Grade4 Religion Unit 1 Plan
Grade4 Religion Unit 1 Plan
Grade4 Religion Unit 1 Plan
General Outcomes:
How can we answer God’s call to be the one?
LC1: Understand what it means to profess belief in the “One” , “Holy”, “Catholic” and “Apostolic” Church.
LC2: Understand her through the church we are encouraged to live a life of holiness.
LS2: Focus: the common good and stewardship of creation - Demonstrate and understand of how the gifts
received as human beings invite us to be responsible stewards of creation [i.e.. Natural world creation by God] and
to bring about His reign and human community [i.e.. Common good of societies and nations of the earth].
PR1: Understand how Jesus pray to God His Father and how he teaches us to express our prayers to God.
PR2: Understand witness of Jesus i.e. his life, teaching and ministry, which have influenced the many forms of
Christian prayer and also the expressions of prayer in the liturgy.
Critical Inquiry Question
How can we answer God’s call to be one?
Rationale:
This unit focuses on the student’s individual relationship with God and how that relationship can be
strengthened through community, the sacraments and prayer. The lessons tend to repeat themselves in
terms of structure: Chaplet, definitions, activity, and reflection. I followed the teachers guide for the
textbook “Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ.” The lessons are very detailed and look as thought they
would take approximately an hour to complete. Due to time constraints I took what I consider to be the
most vital portions of lesson. I followed their outline pretty closely up until Advent, which is where we
moved away from that structure and focused more on activities to do with the Advent season. Most days
include group work which will allow students to collaborate on one another’s ideas and form strong
classroom culture. After this unit, students will feel prepared to complete the sacrament of Reconciliation.
Lesson Overview
Lesson 1 - How are we called by God to be one? - Sept. 8th
- We will begin class with a discussion on how our unique gifts contribute to our sense of self and the
community. Students may also answer with gifts in talents they see in others as well.
- Explain that we are all unique and that together with all of our varied gifts we create one community of God.
These gifts make a strong community.
- Pass out a puzzle piece template. Students will be instructed to write one gift or talent they process that was a
gift from God. They will be asked to decorate the puzzle piece by colouring it with pencil crayon.
- Students will work with a partner for a think, pair, share activity to discuss the following questions:
- Who is the body of Christ? What does being part of the body of Christ mean? How is the Body of Christ both
human and divine?
- Ask partners to join up with another partnership. The group of four will be assigned one of three of the above
questions. Students will be asked to answer the question on poster paper however they see fit (ie. paragraph
Lesson 2 - We are one in the Body of Christ- Sept. 9th
Lesson 3 - Praying with the Sacramentals in Sacred Spaces helps us to be united in our Faith - Sept. 10th
- Materials - Smart board, glue or tape, prayer table and display objects, scissors
Lesson 4 - The Bible is God’s word and central to our faith - Sept. 13th
- Write the word “Sacred Scripture” on the board and ask students what they think it means.
- Explain to the class that we are going to have an enthronement liturgy for our prayer space.
- Assign students to carry the candle, plant or flowers, the cross, the prayer basket, and the bible.
- Read the enthronement guide on page 43 of the Teacher Resource Binder.
- Ask students to answer the following question in their journal:
- How does joining others to pray in a sacred space help me feel part of our faith community?
Lesson 5 - Our faith comes from the Bible and Church teaching and is professed in the Apostle’s Creed -
Sept. 14th
- As a group ask students what the definition of common and faith are.
- Ask students what it means to have a common faith
- Explain how the Apostle’s Creed is a profession of our faith.
- Learn the Apostle’s Creed together as a class.
- After learning the Apostles Creed have students find two lines that relate to a story from their lives. Have them
add this to their journal under the title “We Learn from the Apostle’s Creed.”
- As a class complete a comparison chart outlining the similarities and differences between the old and new
testament. Ask students why it is important that we learn from both parts of the bible.
- Working in partners have students complete a bible scavenger hunt.
Lesson 6 - How to find scripture passages in the Bible. - Sept. 15th
- Ask students if there was a time that they didn’t understand what the teacher was explaining. Follow up by
asking if the rest of the lesson made sense or if it was difficult to understand.
- Explain that the church helps us to understand the Bible through the homilies of the priest.
- Post the scripture gallery walk around the classroom. Have students walk around and identify what the readings
are. (Historical events, God’s laws, wise sayings, stories, songs and poems.)
- Have students answer the following reflection question in their journal:
- How does understanding the different types of writing in the Bible help us to better use scripture in our lives?
Lesson 8 - The writings of the evangelists tell us about the life and teachings of Jesus- Sept. 17th
- Begin class by reviewing what is included in the New Testament. (Stories of Jesus)
- Write Matthew, Mark, Luke and John on the smart board. Explain that they are the evangelists.
- Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a bible. Assign one evangelist to each group
member. Have them skim the bible to find one story they recognize under each evangelist. Have students record
what they find.
- Next, assign one evangelist to each group. Using pages 20-21 of their student book have students write a
paragraph summarizing the evangelist. Ask students what one of the messages of the evangelist is. On the board
write down the students findings so we can share as a class.
- In the student’s journals have them answer the following reflection question:
- How does belonging to the Catholic Church strengthen me in my faith?
Lesson 9 - Praying unites us and helps us deepen our relationship with God - Sept. 20th
- Ask students what are some of the times they have joined family and friends for special liturgies. (Baptism,
weddings, First Communion, anniversaries)
- Ask students how coming together with friends and family makes them feel connected to one another
- Ask students what prayers we have learned together this year or in previous years. Discuss with student how
having common prayers that we know can help bring us closer to God.
- Have students gather for prayer but this time say it silently to themselves. Ask students if they felt as connected
as when we say it together as a class. Have them reflect on this experience in their journals.
Lesson 10 - How the rituals of faith bring us together - Sept. 21st
- Have a class discussion defining the word ritual. Ask if any students have attended a wedding. What sorts of
things happen at the wedding?
- Have students get together with a partner. Together they will brainstorm what rituals we use for our faith. (Sign
of the cross, holy water, etc.)
- Once students appear complete ask them what sorts of rituals we complete at mass. Add this to their previous
list.
- As a class have students practice the following rituals: kneeling, shaking hands, sign of the cross, tracing for the
gospel, positioning hands for receiving the eucharist. Standing for the gospel and sitting for the homily.
Lesson 11 - The rituals within the parts of Mass unite us. - Sept. 22nd
- Materials - chart paper, tablets, glue, magazines, poster paper, scissors, journals
-
- As a class, make a Venn diagram showing the differences between mass at school and mass at church.
- Split the class into two teams. Play a clue game as a class where a part of mass is described and students have
to guess what part of mass it is.
- In their journals, have students answer the following reflection questions:
- What is the most important part of mass? Why do you think there are so many different names to describe the
mass?
Lesson 12 - We are united with Jesus through the mass - Sept 27th
- Students will be creating a four page booklet. Each page will outline a different part of mass. students will be
asked to include whatever information they think best describes that section of mass with pictures, words, etc.
- Have students colour and decorate the pages.
Lesson 13 - Symbols, Sacred Spaces, and sacramentals used to celebrate sacraments- Sept 28th
- Ask students to define the word initiation. Explain that the sacraments of initiation call us to join the church.
- Using a powerpoint, summarize baptism, first communion and confirmation.
- Using the information int he PowerPoints have students fill in their charts.
- Play sacraments of initiation charades game.
Lesson 15 - How the two sacraments of healing bring God’s grace and forgiveness to members of the Body
of Christ- Sept 30th
- Using a powerpoint review the two sacraments of healing. Have students add the information to their charts
- Put the following two reflection starters on the board:
- The sacraments of healing bring God’s grace and forgiveness through ________________.
- Reconciliation brings me closer to God by ____________________.
- Have students pick one and use the rest of the time to answer in their journal.
Lesson 16 - How the two sacraments of service build up the Body of Christ - October 1st
- Materials - chart paper, pencil crayons, learning about the sacraments chart, sticky notes, journals
- Split the class up into groups. The groups will brainstorm as many ideas as they can of “holiness.”
- After place the chart paper on the wall and do a gallery walk so students can see what other groups came up
with.
- In their journals have students finish the following prompt, “I can grow in holiness by…”
answer the questions. Afterwards have a class discussion going over everyones answers.
Lesson 19 - Following the Ten Commandments helps us to live holy lives- October 6th
Lesson 20 - Jesus’ great commandments help us to grow in holiness as one. - October 7th
- Read page 37 of the student book. Explain that Jesus has been talking about God and the Great Resurrection.
- As a class, discuss what connections can be made between the Ten Commandments and the Great
Commandments.
- Split students into small groups. Give them each a piece of chart paper. Students should write the sentence
stems on page 116 on their chart paper. As a group they will work to finish the sentences.
- Afterwards they will record the sentences in their journals.
Lesson 21 - How our conscience can help us make good decisions. - October 8th
Lesson 22 - We can make better choices by training our conscience - October 12th
- Using the Acting On Our Conscience worksheet, assign each group one of the situations to role-play. Have
them brainstorm options for each scenario for both positive and negative choices.
- Allow each group to perform their scenario and then present their arguments for each choice.
- After have students brainstorm 2-3 questions they could ask themselves before making a good decision. Record
in their journals.
- Materials - Charts from day 1 and 2, drawing materials, sheets of paper, journals
Lesson 22 - We can make better choices by training our conscience - October 12th
- As a class we will popcorn read the “Conversion and Holiness on page 40-41 in the student book.
- Have students discuss the following questions with a partner: illustrations in the student book reflect the use of
conscience? Why was the choice to take the phone wrong? Why do you think the person in the story changed
their mind about keeping the phone? What do you think happens over time if we don't let our conscience guide
us? What does conversion mean?
- Have students record their answers in jot notes in their journal.
- Explain to students that sometimes we need help when deciding what to do. Explain who St. Francis is and
have students write him a letter in their journals asking for advice on a problem they are currently having.
- Have students read God Forgives on page 41 of their student books. Working with a partner have them answer
the following questions: why do we choose to do something even though we know what is wrong? The text
says that God knows we won't be perfect but he wants to be faithful. What do you think that means? How does
God help us? Sometimes we follow what others are doing rather than making her own choices. Who would be a
good role model for us today? Why are they good role models?
- Read students the parable of the Prodigal Son.
Lesson 25 - The parable of the lost sheep applies to our lives today - October 19th
- Read students the story of the Lost Sheep from page 42-43 of their student book.
- As a class discuss the following questions: if you were a member of the crowd, how did you feel when you
heard what jesus was saying? How do you think the tax collectors and sinners who were in the crowd felt about
what you said about them? What was the parable about? Why was the crowd not against Jesus spoke?
- In their journals, ask students to rewrite the parable as if it were happening today.
Lesson 26 - God searches for us when we are lost and shows mercy to sinners - October 20th
- Materials - chart paper, modernized lost sheep stories from day 1, journals, paper and envelopes
- Ask students to meet with a partner and swap stories from the day prior.
- Read the parable of the lost coin together as a class. Have students turn to their partner and retell the story in a
modern context.
- Ask how the parable of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin are similar.
- In their journals have students write a letter to God thanking him for always searching for them when they are
lost.
- Ask students to close their eyes and visualize holding a cloth bag over their shoulder. Ask them to think of one
small lie they told. When they told a lie they added a stone to the bag. Ask students how they would feel when
their bag becomes very full. Explain that this is like conversion.
- Using a powerpoint, explain the steps of reconciliation.
Lesson 28 - When we have sinned we can turn back to God through an examination of conscience. -
October 22nd
- Lead students in a small reconciliation liturgy. Follow the guides on pages 148 and 149 of the teacher’s guide.
Lesson 29 - We can grow in holiness through prayer - October 25th
- Invite students to read the scripture passage Jeremiah 29:13 on student book page 47.
- Ask students : When Jeremiah writes “When you search for me you will find me.” Who is he referring to?
- Tell students that they are going to do a word search. Write the following words on the board : appreciate, time,
bonds, shares, trust.
- Have students discuss with a partner how this relates to their relationships with their friends and families and
then how it relates to their relationships with God.
- As students to begin thinking of ways that they might engage in personal prayer.
- Using another jigsaw activity divide students into groups of six. One student will be assigned a single way to
pray. They will have to answer several discussion questions. When all the individuals have explained their
assigned way, come back together as a class for a brief group discussion.
- Display the ways to pray chart on the smart board. Ask students to add additional information to their
notebooks.
- As a class, we will work through a number of different prayers. Students will be asked to choose their favourite
one and answer the following reflection questions in their journal: how did the reading make you feel? What
did you learn from your flexion on the scripture? How can the prayer help you?
Lesson 25 - The parable of the lost sheep applies to our lives today - October 19th
- Ask students to write down the name of a saint that they know on a piece of paper and crumple it into a ball.
Ask students to stand in a circle. On my count the students will throw their balls into the centre. Once everyone
has tossed theirs into the middle students will go and retrieve another students paper.
- Students will be asked to answer reflection questions regarding how the saints demonstrated holiness in their
journals.
Lesson 34 - Holiness modelled by St. Francis and St. Clare - November 3rd
- Ask students to read the feature about St. Francis and St. Clare on page 53 of their student books.
- Ask students how the two saints match the description.
- Tell students that they are now allowed to choose any saint they want to research. They will answer the same
research questions as the day prior.
- Ask students to read page 54 of their student books. They will need to answer the following questions with a
partner based on the reading.:
- What is a soul? What part of us is eternal? What happens to our souls after we die? How do you think the souls
in heaven feel? Why would some souls spend time in purgatory? What is hell? What does God want for us all?
Lesson 36 - Celebrating the saints since they inspire us to be holy- November 5th
- Locate Italy (where St. Francis and St. Clare lived), Jerusalem (Jesus) and Canada on a map.
- Ask students to reflect on how God’s word and scripture have been passed down over time and around the
world. Ask students to research where their Saint that they chose to research was born.
- Ask students to write a message that they think their saint would want to communicate to our class in their
journal. The message should reflect the life of the saint and something they did to demonstrate holiness.
Lesson 37 - We are to put God before our earthly possessions. - November 8th
- Write “The Rich Young Man” on the smart board. Ask students to speculate what the story might be about.
- Ask students to get with a partner. One partner should read the speech bubbles and the other should read for the
rich young man. Ask students the reflection questions on page 189 of the teacher’s guide.
- Ask students to answer the following reflection question in their journal: Do you think the rich young man
made a good or poor choice? Why?
Lesson 38 - We have a responsibility to work for the common good. - November 9th
- Ask students to recall the gifts of the holy spirit that they learned in grade 3.
- As a class, read the story of St. Paul. Ask students to share how some parts of the Body of Christ might be
hurting.
- Ask students to create their own definition for the common good in their journals.
- Have students read the scripture passage on page 58 of their student book. Have students give examples for
gifts, services and activities in a class discussion.
Lesson 39 - How can we work for the common good? - November 10th
- Present the class with the scenario on page 194 of the teachers guide.
- Have students discuss with a partner what they think is fair and unfair about the scenario. Ask students how the
situation could become more fair.
- Ask students to read page 59 of their textbook. Students can then formulate definitions for the words fair, equal
and just.
Lesson 41 - Caring for God’s creation helps us to grow in holiness - November 16th
- Split the class into 8 groups. Write the word “creation” on the board.
- Assign each group a letter and come up with as many examples of God’s creations that begin with that letter on
chart paper.
- As a class look at each group’s answers. Circle any that are endangered.
- Ask students to read page 62-63 of their text and answer the following reflection questions in their journals :
- What does being stewards of creation mean? What is another way to describe stewards of earth? According to
the text, what is one way creation has been harmed? How does polluting water affect the common good? Why
is that a matter of social justice? What are some ways we paid to have clean drinking water?
- Read Psalm 24:1 from the bible. Ask what Pope Francis is telling us about the environment.
- Read page 64 of the student text together as a class. Ask students to answer a few of the questions on page 207
of the Teacher’s Guide with a partner.
Lesson 40 - We can put our faith into action - November 15th
- Have students get together with a partner. Ask students to create a poster advertising the importance of the
river.
- As a class, brainstorm good poster topics. After the posters are complete, do a gallery walk to view everyone’s
work.
Assessment Plan:
Students will be formatively assessed throughout the unit using their student journals, class activities and
class participation. There are a number of activities that can be considered by the teacher to assess student
understanding. Summatively, students will be graded on their Unit Performance Task. Which is outlined
below.
- How can art and music help me learn more about being one Body in Christ?
- How are we one Body in Christ?
- How does the Bible call us to be one people?
- How do we deepen our relationship with God?
- How can we deepen our relationship with God and build the Body of Christ?
- What does it mean to be holy?
- How can we live our lives like the saints and be holy?
- How can we grow in holiness through our actions?
- How does caring for God’s creation help us grow in holiness?