| Born of the Spirit Series |
Grade 4- Units 1-3 |
| (Religious Education) |
Come and See |
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KEY LEARNINGS/ EXPECTATIONS |
SAMPLE DEMONSTRATIONS/ ACTIVITIES |
LANGUAGE FOR REPORTING |
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UNIT 1
The Church Hands on the Good News
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– understand that the Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus to form a new people: the Church
– recognize that Pentecost is a story of new beginnings
– know how to find scripture passages in the Bible
– experience how the Church reveres the Bible as the Word of God
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– express how the Church community has treasured and hands on the Bible from one generation to the next – design a symbol of new beginnings which is a reminder of Pentecost
– find several scripture passages using reference formulas
– prepare a special place in the classroom for a Bible enthronement |
· (name of student) has learned through experience the skills needed to locate scripture passages in the Bible
· understands how the stories of Jesus provide images of God and the reign of God
· is growing in the ability to explain how the Holy Spirit helps us to remember the good news of Jesus
· knows how the Church has treasured and handed on the Scriptures from one generation to the next
· explored the New Testament and learned how to find passages from the four gospel writers
· demonstrates a willingness to listen to another point of view
· learned the Good Shepherd psalm as an expression of trust in God’s loving care |
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UNIT 2
The Good News About Jesus Christ |
– discover how the Church is the community of Jesus’ friends gathered and united in the Holy Spirit
– explore how the Holy Spirit helps us to remember the Good News of Jesus
– recognize how the first followers encountered Jesus
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– discuss the action of the Holy Spirit in the early Christian community through scripture research and make connections to the Church today
– write individual or favourite memories about Jesus in the Gospels
– role play the call of the apostles as found in the Gospels of Matthew and John |
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UNIT 3
Jesus Tells Us About the Reign of God |
– understand the meaning and use of parables by Jesus the storyteller
– discover how Jesus’s parables provide images of the kingdom of God and reveal the joy and compassion of God |
– enter into parables through creative activities, e.g. song, story-telling, drama, art,
– re-enact kingdom stories in oral, written, and picture form – rewrite a parable using Reader’s Theatre – take the moral message from a parable and create a dramatic re-enactment of the message for people of today |
| Born of the Spirit Series | Grade 4- Units 4-7 |
| (Religious Education) | Come and See |
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KEY LEARNINGS/ EXPECTATIONS |
SAMPLE DEMONSTRATIONS/ ACTIVITIES |
LANGUAGE FOR REPORTING |
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UNIT 4
A Light Shines in the Darkness
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- recognize the symbolism of light and darkness - understand that hope brings light into the darkness in people’s lives
- recognize Advent as a season of waiting in hope
- discover the promise of light in the message of John the Baptist
- discover how John the Baptist bears witness to the light
- identify people of light in the lives of students
- discover ancestors who hoped for the coming of the Messiah |
- explore experiences of light and darkness in story and art - hear and reflect upon the story of Chief Dan George, a light in the darkness and a symbol of hope for his people - contribute to hopes and dreams for a better world expressed by the children of Canada - gather around the Advent Wreath to experience the symbols of light and hope in weekly ritual - participate in an Advent ritual, which includes John the Baptist’s message in the gospel of Luke - identify John the Baptist as a messenger of hope - dramatize John the Baptist’s interactions with those who ask for guidance in preparing for the coming of the Messiah - read John 1.6-9, which states how John the Baptist bore witness to the light who was Jesus - decipher codes to discover how John described himself in relation to Jesus - prepare a candle decoration for people who bring light to students’ lives to be given at Christmas - prepare symbols to decorate a Jesse Tree based upon selected scripture stories - celebrate the light and hope of Advent in the stories of Jesse Tree figures - be introduced to Jesus as the Light of the world |
· (name of student) can describe the spirit of Advent as a season of light and hope
· _______________ knows the special role John the Baptist played in preparing a way for the Messiah
· ________________ understands how John the Baptist bore witness to Jesus the light
· ________________ is aware through the stories of Jesse Tree figures how the ancestors of Jesus longed for the Messiah
· ________________ can identify the symbol of light in the stories of the Nativity and the Magi
· _______________ has gained knowledge of Jesus’ land and people
· ________________ understands how Jesus’ faith grew out of the faith and traditions of his community
· ________________ can describe Jesus’ relationship with the Father
· ________________ has a sense of Jesus’ mission and the way he lived it out
· ________________ can recognize in Jesus’ actions signs of the kingdom of God |
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UNIT 5
Jesus, Born of a Woman
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- appreciate the symbol of light in the celebration of the Nativity
- recognize the meaning of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
- deepen experience of Jesus as light
- grow in awareness of Jesus’ land and people
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- identify people of light in students’ Christmas celebrations - explore the story of the Magi focusing on the importance of light in the form of the star - enter into the story in Luke 2:22-40 and see how Jesus was revealed as a light for all people - prepare an imaginary newspaper interview with Mary about her experience of the Presentation based on Luke 2.22-40 - write a poem on the theme of Jesus as light - make candles to be used as part of a celebration of light - research the geography of the Holy Land highlighting places of importance in the life of Jesus |
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UNIT 5
(cont’d)
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- situate Jesus in his own land and people
- become aware of rituals that are part of a Jewish family meal
- learn how Jesus’ faith grew out of the faith and traditions of the community
- recognize Jesus’ eagerness to learn about Jewish faith and traditions |
- describe details about life in Jesus’ day - read about life in Nazareth to understand more about Jesus’ family and community life
- experience sharing a Jewish meal together to taste and see more of Jesus’ life and family
- hear about sacred times and places in Jesus’ community life
- enter into the story of when Jesus was twelve years old - hear about Jesus’ growing relationship with God, his Father - duplicate items related to the prayer life of the Jewish people |
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UNIT 6
Jesus Reveals the Com- passion of God
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- become aware of how Jesus was filled with the power of God’s Spirit
- recognize signs of the kingdom in student’s own community
- learn about the many ways in which Jesus brings hope and healing to people
- become aware of how Jesus discovered what his Father wanted of him
- identify with the awe and wonder of the biblical people who witnessed Jesus’ miracles
- celebrate the wonderful works of God in Jesus
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- enter into the story of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist in which the Spirit came upon Jesus - hear Jesus announce his mission in the synagogue at Nazareth - discuss the signs of the kingdom Jesus revealed in his proclamation of his mission
- work with families to list signs of God’s kingdom in the neighbourhood, parish, and the wider community - contribute to a class newspaper on “The kingdom today”
- read and share scripture stories of how Jesus went about doing good - express these stories in art form - make note of whom and how Jesus helped the people involved
- observe how Jesus always found time to find a place to be alone and pray
- reread the healing stories of Jesus with a focus on the reaction of the crowds - become one of the crowd through guided imagery or drama
- participate in planning and preparing a ritual celebration
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| Born of the Spirit Series | Grade 4- Units 4-7 |
| (Religious Education) | Come and See |
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KEY LEARNINGS/ EXPECTATIONS |
SAMPLE DEMONSTRATIONS/ ACTIVITIES |
LANGUAGE FOR REPORTING |
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UNIT 7
Jesus says, “I am the Way”
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- recognize Lent as a prayerful time for Christians to prepare for Easter
- make a connection between wind and the movement of the Spirit in people’s lives
- witness Jesus teach Nicodemus about baptism and the Holy Spirit
- recognize the importance of water
- deepen awareness of how Jesus is living water
- identify with Philip’s desire to know the Father
- deepen understanding of how Jesus and the Father are one
- come to know Jesus better, not just about Jesus |
- recall signs and symbols of Lent - discuss briefly the traditional practices of Lent: prayer, fasting and almsgiving
- recall how Jesus was filled with the power of the Spirit
- enter into and reflect upon the story of Nicodemus’ visit with Jesus - compare the story of Nicodemus with “The Tale of the Little River” highlighting how both stories tell us something about being born again in baptism
- explore some of the ways water functions in the world - reflect on water as a gift - explore through story how people can be sources of water for each other
- enter into the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:4-42) - describe the change in the Samaritan woman when Jesus provides her with the living water that is himself - review the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman through a scripture word search (cf. Activity page 21)
- read John 14.6-11 to learn about Philip’s request, “Lord, show us the Father”
- reflect on Jesus’ response to Philip’s question - weave “The Father and I are one” placemats
- work in groups on a specific aspect of Jesus’ life to recall what students have learned about him in relation to their topic - depict the Jesus students have come to know through decorating a branch of a Jesus tree based on the topic of their research - reflect on and personally respond to Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am?”
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· ________________ is aware of the meaning of Lent and some of its symbols and traditions
· ________________ knows the details of the stories of Jesus’ encounters with Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman
· ________________ has a deeper knowledge of Jesus through story and personal experience
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| Born of the Spirit Series | Grade 4- Units 8-10 |
| (Religious Education) | Come and See |
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KEY LEARNINGS/ EXPECTATIONS |
SAMPLE DEMONSTRATIONS/ ACTIVITIES |
LANGUAGE FOR REPORTING |
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UNIT 8
Jesus Gives His Life for Us
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- realize that Jesus had enemies in spite of his goodness and care for others
- recognize Jesus’ faithfulness in the face of opposition
- grow in understanding of the events of Holy Week
- deepen awareness of how Jesus loved and served others
- recognize Jesus’ gift of himself in service of others and in the Eucharist
- become aware of how the Byzantine Rite celebrates the major events of Holy Week and Easter (optional)
- deepen understanding of the story of the passion of Jesus
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- locate and explore specific Scripture passages that describe opposition to Jesus
- discuss Jesus’ decision to risk the dangers of going to Jerusalem in fidelity to his faith, his Father’s will and those he came to serve
- dramatize the story of Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday - find and reflect upon Scriptural references which focus on some of the significant events of Jesus’ last week of life on earth
- enter respectfully into a ritual of foot washing in imitation of Jesus and his apostles at the Last Supper
- reflect on how, at the Last Supper, Jesus gave an example of service and the gift of the Eucharist to share with one another - discuss how, in the Eucharist, we receive the gift of Jesus’ body and blood and are sent forth to serve others as he did - contribute to a mural or display of ways to give oneself to others in imitation of Jesus
- engage in information sharing, story and activities highlighting Byzantine ritual and customs
- through Scripture and ritual, enter into the Stations of the Cross - create a clay impression of a personally chosen aspect of the passion story - make a Stations of the Cross booklet (cf. Blackline Master)
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· ( name of student ) has exhibited increased skills in researching scripture
· _______________ has shown a deeper understanding and appreciation of Jesus’ gift of himself
· _______________ is able to see the connection between Jesus’ gifts of love and service and the call to imitate his example
· _______________ has become aware of many of the ritual events of Holy Week
· _______________ is familiar with the details of post resurrection scripture stories
· _______________ has grown in the ability to articulate who Jesus is
· _______________ is aware of how the followers of Jesus are called into a relationship of trust with God
· _______________ knows the details of the events surrounding the Pentecost story
· _______________ can give examples of how the Holy Spirit helps people continue the mission of Jesus
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UNIT 9
My Lord and My God
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- become familiar with the details of events and experiences of Jesus’ followers in the days after his death
- recognize that as the risen Christ, Jesus continued his ministry of love and service
- experience the joy of the resurrection
- witness Jesus’ love and forgiveness
- deepen understanding of the message of Easter that the risen Jesus is Lord
- know the story of how Jesus ended his stay among us on earth and ascended into heaven
- grow in understanding of who Jesus is
- recognize Psalm 139 as a song of trust in God’s loving presence
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- enter into the stories of the first Easter morning in the gospels of Luke and John - write an acrostic poem using the word EASTER based on the events of the first Easter - mime the resurrection stories from Luke 24.1-11 and John 20.3-10
- express in art or in writing impressions of the post-resurrection story of the breakfast on the shore (John 21.1-12) - identify the familiar actions of Jesus that helped his friends to recognize him after the resurrection
- help to plan and celebrate the joy of Ester in an Alleluia party to be shared with special guests
- enter into the story of Peter’s confession of love for Jesus through scripture (John 21.15-19), role play or music
- discuss how the disciples came to believe in Jesus as Lord based upon scriptural stories of Jesus’ appearances after the resurrection - dramatize news interviews with the disciples after Jesus post-resurrection appearances - identify through role play with Thomas the apostle in both his doubt and in his profession of faith
- through guided imagery join the disciples in their final meeting with the risen Jesus in Galilee and their joyful response to his presence in their lives
- articulate a personal response to Jesus’ question, “Who do you say I am?” - share responses or reflections on who Jesus is with the class in the context of communal prayer
- illustrate the verses of Psalm 139 individually or as part of a mural - express the ideas of Psalm 139 through gesture |
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UNIT 9
(cont’d)
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- understand more fully how deeply Jesus trusted his Father
- - recognize that the followers of Jesus are invited into a relationship of trust with God |
- recall specific situations from the gospels in which Jesus showed his trust in God
- hear Jesus pray at the last Supper for his friends to be one as he and the Father are one - express through art how it feels to be in close relationship with the family of God - help to plan and take part in a ritual to celebrate belonging to God’s circle of friends |
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UNIT 10
Who Do You Say that I Am?
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- recognize how Jesus kept his promise to send the Holy Spirit
- deepen awareness that receiving the Holy Spirit gives people the power to continue the mission of Jesus
- understand how Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist –Christian Initiation– is a response to the good news of Jesus
- recognize how people, empowered by the Spirit, are witnesses to Jesus
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- recall the details of the Pentecost story - identify some of the things that happened as a result of the coming of the Spirit on the first Pentecost
- locate and explore passages in the Acts of the Apostles which describe how the early Christians lived in the Spirit - create dioramas or murals of scenes in the life of the early Church - reflect on ways people live in the power of God’s Spirit today continuing the work of Jesus
- explore the experience of Peter’s Pentecost sermon and the baptism and coming of the Spirit on all those who believed - present an imaginary T.V. news story or article based on an interview with one of the people who witnessed the first Pentecost - complete a crossword puzzle activity based on the story of Pentecost in Acts 2.1-41 (cf. Blackline Master)
- identify people encountered throughout the year in Scripture, life or story who show others how to be followers of Jesus - recall how they showed their faith in Jesus through what they said and did
- articulate how a personally chosen witness helped students to know Jesus better
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UNIT 10
(cont’d) |
- become aware of how witnesses to Jesus from the time of the Apostles professed their faith by sharing the Creed
- understand that Christians express their faith in Jesus not only in words but in action by continuing his mission of love
- bear witness to the class’ experience of the Lord during the course of the year
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- explain how the Creed was like a secret code expressing what the followers of Jesus believed - join in praying and reflecting on the statements of belief in the Apostle’s Creed - write personal statements of belief about Jesus
- reflect on how, through the power of the Spirit, students can be witnesses to the Jesus they have come to know and believe in - recall concrete things students have done during the year to show their faith in Jesus and continue his mission of love
- brainstorm to identify the highlights of the year and decide on creative ways to share them with invited guests as a way of spreading the good news of Jesus |
· _______________ has learned about the content and importance of the Creed |