The Parables

Rating:

This DVD is for use with the SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning) pack in primary schools, but also stands on its own to illustrate parables. Six parables are acted out in animated form, each lasting about six minutes. They are: The Assistant (talents); The Fancy Party (ten virgins); Mega Designs (wise and foolish builders); The Lost Brian (lost sheep); Odd Jobs (workers in vineyard); The Golden Biscuit (hidden treasure).

There is a free downloadable teaching pack available at www.taylormation.co.uk which is needed, as there are no notes with the DVD. The pack gives ideas on how the parables could be used, but not an explanation of each parable. Suggested teaching helps are: Conversation Starters - key questions to start discussion like "In your opinion, who is a wise person?"; Activity Suggestions - how to develop the theme like "play the game of consequences"; Quotes - some wise sayings for possible further discussion, and Bible References to expand the theme. Suggestions are made as to suitability for KS1 and 2 and the SEAL theme eg "Good to be me."

This is not an overtly Christian DVD, but could be used to introduce a topic; it definitely ties in with the SEAL project. My major reservation is in some of the language used. We should rise above playground language, not encourage it, however modern and relevant we try to make our lessons.

This DVD would be most useful in schools and I will probably use it with my Year 2 class doing SEAL, but with careful selection.

Reviewer: Yvonne Werrett, Supply/cover teacher, Southend-on-Sea, Essex

Review posted on: 2 October 2009

Product information:

Disclaimer:

All resource reviewers are volunteers and offer their reviews for the sole purpose of informing and guiding fellow Christian educators.

All opinions reflect the professional and/or personal judgements of reviewers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ACT. Reviewer recommendations do not imply endorsement of publications by ACT, nor does ACT accept any responsibility for books, CDs, CD ROMs, DVDs, video cassettes, poster packs, photo packs or other materials reviewed on this site or in any of its other publications.