Today for History This Week we are studying Christianity as part of our curriculum on the founding of World Religions in Ancient History. We have already covered Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism earlier in the year, but have included some videos and resources on all World Religions in today’s post. First up, did you catch our earlier video on “Why We Teach the Bible at SLOCA”? Narrated by SLOCA staff, it outlines why we use this text during our study of Ancient History.
Just like we have before, we are sharing some of the links that are available in the Usborne Encyclopedia of World Religions, which we are reading at several levels. Did you notice that almost every page has Internet links listed in a little box? (Some links have been updated on their website, which is what we are sharing here.) There are many – we’ve gathered just a few of them all in one place for you today:
VIDEOS:
Alien Abduction: Christianity – This is part of a fun series of videos that we shared with the other religions, in which the facts about a religion are explained to aliens:
What is the Bible? – An introduction to the history of the Bible, the primary text of Christianity:
It’s a Miracle! – An animated video clip about Jesus’ miracles, as remembered by Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples:
WEBSITES:
Christianity – An intro/overview of Christianity
The Lindisfarne Gosples – Turn the pages of this spectacular copy of the gospels that was written and decorated in the 7th century. This would be fun to look at again next year for examples of medieval illumination!
History of the Early Church – Read how the Christian church began, and about Emperor Constantine.
Jesus – Read about Jesus and find links to read about his teachings and miracles.
Friends and Heroes – For younger kids, meet some of the main characters from the Old and New Testaments, with links to video clips.
The Story of Lazarus – Listen to the story of a miracle performed by Jesus when he raised Lazarus from his grave.
The Nativity Story – An illustrated story of the birth of Jesus.
Christmas Drag and Drop game (very easy)
The Easter Story – An illustrated story of the arrest, trial, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
Easter Drag and Drop game (very easy)
Saints – Read about christian Saints and watch video clips about their life stories.
Canterbury Cathedral Virtual Tour – This also fits more into the Middle Ages time period, but it’s beautiful to look around! Click on an area of the map to tour that room.
OTHER WORLD RELIGIONS:
VIDEOS:
Judaism:
Alien Abduction: Judaism – This is a fun series of videos, in which the facts about a religion are explained to aliens. This one covers Judaism:
What is Kosher? – A video for kids about kosher foods.
How To Play Driedel:
Hinduism:
Alien Abduction: Hinduism – Here are the facts about Hinduism, explained to aliens:
The History of Hindu India, Part 1:
The Hindu Temple – By Khan Academy Partners. This video gives an introduction to the art and architecture of Hindu temples:
Diwali – Festival of Lights – From National Geographic, here’s a short video about this Hindu festival:
Buddhism:
Alien Abduction: Buddhism – Once again, the facts about Buddhism, explained to aliens:
Art of Asia: Buddhism – A video about the spread of Buddhism, and the art forms it inspired:
Both Gaya: Center of the Buddhist World – Learn about this famous pilgrimage site for Buddhists:
Spinning Prayer Wheels at Boudhanath Temple, Nepal:
WEBSITES:
Sacred Stories – Listen to stories from several of the world’s major religions.
Judaism:
Judaism – A short introduction/overview of the Jewish religion.
Events in Jewish History – an interactive timeline
The Torah – A brief summary about the Torah and other interesting facts about Jewish life, beliefs, religious practice, and festivals.
What is Shabbat? – The narrator goes to a family home where he takes part in a reenactment of a Sabbath meal and learns more about this Jewish day of worship.
Jewish Holidays – a guide, and how they are celebrated.
Sarah’s Attic: Stories of Jewish Children – Hear the stories of Jewish children during the Second World War, including Anne Frank. The introduction to this website says “It was specifically created for children from age 8 to 12 and respects their sensibility as young visitors. The contents and iconography are carefully intended to suit their emotional and cognitive abilities.”
Hinduism:
Hinduism – An introduction/overview of the Hindu religion.
The Mahabharata – Read an illustrated retelling of one of the world’s longest epic poems.
A Guide to the main Hindu Festivals
In Pictures: Diwali Around the World – View photos from the festival of Diwali.
Buddhism:
Buddhism – An introduction/overview of the Buddhist religion.
Story of the Buddha – An illustrated story about his life.
Timeline of Buddhist History (Flash version). Here is the plain text version.
The Monastic Life – Read about the everyday life, duties and clothing of Buddhist monks and nuns.
Buddhist Festivals and Special Days
The Birth of a Banyan Tree – A Buddhist tale to read and discuss.
