This article explores ways of using sayings to encourage reflection. It shows how young people can examine religious and non-religious quotations to develop a deeper understanding of beliefs or capture shared wisdom. The compilation at the end is a wonderful RE resource in itself.

Suggestions are included for using proverbs, epithets and other forms of quotation for the celebration. A ‘saying of the week’ might form part of the school’s collective worship programme. Other ideas include the creation of a sayings wall, inviting the whole school community to contribute, encouraging pupils to consider a religious teaching and write a short epithet that sums it up or using sayings in ranking or sorting activities to explore different beliefs or to be provocative and open a debate.

Download the PDF of ideas in English
Download the PDF of ideas in Welsh