Religious Education Syllabus for Church Schools
Unit 5.5 Women in the Bible
Key Questions
What can I learn from this story?
Why is this a significant moment?
Why is this woman important?
Key Vocabulary
Ruth, Esther, Purim and the names of the women you choose to study
Key Experiences
To explore the story and festival of Purim
To discuss choices, values and behaviour
Programme of Study to Include
The story of Ruth and the values of loyalty, friendship and trust
The story of Esther, the queen who saved her people and the values of courage and faith, link this to an
exploration of the Jewish festival of Purim. Highlight the choices made by these women.
Other women you could look at include Jochebed the mother of Moses, Miriam Moses’ sister, Hannah,
Abigail, Rahab, Mary, Elizabeth, Mary and Martha and the women in the book of Acts e.g. Tabitha. Think
briefly about the women who are in the background e.g. Mrs Noah or the Inn Keeper’s wife in Bethlehem.
The aim of this unit is to widen the children’s understanding of the role and significance of
women in the Bible.
To reflect upon and learn from the actions of these women
Suggested Activities Possible Level
of Achievement
Begin by asking the children about famous and important women in
general. E.g. pop stars, politicians, royalty, TV actors, scientists,
women in history and sportswomen. Why are they famous? What
do/did they/have done? Why do we admire them? What qualities do
they have?
Now turn to the Bible. Can they name any of the women mentioned in Level 2
AT1 the Old or New Testaments? Why? Why not?
You could begin with a home work research challenge. Ask the
children to make a list of the women mentioned in the Bible who have
done something significant. Compare lists and swap stories.
Story Jochebed – Who was she?
Watch a short clip of Disney film The Prince of Egypt showing the
moment when Moses’ mother, sister and brother run from their home
to escape the soldiers and take baby Moses to the river in his basket.
AT1
Show the clip without sound and discuss the event and the emotions.
Moses’ mother, Jochebed, made an incredible decision. Discuss Level 2-3
decisions which are made are they easy or hard? Why? When? What
AT2 is the outcome of this decision? This woman is probably someone the
children have never thought about before. Have a collection of story
AT1 books or Bibles open on the correct pages to use to introduce the
women in the Bible. Women such as:-
Story Abigail – in the book of 1 Samuel 25 Abigail gives food and prevents
war.
Hannah – faithfully prays without giving up. (1 Samuel 1) A wonderful
picture of Hannah can be found on the website of artist Michael
Blackburn Diocese and The North Lancashire Methodist District Unit 5.5
Religious Education Syllabus for Church Schools
Bogdanow, www.michaelbogdanow.com
Miriam – dances with joy and praise to God when the Israelites are
free (Exodus 2-15) Create the music and dance of Miriam.
Rahab – risks her life (Joshua 2-6).
Mary and Martha – follow Jesus (Luke 10).
You probably do not have time to explore these stories in any great
detail but just a brief mention will highlight what we can learn from
these women.
AT1 Introduce the story of Ruth using art work. This can be found easily
by using a Google Image Search and entering the names Ruth or Ruth
and Naomi. Show the children pictures of the two women in scenes
AT2 from the story. What can they tell you about Ruth, her character
and her story from the pictures? What questions would they like to
Level 2
ask about her?
Use the Purim unit from the Diocesan Board of Education Judaism
Belief Level 3-4
Curriculum Materials CD Rom to study the Story of Esther and the
festival of Purim.
The children could have fun and create story bags/boxes for Ruth
and Esther, choosing objects that highlight key moments in their
lives.
AT1 As a class you could make a simple picture book or collage of the
Story women you have looked at for Key Stage 1. Have a time of sharing Level 2
AT1/2 stories. Write the diaries of Mrs Noah and/or the Innkeeper’s wife
in Bethlehem. The children may use their imaginations to create
other characters.
As well as enjoying these stories it is important to challenge children
AT2 with questions about identity, belonging, meaning, purpose, truth, Level 4
Impact values and commitments. These women made choices. On what values
AT2 etc did they base these choices? What inspired and influenced
them? What made them behave in that way? What would have
happened if they had made the alternative choice? Encourage the
children to make links between their own values and their behaviour.
Level 4
How would they have reacted if placed in similar positions? Why?
What kind of situation would inspire them to have courage?
Blackburn Diocese and The North Lancashire Methodist District Unit 5.5