Topic:
Summer Solstice
LT focus: Examine the links between religious rites and ceremonies and their beginnings in older traditions such as the Summer Solstice.
Introduction
Using Padlet, the children recall some celebrations that are date related? What are the celebrations and on which dates do they fall?
As the celebrations appear on the IWB, quickly discuss the religion in which they appear or what significance they hold.
The children will be learning about the Summer Solstice. Highlight that the Summer Solstice is celebrated by humanists, agnostics and atheists (Can the children recall what these terms mean?)
Since prehistory, the summer solstice has been seen as a significant time of year in many cultures, and has been marked by festivals and rituals. Traditionally, in many temperate regions (especially Europe), the summer solstice is seen as the middle of summer and referred to as “midsummer”. Today, however, in some countries and calendars it is seen as the beginning of summer.
Also, Summer Solstice (June 21st) is also World Humanist Day.
Development
Day 1: Focusing on the sun, the children will access
http://solar-center.stanford.edu/folklore/#nativeam
These stories are culturally significant and focus on the sun.
In groups of 2/3 the children are to create short playscripts using Google Docs with the story of their choosing as a base for their play.
Plenary
Day 2: The children will practice and rehearse their play with a view to performing these and/or recording them. Children can organise their own props and costumes id they so wish.
Day 3/4 : The children perform their short plays for the class/ assembly
Other teacher resources for teaching this topic:
Some of the stories from the website are aimed at children, whilst others are reflections of cultural beliefs. Some stories may be deemed inappropriate and it is important that teachers review the stories beforehand.