LESSON PLAN 

GRADE 1

CHAPTER 17

• Page 147A – Read Catechist Background.
• Page 147 D – Read under Connections.

• Page 147 – Have the children look at the picture.  Have a large “Welcome” poster for a child to hold during the prayer service.  Also, if possible, have a container of holy water, to represent new life with God; a white cloth or handkerchief for a white garment which represents that we are followers of Jesus, the Light of the World.

•  Gather in the prayer space.  Show the children how to dip their fingers into the holy water and then make the Sign of the Cross. Each child does this.
•  Lead the children in prayer

• Pages 147E – Children gather for story time.  Read the Chapter Story about a girl welcoming her baby brother to the family and to the church.

• Page 148 – Read the “We Believe” statement at the top of page 148.

•  Look at the picture.  What do you think the priest might be saying? (Father is welcoming the family).
•  Explain:  Baptism is the name of the Sacrament.  Print Baptism and baptized on the board.  When we receive the sacrament, we say that we are baptized.
•  Read the page emphasizing the following points
  
  •  In Baptism, we become children of God and members of the Church.
  •  Baptism is the first sacrament we receive.
  •  We celebrate Baptism with our parish family.
  •  Have the children underline the third paragraph pg 148.
  •  Read aloud the directive and have the children share their responses.  Help the children share their responses.  Help the children to understand Baptism is important because we become children of God and members of the Church.

• Page 149 – Direct everyone’s attention to the picture.  The priest blesses the water for Baptism early in the celebration.
•  Write the word grace on the board. Explain grace means God’s life in us.
•  Read aloud all of the text on page 149.
•  Have a volunteer read the activity directions.  As all color the water, you play music, GR1, CD.

• Page 150 – Follow the lesson plans at the bottom of the guide.

• Page 151 – You may wish to leave Master 17 for a later class or have the children do this activity at home.  Provide time to decorate the candle pg 151.

•  Ask the children to find out who their baptismal godparents are.

• Page 152 – Guide the Chapter Review.  For number one, have the children cross out the word, third, and write the word first above it.  Talk about the answer- white garment, candle.

If there is time, cover page 153 today, or as a review next class.