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Eyewitness Assemblies
Gaynor Cobb
15 ready-to-use assemblies for Easter to Pentecost
Brian Ogden was for many years a teacher and RE advisor for the diocese of Peterborough and Chelmsford. He is author of many popular books in the Barnabas range including Nursery Rhyme Nativities, Sing a Song of Seasons and Starting Together. Jo Dobbs has taught KS2 for ten years and is currently teaching KS1 in North Yorkshire. Prior to the birth of her son two years ago, she was involved on the Ripon and Leeds Diocesan Board of Education. Jo has recently gained an MA in Theology and Religious Studies. She is co-author with Brian of News and Tell! and Year-round Assemblies, both published under BRF's Barnabas imprint.
The introduction to the book states that its aim is to begin to develop spirituality in young children. It does this through the use of Bible stories which are linked to the experience of pupils, and through the stories being introduced in ways which encourage use of imagination and response to the stories. The focus is very much on the use of children's speaking and listening skills and the development of the ability to sit through the provision of quiet moments.
The book is divided into three themes, 'Senses', 'Seasons' and 'Feelings'. All the stories, based on a Bible passage, illustrate a theme, the actual Bible verse is given and an idea for an artefact which children can look at or explore during the reading of the story. Much use is made of encouraging the pupils to use their senses to explore the story. Each story concludes with a follow-up idea and a prayer.
The stories in this book aim to form a foundation for Circle Time, but I could see the resource also being used in RE lessons and collective worship. The ideas can easily be adapted for the teacher's own context and the needs of pupils.
Reviewed by Denise Brogden
From: The Chronicle (Third Order Fransiscans) - Summer 2006
Many years ago, Ronald Goldman in Readiness for Religion helped us learn that teaching the faith to the very young is best done in an affective way and with themes. The traditional 'content driven' Sunday School syllabus made up of the stories of David and Goliath, Moses in the Bulrushes and Noah and the Ark did not always lead on to an engaged faith. The problem of the new 'theme centred' approach that Goldman advocated, however, was that teachers were tempted not to use the Bible in the classroom at all.
In Beyond the Candle Flame, we are presented with a resource that takes an affective approach to learning (using imaginative reflection) and combines it with biblical stories that are told in a style which calls the listener to further thought and application.
The stories come complete with some suggestions on artefacts that may be used to deepen reflection, some ideas to follow up and reinforce the session and short accessible prayers. They are designed for use in a formal 'circle time' setting at Key Stage 1 and should easily reinforce some of the Early Learning Goals set forward in the National Curriculum.
However, it is also useful for several other settings. The stories would work well as part of a playgroup programme, a short 'liturgy of the word' for children within a communion service, the foundation for the teaching part of the junior section of the Sunday School. Best of all the stories will excite leaders and encourage them to use this method of teaching more frequently perhaps leading them onto the deeper richer waters of curricula such as Godly Play.
Reviewed by Andrew Dotchin TSSF
From: The Methodist Recorder - 23 March 2006
Beyond the Candle Flame begins each of its stories by encouraging its listeners' imaginations with the exhortation to "Slowly... close your eyes", then leading them to picture the story as it unfolds. The book's three sections are 'Senses', 'Seasons' and 'Feelings', with each story accompanied by its introduction, relevant Bible verse, suggested artefacts and follow-up and a prayer: a complete package!
February 2006
Reviewed by Mary Hawes, London Diocese Children's Adviser
BEYOND THE CANDLE FLAME is a compilation of 30 Bible stories to use with 5-7s. Designed to be used in Circle Time or similar at school, it uses a reflective way of telling the story, encouraging children to close their eyes and use their imaginations as they listen. Ideas for activities to introduce and build on the stories are also given. This could well be adapted for an after-school service, or even used as the basis for an all-age talk.
Paperback 144 pages