An idea for teaching the Easter story to KS 2.

I used the DVD of Jesus Christ Superstar as a stimulus for writing in RE. I showed the film over 4 lessons:

1. up to Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem (Palm sunday)
2. up to the Last supper
3. up to when Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane and Peters denial
4. The crucifixion

Before each showing I read the appropriate section of a children's bible, and then after we had watched it (and I had answered numerous questions!), the children were asked to write a diary entry as if they had been witness to the events. Leading questions were on the board for support, with a focus being on the feelings and emotions of Jesus, the disciples, and themselves as spectators.

We used this with all of KS2, and it was incredibly effective in stimulating the chidlren's writing, enthusiasm and empathy. They throroughly enjoyed the 60's aspect of the musical, and were able to distinguish between the theatrical element and the factual. They went on to write entries in their diaries such as...

"I had a very exciting day today. I went to Jerusalem. I could hardly see a thing on Palm Sunday as there were so many people there. It was dusty and loud, and people were cheering lots so I climbed a Palm tree and pulled off a branch to wave. Jesus looked a bit confused but happy" (Year 3).

I believe they will remember this film (and the Easter story!) for a very long time!

(The only thing i missed off the DVD was Herods song as I deemed it a bit far fetched....)

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