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).

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?
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?