‘Instantly fascinating! ..A must have for early years – but be warned, year 1 and 2 teachers will have their beady eyes on it too!’

‘Festivals and Festivals 2 are excellent resources, enabling teachers and young children to gain accurate insight into the world’s major festivals. Children can easily relate the practices shown to their own life experience, whether they belong to a faith group or not. The ‘real life’ aspect of the films ensures that the different festivals become relevant and accessible to the young child – a marvellous achievement… The films showing the preparation, the excitement and enjoyment of other young children encourages empathy and understanding. The pace, tone and clarity of the narrator is ideal to keep the young child engaged and focussed. The DVD format allows for use in different settings and groupings, from small groups with laptops to projected images for classroom or assembly. The posters, simple story and print materials, are useful for displays or to revisit this part of the festival. This resource successfully presents information to young children, providing opportunities to recognise similarities and differences with the chosen festivals’.

‘These are the best resources I have ever bought!’

‘In each case, a short documentary-style programme follows a young child celebrating the festival at home and at school. The strength of this approach is that it shows the celebrations in context. The children are presented as part of a wider community. The customs may seem excotic, but they are shown against the familiar backdrop of Southall, Manchester and Liverpool. And the range of activities – at home and at school – with parents, neighbours and classmates – helps to get across the rich and varied nature of each celebration. The school activities provide plenty of opportunities for first-hand experience. Children wonder at baby chicks, plant little gardens and make music. And, although the programmes are aimed at very young children, there is a real spiritual dimension…As part of the celebration of the Buddhist festival of Wesak, children make a thinking house where they can sit and meditate. During Lent they make a promises tree and think about becoming a better person. Highly recommended’

‘Truly inspirational, because the films are shot through the eyes of children’.

‘Superb..What makes the films so powerful is the role given to children. We see festivals through their eyes and you get a real sense of being part of their world and wanting to join in. These resources have been richly praised and it is easy to see why. They celebrate and communicate diversity perfectly and engender an excitement and appreciation in young learners for the lifestyles and traditions of others. The films have been very well thought out and expertly made…. They are informative, full of life and contain some delightful moments and experiences for children to share in. ..…After watching one of the Festivals collections you feel on a bit of a high. You want to use it because you know it will make a difference…Excellent’.