Title: The Saints and Holiness Objectives/Expectations: Main Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will have begun their connections between the lives of the Saints and their own lives. They will have commenced their Sainthood projects in their groups and will have reflected on why Saints become Saints and what makes someone holy.
Links to Ontario Religious Education Curriculum:
Grade 5: Living in Communion Fundamental Concept: LC2 - The Communion of Saints Overall Expectations: LC2: Understand how in the life of the Church it identifies saints, and how we are drawn closer to Christ through Mary, and the Communion of Saints. [CCC nos. 946-962; 963- 975] Specific Expectations: LC2.1: Articulate how intercession to the saints draws the whole Church more firmly into the path of holiness (i.e. prayer and drawing upon the example of their lives of faith and service). [CCC nos. 954-959] LC2.2: Identify Marys role of discipleship using passages of the Old and New Testament, link this with the mystery of her Son Jesus Christ and identify the virtues that distinguish her as the first disciple (obedience and trust to Gods will e.g. Magnificat). *CCC nos. 963- 970]
Introduction (15 mins) Teacher Activity Discuss with students Marys relevance to Sainthood and she as the first of Saints.
Prompt conversation on Saints and how they live their lives for Jesus
Divide students into groups and bring students to library to begin task. Students will be given 10 minutes of computer time to find research.
UDL Modification: Ensure that word web is written at eye level of students on chalkboard so Student Activity Students will engage in conversation about Marys virtues and why she is distinguished in the church. Students will be asked to list all the qualities that a saint may have on a word web on the chalkboard.
Students will begin to work in the library with their groups on selecting a Saint of their choice and researching.
that any student may come up and write an idea if they wish.
Ensure that all student groups have access to a computer in the library with equipment such as text-to- speech if necessary. If there are not enough computers then have groups do 10 minute rotations from literature research to internet research.
Lesson Development (40 mins) Teacher Activity After students have found books/ printed sources from web sources, gather everyone together and hand out assignment sheet.
Visit with each group and monitor their progression. Answer any questions students may have.
UDL Modification: Read the assignment sheet with students and clarify any questions students may have. This way everyone can understand what is expected of them. Ensure that each group has a good working space and that all students have access to any resources they may need. Student Activity Students will have the option of creating a storyboard, movie, play, collage, or scrapbook based on the Saints life.
Students can begin to work on their Saint project in their groups with library resources available to them.
Closure/Reflection (15 mins) Teacher Activity Bring students together again and briefly discuss what they have learned about Saints.
Outline what students did well during their work periods and indicate what should be completed by the next lesson in order to make sure they stay Student Activity Each group will tell the class what Saint they have chosen and why.
Briefly collaborate with groups and discuss what needs to be done next day/ what should be done for homework.
on task.
UDL Modification: After discussion with the librarian first, ensure that if necessary for the next lesson, that students will have access to computers if needed.
Assessment (Each Student will be assessed on) Connections made between Sainthood and their own lives. Their ability to collaborate with one another as a group and stay on task Their productivity with their group based on how much they accomplish each class of the assignment Their understanding of Sainthood and intercessory prayer Reflection and consideration of questions found on assignment outline page (see attached). Extension (If there is extra time at the end of class or used for next class) Students may continue to work on their projects. Other/Tools/Materials Computers for research (ensure they are equipped with products like text-to-speech if necessary) Library books for research School recording devices if movie is decided upon (iPads, video cameras, cameras etc) Magazines for collages (if selected) Paper for scrapbooks, collages, storyboards (if selected) Pencil crayons, markers, pencils, erasers, rulers etc. Information/Questions for Each Group How can we be more like the Saints/holy? What were some of the significant things the Saints did in their lives? What are some examples of how you are/have been holy? What does intercessory prayer mean and why is it special? What Saint have you chosen and what are they a Patron Saint of? What do you think are some of the things the Saints would do in our world today to help? Are there any books, movies, or songs that remind you of your Saint?