Flight As A Symbol

All of our RE units allow you to learn about 1 or 2 religions whilst following a concept. This unit will allow you to explore stories in Islam and Christianity related to the concept, FLIGHT.

It has 5 steps:

Step 1 – Enquire:  What does the word ‘symbol’ mean? How can flight be

a symbol?

• What does the word symbol mean?
• What does the word FLIGHT mean?
• Look these words up to see if your definition is the same as a dictionaries/the internet’s.

• Explore how flight is used in stories and songs.
•  Is the idea of flying in these films/books a symbol? What of?
• What does flight in the story/film/image mean?

(power/another world/magic/supernatural).

• Songs with flying in:

I Wish I could fly

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGnuMxFnc1k

• Again, why have these songs included flying? Is it symbolic?
• Can you think of any other songs that include the concept of flying?

Step 2 – Contextualise:  What does flight symbolise in religious stories?

• Research one of the following stories that show flight as a symbol:

Elijah’s fiery chariot

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyVKpOVSg7Y

https://www.biblewise.com/kids/read/older/elijah-chariot.php

Mohammed’s night journey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afJU-OHEmXk

https://aboutislam.net/family-life/moms-dads/read-story-israa-miraj-kids/

Jesus’ ascension or transcendence

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcFw8pLBSIo

https://gardenofpraise.com/bibl32s.htm

• Draw  pictures, act out your story or write as a poem.

• What does flight symbolise for your story?
• What are the significant differences? What is the same between the different stories?
•  Why is it so important to humankind?

Step 3 – Evaluate:  What is the value of flight as a symbol?

• Is flight a useful symbol? Why/why not? Does it work?
• Would these stories be the same without flight? Why/why not?
•  How important is it for man to be able to fly?

• Read and watch the story of Daedalus and Icarus.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DQ-98Bqazg
• https://greece.mrdonn.org/greekgods/icarus.html Easier version

https://www.greekmyths-greekmythology.com/myth-of-daedalus-and-icarus/  Harder version

• Daedalus and Icarus was the first story about flight but it has become the most famous and popular.
• Why?
• Why did man want to fly to the moon?
• Why does man want to fly to outer space?
•  What would happen if they couldn’t? Would it matter?

Step 4 – Communicate:  How do I feel about the idea of flying?

• How do you feel about the idea of flying?
• Have you ever dreamed of flying?
• Have they been on a plane? How did they feel?
• Have you ever had any odd experiences or dreams or flying or seeing yourself from a height? How did it feel? Why might you have dreamt this?

Step 5 – Apply:  How do our responses to flight affect ours and others’ lives?

• Is the symbol of flight always good?
• Does it mean the same to different people?
• Discuss why do people join in the annual flying off the pier each year when they don’t usually succeed?