ST. CYRIL PREP

LESSON PLAN

LEVEL 4

  • Attached is a lesson plan sheet for each chapter in the “Finding God” series.
  • Please follow the Lesson Plan Calendar carefully as each session may be covering different chapters on different weeks, and in some cases the most important part of two chapters, or attending confessions on different weeks.
  • Important dates (masses, 40 hours service, confessions, and Safe Environment lessons) are listed on the Calendar.
  • Copies of Unit Assessments and Teacher black master activities for students have been provided with your teaching materials.
  • Important themes/concepts for Level 4 to accomplish are memorizing the Apostles’ Creed and understanding The Beatitudes by the end of the year. Please incorporate this at beginning of the year and throughout your lessons until the children have this mastered.
  • Coloring activities have been provided to aid the children in learning The Beatitudes. These could be used at the beginning of class by allowing the children to color one page per week (discussion of the Beatitude as well) while waiting for other children to arrive at beginning of class, or could be assigned as homework.
  • A copy of the DVD’s “Close Encounters with the Beatitudes” (Chapter 7) and “The Prodigal Son” (Chapter 13) have been provided for the children to view to go along with those lessons.
  • The lesson plans are designed to be a work sheet for the catechist, with blocks available for notes, and additional creative material he/she chooses to substitute or insert.
  • In this way, with open blocks available on the lesson charts, the catechist is able to transfer information from a previous or other lesson that needs to be accomplished, reviewed, etc. on another session.

Catechist: Level 4 St. Cyril PREP

Lesson
Plan
Steps / Subject: SAFE ENVIRONMENT LESSON
Week of: / INSERT AT SESSION # ??
DATE:MARCH 9, 10 2015
Objective / SAFE ENVIRONMENT
LESSON
“Keeping God’s Children Safe” Lesson / This lesson is mandated by the archdiocese. Lesson plan is provided with your teaching material and must be conducted on the day (week) stated. Intro DVD will be provided for each classroom location. / Use any extra time left after lesson to return to the regular lesson plan.
Objective
Objective
Objective

Catechist: Level 4 St. Cyril PREP

Lesson
Plan
Steps / Week of: / Teacher Notes / Objectives
Welcome students and distribute books and folders using labels provided for each student. / ESTABLISH A PRAYER TABLE. Begin and end each session with prayer. Incorporate the short prayers on first and last page of each session- (praying hand symbol on each page)
CHAPTER 1:
GOD CREATES THE WORLD / Explain that creation is a gift from God and that we are called to give thanks for this gift.
Describe how we can care for the gift of creation.
Define free will, psalm, and soul.
10-15 min
ENGAGE / Unit Saint: Saint Teresa of Avila, pg. 1-2
God Creates the World, pg. 3
30-40 min
EXPLORE / God’s Wonderful Creation, pg. 4
Caring for the Earth, pg. 5
Art Print: Tree of Life / If time allows, have the children complete the blackline master,
T-293 .
Use coordinating activity sheet in student books on pg. 229
REFLECT
15 min
RESPOND
5-10 min / Prayer: God Calls Us to Pray, pg. 6
Thanking God for Creation, pg. 7
Living My Faith, pg. 8 / Use CD 1, Track 6 recorded guided reflection “God’s Wonderful Creation” / If time allows, play CD 2, Track 3 “ Praise to God” and have children sing along with lyrics in student books on pg. 222
Encourage parents to engage their child in “With My Family” activity on pg. 8.

Catechist: Level 4 St. Cyril PREP

Lesson
Plan
Steps / Week 2
Week of: / Teacher Notes / Teacher Notes
Objective / Mass will be celebrated for all afternoon classes this week.
Mass for evening sessions next week. Evening session proceed with next session.
Objective
Objective
Objective
Objective
Assignment

Catechist: Level 4St. Cyril PREP

Lesson
Plan
Steps / Week of: / Teacher Notes / Objectives
CHAPTER 2:
OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN / Explain that God listens to our prayers.
Describe how we can serve the Kingdom of God.
Define Theological Virtues.
ENGAGE
10-MIN / Our Father in Heaven, pg.9
EXPLORE
30-45 min / God Listens to Us, pg. 10
The Kingdom of God, pg. 11
Art Print: The Creation / If time allows, use blackline master, T-294.
Use the coordinating art print activity in student books on pg. 230.
REFLECT
15-20 min / Prayer: Our Faith in God, pg. 12
Faith, Hope, and Charity, pg.13 / Use the Finding God poster: Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love.
RESPOND
5-10 min / Living My Faith, pg.14 / Homework: Encourage parents to help their child complete the “With My Family” section on pg. 14 together.

Catechist: Level 4St. Cyril PREP

Lesson
Plan
Steps / Week of: / Teacher Notes / Objectives
CHAPTER 3:
GOD’S PLAN FOR SALVATION / OCTOBER & MAY ARE MONTHS DEVOTED TO MARY
SET ASIDE SOME TIME DURING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER TO EXPLAIN AND TEACH HOW TO PRAY THE ROSARY- PG. 198-201 IN CHILDREN’S BOOKS / Retell the story of Adam and Eve.
Explain what happens when we give in to temptation.
Identify the Act of Hope as a prayer that expresses hope and trust in God.
Define Salvation.
ENGAGE
10 min / God’s Plan for Salvation, pg. 15 / If time allows, use CD 2, Track 1 and have children sing along to lyrics in their books on pg. 220.
EXPLORE
30-40 min / Adam and Eve, pg. 16-17
Art Print:
Christ the Redeemer / Play the recorded scripture story, “Adam and Eve”, CD 1, Track 1
Have the children complete the blackline master, T-295
Use the coordinating art print page in student books on page 231.
REFLECT
15-20 min / Prayer: Our Hope in God, pg. 18
Using Our Free Will, pg. 19
RESPOND
5-10 min / Living My Faith, pg. 20 / Encourage parents to engage their child using the “With My Family” section on pg. 20 for homework.

Catechist: Level 4 St. Cyril PREP

Lesson
Plan
Steps / Week of: / Teacher Notes / Objectives
CHAPTER 4:
GOD CALLS US TO OBEY / Identify the Fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Explain what we can do to form a good conscience.
Explain why it is important to make a frequent examination of conscience.
Define prudence.
ENGAGE
10 min / God calls us to obey, pg. 21
EXPLORE
30-40 min / The Fruits of the Holy Spirit, pg. 22
Examination of Conscience, pg. 23
Art Print: Dove of the Spirit / Use examination of conscience on pg. 210 in student books.
If time allows, have children complete blackline master, T-296
Use coordinating art print page in student books on pg. 232.
REFLECT
15-20 min / Prayer: Making Good Choices, pg. 24
A Helping Hand, pg. 25
RESPOND
5-10 min / Living My Faith, pg. 26 / Encourage parents to engage their child using the “With My Family” section on pg. 26 for homework.

Catechist: Level 4 St. Cyril PREP

Lesson
Plan
Steps / Week of: / Teacher Notes / Objectives
CHAPTER 5: CELEBRATING ORDINARY
TIME, pg. 27
UNIT 1 ASSESSMENT / Allow time for students to complete the Unit 1 Assessment, or assign as homework. / Explain when the Church celebrates Ordinary Time.
State that we are called to share Christ’s light with others.
Define discipleship.
ENGAGE
10 min / Celebrating Ordinary Time, pg. 27
EXPLORE
25-30 min / We Grow in Virtue During Ordinary Time, pg. 28 / If time allows have children complete blackline master, T- 297
REFLECT20-25min / Mass During Ordinary Time, pg. 29
Art Print: Those That Don’t See / Use the coordinating art print page in student books on pg. 233
RESPOND
5-10 min / Living My Faith, pg. 30 / Encourage parents to engage their child using the “With My Family” section on pg. 30 for homework.

Catechist: Level 4 St. Cyril PREP

Lesson
Plan
Steps / Week of: / Teacher Notes / Objectives
CHAPTER 6:
JESUS, LAW OF LOVE,
Pg. 33 / Explain Jesus’ law of love.
Name ways to share Jesus’ love with others.
Explain how the Holy Spirit helps us live out Jesus’ new commandments.
Define fortitude and Torah.
ENGAGE
10 min / Unit Saint:
Saint John Baptiste Vianney, pg. 31-32
Jesus’ Law of Love, pg. 33
EXPLORE
30-40 min / The New Commandment, pg. 34
Help from the Holy Spirit, pg.35
Art Print:
Saint Vincent de Paul / Play CD 2, Track 5, “Open Our Ears, O Faithful People” using lyrics in student books on pg. 223
If time allows have students complete blackline master, T-301
Use coordinating art print page in student books on pg. 234
REFLECT
15-20 min / Prayer: A Prayer of Love, pg. 36
Acting with Love, pg. 37
RESPOND
5-10 min / Living My Faith, pg. 38 / Encourage parents to engage their child using the “With My Family” section on pg. 38 for homework.

Catechist: Level 4 St. Cyril PREP

Lesson
Plan
Steps / Week of: / Teacher Notes / Objectives
CHAPTER 7:
THE BEATITUDES, pg. 39 / THE BEATITUDES WILL BE COVERED OVER THE NEXT TWO WEEKS IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE SURE THE CHILDREN UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANT MEANING OF THE CONCEPTS. / Explain that we help build up the Kingdom of God by living out the Beatitudes.
Identify how we can practice the Beatitudes in our lives.
Define the Sermon on the Mount
ENGAGE
10 min / The Beatitudes, pg. 39
EXPLORE
30-40 min / Jesus Fulfills the Law, pg. 40
Living the Beatitudes, pg. 41
Art Print: Removing the Thorn / If time allows, use the blackline master from pg. T-302
Use the coordinating art print activity sheet in children’s books on pg. 235
REFLECT
15-20 min / Prayer: A Peacemaker’s Prayer, pg. 42
Serving the Needs of Others, pg. 43 / Use the recorded guided reflection, “The Prayer of St. Francis”, CD-1, Track 7
Use the Finding God poster, The Beatitudes
RESPOND
5-10 min / Living My Faith, pg. 44 / Have the children find the Sermon on the Mount in the book of Matthew 5: 2-10 / Encourage parents to engage their child using the “With My Family” section on pg. 44 for homework.

Catechist: Level 4 St. Cyril PREP

Lesson
Plan
Steps / Week of: / Teacher Notes / Objectives
THE BEATITUDES
(WEEK 2) / Use the supplemental materials provided to present and have the children gain a better understanding of the Beatitudes.
ENGAGE
10 min
EXPLORE
30-40 min
REFLECT
15-20 min
RESPOND
5-10 min

Catechist: Level 4 St. Cyril PREP

Lesson
Plan
Steps / Week of: / Teacher Notes / Objectives
CHAPTER 8:
JESUS OUR REDEEMER, PG. 45 / ADDITIONAL APOSTLES’ CREED MATERIAL IS PROVIDED ALONG WITH PRAYER CARDS FOR EACH STUDENT / Explain the importance of Jesus’ life, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension.
Describe how Jesus shares his life with us through the Holy Spirit.
Define Ascension, Redeemer, and redemption.
ENGAGE
10 min / Jesus Our Redeemer, pg. 45
EXPLORE
30-40 min / Jesus, Son of God, pg. 46
Jesus Died for Our Sins, pg. 47
Art Print: The Ascension / Use CD 1, Track 2, “Jesus on the Cross”
Use CD 2, Track 7, “Jesus Remember Me”
Use the coordinating art print activity in children’s book on
pg. 236 / If time allows, use the blackline master, T-303to have the children complete the activity.
REFLECT
15-20 min / Prayer: Praying the Creed, pg. 48
What We Believe, pg. 49
RESPOND
5-10 min / Living My Faith, pg. 50 / Encourage parents to engage their child using the “With My Family” section on pg. 50 for homework and help the children to put the Apostles’ Creed to memory.

Catechist: Level 4 St. Cyril PREP

Lesson
Plan
Steps / Week of: / Teacher Notes / Objectives
CHAPTER 9:
JESUS SENDS THE SPIRIT,
Pg. 51 / Explain that Peter was able to carry on Jesus’ work through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Identify how we can lie out the Works of Mercy in our lives.
Define Corporal Works of Mercy, and Spiritual Works of Mercy
ENGAGE
10 min / Jesus Sends the Spirit, pg. 51
EXPLORE
30-40 min / Following Jesus’ Example,
pg. 52
Works of Mercy, pg. 53
Art Print: Meal / Have the children find the passage in the New Testament & read together.
If time allows, complete blackline master on pg. T-304
Use the coordinating art print page in the children’s books on pg. 237
REFLECT
15-20 min / Prayer: Strengthened by the Spirit, pg. 54
Sharing Mercy, pg. 55
RESPOND
5-10 min / Living My Faith, pg. 56 / Encourage parents to engage their child using the “With My Family” section on pg. 56 for homework.

Catechist: Level 4 St. Cyril PREP

Lesson
Plan
Steps / Week of: / Teacher Notes / Objectives
CHAPTER 10: CELEBRATING ADVENT
Pg. 57 / LESSON TO BE PAIRED WITH ADVENT CONFESSIONS
Use remaining time before/after confessions to present Advent material.
ENGAGE
10 min / Celebrating Advent, pg. 57
EXPLORE
25-30 min / We Prepare During Advent,
pg. 58 / Have the children complete the activity using the blackline master on pg. T-305
REFLECT
20-25 min / Mass During Advent, pg. 59
Art Print: The Procession / If time allows, complete the coordinating art print page in the student books on pg. 238 or assign as homework.
RESPOND
5-10 min / Living My Faith, pg. 60 / Encourage the children to pray at home with their families using an Advent wreath during Advent.

Catechist: Level 4 St. Cyril PREP

Lesson
Plan
Steps / Week of: / Teacher Notes / Objectives
CHAPTER 11:
THE PEOPLE OF GOD,
PG. 63 / MAKE TIME TO HAVE CHILDREN COMPLETE ASSESSMENT FOR UNIT 2, OR ASSIGN AS HOMEWORK / Explain that Jesus instructed the disciples to teach others to follow God.
Name and describe the Sacraments of Initiation.
Identify how Saint Dominic followed Jesus’ example.
Define universal Church.
ENGAGE
10 min / Unit Saint: Saint Louis IX,
Pg. 61-62
The People of God, pg. 63
EXPLORE
30-40 min / Continuing Jesus’ Mission,
pg. 64
Welcomed into the Church,
pg. 65
Art Print: Saint Dominic / Use CD 2- Track 9, “Two by Two”
If time allows have children complete the blackline master T-309.
Use the coordinating art print page in the children’s book on pg. 239.
REFLECT
15-20 min / Prayer: Sent by Jesus, pg. 66
A Celebrating Community,
pg. 67 / Use the recorded guided reflection “Go Forth”, CD- 1, Track 8
Order of the Mass on pages T-206-208
RESPOND
5-10 min / Living My Faith, pg. 68 / Encourage parents to engage their child using the “With My Family” section on pg. 68 for homework.

Catechist: Level 4 St. Cyril PREP

Lesson
Plan
Steps / Week of: / Teacher Notes / Objectives
CHAPTER 12:
THE CHURCH TEACHES US, PG. 69 / Explain that the pope and the bishops are the successors of Peter and the Apostles.
State that the Precepts of the Church strengthen our relationship with God and with the Church.
Define cast lots, diocese and Precepts of the Church.
ENGAGE
10 min / The Church Teaches Us, pg. 69
EXPLORE
30-40 min / The Apostles and Their Successors, pg. 70
Shepherds of the People of God,
Pg. 71
Art Print: Holy Apostles / If time allows, have children complete the black line master on pg. T-310.
Use the coordinating art print page in the children’s books on pg. 340.
REFLECT
15-20 min / Prayer: An Offering to God,
pg. 72
Growing with God, pg. 73 / Use the coordinating Finding God poster Precepts and Holy Days
RESPOND
5-10 min / Living My Faith, pg. 74 / Encourage parents to engage their child using the “With My Family” section on pg. 74 for homework.

Catechist: Level 4 St. Cyril PREP

Lesson
Plan
Steps / Week of: / Teacher Notes / Objectives
CHAPTER 13:
GOD IS OUR FRIEND,
Pg. 75 / Explain that we celebrate God’s forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Describe what the parable of the forgiving father tells us about God.
Define capital sins, pride, sloth, and envy.
ENGAGE
10 min / God is Our Friend, pg. 75
EXPLORE
30-40 min / Resisting Temptation, pg. 76
God Forgives Our Sins, pg. 77
Art Print: The Prodigal Son / If time allows, have children complete blackline master, pg. T-311.
Play CD 2- Track 11, “Bring Us Back to Your Peace”, lyrics in student books on pg. 226.
Coordinating art print page in children’s books on pg. 241
REFLECT
15-20 min / Prayer: Embraced by God,
Pg. 78
Forgive Others, pg. 79 / If time allows, play CD-1, Track 3, the recorded scripture story, “The Forgiving Father” or view the DVD story of The Prodigal Son provided with your teaching material.
RESPOND
5-10 min / Living My Faith, pg. 80. / Encourage parents to engage their child using the “With My Family” section on pg. 80 for homework.

Catechist: Level 4 St. Cyril PREP

Lesson
Plan
Steps / Week of: / Teacher Notes / Objectives
CHAPTER 14:
SERVING GOD AND OTHERS, PG. 81 / UNIT 3 ASSESSMENT TO BE GIVEN SAME WEEK AS SAFE ENVIRONMENT LESSONWITH TIME REMAINING
IF TIME ALLOWS, USE TIME IN CLASS TO PRAY PART OF THE ROSARY, PG. 198-201 / Identify what happened at the Annunciation.
Explain how Mary became the first disciple.
State that Mary is both the Mother of God and the Mother of the Church.
Define solidarity.
ENGAGE
10 min / Serving God and Others, pg. 81
EXPLORE
30-40 min / The Annunciation, pg. 82
The First Disciple, pg. 83
Art Print: The Virgin / If time allows, use the blackline master on Pg. T-312
Use the coordinating art print activity page in children’s books on page 242.
REFLECT
15-20 min / Prayer: Mother of Mercy, pg. 84
Listening to God, pg. 85 / Play “ Open Your Ears, O Faithful People”, CD 2- Track 5
RESPOND
5-10 min / Living My Faith, pg. 86 OR PRAY PART OF THE ROSARY / Encourage parents to engage their child using the “With My Family” section on pg. 86 for homework.

Catechist: Level 4 St. Cyril PREP

Lesson
Plan
Steps / Week of: / Teacher Notes / Objectives
CHAPTER 15:
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS, Pg. 87 / ALLOW TIME TO HAVE THE CHILDREN COMPLETE ASSESSMENT FOR UNIT 3, OR ASSIGN AS HOMEWORK
ENGAGE
10 min / Celebrating Christmas, pg. 87
EXPLORE
25-35 min / We share Christ’s Light During Christmas, pg. 88 / If time allows, use the blackline master on pg. T-313
REFLECT
15-20 min / Mass During Christmas, pg. 88
Art Print: Adoration of the Magi / Use the coordinating art print activity on pg. 243 in the children’s books.
RESPOND
5-10 min / Living My Faith, pg. 90 / Encourage parents to engage their child using the “With My Family” section on pg. 90 for homework

Catechist: Level 4 St. Cyril PREP

Lesson
Plan
Steps / Week of: / Teacher Notes / Objectives
CHAPTER 16:
CELEBRATING RECONCILIATION, PG. 93 / State that we celebrate the joy of God’s forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Explain how to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Retell the parable of the lost sheep.
Define repentance.
ENGAGE
10 min / Unit Saint: Saint Ignatius of Loyola, pg. 91-92
Celebrating Reconciliation, pg. 95
EXPLORE
30-40 min / God’s Forgiveness, pg. 94
The Sacrament of Reconciliation, pg. 95
Art Print: The Good Shepherd / Use the coordinating art print page in the children’s books on pg. 244
REFLECT
15-20 min / Prayer: Expressing Our Sorrow, pg. 96
Return to God, pg. 97 / Use Finding God poster Act of Contrition & CD2- Track 11
If time allows, use CD 1, Track 4 to listen to recording of the parable of the lost sheep.
If time allows, have children complete the blackline master on pg. T-317.
RESPOND
5-10 min / Living My Faith, pg. 98 / Encourage parents to engage their child using the “With My Family” section on pg. 98 for homework.

Catechist: Level 4 St. Cyril PREP