Suggested creative activities for year V religion lessons : concrete proposals

Abstract

In this dissertation, an attempt is made to enhance stimulation and effectiveness during Religion lessons, by making use of creative methods and techniques, thus creating a childcentred approach in class. In the first part of this dissertation, the word 'creativity' is defined in the general educational context. Then, a very brief study on Special Educational Needs pupils and creativity is dealt with. Creativity is then related to Religious Education, to emphasize the importance of implementing creative activities in teaching Religion to 9/10-year-old children who are still going through their concrete operational stage of learning. The second part includes the research actually carried out in schools, through observations and evaluations of suggested activities, and also through interviews to teachers in State, Independent and Religious schools in Year 5. The last part identifies the positive and negative aspects that have been drawn up during the research and consequently deals with the implementation and proposals for the teaching of Religious Education, creatively. As a concrete contribution, a pack of suggested activities, along with activities for special-needs children, has been drawn up. Hence, pupils in Year 5 will learn to understand better the role of the Holy Spirit through concrete methods, and will regard Him as the force that gives them the true power and strength in life.