S00148416 Rachel Alvarez

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Lesson Plan Format

GRADE : Stage 3 Year 6

UNIT OF WORK: 6.4 Confirmation: Celebrating DURATION: 35 minutes per lessons

the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
2 hr and 55 min in total

TEACHER AND SCRIPTURE BACKGROUND:

Spiritual Reflection for Teachers
The Holy Spirit: giver of life, inspiration to live life to the full, our hearts desire.
Symbols like fire, wind, a dove or symbolic actions like anointing with oil or laying on of hands, are useful but limiting. Any way we talk about God is
inadequate. St Augustine writes about our inner restlessness. Our hearts are restless until they rest in You (God). The Bible refers to creation groaning,
and our spirit longing for God. The whole of creation groans with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Our hearts leap. These images may suggest our inability to
use words to adequately describe the Holy Spirit. We are left with a sense of
When are you aware, beyond words, of the presence of the Holy Spirit?
What makes your heart leap with desire/joy/anticipation?
What energises you and gives you life?
Scripture Background Information
Acts of the Apostles 2:1-13 The Pentecost Story
The feast of Pentecost is a Jewish festival called Shavuot or the Feast of Weeks as it is five weeks after Passover. It was probably originally a feast to
celebrate summer and an early summer harvest (in the northern hemisphere). The Acts of the Apostles was written decades after the events it describes
here. So the author, who was not a witness, is relying on what has been passed down. Thus the writer grapples with words to describe what happened.
They heard what sounded like a powerful wind from heaven (2:2)and something appeared to them that seemed like tongues of fire (2:3). The author
suggests that it was not exactly a wind nor flames of fire. Thus we must be careful that students do not think of the Holy Spirit as a powerful wind or tongues
of fire. These of course are symbols or metaphors for a reality and mystery we cannot fully describe. Furthermore the Greek word pneuma that is used
here for Spirit also means wind and breath as does the Hebrew ruach which is used in Genesis 1 And Gods spirit hovered over the waters (Gen. 2:1).
Another noteworthy feature of this event is the emphasis on speaking and hearing. Not only were the apostles gifted with languages but so were those who
listened gifted to hear them speak in their own tongue. An important possibility of the coming of the Spirit then seems to be excellent communication where
speaking and listening are accurate and in harmony. The courage to speak and listen clearly would seem to be part of the gift of Pentecost.

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CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH: CCC
736
By this power of the Spirit, God's children can bear much fruit. He who has grafted us onto the true vine will make us bear the fruit of the Spirit:
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. We live by the Spirit; the more we renounce ourselves, the
more we "walk by the Spirit."
Through the Holy Spirit we are restored to paradise, led back to the Kingdom of heaven, and adopted as children, given confidence
to call God Father and to share in Christ's grace, called children of light and given a share in eternal glory.
1300 The essential rite of the sacrament follows. In the Latin rite, "the sacrament of Confirmation is conferred through the anointing with chrism on the
forehead, which is done by the laying on of the hand, and through the words: 'Accipe signaculum doni Spiritus Sancti' [Be sealed with the Gift of the
Holy Spirit.]." In the Eastern Churches of Byzantine rite, after a prayer of epiclesis, the more significant parts of the body are anointed with myron:
forehead, eyes, nose, ears, lips, chest, back, hands, and feet. Each anointing is accompanied by the formula
(Signaculum doni Spiritus Sancti): "the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit."
1242 In the liturgy of the Eastern Churches, the post-baptismal anointing is the sacrament of Chrismation (Confirmation). In the Roman liturgy the postbaptismal anointing announces a second anointing with sacred chrism to be conferred later by the bishop - Confirmation, which will as it were
"confirm" and complete the baptismal anointing.
1293 In treating the rite of Confirmation, it is fitting to consider the sign of anointing and what it signifies and imprints: a spiritual seal.
Anointing, in Biblical and other ancient symbolism, is rich in meaning: oil is a sign of abundance and joy; it cleanses (anointing before and after a
bath) and limbers (the anointing of athletes and wrestlers); oil is a sign of healing, since it is soothing to bruises and wounds; and it makes radiant
with beauty, health, and strength.
Syllabus Outcome(s):
Values & Attitudes
Knowledge & Understandings
Skills
Students will demonstrate that they are:
Students will demonstrate that they can:
Students will demonstrate that they can:
C3.2 able to value Word, symbols and ritual in the explain how Word, symbol and ritual are used in prepare celebrations using appropriate Word, symbol
celebration of Catholic belief and traditions sacramental and non-sacramental celebrations and ritual
Indicators of Learning for this lesson:
By the end of this lesson, the students will:
identify the rituals and symbols of Confirmation
identify some images in Scripture that reveal God as Holy Spirit
describe the relationship between the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation
explain how they can and how others have lived the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

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Scripture Passage
Acts 2:1-13 The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost
2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled
the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were
filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in
bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: Arent all these who are speaking Galileans?
8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia,
Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans
and Arabswe hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues! 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, What does this mean?
13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, They have had too much wine.
Resources
iPads
Online application: Popplet
Google slides to create Photolanguage
Music for Photolanguage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX8IuCQV5xk or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ano0RG_2Psg
The First Pentecost Godly Play Kit and Script
Summary Wheel worksheet
Colouring equipment to create story board and mandalas
Together at One Alter Website: http://www.togetheratonealtar.catholic.edu.au/craft/dsp-content.cfm?loadref=36
Thinking Pad worksheet
Youtube videos
- Confirmation- Flame of Faith used in lesson 4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFo-9H-lZlk
- Confirmation Summary video in lesson 5 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu3MoT_egFI
Objects with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit written on them
Jigsaw Summary worksheet

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LESSON SEQUENCE
Teaching Strategies / Learning Experiences:
Write detailed steps showing what the teacher (T) will do and what students (Ss) will do
LESSON 1: Defining Symbols and Rituals (35 min)
- Ss will be seated at their desks in pairs or small groups with an iPad for each group.
- T asks Ss to suggest special events that have occurred in their lives (i.e birthday, Christmas,
Easter etc) and discuss as a class, brainstorm on the board.
- Have each group chose a particular event discussed and using the iPad, use Popplet to brainstorm
and create a mind map of particular objects and routines that occur in this event. Then share with
the class.
- Explain to Ss that these particular objects are called symbols and the routines are seen as rituals
and they have a special meaning. (10 min)
Example: Easter Symbol: Chocolate eggs = eggs mean new life of Jesus. Birthday Ritual: Sing
happy birthday blowing out candles: celebrating growth and life.
- Have Ss think of objects (symbols) or routines (rituals) that express God and his importance to us
prompt Ss to think of bible passages, Mass, everyday life etc.
- On the Popplet mind map, have Ss to record symbols and rituals that represent God and his
importance.
- Invite Ss to share what these symbols meaning in relation to God and his importance. (10 min)
- Create a new powerpoint presentation on Google Slides and invite Ss to participate in creating a
Photolanguage presentation on their own devices (iPad/laptop), expressing symbols or rituals that
represent God.
- Ss use the Internet to search for images that portray symbols or rituals embracing God (create 1 or
2 slides per Ss). (10 min)
- This Photolanguage presentation will be created as a prayer to conclude RE lessons.
- Once all Ss have completed at least 1 slide, add an appropriate soundtrack.
- Gather students on the mat or at their tables and review the definition of symbols and rituals.
- Invite Ss to participate in prayer (5 min).
Prayer: Photolangugae created. If not completed use mediation as a means of prayer and reflection
Encourage Ss to reflect on symbols that represent God.

STUDENT ASSESSMENT
T practices purposeful roving and
annotated notes from students mind maps

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The summary wheel assess students as it
identifies if students grasped the story of
- Have Ss to be seated on the mat in a circle.
Pentecost. the summary wheel helps Ss
- Recap on previous lesson (defining symbols and rituals and those that represents God).
organise their ideas for the story board as
- Explain to Ss that were will be exploring a story from the bible that expresses God, Ss are to think they have extracted the main events of the
about what symbols or rituals express these.
story
- Demonstrate the story telling of Godly Play The First Pentecost (Acts 2: 1-13), followed by the I
Wonder questions at the end of the Godly Play script (10 min).
LESSON 2: God in the Scriptures (Pentecost) (35 min)

- After Godly Play, question Ss where God was present in this story (Answer: Wind and Fire),
expressing that these symbols are significant in the story. Question Ss what was the effect of these
symbols (Wind: reminder of God presence, Fire; God is the guide and light of the world, fire was
the Holy Spirit strengthening disciples)
- Ask Ss if they have noticed these symbols in other places or stories- what did they represent?
- Ask Ss why this story is relevant for them today - relation to Confirmation and receiving the Holy
Spirit. (5 min)
- Reflect on the Pentecost story by completing the Summary Wheel- This is used as an informal
assessment to identify Ss understanding of the Pentecost story. (5min)
- Ss then create a short and concise Story Board in groups of 3 using the ideas recorded on the
Summary Wheel. Ss are to use colouring equipment to illustrate the pictures.
- Ss are to illustrate approximately 4 pictures that capture the story with a short description of what
is happening in their drawings. (15 min)
- Have Ss pack away their belongings and be seated at a clear desk ready for prayer
Prayer: Reverently reflect on the Pentecost story and how it relates to Confirmation, as the
Photolanguage Slideshow plays

LESSON 3: Symbols of Confirmation (30 min)

- As a class embark on a Church visit and T brings the main symbols used in Confirmation.
(candle, holy water, oil, white garments, picture of a dove. Remember to also discuss wind)
- Ss are seated on the pews. T questions Ss to recap on what symbols are, encourage some
examples from special occasions and the presence of God in our lives or the Scriptures.
- Ask Ss if they remember their Baptism -What were some of the special objects or symbols that
were used in this ceremony
Examples: Candles/light/fire, wind, water, oil, white garments, dove
- Hold up each symbol one at a time and question Ss what did these symbols represent. Encourage
Ss to think of the Pentecost story from the previous lesson. Reiterate and explain to Ss the
meaning of the symbols
Examples: Candles/light/fire: The Holy Spirit strengthening us and guiding us to participate in the
mission of God. Wind: calls attention to the Holy Spirit breathing life into the Church. Water: blessing
into a new life and the commitment first made at baptism is renewed. Oil: anointing us as followers
of Jesus, strengthening us to live like Jesus. White garments and the dove: purity and peace, Holy
Spirit descended like a dove- graceful.
- Explain that these symbols will also be used when Ss receive the Sacrament of Confirmation- They
are linked. (10 min)
- Return back to the classroom and instruct Ss to visit the website Together at One Alter and search
for the Symbols of Confirmation. With the aid of this website ask Ss to complete the Thinking Pad
(altered to suit this activity) for the Sacrament of Confirmation (15 min)
- The Thinking pad activity is a reflective activities that are divided into 4 boxes. Instruct Ss to fill in
each box
Words: What is the sacrament about?
Pictures: Sequence of images that describe the process
Connection to life: How does it make you feel preparing to receive the sacrament? What does this
sacrament mean to you?
Symbols: What symbols are used in the sacrament? What do they mean?
- Have Ss paste Thinking Pad worksheets in their workbooks and collect for marking.
- To conclude the lesson, Ss are seated at their desks to mediate and reflect on the lesson today.
This will be accompanied by the Photolanguage slideshow or the audio of the presentation (5 min)

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The Thinking Pad is used as an informal
assessment that has been altered to
assess Ss on their understanding of the
symbols of Confirmation and how it is
connected to everyday life.

S00148416 Rachel Alvarez

T practices purposeful roving and
annotated notes from students mandalas,
- Have Ss seated at desks, ask Ss to recap what rituals are, giving examples.
observing if Ss have included important
- On the interactive smart board, display youtube videos that show rituals of Confirmation (5 min)
symbols, rituals, colours or words in their
- Ask Ss if they noticed any rituals or routines that occurred in the video. (Laying on of Hands, art.
Anointing with Chrism, Renewal of Promises)- what was the significance of these rituals, have
you seen it be done before?
- Explain the significance of these rituals, explain the connection to Baptism and the Eucharist, and
how it reflects the importance of God (10 min)
Laying on of Hands: to impose hands on someone or to extend ones hand over the persons head
was the sign of calling down the Holy Spirit. Priest also performs this when blessing the bread and
wine at mass, allowing the Holy Spirit to consecrate these gifts to the body and blood of Christ.
Anointing with Chrism: setting the individual apart for a particular mission- to be Christ in the
world today and continue his work
Renewal of Promises: At baptism, parents and godparents made promises on our behalf. During
Confirmation, we renew these promised and take on the responsibility to be an active working and
anointed Christian.
LESSON 4: Rituals of Confirmation (35 min)

Important Teaching Ideas

Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are Sacraments of Initiation
Through the Sacraments of Initiation the Christian is received into full membership of the Church
In the sacrament of Confirmation the anointing with oil is the central action
The anointing with Chrism is the sacramental sign of the seal of the Holy Spirit
Symbols and rituals signify and express the gifts of the Holy Spirit celebrated in the sacrament of
Confirmation
- To reflect on the videos and the meaning of rituals learn this lessons and the symbols during the
previous lesson, Ss are to use colouring equipment to create a mandala, expressing the important
symbols and rituals that are used within the Sacrament of Confirmation. (20 min)
- To conclude the lesson, ask Ss to pack at their tables with just their mandalas on their desk. Play
the Photolanaguage for the prayer, while each Ss, one at a time, pins their mandala on the display
wall behind the sacred space, then return to there seats.

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Jigsaw can be used as an assessment to
note if students identified the key elements
- Ss are seated at the desks, T explain that they will be exploring the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Ss of the the unit
are split into 7 groups, each table group has a small box with a gift of the Holy Spirit written on an
object.
- Each group will be focusing on one gift then at the end of the lesson Ss will come as a class and
share ideas. Using iPads, Ss are to research the gifts meaning and how a saint of their choosing
has portrayed this gift. Ss are to record this on the iPad using Popplet.
- Ss also brainstorm on the iPad using Popplet, of how they can demonstrate this gift in every day
life. (15 min)
- As a group, Ss will portray one of the scenarios they brainstormed, through a role play/freeze
frame. Ss are free to use costumes and props that are available.
- Ss work in their groups and plan a quick role play/freeze frame that goes for no longer than 60
seconds (10min)
- One at a time each group will perform their role play/freeze frame to the class, while the remainder
of the Ss watch from their desks. (10 min)
- After each group performs, Ss observing must add the other gifts of the Holy Spirit to the Popplet
mind map, and note ideas explore in discussion after each role play.
- T will conduct a quick discussion at the end of each role play so that all Ss receive the main ideas
and concepts portrayed in the performance as well as the definition of each gift of the Holy Spirit.
- Ss applause performers for their participation
LESSON 5: Gifts of the Holy Spirit (40 min)

- Ss are to return back to their seats and quick video summarising Confirmation.
- As a class Ss complete the Jigsaw activity, summarising the most important ideas explored in the
learning experience of Confirmation. (5 min)
TEACHER EVALUATION OF LESSONS TAUGHT
The activities used throughout the course of the unit were effective, as it allowed students to reflect on their learning as well as their faith. It
allowed them to wonder and spiritually growth through encouragement and engaging activities. The resources used helped student showcase to
the teacher if students have understood and achieved the learning outcomes and indicators, this enables teachers to clearly visualise the
learning level of the students and understand what topics need more attention. The learning experiences catered for all types of students, with a
variety of visuals, creative resources/activities, audio stimulants, organised written information and kinesthetic learning experiences such as role
plays. Each lessons main concepts could be related back to personal experiences of the students lives. This therefore enables students to
maintain focus and engagement as they have discovered and built a connection to the content in the classroom. As a result students will be
more inspired to demonstrate the ideas they learn, encourage others to act in this faithful way and fulfill the mission of the Church.