Guided Meditations for Children By Jane Reehorst, B.V.M. Published by Brown-Roa ISBN 0-697-02201-3

Being new to the teaching of R.E., I wanted my pupils to experience the pleasure of meditation, but didn't feel confident enough to embark upon this prayer form using my own creations. This book provided the answer with its twenty meditations each based on a gospel story. The author specialises in the "Ignatian" form of meditation. Using their five senses children set a scriptural scene which serves as a backdrop for meeting the Lord. With soothing music (e.g. Panpipe Moods), playing in the background the pupils were very receptive to the meditations so far used. Each meditation has " follow up" work, giving ideas for further classroom activities. The meditations themselves last around thirty minutes, and are suited to Years 7-9.

A Fistful of Sketches By Dave Hopwood Published by the National Society and Church House publishing ISBN 0 71514869 9

This book contains twenty four short sketches, raps, mimes and poems. The author has written them with teenagers in mind. They are topical, witty, and because of the brevity of dialogue, they can be given to pupils within the lesson to perform immediately for their classmate's entertainment, amusement and enlightenment. Included are materials for Christmas and Easter, sketches from well known OT and NT sources, as well as sketches on issues including self-worth, temptation, and self-acceptance. A fun way to put over very serious topics. Would appeal to all years within secondary school.

Why Human Rights II Video and Booklet. Available from Amnesty International, 99 Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4R (0171 417 6374)

Suitable for Y9 - Y13. This is an excellent resource on the work of Amnesty international, which gives very good ideas for lessons and activities. The video is accompanied by a work booklet which may be photocopied. Children can get involved actively in many ways:- writing letters, making posters, role playing, discussions and debates. They learn how to organise peace and justice groups in school and elsewhere. The video runs for 65 minutes (approx.), but is separated into 9 distinct units so that it can be dipped into at any time, depending on the topic studied. Titles of units: "Human Rights - Human Wrongs:; "Freedom of Expression"; "Disappearances"; "Torture"; "Street Kids"; "Genocide"; "Death Penalty"; "Refugees"; "What can we Do?".

The Bible in Animation Video from the BBC.

Suitable for Y7 and Y8. Bible stories are told in cartoon form which makes them entertaining and easily understandable for children of this age range. Stories include: The Creation, the Flood, Moses, Jonah, Ruth, Elijah, Joseph, David.

The RE Collection Series of five BBC Programmes entitled: "Forgiveness"; "War and Peace"; "In Sickness and in Health"; "Racism"; "Life and Death".

Suitable for GCSE Syllabus B. The programmes form good starting points for class or group discussions.

Towards the Light Readers' Digest compact version of Go Towards the Light, by Chris Oyler, published by Harper and Row.

"Chris Oyler remembers the numbness that came over her when they said that Ben, her seven-year-old, was dying. Death had always been one of those things that was very foreign. And suddenly it was personal. Very personal." This is a very powerful and emotional story, which many pupils find absorbing. It covers important issues such as: family life and love, faith in God, heaven and the afterlife. It can be read and discussed over two or three lessons.