Background Recommended Websites Strategies for School and the Classroom Lesson Plans Related Resources MediaNet Professional & K-8 Resources Return to Calendar World Religion Day - January 15 (3rd Sunday) Background To address the need for religious unity, World Religion Day was initiated in 1950 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’is of the United States, the U.S. Bahá’i governing body. The Day’s purpose is to call attention to the harmony that exists among the spiritual principles practised by religious communities around the world. World Religion Day also emphasizes that religion can be a motivating force for world unity. Increasingly observed by people across the globe, World Religion Day falls on the third Sunday in January. The Day is celebrated by hosting interfaith discussions, conferences and other events that foster understanding and communication among the followers of all religions. More recently, the significance of World Religion Day has spread among many countries. In 1985, the government of Sri Lanka issued a postage stamp in commemoration of the day. (From website: http://www.bahai.us/world-religion-day) Back to Top Background Recommended Websites Strategies for School and the Classroom Lesson Plans Related Resources MediaNet Professional & K-8 Resources Return to Calendar World Religion Day - January 15 (3rd Sunday) Recommended Websites 1) World Religion Day Website - http://www.worldreligionday.org/ 2) Ontario Human Rights Commission ‘Religious Rights’ http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/issues/religious_rights 3) Ontario Multifaith council - http://www.omc.ca/ 4) Interfaith Unity Resource Centre - http://www.interfaithunity.ca/index.htm 5) BBC Religion page featuring background information about many faith groups, a multifaith calendar and faith-related news headlines from around the world - http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/ Back to Top Background Recommended Websites Lesson Plans Strategies for School and the Classroom Related Resources MediaNet Professional & K-8 Resources Return to Calendar World Religion Day - January 15 (3rd Sunday) Strategies for School and the Classroom 1) CBC Digital Archives includes video and sound clips about faith-related issues as well as a lesson plan - http://archives.cbc.ca/society/religion_spirituality/ 2) BBC Religion exercises (ages 11-16) - http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/websites/11_16/site/re.shtml Also on this site, BBC – GCSE Bitesize: Religious Studies http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/rs/ 3) UN Cyberschoolbus activity encouraging student learning about human rights issues related to the right of freedom of thought, conscience and religion http://www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/humanrights/declaration/18.asp 4) Pete’s Powerpoint Station, a web partnership created by two teachers with power point presentations about philosophies and religions, as well as interactive activities for children. The site offers information on numerous classroom topics and is a partnership between two teachers http://www.pppst.com/religions.html Back to Top Background Recommended Websites Related Resources Strategies for School and the Classroom MediaNet Professional & K-8 Resources Return to Calendar Lesson Plans World Religion Day - January 15 (3rd Sunday) Lesson Plans 1) United Religions Initiative offers background information and various activities relating to religion http://www.uri.org/kids/activities.htm 2) Teaching about Religion with a View to Diversity, an American site, offers many lesson plans appropriate for all ages - http://www.worldrevieweducation.org 3) PBS Religion and Ethics Newsweekly Programme features a webpage with lesson plans, teaching tips and resources for all age levels - http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/category/foreducators/lesson-plans/ 4) Teaching Ideas is a British website with a list of general teaching ideas and resources about faith, and are provided by teachers from all over the world. The site is mainly for teachers who teach primary-age children. - http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/re/contents.htm Back to Top Background Recommended Websites Strategies for School and the Classroom Lesson Plans MediaNet Related Resources Professional & K-8 Resources Return to Calendar World Religion Day - January 15 (3rd Sunday) Related Resources 1) Multifaith Centre a the University of Toronto has numerous links to multi-faith organizations http://multifaith.utoronto.ca/Multi-Faith-Resources,-Communities-And-Links.htm 2) World Religion Website created by Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. The site informs people about various religions and beliefs, and their historical development. It aims to increase understanding and promote tolerance. - http://www.religioustolerance.org/ 3) ReligionFacts is a website that offers an objective guide that offers articles on a wide variety of world religions - http://www.religionfacts.com 4) Emuseum@minnesota State University includes information and helpful links to resources about the world’s major religions - http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/religion/ Back to Top Background Recommended Websites Strategies for School and the Classroom Lesson Plans Professional & K-8 Resources Related Resources Return to Calendar MediaNet World Religion Day - January 15 16 (3rd Sunday) MediaNet Clicking these links will take you to the MediaNet web site where a booking can be created. Use back button in browser to come back to this page after clicking on the links below L36131 Baisakhi (2003) Primary This episode looks at the Sikh celebration of the festival of Baisakhi, presented by Charanpreet Singh and Harleen Mandla. Contents: 1 videocassette X11677 Buddhism (2000) Intermediate/Senior Buddhism can be described as more of a way of life than a religion. Not based on a belief in God, its goals for humanity is to transcend the world perceived by the senses in order to achieve true happiness and peace. This program, shot on location in Indian, Nepal, Thailand, and Japan, explores the history, development, art, and influence of Buddhism in the world. Combining liveaction video, interviews, and stills, the program allows the viewer to come away with an understanding and appreciation of Buddhism’s compassionate view of life. The goal of this program is to give an overview of the Buddhist religion. Contents: 1 videocassette, 1 study guide, blackline masters A26311 Celebrate!:holidays of the global village (2005) Primary/Junior Inspired by travels across Canada and around the world, children’s singer Chris McKhool celebrates the multicultural mosaic of our country with songs about Bodhi Day, Quebec Carnival, Chanukah, Chinese New Year, Christmas, Diwali, Inuit and Native traditions, Kwanzaa, Ramadan and Eid, and Winter Solstice. Includes lyrics, instrumental versions of the songs and a teacher’s guide which includes musical scores for each song, background information on the holidays, corresponding activities and reproducibles. Contents: 2 CD’s, 1 teacher’s guide, 1 lyric sheet Back to Top D01325 Chinese New Year (2004) Primary/Junior Chinatown erupts with the noise of drums and firecrackers and the beauty of vibrant colors during the celebration of the Chinese New Year. The most important and popular of all Chinese festivals, the ideas of communal awareness and starting anew are taught by honoring Tsun Kwan, the god of the hearth, and the festival of the dragon. A zodiac quiz and a traditional Chinese folktale show how traditions have remained constant over centuries, while a Chinese dragonmaking project invites children to discover their own creativity. Contents: 1 DVD, 1 teacher’s guide X11678 Christianity (2000) Junior/Intermediate/Senior The program stretches from the Sermon on the Mount to the Dead Sea Scrolls. We learn about the life of Christ, the development of the early church, the split between the East and West, the Reformation, the rituals that are a part of Christian tradition, and the controversy that has arisen as a result of modern archeological discoveries. Shot on location in Israel, France, England, and the United States, the video also includes interviews with theologians from several traditions. From these individuals we gain personal insight into some of the beliefs that are a part of this great faith. Contents: 1 videocassette, 1 study guide, blackline masters D01122 Christmas (2004) Primary/Junior Many symbols and legends have become associated with the Christmas holiday; yet few know the meanings behind them. This program focuses on both the legendary and religious stories of Christmas to help children understand that there is more to the holiday than the department store Santa Claus. Christmas around the world is explored with emphasis on similarities to American traditions, and the spirit of this holiday comes to life as members of the renowned Philadelphia Boys Choir sing carols. In a fun arts and crafts segment children are shown how to create a Christmas countdown calendar. Contents: 1 DVD, 1 teacher’s guide Back to Top L35453 Diwali nights (2000) Primary/Junior Diwali Nights, is a journey into the magical world of Gods and Goddesses, heroes and demons. Diwali (or Divali) is the Hindu festival of lights, celebrated as a religious holiday throughout India in mid November. This video has breathtaking animation, jazzy songs and dramatic soundtrack capture the exciting story of Rama and Sita. Contents: 1 videocassette D01321 Easter (2004) Primary/Junior Easter, the most important feast day of Christian religions, is also a celebration for spring and rebirth. In this program, children visit the home of a Polish-American family where they discover the festivities and traditions associated with Easter Sunday. They are introduced to the Greek myth of the seasons, and experience a highspirited Greek festival as dancers perform to joyful music dedicated to the coming of spring. In an arts and crafts segment, children learn how to make their very own Easter Bunny basket from milk cartons. Contents: 1 DVD, 1 teacher’s guide L31413 Easter around the world (1995) Junior/Intermediate Beginning with the pre-Christian festivals which were the precursors to Easter, this program tells the fascinating story of Easter its origins, and how it is celebrated today in different countries around the world. Contents: 1 videocassette D01319 Back to Top Hanukkah. Passover (2004) Primary/Junior Two Jewish celebrations Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, and Passover, a celebration of freedom and renewal are presented to children through illustrated stories, puppets and songs. Youngsters learn about the miracle of the Menorah as they light Hanukkah candles, play games and sing songs, while a traditional Seder meal introduces children to the joy of Passover. A visit to a matzo bakery, performances by Jewish folk singers and a dreidel-making activity capture the joyous nature of these holidays. Contents: 1 DVD, 1 teacher’s guide X11680 Hinduism (2001) Intermediate/Senior Hinduism was born of a civilization that existed nearly 5,000 years ago, around 3,000 B.C.E., in the Indus valley of India. It is believed to be the world’s oldest living religion. Unlike other religions, Hinduism has no single founder and no defined organizations. The religion has maintained its strength in the face of invasion by Muslims, the missionary efforts of Christians, British colonial occupation, and the pressures of social changes in Indian culture. In this program, shot on location in India and the United States, we visit many Hindu sacred places, and get insight into the deities, rituals, and symbols that provide spiritual meaning for the followers of Hinduism. Emphasis is placed on Hinduism in the modern world, from the time of Mahatma Gandhi through present day. Contents: 1 videocassette, 1 study guide, blackline masters L36129 Id-Ul-Fitr (2003) Primary This episode looks at the Islamic celebration of Id-Ul-Fitr, which occurs the first day after Ramadan. The story of this Muslim festival of breaking fast is told and we join a Muslim family as they celebrate. Contents: 1 videocassette L35407 Back to Top In the name of God (2001) Intermediate/Senior/Adult Religion is on the rise with over 20,000 movements worldwide. This wide-ranging documentary casts an objective eye on an unsettling phenomenon to find out what motivates believers and why the trend is. Interviews with individuals who have firsthand experience, other witnesses, expert observers and archival records give viewers a unique window on the new religious landscape. Contents: 2 videocassettes X11679 Islam (2001) Intermediate/Senior The Arabic world Islam means "to surrender". It is derived from the Arabic root word for peace. One of every five people on earth, more than one billion, have chosen to follow the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed, the religion of Islam. It is the world’s fastest growing religion. Because of this, the social, political and economic power of Islam is profound and it is important to understand why the youngest of the world’s religions has attracted so many followers. Segments cover: the history of the faith; the practices of its followers; the art, architecture, and science of Islam; its contemporary role in the world; and the effect of the colonial era on the faith. Shot on locations in India, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, this program provides insight into the heart of a powerful faith. Contents: 1 videocassette, 1 study guide, blackline masters L36130 Janmashtami (2003) Primary This episode looks at the Hindu celebration of Janmashtami. We learn about the Hindu deity Krishna and join a Hindu family as they prepare for Janmashtami, the celebration of Krishna’s birth. We also learn about the foods perpared for this holiday. Contents: 1 videocassette X11676 Back to Top Judaism (2000) Intermediate/Senior Judaism, the world’s oldest monotheistic faith, maintains a continuity of tradition covering 4000 years. This program, shot on location in Israel, Egypt and the United States, traces the history, development, and practice of Judaism from its earliest beginnings to the present. Some of the areas covered are the Torah, Jewish teaching and law, the ancient faith, the practices of Judaism, the Holocaust, the state of Israel, and the Jewish Renewal movement. Contents: 1 videocassette, 1 study guide, blackline masters L32271 Koran:the holy book of Islam (1995) Intermediate/Senior/Adult The Koran is the holy book of the Muslims. Millions of believers around the world rely on its instructions to conduct their religious services and lead their daily lives. This program explores the roots of Muhammad to the year 610 A.D. when God’s word was revealed to him, and shows how the revelations were written down and assembled into a single collection called the Koran. Contents: 1 videocassette D01717 My school in Thailand (2005) Primary/Junior In this episode we visit 12yearold Viron in Thailand to learn about his school, where he lives, his family and lifestyle. Viron is an apprentice monk who lives in a temple area. Much of his time is devoted to study and meditation. Contents: 1 DVD Back to Top D01534 Peace tree (2005) Primary/Junior It’s Christmas Eid! When a little Muslim girl and a young Christian girl dream of celebrating each other’s festivals, Christmas and Eid, they run into problems at home trying to convince their parents that it’s really all about peace. Through their struggles, they create a unique symbol, The Peace Tree, a tree that highlights the symbols of all our cultures and faiths to reflect the beauty of ’diversity in unity’. Produced, written and directed by Mitra Sen. Contents: 1 videocassette, 1 teacher’s guide, 1 information card L35454 Ramadan (1996) Primary/Junior Over one billion Muslim people worldwide observe Ramadan, a month-long religious observance that begins on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Children will experience the beauty of Ramadan as they construct their own Ramadan diorama and hear the exotic sounds of live Islamic and Middle Eastern music to help them discover the significance of song and prayer in the holiday. This program presents the religious principles and traditions that mark the holiest of the Islamic holidays. Children learn the story of Muhammad and the Koran, the meaning of the Five Pillars of Islam, and the importance of fasting, prayer and sacrifice offered in honor of Allah. Contents: 1 videocassette Back to Top X12058 Respecting beliefs : Muslims, Christians, Jews and others (2004) Intermediate/Senior/Adult Religion is a unique force in society, providing individuals and groups with spiritual, emotional, and intellectual guidance, strength and support. Our society in North America is enhanced by the diversity of religious belief systems, yet due to the lack of understanding it is often a source of social tension and intolerance. Left unchecked this can often lead to hatred and violence. In this thought-provoking program, religious tolerance is promoted through exploration of several of the world’s prominent belief-systems. Atheism, as a system of thought based on the nonexistence of god or gods, is also examined. Practical guidelines are offered for nurturing more positive attitudes toward diversity. Contents: 1 videocassette, 1 teacher’s guide D01318 Rosh Hasanah. Yom Kippur (2004) Primary/Junior Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement and Forgiveness, are the two High Holidays of the Jewish calendar. Children are introduced to the deep religious significance of these holidays through a traditional prayer, a Tashlikh ceremony, folk songs and animated fables. They learn what the foods associated with these holidays symbolize, the special clothing that is worn, the importance of the Torah and of performing good deeds throughout the year, as well as how to make greeting cards wishing health and happiness. Contents: 1 videodisk, 1 teacher’s guide L37269 Understanding Sikhs (2004) Primary/Junior Who are the Sikhs? Five centuries ago, they started as the followers of a spiritual teacher who lived in the northwestern part of India. Today, they are a community of about fifteen million people worldwide. This program is an introduction to Sikhism that explains the origins of the religion. It delves into the history of the area and the time from which Sikhism emerged, and also looks at the first of the 10 Gurus Guru Nanak and discusses his significance in the development of the Sikh religion and way of life. Contents: 1 videocassette D02230 World religions : a common journey (2006) Intermediate/Senior/Adult What is religion? How does it reflect the culture in which it exists? And what functions does it serve? There are key questions asked by virtually every human culture. Those questions, and the way different religions go about revealing the answers, shine a light on what all people and cultures have in common. Explore the differences between religion and spirituality and see how they often work hand-in-hand. Discover how religious practices, religious specialists, rituals, and rite of passage serve to answer deeply felt questions. Contents: 1 videocassette, 1 teacher’s guide Back to Top Background Recommended Websites Strategies for School and the Classroom Related Resources Lesson Plans Return Return to to Calendar Calendar MediaNet Professional & K-8 Resources World Religion Day - January 16 15 (3rd Sunday) Use back button in browser to come back to this page after clicking on the links below Professional & K-8 Resources Before you click the link, make sure you are logged into Destiny Learning Resource Centre Resource Lists > World Religions The Christian world. 280 BRO Brown, Alan Published 1984 The Oxford children's A to Z of world religions 291 GAN Ganeri, Anita, 1961- Published 1999 Death customs 291.23 RUS Rushton, Lucy. Published 1992 Diwali 294 .53 6 TOR Torpie, Kate, 1974- Published 2009 The Hindu world. 294.5 BAH Back to Top Bahree, Patricia Published 1982 Hindus and Hinduism 294.5 MIT Mitter, Partha. Published 1982 Diwali 294.53 6 DES Deshpande, Chris. Published 1994 Hindu festivals 294.53 6 KAD Published 1997 Sikhs and sikhism 294.6 KAP Kadodwala, Dilip. Back to Top Kapoor, Sukhbir S. Published 1982 Sikh festivals 294.63 6 COU Coutts, John. Published 1997 The Jewish world. 296 CHA Charing, Douglas Published 1983 Jewish festivals 296.41 WOO Wood, Angela. Published 1997 Back to Top On Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur 296.43 1 FIS Fishman, Cathy. Published 1997 Celebrate Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur 296.43 1 HEI Heiligman, Deborah. Published 2007 Hanukkah 296.43 5 CLA Clark, Anne, 1949- Published 1998 Celebrating Hanukkah 296.43 5 NIE Nielsen, Shelly, 1958Published 1992 The story of Hanukkah 296.43 5 SIM Simon, Norma. Published 1997 Back to Top A picture book of Passover 296.43 7 ADL Adler, David A. Published 1982 The family treasury of Jewish holidays 296.43 DRU Drucker, Malka. Published 1994 I am a Jew 296.74 LAW Lawton, Clive. Published 1985 Ramadan 297 .36 2 ALO Aloian, Molly. Published 2009 Back to Top Islam 297 PEN Penney, Sue. Published 2001 The Muslim world 297 TAM Tames, Richard. Published 1982 Muslim festivals 297.36 COO Cooper, Jane. Published 1989 Ramadan 297.36 GHA Published 1996 Ghazi, Suhaib Hamid. Back to Top