Introduction

Teaching about angels gives children an opportunity to develop their own ideas about angels and possibly express feelings which they have never talked about before.
It is only when we discuss such topics that we are able to perceive the children’s ideas.

Many children accept the mystery surrounding angels and accept their existence far more readily than adults.

Some children will express very personal beliefs if given the opportunity. These should be treated with respect. Children will be far more willing to express such personal feelings if they know that the teacher believes what they are saying.

As a parent, I have experienced "But Miss / Sir said . . ." and no matter what Mum or Dad says, if Miss or Sir has made a statement, it must be true! We should remember, especially when teaching RE, that whatever we say as teachers is important to our pupils (except when it comes to exams and they seem to forget
so much!) If we do not believe in angels, heaven or God, it is not our place to tell the children unless they specifically ask; our own beliefs can so easily leave a strong impression on children.

The menu on the angels homepage gives you:

1. Examples of children’s responses to questions about angels.
The examples of children’s responses to questions included in this project are from two different classes:
a ‘brief’ lesson with a mixed ability class of children aged 7 - 9 (Year 3 and 4 pupils), and two groups from a Year 5 mixed ability class (aged 9-10).
No previous work on angels had been done with either class.

2. Two examples of questions sheets about angels
(What is an angel .....?)
(What does the word angel mean to you?)

3. Three lesson plans for work on angels.

4. A painting,"Angels Flying over St. David’s Cathedral," by Jackie Morris


There are some very good ideas for teaching the topic of Angels in "A Gift to the Child"
by Michael Grimmitt, Julie Grove, John Hull and Louis Spencer (Simon & Schuster ISBN 0 7501 0128 8)


BACK