Grade 2

Title/theme

Materials

Believing - Making Play Dough to Understand the Trinity

cup of flour
half cup of table salt
half cup of water
bowl
***multiply based on class size

BIG IDEA -Sacred Scripture reveals God as a Trinity of persons; God

the Father is revealed by the Son who in turn reveal both the Father
and the Holy Spirit; the Holy Spirit reveals and ensures the presence
of Christ in the Church on earth and the ongoing experience of the
divine in the world.

Religion Curriculum Expectation

Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations

BL1: Demonstrate an understanding of Sacred

Scripture as Gods self-revelation through Jesus
as One and yet a Trinity of persons.

CGE1a -illustrates a basic understanding of the saving

story of our Christian faith;

BL1.4: Demonstrate an understanding of the

Trinity as a central belief of Christianity yet a
mystery that inspires wonder and awe and can
never be understood by reason alone.

CGE1c -actively reflects on Gods Word as

communicated through the Hebrew and
Christian scriptures

Guided Questions
How would you explain the Trinity to a friend?
How could you use the shamrock to symbolize God as the trinity?
Are there any other symbols that could represent the Trinity? Explain your thinking.
Teachers and students may develop additional questions to guide their learning inquiry

Learning Goals
Teachers and students may develop additional questions to guide their learning inquiry.
At the end of this lesson, students will:
Be able to explain the Trinity as God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Create a symbol to represent the Trinity.
Explain how their symbol represents the Trinity.

Lesson Plan
NOTE Make enough play dough ahead of time by doubling or tripling the recipe. Youll want enough so
that your students can each make something with it.
Background information:
The Trinity is one of the most difficult realities to comprehend but it might be a helpful start to recognize the

distinction between a being and a person.

God is one Being (the one and only divine Being). This divine Being exists as three Persons (Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit). This is unusual to us because each human being is only one person and it might seem that
every being has to be one person: one being = one person.
But thats simply not always the case. For example, a dog is a being but is not a person. A tree is a being but
is not a person. In these cases, one being = zero persons. On the other hand, an angel is a being and is a
person. In their case, angelic beings are similar to human beings: one being = one person.
Once you recognize that not every being is always exactly one person, it might be easier to grasp Gods
unique reality, the Trinity: one Being = three Persons.
1. How many of you know what The Trinity is? Get a show of hands and some answers.
The Trinity is a very important concept in our Christian faith. Trinity starts with tri, which means three.
There are three members of the Trinity. Who are they? Father, Son and Holy Spirit, (if it hasnt been said
already).
However, a lot of people are confused by this. Christians believe in only one God. And yet, there are three
beings: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. How does this work? Take some answers if
any student wants to take a try at it.
Three-yet-one sounds contradictory. We dont really know how the Trinity works, and thats okay. There are
obviously things in the universe so complex that man cant understand them. People who think they can
understand everything are in danger of missing something big!
2. Today were using this cup of common flour and this common table salt to understand the Trinity.
Hold up the cup of flour. Lets pretend this is God the Father. White is a symbol of purity, and we know that
God is purest of the pure. Turn the flour over into your bowl.
Hold up the half cup of salt. Lets pretend this salt is Jesus. Jesus told us, You are the salt of the earth in
Matthew 5:13, meaning we Christians flavor the earth by sharing Gods word. And Jesus would certainly
know about that; he was the original salt. Turn the salt over into your bowl.
Hold up your half cup of water. Lets pretend this is the Holy Spirit. Water is often associated with spirit in
the Bible. In John 3:5, Jesus says no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and the
spirit.
Mix all ingredients.
Were mixing all three ingredients together. Is the salt still in here? Yes. Is the flour still in here? Yes.
Is the water still in here? Yes.
All three are still here. Stop mixing. Yet now we have one substance. Can anyone guess what it is? Hold up
some dough and squish it around in your hand.
Its one thing nowits homemade play dough. And yet, all three ingredients are still there.
Thats one of the ways we can understand the Trinitythree in one. Definitely three; definitely one. Lets
make something!

3. Now let students use the play dough to make a cross or a symbol to symbolize the Trinity.
Ideas for symbols:

4. Reflect on the scriptures that reveal God as the trinity.

RELATED SCRIPTURES:
Matthew 5:13, John 3:5

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit [Matthew
28:19].
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be
with you all [2 Corinthians 13:14].
To Gods elect. . .who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through
the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood [1 Peter
1:1-2].

Assessment
Oral Response - Explain how the symbol you created represents the Trinity.

Grade 2
Title/theme

Materials

Believing Commercial to Sell Gods Word

BIG IDEA - The Church, founded by Christ, finds her nourishment

and strength in Sacred Scripture which she reveres as the Word of
God.

recording device (e.g.

netbook, camera, phone)
Peer Feedback - Word of
God Commercial
Self Reflection - Word of
God Commercial

Religion Curriculum Expectation

Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations

BL3: Demonstrate an understanding of the

Church as a community that gathers to worship
and give thanks for the gift of Gods only
begotten Son who is present in the Eucharist
and is formed by the celebration of the
Eucharist.

CGE1c -actively reflects on Gods Word as

communicated through the Hebrew and
Christian scriptures;

BL3.2: Describe the four parts of the Mass and

identify the Words, symbols and actions of the
priest that reveal Gods presence (e.g. Gospel
narratives words, actions and symbols of
Jesus at the Last Supper are similar to symbols,
words and actions found in the Mass).

CGE2e -uses and integrates the Catholic faith tradition, in

the critical analysis of the arts,
media, technology and information systems to enhance
the quality of life.

CGE5a -works effectively as an interdependent team

member;

Guided Questions
1. Is the Word of God an easy product to sell? Why or why not?
2. How do you think most people will react to these commercials?
3. Knowing how great God's Word is, how much would you be willing to pay for a Bible?
4. Where do we hear the Word of God, or when in the mass do we hear the Word of God?
Teachers and students may develop additional questions to guide their learning inquiry

Learning Goals
At the end of this lesson, students will:
Be able to explain the importance of Gods Word or the Bible
Be able to use some of the conventions to create a commercial
Create a commercial that sells the Word of God or the Bible.

Lesson Plan
Kids will discover and share the importance of God's Word by producing and recording a radio
commercial announcement.
1. Brainstorm a list of reasons why the bible is important.
Possible answers: Bible is the word of God.
It tells us how to live and be happy.
It gives us rules (e.g. The Ten Commandment).
It gives us instructions on how to get to heaven.
It teaches us our history.
It gives us inspiration.
It gives us hope in time of sorrow.
It has been translated into every language.
2.Share some radio commercials (e.g.YouTube).Make a list of the conventions of a commercial (e.g. short,
strong opening hook, a slogan, speak clearly, sound effects, repeat important information, gives contact
information, precise language ) .
3. Explain to the class that a radio station has chosen them to record a 30-second commercial. The product
they are going to sell is The Word of God, or the BIBLE.
4. Split the class into teams of two to four kids. Give the teams time to work together to write out a
commercial message.
5. After students have finished writing their script, have them practice.
6. Have each group present their commercial to the class. Record as groups are presenting.
7. After every team has presented their message, play the commercials and give feedback to each group.
Example of a radio commercial:
"Are you down in the dumps?
Are you worried about school?
Have you ever wanted more out of life?
Well your search is over! Right now, for a limited time only, the answer to all your troubles is here!
It is the Word of God, in an attractive, compact, convenient package known as the BIBLE! It can be yours for
only $9.95 plus tax.
So hurry, don't wait, because you will never know when this offer is over!"

Assessment
Does the radio commercial effectively communicate the importance of the bible?
Does the final product include the conventions of a radio commercial?
Peer Feedback
Does the radio commercial have audience appeal?
Does the radio commercial effectively communicate the importance of the bible?
(See Peer Feedback - Word of God Commercial)
Self-Reflection
Does the radio commercial have audience appeal?
Does the radio commercial effectively communicate the importance of the bible?
(See Self-Reflection - Word of God Commercial)

Grade 2
Title/theme

Materials

Praying Create a Personal Prayer Journal

BIG IDEA - Prayer is structured and spontaneous,
individual and communal, and is enriched by a variety of
elements that deepen the experience of prayer (silence,
symbols, gospel reading, reflection, images, music, etc.).

Journal
rings
cardstock
copy of prayers (Our Father, Glory Be,
The Apostles Creed, Act of Contrition,
The Hail Mary)
Hand Prayer Book - Hand Template
PDF files available for Act of Contrition, Hail
Mary, Our Father
Personal Prayer Reflection

Religion Curriculum Expectation

Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations

PR2: Understand that Christians have

developed certain rhythms of prayer and that
prayer can take many forms that are used in
personal prayer, communal prayer and in the
particular celebration of the liturgy.

CGE1f -seeks intimacy with God and celebrates

communion with God, others and creation

PR2.1: Demonstrate a basic understanding of

the order and structure for the Prayers of the
Faithful (Prayers of Intercession Church,
World, Local Community, specific needs) and
use the format to create prayers of intercession
for moments of prayer in class or in the church
(e.g. a liturgy of the Word, school Mass).

through prayer and worship;

CGE1i -integrates faith with life;
CGE2a -listens actively and critically to understand and
learn in light of gospel values;
CGE2d -writes and speaks fluently one or both of
Canadas official languages;

Guided Questions
1. Why might a community pray together?
2. Why is it important to have regular opportunities for personal prayer?
3. How does prayer help your faith to grow?
Teachers and students may develop additional questions to guide their learning inquiry

Learning Goals
At the end of this lesson, students will:
Be able to identify the difference between personal prayer and communal prayer
Be able to identify the most common communal prayers used
Be able to self-evaluate their ability to engage in personal prayer

Lesson Plan
At the beginning of the journal include the following: Our Father, Glory Be, The Creed, Act of Contrition, The
Hail Mary. Then, students can add to their journal with class created prayers or with their own individual
created prayers.
Here is a list of some prayer starters for kids. Some of them are meant to help children with their own
spontaneous prayers, and some of them prompt already established prayers.

Lord, help me with

God, forgive me for
Please help me do better when I
Please help my friends and family, especially
God, you created me to know, love, and serve you. Our Father
Saint _______, pray for us.
God, you are
Please bless
For those I said I would pray for
God, thank you for
Sweet Mama Mary, please pray for us. Hail Mary
Guardian Angel, you stay with me all the time. Angel of God
Jesus, I ask that you
Holy Spirit, guide my life so that I
Glory be to the
St. Michael the archangel
Lord Jesus Christ, I pray for
God, sometimes I feel
Jesus, help me to be like you in
Father, help me to know that you
(Silent Reflection)

The prayer starters can be assembled onto a ring. See the following example.

You may
so, here is a

wish to continue and spend some time on Prayers of the Faithful. If

hand prayer book that the students could make.

The order of intentions at mass is always:

1) for the needs of the universal church
2) for the public authorities and the salvation of the world
3) for those burdened by any kind of difficulty
4) for the local community
There may be more than one petition from each of the above categories.
1) The needs of the universal church. This category includes petitions for the pope, bishops and
pastors of the Church, missions, Christian unity, and vocations to the priesthood and religious
life.
2) Public authorities and the salvation of the world. This category includes petitions for peace,
leaders of government, elections, respect for the freedom of the Church, good weather, the safety
of crops, and the resolution of economic crises.
3) People burdened by any kind of difficulty. This category includes those burdened by poverty or
any other tribulation, the unborn, the persecuted, the unemployed, the sick and infirm, the dying,
prisoners, and exiles, to name a few.
4) Local community. This category represents the local community of faith. People to pray for
may include those in the church preparing for baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, holy orders, or
marriage; it also includes prayers for the repose of the souls of the deceased. This is where
specific parish needs should be communicated: for the upcoming Youth Mission Trip, for the
success of the Capital Campaign, etc.

Glory Be
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is
now,
and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth;

and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was
crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into Hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into Heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from there He
shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.
Amen.

Assessment

Can the student identify the difference between personal prayer and communal prayer?
Can the student identify the most common communal prayers used?

Self-Reflection - Reflect on your comfort level in using personal prayer to talk to God.
(See Personal Prayer Reflection)

NOTE Students personal prayers should not be assessed.

Grade 2
Other Faith Fair Lesson Ideas (total of 7 follow)

# 1 Believing Wall Mural of the Apostles Creed

BIG IDEA - In the Creed the Church professes the central mystery of the faith which can only be fully known
through Gods revelation embraced through the light of faith.
BL2: Demonstrate an understanding of our profession of faith as a belief in the Blessed Trinity: God the
Father as Creator, Jesus as the Son who is both human and divine, and the Holy Spirit as the giver of life
who ensures the presence of Christ in the Church.
BL 2.2: Describe the Creed as a summary of what Christians believe and highlight what the Creed reveals
about God (God as One, God as a Trinity of Persons, God as Almighty, Father, Creator of heaven and earth;
Jesus as the second person of the Trinity, Son of God, human and divine, suffered for our sins, died, rose
and ascended into heaven, will come to judge; Holy Spirit as giver of life, proceeding from the Father and the
Son, third Person of the Trinity i.e. one in being with the Father and Son). [
Brief Lesson Outline:
Materials:
large pieces of white butcher paper with each phrase of the creed written on one piece
Lesson:
1. Re-read the creed line by line. Stop and discuss picture ideas to illustrate the phrase.
2. Put children in groups and have them illustrate each phrase.
3. Hang the pictures in order.

#2 Celebrating - Create a mobile with symbols of the sacraments

BIG IDEA - Grace is a favour, the free unconditional gift of Gods help given to us so that we can respond to
his call to become children of God.
CL1: Focus: Reconciliation/forgiveness and Eucharist/sacrificial love
Understand that the Church celebrates Gods presence and his gift of love in the sacraments.
CL1.1: Examine a selection of gospel narratives that reveal Gods grace as a gift that changes lives (healing
and teaching gospel narratives) and the sacrifice of love we are to offer to God out of gratitude. (e.g. 1
Corinthians 11:26; Matthew 9:13 and 12:7; Matthew 5:23-24); and connect these narratives to the gift of
Grace in the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist (i.e. removes sin and purifies our soul, forms
us to act justly and with charity).
Activity - Create a mobile that shows the symbols, the words and the actions from the sacraments with
special emphasis on First Communion and Reconciliation. First Communion ( e.g. bread, wine), Baptism
(chrism, water, font), and Reconciliation (cross, purple stoll).

#3 Celebrating Make unleavened bread and reflect on the experience.

BIG IDEA - The Eucharist is a memorial sacrifice and presence of Christ, which becomes the source and
summit of all Christian life.
CL2: Understand that the celebration of the Eucharist is a remembering of Jesus love for us i.e. a memorial

sacrifice, in which he invites us, through the liturgy of Mass to participate.

CL2.1: Examine the account of the Last Supper in John 13:1-35 and explain what Christ was teaching his
disciples by washing their feet. (We share in Christs self sacrifice when we place others before ourselves
and serve them.)
Lesson
1. Share the story of the Last Supper. Emphasize the breaking of the bread.
2. Make unleavened bread.
3. Reflection Why is the breaking of the bread important in our faith?
Jesus said, Do this in memory of me. As Catholics when do we do this?
Ingredients Needed For Unleavened Bread: Makes about 12 pieces. *note*- this is not meant to be actual
communion bread, just a fun recipe to try at home with your kids.

1 cup cold water

2 Tbs vegetable oil
8 Tbs honey
1 1/2 tsp salt
3 tbs softened butter
1 egg
5 cups flour (we used white)

Recipe For Unleavened Bread:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Mix all above ingredients except for the flour.
Slowly add the flour. Knead until the bread is elastic.
Oil your hands, then shape balls of the dough in the same way that you shape hamburger patties. Ours were
also about the same size as hamburger patties. Then poke holes in them with a fork.
Grease the pan, and place the bread on it.
Bake at 400 degrees F for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown around the edge.
Serve with grapes.

#4 Celebrating The Last Supper Craft

BIG IDEA - In the celebration of the Eucharist/Mass, we are invited to offer our lives for the good of others
thus participating in the sacrifice Christ made for us.
CL2: Understand that the celebration of the Eucharist is a remembering of Jesus love for us i.e. a memorial
sacrifice, in which he invites us, through the liturgy of Mass to participate.
CL2.1: Examine the account of the Last Supper in John 13:1-35 and explain what Christ was teaching his
disciples by washing their feet. (We share in Christs self sacrifice when we place others before ourselves
and serve them.)

Materials

PDF of the Apostles and the table cloth

Two egg carton for each student
Picture of the Last Supper

If you would like to share Leonardo da Vincis Last Supper as you do this here are some things you can do.
Tell your children that this painting is supposed to be the instant that Jesus says to the disciples Amen, I
say to you, one of you will betray me (Matthew 26:21). Ask your children what they think of the apostles
reactions. Then go over these things:

The apostles are all reacting, but Christ is the calm in the midst of the storm.
There are many symbols of the trinity in the painting- 3 windows behind Jesus, Jesus arms make
him the shape of a triangle, and the apostles are all seated in groups of 3.
In the first group of 3, the apostles all seem surprised- Andrew to the point that his hands are in a
stop gesture. Bartholomew has stood up so quickly his legs are still crossed.
Peter is holding a knife, foreshadowing his upcoming violence at the garden of Gethsemane.
Judas is holding a bag- symbolizing the bag of silver he will betray Jesus for. His face is utter
shock at Jesus knowledge of his plan.
John seems to be swooning. The most asked picture about this painting is Why does John look
that way?
Doubting Thomas, with his finger in the air, indeed looks doubtful!
James the greater seems stunned with his arms in the air, while Philip seems to request an
explanation.
Matthew and Jude both look to Simon for an explanation, while he seems unable to provide one.

1. Color the pictures of the apostles and the table cloth. Encourage the students to use the same
colours. Cut them out.
2. Cut off the lids of the egg cartons. Cut off half of the last row of one of the egg cartons, and overlap
the two cartons. Tape the two cartons together. (This will leave you with one long carton with eleven
cups across.)
3. Tape one person to each upside down egg carton cup. Encourage the students to put the people in
the right order. Then tape the table cloth pieces down to the top and the front of the egg carton.

#5 Living a Moral Life Write a Personal Prayer of Forgiveness

BIG IDEA -In the introductory rite of the Mass, God calls us to repent and offers us forgiveness for our sins;
through the Mass the Holy Spirit inspires us to seek Gods forgiveness and Grace.
ML2: Demonstrate an understanding that God has established Laws to guide us (i.e. to judge) in deciding
(i.e. choice) how to act and that when we act in ways that break Gods Law of Love we need to seek
forgiveness from God and from the ones we have offended.
ML2.2: Identify certain actions in our lives which demonstrate our lack of love for God and our neighbour (i.e.
sin) and how in the Eucharist Jesus extends to us the gift of Gods mercy and forgiveness for our sins
(Introductory Rite). [
Materials

examples of sins written on slips of paper

Examination of Conscience box
Examination conscience- sin-list (This could be used as examples of sins written on slips of paper).
Childrens Examination of Conscience
Bristol board
googly eyes
yarn for hair
copy of prayer card Act of Contrition
Sorry Prayer Plan
OPTIONAL Act of Contrition strips
OPTIONAL Read the parable of The Prodigal Son or watch video.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V96rkM5Gpn0 or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_9OcpwVggw)

OPTIONAL Reconciliation Organizer

OPTIONAL - Activity Reconciling

1. Have students put their hands in the Examination of Conscience box and pull out a sin. (The teacher
will play the part of the priest so students can practice being the penitent.)
2. Begin by having the student make the sign of the cross.
3. Then have the student say, Bless me Father for I have sinned, it has been ___ since my last
confession.
4. The student will say their sins (reading from the slip of paper).
5. The teacher will give them a (pretend) penance.
6. The student will read the Act of Contrition.
7. The teacher will read the Prayer of Absolution.

Vocabulary Words: (Write words on the board and discuss with class)
sin- breaking Gods law
Gods laws- Ten Commandments
Ten Commandments- laws from God that we must always keep
mortal sin- a very serious sin that we know it is wrong and we choose to do it any way
venial sin- is a less serious sin against God
penance- the prayers or good works that the priest asks you to do after you have confessed your sins
confession- to tell the priest your sins
sacrament- one of seven ways through which Gods life enters our lives through the work of the Holy Spirit
reconciliation- making friends again after a friendship has been broken by some action or lack of action
Sacrament of Reconciliation- one of the seven sacraments. It is when you confess your sins to a priest.
absolution- the forgiveness we receive from God through the priest in the Sacrament of Penance and
Reconciliation
contrition- the sorrow we feel when we know that we have sinned followed by the decision not to sin again
conscience- the inner voice that helps guide us to follow Gods law by doing good and avoiding evil

#6 Living in Communion Research a Saint

BIG IDEA - The Church is a Communion of Saints including those who have lived lives of faith before us and
the faithful who live lives of faith today.
LC2: Understand that when the Church celebrates the Eucharist, the communion of the saints and our own
ancestors in faith are present.
LC2.2: Give examples of how the Church remembers its Christian ancestors throughout the year (e.g. feast
days, images, prayers, etc.) and at the celebration of the Eucharist (e.g. Eucharistic prayer include saints,
martyrs, apostles and especially Mary the Mother of God).
Materials

template All About Saint

#7 Living in Solidarity Dramatization of A Modern Day Good Samaritan

BIG IDEA - Jesus taught us about the dignity of all people and how we are to identify with and to love our
neighbour.
The Church community promotes the dignity of the poor and outcast through acts of friendship and charity.
LS2: Focus: Option for the poor and vulnerable
Understand that we are responsible for the gift of our dignity as human beings and are to respect this gift in
others (i.e. our neighbour) by following the example of Jesus who calls us to share (i.e. Eucharist) serving
the needs of others.
LS2.1: Retell scripture passages which show the poor, the outcasts and the marginalized discovering their
dignity and being invited to share meals of friendship with Jesus. (e.g. Zacheus, tax collector, etc.) and link
them to the human need for acceptance, fellowship and love.
LS2.3: Identify ways we can express to God that we respect the gift of our human dignity and show respect
toward others (i.e. family and school communities) through our prayers and actions.

Lesson Plan 1. Watch a video of the Good Samaritan. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fO4qSAhI1sI) Discuss the
message or lesson that Jesus teaches.
2. Work in groups to prepare a modern day skit that would demonstrate a scenario in their life with the
same message. (e.g. bullying, people walk by and ignore but one/the last person stops).
3. Record skits of a modern day Good Samaritan.