Mudiad Addysg Gristnogol Cymru
Christian Education Movement Wales
Summer Term 2002
Price £1.00
R.E. Ideas
Using Religious Artefacts
In the Classroom
This issue of R.E. Ideas looks at
how artefacts have been used in
Dunvant Junior School, Swansea to
learn about Judaism, Islam and
Christianity.
Religious artefacts are an excellent
way to bring learning alive, and can
deepen understanding of a religious
community, its beliefs, teachings
and practices. Artefacts should be
treated with respect and handled
carefully but wherever possible
children should be encouraged to
use their senses when studying
artefacts.
Year 3 pupils studied the Torah scroll and the yad.
They were encouraged to look carefully at the symbols
on the scroll cover (mantle). The pupils created their
own scrolls, writing and illustrating poems and stories.
Mantles were designed and made and the scrolls
displayed in the classroom.
Ideas are given for compiling
artefact boxes for the 3 focus
religions. It can take time to build a
bank of artefacts, however there
are websites that offer background
information about religious beliefs
and practises for the non-specialist
and good quality colour pictures of
artefacts, which can be laminated
and used as a teaching aid. Web
addresses are included at the back
of this issue.
The following ideas could be adapted
and used at Key Stage 1.
Displaying Artefacts.
This Shabbat table was prepared by a group of year
5 pupils who were learning about Judaism.
A display of artefacts relating to a particular religion
or a theme is found in the school library so pupils
and staff are able to observe and touch the artefacts.
Children are encouraged to devise questions to ask
about the artefacts and these questions are
displayed.
The display table is changed every half term.
Studying and making a mezuzah – Year 5.
Reflection
Artefacts and music can be used as a
focal point for thinking and reflecting,
both in the classroom and school
assembly. Have a focus board in the
classroom displaying questions and
pictures
Light
A simple display of candles can be used
to as a resource when studying
Christianity or Festivals of Light. The
display could include Paschal candle,
baptismal candle, Advent ring, Diva,
Menorah and Channukiah. Light a candle
and explain to the children that many
people believe that the smoke from a
burning candle will carry prayers to God.
What message would they like to send?
Find out about the everlasting light.
Studying the Mezuzah
‘Shaddai’ means Almighty. Why is this
word written on the back of the
Mezuzah?
The Mezuzah contains a scroll with
words from the Torah. Make your own
Mezuzah and scroll. What words will
you write on your scroll and why?
Exploring and Researching Artefacts
Exploring Artefacts
Carefully examine the artefact.
1. Describe the artefact. What shape is it?
Colour? Texture? What material is it made
from? What size is it? Is it heavy or light?
2. What do you think it is used for?
3. Which religion do you think it belongs to?
Why?
4. Draw and colour the artefact.
A Muslim Prayer Mat
What material is the prayer mat made of?
What decorations can you see? What decorations will you
never see on a prayer mat and why?
Why is there a compass on the prayer mat?
What is the name of the place Muslims face when they pray?
Design and make your own prayer mat.
The Qur’an Stand
What is the stand used for?
Does the design matter?
How is the stand decorated? What patterns are in the
carvings?
Draw a design for the stand?
Imagine you are the Qur’an stand. Describe how you feel
when you are used. Where are you? Who touches you and
why? What do you see, smell and hear? What textures do
you feel?
The Shofar.
Shofar
The
Can y
Who uses the shofar?
When
and how
is it used?is it made
1. What
material
What material is the shofar made from? Try to describe
the shape and texture of the shofar.
Find out about the festivals of Rosh Hashanah and Yom
Kippur. How are they celebrated?
Some ideas for artefact boxes…
Christianity
Selection of
crosses
Selection of
candles
Bible
Stole
Advent ring
Fish symbol
Chalice
Statue of Mary
Gold,
frankincense
and Myrrh
Rosary
Images of Jesus
Judaism
Torah scroll
Mantle
Yad (pointer)
Candles
Menorah
Channukiah
Tallit
Mezuzah
Pesach plate
Sedar plate
Kiddush cup
Tallith (shawl)
Kippah (skull
cap)
Tephillin
Challah loaf
Useful websites.
Islam
Qur’an
Qur’an cover or
stand
Prayer mat
Compass
Prayer beads
Topi (prayer
hat)
Islamic
art/calligraphy
wall hangings
Ihram (white
pilgrimage
robe)
Wedding
garland
The Christian Education Movement (CEM) – www.cem.org.uk/
The RE Exchange Service (RE-XS) - www.re-xs.ucsm.ac.uk/
The RE site – www.theresite.org.uk/
Strathclyde University – www.strath.ac.uk/
BBC Education – www.bbc.co.uk/education/
CEMW RESOURCES
Detailed information and further ideas to be found in CEMW Resource Packs
ALL CLASSROOM MATERIAL IS PHOTOCOPIABLE FOR USE WITHIN YOUR SCHOOL
Discounts available to schools in contributing Authorities and all students
Resources Catalogues and Packs plus further copies of R.E. Ideas available from:
Sali Roberts, CEMW
Patshyn, Rhiwgwreiddyn, Ceinws, MACHYNLLETH SY20 9EX (Tel/Fax: 01654 - 761 697)
© CEMW 2002