RE (Monday)
Week 1
Lesson 1 (18th Jan) - What does the word 'GOD' mean?
Part 1 - What is invisible? What shows it is there?
Watch the clip of the balloon being blown up.
Talk about what is inside (air) and that the air cannot be seen but the balloon shows us it is there.
Ask - Can you think of other of things that exist that can’t be seen? (e.g. wind, electricity, love, magnetic force.) We can't see the wind but when the trees move and bend, we know it is there.
Muslims believe that God is important in their lives
Recap who was important to them (who did they draw on their heart last lesson)
Explain that some people believe that God is very important in their lives, even though they cannot see him.
Explain that Muslims believe that the world would not function without God, just as a balloon would not function/work without air.
Explain that the Muslim word for God is 'Allah'. This word is in the Arabic language.
What do you think about the idea of God?
Discuss the question, ‘Where is God?’.
Please note - there isn't a right or wrong answer to this question. All answers welcome. This question is meant to make the pupils think whether a non believer or believer.
Activity 1 - Draw where you think God is.
Activity - Ask your child to produce a piece of artwork showing where they think people can find God.
(Ideas as to what you might draw and examples are in the document below)
Useful prompts
- Tell them to draw a place, but not a person. This is because Muslims never draw Allah. They say all pictures of Allah are wrong. They believe Allah is too great for pictures.
Not sure what your child might draw? Click here for ideas.
God is really important to Muslims - Key facts
- God is so important to Muslims.
- When their baby is born they whisper some words called the 'Shahada' into the babies ear when they are first born.
- The words in the 'Shahada' mean ‘God is most great' and 'There is no god but Allah.’
- The words in the 'Shahada' are said when Muslims pray.
- Muslims pray five times every day.
- They are very important words for Muslims.
You can find out more about the 'Shahada' by following the links below
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/clips/zn6sb9q
Activity 2 - Thinking task
Ask your child to think about whispering to a new born baby.
If they could choose some words to whisper, what would they choose?
- You might share a top tip for life.
- You might share your beliefs with them.
They might like to write them or they might like to say them to you for you to record on their work for today.
Week 2
Lesson 2 - What is a leader? What makes a good leader?
Open the presentation below as it has some visuals to help you with today's lesson.
Guess who...?
Ask you child the following questions.
1. Who leads a school?
2. Who leads a football team?
3. Who leads a TV show?
4. Who leads an orchestra?
5. Who leads a kitchen?
6. Who leads a family?
7. Who leads a country?
8. Does anyone lead the world? (They may say God).
Talk about some leaders you know of and what they do.
Explain that a leader sets an inspiring or good example.
A good leader is not the one with the loudest shout, or the best fighter, or the cleverest – a good leader sets a good example.
Ask children if they know any other religious leaders. (there are some in the presentation at the start of this lesson)
Talk about the examples these leaders set.
They may know of Jesus or Moses, or some modern examples: welcome them all.
Who leads Muslim believers?
A person called an Imam leads Muslim believers. You might see an Imam in a special building called a mosque. They might be leading the prayers. You might also an Imam helping people in their town, city, village or community.
Muslim believers also follow the example of a special leader called 'Muhammad'.
What is a Prophet?
Does following a Prophet help people to understand things about God?
- Muslims believe in one God (called 'Allah') and follow the example of a prophet called 'Muhammad'.
- Muhammad was a prophet or a messenger of God.
- Muhammad was trusted by people – they called him Al-Amin (the one you can trust).
- Muhammad was known as 'the helper' and 'the friend'.
- Muslims follow his example like when you follow a leader.
What makes a good leader?
Play a guessing game.
Start with the adult saying 'I am thinking of someone who is……..'
Allow them a number of guesses. Which leader do they think you are describing. 'I think it is ...'
e.g. Headteacher, captain of a football team, etc.
Watch the clip below about what a leader is.
Ask the children what qualities make these people leaders.
Make a list together. You might have some of the following things on your list...
- give instructions
- listen carefully
- teach people
- explain things
- talk clearly
- help people
- share information
- make decisions
Why do you trust a ‘leader’?
Activity - Make a poster about leaders
Make a poster of a leader/a few leaders you know of and write around them the qualities of a leader.
Would you like to be a leader?