The Abingdon Religious Education Texts. Week-Day School Series. The Beginner's Book in Religion

The Beginner's Book in Religious Education is a new addition to Abingdon Religious Education Texts edited by David G. Downey and is available as a teacher's guide for children aged from four to six. The book is an attempt to interpret the early phases of religious experience for the child. It is vital that the teacher understands the characteristics and needs of the child she is to teach and that the curriculum and teaching methods are based on this knowledge if this religious teaching is to be successful. The book is divided into two parts, the first of which briefly describes the nature of the young child and his religion. The second part consists of sixty-four lessons of religion, divided into three parts: autumn, winter and spring. Many thought-provoking topics can be found among the titles of the lessons, such as: “Getting to know”; “What little children should take care of at home”, “Autumn Treasures”, “The Gift of the Harvest” and “Thanksgiving is Coming.” Each lesson is provided with directions to the teacher under headings such as “Greeting,” “Conversation,” “Song,” “Representative Play,” and “Story in Review.” The illustrations are good, and the handmade diagrams will be useful for the teacher who wants to emphasize this form of expression. Primary school teachers of religion will find the book worth reading.