LESSON PLAN

GRADE 4

CHAPTER 9 + 10

1^st and 2^nd COMMANDMENT

• As students gather have Master pg. 83C available for them to work on as they wait for all to arrive.
• Welcome the class. Have students set prayer table.  Review the Sign of the Cross.  Pray Pg. 83 with the class.   Pray the Act of Contrition pg.

Chapter 9 – The First Commandment – Pgs. 83-89.

You may wish to verbally review the answers on Pg. 80 as you begin class.

• Have volunteers read the first column on Pg. 84.

• Have the class read aloud the Shema (Shaw-my) prayer on Pg. 84, and quietly think about the 2 questions on Pg. 84.

• Pg. 85 – Emphasis on prayer, worships, Mass. Read “As Catholics” and invite responses.

• Pg. 86 – Write the letters of the word “IDOLATRY” on index cards, one letter per one card.  Hand out cards randomly.  Have the students with cards come to front of classroom.  Have students in seat unscramble the word to spell IDOLATRY.  Have children return to their seat.
• Explain the definition idolatry. Explain that idol is another word for false god. Have volunteers read Pg. 86, and have students list on the board things that people might show love and honor to rather than to God.

CHAPTER 10 

Pg. 92 – “We Believe” – read or explain how the Israelites used the name Yahweh (pronounced Yah-way) for God. The Israelites did not say it aloud out of reverence for God’s name. They used Lord in their prayers and psalms.

Definition of psalm, and the second commandment.

Ask class: “What do you think it means to take God’s name in vain.

Continue with pg. 92, 93 with emphasis on using God’s name, Mary, and all the Saints with reverence.

Pg. 94 – Using God’s name with respect.

Explanation of an oath. (In count of law, telling a lie when testifying is perjury,

a criminal offense.)

Explanation of a curse. (This is using God’s name without respect, to call harm on others. This is different from vulgar language, or using the name of Jesus Christ in anger – still disrespect.)

There are several handouts. Please try to use the one “In Praise of Priests” and the handout on the names of the Pope, Bishop, etc. The paper with Jesus, Yahweh, God can be sent home, or kept for review.  

Homework:  Hand out the First Commandment and Second Commandment and the blank page to be returned with artwork the next class. 

Filler: “Word Search”

COMPLETE commandment booklet for this commandment either at home or during class.  Booklet to be blessed at end of year at final prayer service.