Description:

Teachers often report that they have difficulties integrating learning about the eastern religious into their RE, just as they have integrated secular philosophies such as Humanism.

With belief systems so different from monotheisms and, in the case of Hinduism, with a dazzling internal diversity, knowing how to present a meaningful picture of them can be daunting. In the case of key stages 1 to 3, this can often be compounded by a focus on ceremonies, celebrations and stories which many adherents of these worldviews may find unrepresentative of the nature of their beliefs. This feeling seems to partly motivate ‘Primary Hinduism’, which presents Hinduism from a Hindu perspective with great clarity and range, weaving stories from the Hindu tradition into explanation of the Hindu into its presentation with verve.

By presenting Hinduism in a Hindu voice, which also strives to be a comprehensive one, it acts as a good introduction to the basis of Hindu belief, which it builds up with the stories featured to give a greater understanding of how these beliefs guide actions and what they mean to those who hold them.

The content is clearly based approaches which the author and editor have found useful speakers on Hinduism to schools and gives the text a directness which, together with its authentic voice, is a great strength.

This would be particularly useful to schools who cannot afford Hindu speakers. The illustrations accompanying the text are colourful and appealing, and the accompanying endnotes which highlight learning objectives as well as suggesting classroom activities will be useful.

Andrew Copson BHA