creation * Noah's Ark * Abraham * Isaac * Jacob & Esau * Jacob's sons * Israel in Egypt * Moses * The 10 Commandments * Joshua * The Promised Land * Judges * Kings * Prophets * Exile, etc. New Testament: Birth, life, death & resurrection of Jesus * Parables * Sermons * Beattitudes * Miracles * Disciples * The Last Supper * Apostles & the early church * Epistles * Revelation Prophecy * Church History: Spread of the Gospel * Persecution * The Roman Catholic Church * Monasteries * Reformation * Protestant denominations * Pilgrims * Decline of Christianity * Revivals * General: Prayer * Promises of God * Prophecy *
Memory verses & passages: Psalm 23, The Lord's Prayer, John 3:16
Religious Themes: * Places of Worship * Objects of Worship * Rituals * Celebrations/ feasts * Prayer * Worship * "sacred" texts * costumes * sacrifice * "sacred" artefacts * creation stories *
Recommendations for Literature
It might be useful to read biographies of famous people who have actually lived lives in accordance to their religions in order to gain an understanding of how people "live" religion rather than just reading about the rules and rituals. "Sonlight" carry a title called "Hero Tales", for instance... more details to follow.
Recommendations for Textbooks/ Teacher Resources
Again, since it's not in the National Curriculum, finding textbooks on Religious Education is like "searching for a needle in a haystack"... but Dorling Kindersley seems to have some useful books. I'll find out the titles & list them here. I think there's also a Penguin book of World Religions, but that might be more for your own background reading than for the child.
suggestions would be welcome
Internet Reources
The UK Schools Resources Page includes Religious Education in its "Personal Social & Moral Education" Index:- http://www.liv.ac.uk/~evansjon/humanities/psme.html
Blue Web'n:- http://www.kn.packbell.com/wired/bluewebn
suggestions would be welcome
This site is under construction
Please be patient - I am working on it! Links to follow!
Comments & Suggestions Welcome
© Sharon Mortemore
12 August, 1999
