1
Lourdes
Aim
To help children understand that going on pilgrimage is a part of the lifestyle of many Christians.
Preparation
Before the lesson clear a large space or arrange to work in the
hall.
Find a suitable piece of music for the role play.
Lesson
Begin lesson by inviting children to talk about Bernadette and what happened to her. How was Bernadette's vision received by other people? Go on to share the remainder of the story with them.
After the story, tell the children that today they are going to pretend to visit Lourdes. In pairs, ask them to decide why they are going. They can either be in search of healing or accompanying a friend. Invite them to talk about their roles. Have they ever been to Lourdes before?
Tell the children that they will be flying to Lourdes. With the children seated as they would be in an airplane, role play a brief flight, comprising take-off, landing and in-flight meal.
When they arrive in Lourdes, arrange them in pairs at one end of the hall/class. Inform them that, at the other end of the room, is a pool of water from the spring which Bernadette found.
Tell the children that when the music begins, they are to make their way to the pool, slowly and silently. They can pretend to drink the water or to wash in it. And, if they want to, they can pretend to let the water change them. When the music begins to fade they are to return to the other end of the hall. After this sequence, ask the children what happened to them. Did any of them find healing? What about those who did not? How do they feel?
Activity
Following discussion, invite children to record their visit to Lourdes in an appropriate manner.
Notes
This lesson has been adapted from A Gift to the Child by Grimmett et al. This seminal resource for Early Years R.E., comprising of a teacher's source book, 14 pupils' books and audio cassette is available from Stanley Thorne Publishers. Their customer services line is 01242-577 944.
