easter extravaganza 2020: thinking big questions · 2020. 3. 12. · easter extravaganza 2020:...

Easter Extravaganza 2020: Thinking Big Questions

Session Overview

Session summary: This session presents a deliberately open-ended question to stimulate thinking, creativity and inquiry. It is the first in a series of ‘big question’ sessions

to help students unpack their typical big faith questions. Through the session it is hoped that each child will be able to seek, question and explore further from whatever

their starting place, previous understanding or learning journey so far. In addition, there will be opportunity for students to work with their different talents, skills, passions

and learning styles and to express their own understanding and discovery. Following an introduction from the ‘Any Questions?’ show, students will spend some time

thinking, creating and putting together their findings to answer the question: Who is Jesus? They will be introduced to different parts of the Jesus story (including Easter)

and given a variety of resources to creatively express their ideas (eg as a documentary, storyboard, cartoon, creative writing, building, modelling, in musical form etc.)

Psalm 8: 3 & 4 (MSG): “I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous, your handmade sky-jewellery, moon and stars mounted

in their settings. Then I look at my micro-self and wonder, why do you bother with us? Why take a second look our way?”

Luke 2:16-20 (Storybook Bible): “And they gazed in wonder at God’s great gift, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.”

Main Aim Session Objectives

We aim to:

Key Skills:

Students are given opportunity to:

Session outcomes

For students to find

out more about who

(Christians believe)

Jesus is, by asking

questions,

discovering and

thinking in their own

way.

The big idea for

students: Christians

believe that Jesus is

God’s greatest gift of

love to the world.

1. invite students to question and wonder about who

(Christians believe) Jesus is through a variety of

different resources

2. enable students to creatively express their

understanding and respond in their own way

3. work with a variety of different thinking and learning

styles (of volunteers and students)

4. provide time and space for creative thinking and

inquiry

5. help students place Jesus within God’s one big love

story (of Christian Bible)

a. Comprehend parts of the Bible as a

text - through listening, reading and

viewing (L)

b. Value their own beliefs and those

of others (IC)

c. Create connections with others and

cultivate mutual respect (IC)

d. Interact with and empathise with

others (IC)

e. Develop their own thinking and

ideas and work collectively with

others (PSC)

f. Think critically and creatively as

they question and explore for

themselves (CC)

We hope that all students will:

o wonder about who Jesus is

That some will:

o discover more about who

(Christians believe) Jesus is,

using a variety of different

resources

And others may:

o respond uniquely to the things

they discover (even in the form

of further questions)

Session Sequence: Who is Jesus?

Broad structure Who? Timing?

S

EE

K

1. Arrival activity/welcome: From Christmas and a baby……what happened next? Where does Jesus fit in? Students

order cards and pictures to think about where Jesus fits in the bigger picture of God’s one BIG love story told

through the Bible. Younger students might re/visit the ‘God’s Big Story’ book; could match cards to the book.

All/leader led 15 mins

2. Orientation/introduction (Watching): A short video clip introduces the ‘Any Questions’ show with the big question:

Who is Jesus? The show host reflects on this question by delving into the Bible and presenting some key characters:

shepherds, a disciple, a small boy and Mary.

(stories based on Luke 2: 1-20, Matthew 8:23-27, Matthew 14:13-21, Matthew 27/28, Mark 15/16, Luke 23/24, John 19/20)

All/leader led

3. Extra engagement (Wondering): Students are given some time to think more about the ideas presented. What did

you see? What did you hear? What action was happening? What did people hold/touch? Students share thoughts.

All/leader led

QU

ES

TIO

N

4. Group inquiry: Students divide into small groups and spend time at one station (with a volunteer).

Stations are based on 4 learning styles: Visual/seeing - auditory/hearing - kinaesthetic/doing - tactile/creating

Each station has a variety of similar resources (stories/a few items) and some resources unique to their group

learning style (e.g. musical instruments, dress-ups, objects/construction materials, paper/pens).

Each group will be asked to put together their ideas (in whatever way the group chooses) for the ‘Any Questions’

show (other students), to answer the question: Who is Jesus?

In each group students may spend time:

• searching for ideas and making connections with things they know already or with other stories (Webbing)

• organising ideas and starting to create to bring out the important ideas; think about how to link ideas (Weaving)

• putting ideas together: decide how to put ideas together and the creative form it will take (Wrapping)

• taking a moment to consider ‘Who is Jesus… today? For me?

Small groups

led by a

volunteer

(volunteers

could choose

the group with

learning style

of their

interest)

20-30

mins

EX

PLO

RE

5. Communicating/expressing their ideas (Waving)

Allow time for groups (pairs/individuals) to share their responses. This could be:

- at the front of the whole group, with a few select ideas brought back from each group OR

- at each station, if there is enough room for the big group to visit, see, hear

All groups

sharing ideas

15 mins

6. Reflecting (Wishing): A chance to think individually: What did I find out? Who do I think Jesus is? What thought or

question about Jesus will I take with me today?

All/leader led

7. Summary /conclusion: wrapping up the learning that has taken place.

- Christian’s believe Jesus is God’s greatest gift of love; the promised rescuer (friends)

- Christians celebrate Jesus at Easter; rescued from our sins/problems and from death being the end (forgiven)

- Christian’s believe God’s one big love story is still going; Jesus will come back, forever (forever)

All/leader led

Inquiry process This session offers students a process of discovery learning using stories of Jesus (including Easter) as the stimulus and foundation (provided in video form, in

segments from the Storybook Bible and as found in the Big Rescue Bible). The inquiry process is presented as ‘Christians believe’… then students creatively

explore their own ideas in small groups (according to learning styles). The cards pictured below are in the station resources to support the inquiry process:

And for consideration…

Group Guidance, Easter Extravaganza, 2020

Thinking Big Questions: Who is Jesus?

1. Visual group (seeing)

Story highlights: 1. A light to shine

Then quietly, they tiptoed inside. They

knelt on the dirt floor. They had heard

about this promised child and now he was

here. This baby would be like that bright

star shining in the sky that night. A light

to light up the whole world. Chasing away

darkness. Helping people to see. And the

darker the night got, the brighter the star

would shine. (Luke 2:1-20)

Story highlights 2: Captain of the Storm

Jesus’ friends had been so afraid; they

had only seen the big waves. They had

forgotten that, if Jesus was with them,

they had nothing to be afraid of. No

matter how small their boat or how big

the storm.

(Mark 4:35-41/Matthew 8:23-27)

Story highlights 3: Filled full

Jesus’ friends laughed when they saw

his little lunch. “That’s not nearly

enough!” they said. But they were

wrong. Jesus knew it didn’t matter how

much the little boy had. God would

make it enough; more than enough.

(Matthew 14:13-21)

Story highlights 4: The rescuer

Jesus said, “I am the Saviour and

Rescuer of the world.” And they knew,

because Jesus had come alive again,

that somehow everything would be all

right.

(Matthew 27/28, Mark 15/16, Luke

23/24, John 19/20)

Generic resources

• sections of Jesus story with

pictures

• items to connect with pictures

(light, boat, lunchbox, cross/tomb)

• a selection of key words that

might connect children to the

stories

• an A3 Inquiry Card (Wonder, Web,

Weave, Wrap)

• an A3 Ideas Card with questions

on reverse

• the key question ‘Who is Jesus?’

Additional visual resources: additional story pictures and photos (characters and scenes from the stories), props

and items that link with each story, fabric pieces, general collage items, paper, textas, feeling faces, hearts

Volunteer Instruction: Enjoy the student creativity and curiosity! We will be surprised by all we hear, see and what

students do. You are there to enable them to author their own questions, to build their own theories and construct

their understanding based on what they have seen and heard. Encourage them to tell the stories as THEY can

(rather than YOU the volunteer) and work from what they know.

Whatever they come up with does not need to be a perfect, finished piece! Do guide and suggest, though, where

necessary. Remember we are always focusing on what Christians believe but also giving students time and space

to think about their own understanding of the question.

Inquiry Stages

When students are at their station (using the stories, pictures and additional resources) they will work towards

putting something together inspired by the ‘Any Questions’ show and using the 3 inquiry stages – web, weave,

wrap. This should answer the question: Who is Jesus? but can take any form!

Volunteer schedule with small group – visual

1. Meet and greet your group of students – introduce yourself.

2. Encourage students to continue with the initial wondering (see inquiry card)

by modelling some questions or passing a story item around.

Use Jesus story pictures to help review and connect with story items.

(Can also read “story highlights” as needed.)

3. Remind students of:

- the big question: Who is Jesus?

- their task: to create something that answers the big question (ideas card)

4. Allow students time to work through the inquiry stages:

Students begin

searching and

making connections

• What do I remember most about what I have

seen?

• I am wondering about…?

• This has made me think more about…?

• What pictures came to my mind as I heard

the story?

• What can I see when I think about the Jesus

story?

Webbing ideas: selecting pictures, writing

words, sketching, sharing ideas, new words, etc.

Students organise

and create

• Which are the best ideas?

• What am I going to create?

• How do the ideas fit together?

• What do these pictures or words tell me

about who Jesus is?

• Do these ideas fit together in any way?

Weaving ideas: Putting ideas together in a

storyboard, picture board, mind map; putting

together picture or graffiti words

Students put ideas

together to present

• What will it look like?

• How is it going to be done?

• What ideas do I want to stand out?

• What colours, pictures or words would help

others see what I have found out?

• How can we put all our ideas together?

Wrapping ideas: story patchworks individual

ideas put together as a whole ‘Who is Jesus?’

patchwork, poems, Facebook page, newspaper

front page, ‘wanted’ poster

(NB: Younger children may need more support.)

inquiry card

ideas card



2. Auditory group (hearing)

















the storm.

(Mark 4:35-41/Matthew 8:23-27)








(Matthew 14:13-21)






right.


23/24, John 19/20)

Generic resources


pictures





stories


Weave, Wrap)


on reverse


Additional auditory resources: small musical instruments, simple objects that make various sounds (plastic cups,

sticks, combs), story props, magnetic words, speech bubbles, microphone, textas, paper








Inquiry Stages




Volunteer schedule with small group - auditory










Students begin

searching and

making connections

• What do I remember most about what I

have heard?



• What did I hear in the stories?

• If I was there with Jesus, what sounds

would I hear?

Webbing ideas:

listening words (what did I hear?)

sound games (make a sound - guess what it is)

Students organise

and create




• What did I hear in the stories and what does

it tell me about who Jesus is?

• Can I re-create any sounds that would tell

others who Jesus is?

Weaving ideas: creating sound effects, mood

music or rhythms (to fit with ‘Who is Jesus?’)

Students put ideas

together to present




• How can I help others hear who Jesus is?

• How can I put the ideas together?

Wrapping ideas: putting ideas together as raps,

poems, podcasts, voice-overs, audio narratives, a

talk-show (to answer the question ‘Who is Jesus?’)


inquiry card

ideas card



3. Kinaesthetic group (doing)

















the storm.

(Mark 4:35-41/Matthew 8:23-27)








(Matthew 14:13-21)






right.


23/24, John 19/20)

Generic resources


pictures





stories


Weave, Wrap)


on reverse


Additional kinaesthetic resources: various dress ups, story props, frame, microphone, various fabric, textas, paper








Inquiry Stages


putting something together inspired by the ‘Any Questions’ show and using the 3 inquiry stages – web, weave &


Volunteer schedule with small group - kinaesthetic










Students begin

searching and

making connections


have seen?



• What actions do I remember from the

story?

• What was Jesus doing? What were the

other people doing?

Webbing ideas: action words (students take

turns to show what they remember), charades

Students organise

and create




• What does the story tell me about who Jesus

is?

• What actions or drama, mime or dance

moves could tell others who Jesus is?

Weaving ideas: talking puppets, freeze frames

(small groups create still poses/shots to show

their ideas

Students put ideas

together to present




• What can I do to show others what I have found

out?

• How can we put our ideas together?

Wrapping ideas: drama, dance, mime (to answer

the question ‘Who is Jesus?’), TV documentary or

an award ceremony


inquiry card

ideas card



4. Tactile group (hands-on creating)

















the storm.

(Mark 4:35-41/Matthew 8:23-27)








(Matthew 14:13-21)






right.


23/24, John 19/20)

Generic resources


pictures





stories


Weave, Wrap)


on reverse


Additional tactile story resources: mini whiteboards, magnetic letters, creative craft materials (paddle-pop

sticks/pipe-cleaners/hearts/etc.) playdoh/mats, paper, textas, blocks, fabric, story props








Inquiry Stages




Volunteer schedule with small group - tactile










Students begin

searching and

making connections


have seen?



• What did I see people doing in the stories?

• What was Jesus holding or giving? What

actions did you see?

Webbing ideas: doodle and graffiti boards

(mini whiteboards, paper and pens), hand

motions or actions

Students organise

and create




• What did the story tell me about who Jesus

is?

• What words or pictures could I create; what

could I build or make to show that?

Weaving ideas: picture mats (using different

materials, objects or textures), creating

scrapbook or album pages, building, modelling

Students put ideas

together to present




• What can I do to show others what I have found

out?

• How can we put our ideas together?

Wrapping ideas: putting ideas together as picture

boards, ‘Who is Jesus? story box or bag


inquiry card

ideas card

1: JESUS’ BIRTH

That night some shepherds were out in the open fields,

warming themselves by a campfire, when suddenly the

sheep darted. They were frightened by something. The

olive trees rustled. What was that….A wing beat? They

turned around. Standing in front of them was an angel.

“Don’t be afraid of me!” he said. “I’ve come to bring you

happy news for everyone everywhere. Today, in Bethlehem,

God’s Son has been born! You can go and see him. He’s

sleeping in a manger.”

Then as quickly as they appeared, the angels left. The

shepherds stamped out their fire, left their sheep, raced

down the grassy hill, through the gates of Bethlehem,

down the narrow cobble streets…until at last, they

reached a tumbledown stable.

Then quietly, they tiptoed inside. They knelt on the dirt

floor. They had heard about this promised child and

now he was here. This baby would be like that bright

star shining in the star that night. A light to light up

the whole world. Chasing away darkness. Helping

people to see. And the darker the night got, the

brighter the star would shine.

(The Jesus Storybook Bible p.190)

2: CAPTAIN OF THE STORM

The sun was going down. The air was warm. Jesus and

his friends left the crowd and set out across the lake in a

small fishing boat. Jesus was very tired. He had been

teaching all day. He fell asleep.

They were only halfway across when, out of nowhere,

whirling winds swept across the lake. A blinding flash of

lightning lit up the sky, thunder roared right overhead!

Towering waves hurled the little boat up and down.

Jesus’ friends had been fishermen all their lives but no

one had seen a storm like this. They struggled with ropes

and sails, they couldn’t control their boat. The storm was

too big for them but Jesus was still sleeping!

“HELP!” they screamed. “Wake up!” Quick, Jesus!” Jesus

stood up and spoke to the storm. “Hush!” he said.

That’s all. And the strangest thing happened. The wind

stopped and the water calmed down.

Jesus’ friends had been so afraid, they had only seen

the big waves. They had forgotten that, if Jesus was

with them, then they had nothing to be afraid of. No

matter how small their boat- or how big the storm.”


3: FILLED FULL

There were once more than 5,000 tired and hungry

people sitting on a hillside. They had come to hear Jesus

that day but they had been so busy listening that they

had lost track of time. Now it was well past dinner.

Jesus’ friends had an idea. “Let’s send everyone home for

dinner.”…“They don’t need to go”, Jesus said. “You can give

them something to eat.” Jesus’ friends panicked. “But we

don’t have enough money!”

“What food do you have?” Jesus asked. “Go and see.”

Now there was a little boy in the crowd. He had brought a

lunch that his Mum had made him that morning; just 5

small loaves and 2 fish. It wasn’t much. “I have some” he

said. Jesus’ friends laughed when they saw his little

lunch. “That’s not nearly enough!” they said. But they

were wrong. Jesus knew it didn’t matter how much

the little boy had. God would make it enough, more

than enough.

The little boy gave Jesus his lunch. Jesus took it and

thanked God then gave it to his disciples to hand out. As

they started to hand out the food, no matter how much

they gave out- there was always more, and more, and

more. Enough for over 5,000, with leftovers!

4A: THE RESCUER

“So, you’re a King, are you?” the Roman soldiers jeered.

“Then you’ll need a crown and a robe.” They gave Jesus a

crown made of thorns. And put a purple robe on him.

Then they beat him and spat on him. The soldiers made

him a sign- “Our King” and nailed it to a wooden cross.

Jesus carried the cross up the hill outside the city. He had

never done anything wrong but they were going to kill

him the way criminals were killed.

They nailed Jesus to the cross. “Father, forgive them, they

don’t understand what they’re doing,” he gasped.

“You say you’ve come to rescue us but you can’t even

rescue yourself!” people shouted. But of course, Jesus

could have rescued himself. He could have just said a

word and made it all stop; like when he stilled the storm

and fed 5,000 people. But he stayed. It wasn’t the nails

that kept Jesus there. It was love. “It is finished” he

shouted. And he died.

Jesus’ body was placed in a tomb made of rock. They sent

soldiers to guard the tomb and rolled a huge stone in

front of the door.


4B: THE RESCUER

Jesus’ friends were sad. How could this happen? Wasn’t

Jesus the rescuer, the King God had promised? It wasn’t

supposed to end like this. Yes, but whoever said anything

about the end?

Just before sunrise on the third day, Mary and the other

ladies headed to the tomb with some spices. They walked

quietly along the hilly path until they reached the tomb.

Immediately they noticed something odd- it was wide

open. Jesus’ body was gone!

And something else: there was an angel there! “Don’t be

afraid,” the angel said “Jesus isn’t dead anymore! He’s

alive!”

Could this be true? Could Jesus be alive? Just then Mary

heard someone else in the garden. “Mary!” Only one

person said her name like that. She wasn’t dreaming. She

was seeing. “Jesus!”

….Jesus said “I am the Saviour and the Rescuer of the

world” And they knew, because Jesus had come alive

again that somehow everything would be alright.


A collage of student responses from EE2016 (this same session held in schools 4 years ago)

easter extravaganza 2020: thinking big questions · 2020. 3. 12. · easter extravaganza 2020:...

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