Exploring the value of adventurousness through the story of Moses and the Parting of the Red Sea from the Jewish, Christian and Islamic traditions.
The video
KRISSI: Hi, I'm Krissi and this is the exciting story of Moses crossing the Red Sea. Hi.
KIDS: Hi.
KRISSI: There once was a man called Moses, a good and honest man, and he was leading a big group of people called the Israelites away from Egypt on a journey into the unknown.
Ah, a map. Thank you.
Ah, the unknown. This way! Oh, no, sorry, this way.
As Moses led the people through the sandy desert, they were in a hurry, because they were not alone on their journey. They were being chased by soldiers.
SOLDIER: Over there! Quick march!
KRISSI: Come on!
This way! No, sorry, this way.
And then, Moses and the people got stuck. Woah, they'd reached the sea, the Red Sea! It wasn't actually red, that was just its name.
KIDS: [LAUGH]
KRISSI: They couldn't go forwards, and they couldn't go back.
SOLDIER: There they are! Forwards on the double!
KRISSI: They were running out of time. And that was when something amazing happened. Moses raised his stick over the water and suddenly a great wind blew…and then the sea parted.
KIDS: Wow!
KRISSI: Well, the people had never walked across the seabed before, but with Moses leading them, they decided to be adventurous and trust him. Follow me!
The people hurried across the dry path between the two walls of water. There were so many of them, it took a long time to cross.
When at last they'd all made it, Moses joined his people. He put up his hand again and the sea covered up the path. So, now the soldiers couldn't chase them anymore.
KIDS: Yay!
KRISSI: By following Moses and being adventurous, they had walked through the sea. So then, they danced and were happy.
Thank you for helping tell this treasure story. It's from the Bible, the Quran and the Torah. See you again soon.
ALL: Bye!
This story can be found in the Torah, Bible and Qur’an.
Moses (Moshe / Musa) was a good, honest man who was leading the Israelites out of Egypt. But Pharaoh - the ruler of Egypt - had changed his mind about freeing the Israelites and they were being chased by his soldiers through the desert. Moses and the people were trapped with The Red Sea in front of them and the Egyptian soldiers following behind.
Moses raised his stick over the water and a great wind blew which parted the sea. Moses led the Israelites along the seabed between the walls of water. Once safely on the other side, Moses brought the water back down. The Israelites were then safe from the soldiers.
Moses and the Israelites trusted in God which helped them to be adventurous and take a risk. This can help us to reflect on the value of adventurousness.
Video questions
- What group of people was Moses leading? (The Israelites)
- Where did Moses lead them first? (Through the desert)
- Why did they get stuck? (They reached the Red Sea and couldn't cross it)
- What amazing thing happened next? (Moses raised his stick and the sea parted creating a path)
- Where had the people never crossed before? (They'd never crossed the sea bed before)
- Why could the soldiers not follow the Israelites? (Moses raised his stick and the sea covered up the path)
Teacher Notes
Expand on the story of Moses to include the story of the 'Basket in the Bulrushes', 'Moses and the Burning Bush', and the 'Plagues and the Exodus'. Children could create a storyboard or a life map to show key events in Moses’ life.
Explore the festival of Pesach (Passover) and taste some of the foods from the Seder discussing what they represent.
Discuss how Moses heard the voice of God and then tried to do everything God wanted him to do. What does it mean to follow your belief?
Why is this story important for Jews (Moshe), Muslims (Musa) and Christians (Moses)?
Locate the stories in different sacred texts.
Reflect on the question: what does 'freedom' mean to you?
Find out about the work of a charity helping refugees locally or internationally.
Curriculum Notes
This short film will be relevant for teaching KS1 Religious Education in England and Northern Ireland, the Curriculum for Wales (particularly RVE as part of Humanities), and Early and 1st Level Religious and Moral Education in Scotland.
Further resources
Related BBC Teach content
Assembly - Moses - an assembly considering what makes a great leader and telling the story of the Exodus
Assembly - Moses and the 10 Commandments - Moses vlogs about receiving the Torah on Mount Sinai in this modern version of the story