Harvest Festivals
#2 in Start-up religion Series
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
This book is part of a series that explores different aspects of religion and its significance in people's lives, covering basic beliefs, places of worship, and sacred texts of various religions. This specific text focuses on harvest festivals and has been created to support the Schemes of Work for Religion at KS1 and lower KS2 levels.
Discussion points
What is your favorite part of a harvest festival and why?
How do you think people feel during harvest festivals, and what makes these events special?
Can you think of ways we might celebrate harvest festivals in our own community?
What are some differences and similarities between harvest festivals in the book and those we know about?
How important is it to celebrate and give thanks for the food we receive?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, briefly discuss what a harvest festival is and ask your child what they already know or imagine about these celebrations.
While reading, pause to explore the illustrations and ask your child to describe what they see and how it makes them feel.
Encourage your child to relate the book’s events to their own experiences with festivals or family gatherings.
Ask your child to think about what they would like to contribute to a harvest festival and why.
After reading, consider planning a small harvest-themed activity at home to bring the themes of the book to life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The Importance of Community Involvement
Explanation: The storyline emphasizes participating in community events, showcasing how each character contributes to the Harvest Festival.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to engage more in local community activities, understanding the value of teamwork and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Different Cultures and Traditions
Explanation: The book introduces various harvest-related traditions from around the world, revealing the diversity in celebrations.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to explore and respect diverse cultural backgrounds, enhancing their social awareness.
Example Lesson: Understanding the Source of Food
Explanation: Through the preparation for the Harvest Festival, children in the story learn where their food comes from and the process it undergoes before reaching their plates.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps children appreciate their meals more and can spark an interest in healthy eating and agriculture.
Example Lesson: Gratitude for Abundance
Explanation: Characters express thankfulness for the year's crops and community support, highlighting the theme of gratitude throughout the book.
Real-World Application: This can lead to children practicing gratitude in their daily lives, appreciating what they have and the efforts of others.