Lesson Plans Grades K-1
TO TITHE IS TO LOVE
2004
Lesson 1: “We Trust God”
OBJECTIVES:
The students will be 1) able to state when asked, that God made everything and everything belongs to Him, 2) that we recognize our dependence on God by saying “Lord, have mercy,” at church, and when we bow and prostrate ourselves.
TIME: 10 Minutes
MATERIALS NEEDED:
Some sticks and a piece of rope (used for Lessons 1 and 2)
An icon of Christ in the icon corner
Shoebox (Offering Box) with poster artwork to cover lid
Doorknob reminder, Theotokos (1/child labeled with name ahead of time)
FOR THE CATECHIST:
Every week the children will be asked to bring in an offering for your class box. Check to see if it is in each lesson plan, and if it isn’t, determine when you will collect the offering and write it in. Likewise, at the conclusion of each lesson, the doorknob hanger reminders are to be given out. Check to see if that is in each lesson plan, and if it isn’t, write it in.
NOTE: In these lessons words that appear in italics provide the intent of the writer, as if teaching this lesson. Answers appear in parentheses. Do not read aloud to the children from this lesson plan!
This is the first of four lessons on tithing. This lesson should be presented after your normal lesson for the day. For that reason, no opening prayer is given in this guide and the materials listed here are only for this segment of your lesson.
Your students probably already are aware, based on previous instruction, that God, as Creator, made everything and that everything belongs to Him. You will want to let them hear this once more, as well as hearing that God is love. The main thrust of the lesson will be our dependence on our Creator Who gives us everything we need. We show our dependence in the petitions we say and in our physical actions with bowing, making the Sign of the Cross and prostrations in prayer.
INTRODUCTION:
For a few minutes now, we are going to have a special lesson. We will have three other special lessons in the next three weeks. These special lessons are to help us remember that God has given us everything, and it is only right that we should give back to God in thanksgiving. I have a special box here. I would like you to bring something to give to God each week. We will keep the offering box in the icon corner. We will learn how to bring money to give to God, so that our church can be strong, and so that we can help those in need. If you get an allowance, you need to think about bringing some of the money to church. We will place it in our offering box, and then bring the box to church as our class’ offering.
CONTENT:
Let’s pretend that you found some tall sticks in your backyard and some rope. You took both and made a fort. Who does the fort belong to? (“Me.”) Why? (“Because I made it.”) Let’s think about apples, and pine trees and horses and giraffes. Who made them? (God.) Then who do they belong to? (God.) God created everything in the world. And everything belongs to God.
I’m going to say that again, and I want you to say it with me. When we say the first part, “God created everything.” I’m going to open my arms wide to reach out to all creation. When I say the second part, I’m going to bring my hands together as if receiving a blessing, because everything that God gives us is a blessing. Try it with me, “God created everything . . .” “Everything belongs to God.”
If I ask you “Who created everything?” what will you answer? “God created everything!”
We need what God gives us. We need food to eat, and a home, and clothes. In the Divine Liturgy, we ask God for what we need. Then we say, “Lord, have mercy.” Father says, “for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, let us pray,” and we say, “Lord, have mercy.” We tell God that we need Him to be kind to us. We trust that He will provide for us. The mother of Jesus trusted God. She is our model for trust.
[Move to icon corner if it is not where you are teaching, or possibly go before the icon of Christ in the church.] We know that we can not create anything. God is the Creator. It is good for us to remember that everything we have comes from God, and that He is much greater than we are. We worship God because everything we have comes from Him. There are two ways that we show special worship of God. [Demonstrate as you explain.] We bow before God.. . . Everyone try that. And we make a prostration.. . . When we have our heads touching the floor, it makes us feel that we are little, and God is big. It tells God that we know something. We know that we are nothing without Him. Let’s practice a prostration. When we have our heads to the floor, let’s say, “God created everything.” Repeat that before we begin . . . Now let’s make our prostration.
[Use one of the sticks from the introduction, as a talking stick. Have children make a circle. The stick is passed from person to person. Each one must say something they depend on God for. You will probably need to give an example. ] Ask the class, “Who made everything?” and “Who does everything belong to?”
CLOSING:
Practice the prostration with the children, saying as you do so, “God created everything.” A few minutes ago, we talked about trusting God to provide for us, I told you that the Mother of God, the Theotokos was the model of trust. Here is her icon on a doorknob hanger. It is to remind you to bring in something for our offering box.
TO TITHE IS TO LOVE
2004
Lesson 2: “We Are Good Stewards”
OBJECTIVES:
The students will be able to define the word “steward” as “caretaker.” They will be able to answer correctly whether or not the persons in the stories.
TIME: 10 Minutes
MATERIALS NEEDED:
Offering Box
Sticks, and rope from previous week.
(Sticks should be made into a cross, any other shape, or at least tied together.)
Doorknob reminder, St. Nicholas (1/child, labeled with name ahead of time)
FOR THE CATECHIST:
Last week the students learned that the world belongs to God, the Creator. This week the lesson will explain that God loves His Creation, and therefore, we must respect creation. The students will also learn that God gave human beings the role of “steward,” or “caretaker,” of creation.
Within the lesson are a variety of scenes that can be used to help students examine and think about what they might do to show respect for other people, others’ possessions; the natural world, and, in particular, parents and other adults in the child’s immediate environment. Choose the scene most appropriate for your group and within your time constraints.
INTRODUCTION:
Last week we learned the answers to the question, “Who made the world, and to whom does it belong?” Does anyone remember the answer? Did anyone bring in an offering for our offering box? [Collect offerings.]
CONTENT:
Remember my story about a fort that you had built, and that it belonged to you? Let’s pretend that these sticks are part of your fort. [Pause for a moment.] How would you feel if your brother or sister came along and broke what you had made? [Allow children to express feelings.]
God created the world. It is his. He wants us to respect what He made, and not destroy things on purpose. In fact, he wants people to TAKE CARE OF what He made. We are to be the caretakers of creation. Can you say “caretakers” with me? Another word for caretaker is “steward.” Can you say “steward?”
Let’s think of things that you take care of. What do you take care of, or help take care of, at your house? [Allow responses. After each, say “You are a good caretaker, or steward, of ________.”]
There is another way in which we are stewards. We are good stewards when we use what we have to care for one another. God wants each person to be warm in the winter, and not hungry. He made each person. He loves each person. “If you have two coats, and see someone who has none, you are to give one of your coats to him.” When we share with those in need, we are good stewards. Let’s see if you understand what a good caretaker, or good steward is.
[Using one (or more if you have longer than 10 minutes) of the scenes listed below, ask students to tell whether the child in the scene was being a good steward. ]
1) Joseph had wanted a puppy for a long, long time. His father told him that it took work to have a pet. Joseph told his father he was ready. Joseph was delighted when they brought home the black cocker spaniel pup.
“He’s yours now,” said Dad. “You’ll need to feed him and walk him.”
"I will!” Joseph shouted.
The next morning, Joseph heard his father calling him. “The dog needs to go outside.” Joseph turned over and covered his head with his blanket.
What does Joseph agree to do?
What do you think will happen if Joseph doesn’t take the dog outside?
Is Joseph being a good caretaker, or steward of what has been given him?
What should Joseph do for the dog?
2) Thekla had many, many, toys. Her family had enough money to buy her almost anything she wanted. At Christmastime she saw a story about people collecting toys for needy children. She could only imagine what it would be like to not have a new toy at Christmas. She knew what she had to do. She went to her room and looked for some of the nicest toys. Then she cleaned them up and put them on her bed. When her mom came to see what she was doing, she said, “Mommy, I want to give these to the children who don’t have toys this Christmas.”
What did Thekla see on television?
Have you ever seen people collecting toys for the needy?
Can you imagine not having a nice toy at Christmas?
Was Thekla a good steward of what she had been given?
3) Sandra’s parakeet lay on the bottom of the cage. Sandra’s mother found the parakeet and noticed that the water dish was dry again.
What happened to Sandra’s parakeet? Why?
Did Sandra take care of her pet?
Was she a good caretaker, or steward of her pet?
How do you take care of your pet?
4) Mother came into the room and saw Legos on the living room floor. “I told you to pick up your toys, Susan,” her mother said. “I am, Mother,” replied Susan, “some of them went behind the chair.” Mother smiled.
What had Susan done with her Legos?
Why was her mother upset with her?
Was Susan a good caretakers, or stewards of her toys?
5) Joy was having a real bad day. Her mom got mad when she wouldn’t eat her breakfast. Her brother lied and said that Joy was the one who made the mess with the toothpaste. And at school the teacher hadn’t called on her when she was sure of the answer to the math problem. On the way home from the bus Joy felt mad all over again. She lagged behind the others. Then she purposely walked through the pretty flower bed of their neighbor. She knew she wouldn’t get caught because no on was watching.
What kind of day did Joy have?
Because Joy was mad, what did she do?
What could she have done instead?
Did Joy respect creation?
Was she a good steward?
CLOSING:
A long time ago a young boy was raised in a family that had a lot of money. When he got older, the parents gave all the money to him. He could have had anything he wanted. He grew up and became a priest, and then a bishop. He remembered that everything really belongs to God, and that we are good stewards when we use what God gives us to help another person.
The bishop used his money to help many, many poor people.
We are learning to bring money in to the church. The church uses money to help those in need. The doorknob reminder this week, so you can remember to bring in an offering, is about that bishop. His name is St. Nicholas. We are to remember that all we have comes from God. We are to be good stewards of what we have been given, and give to those in need.
TO TITHE IS TO LOVE
2004
Lesson 3: “We Obey God”
OBJECTIVE:
The students will pray in thanksgiving for 1) all that God gives us, especially His Son, and 2) will be able to state that God wants us to be thankful by offering a part of what He has given us to the church.
TIME: 10 Minutes
MATERIALS NEEDED:
At least 20 pennies, and/or enough so that each child has 10
Icon of the Nativity (provided)
Doorknob reminder, Abraham (1/child, labeled with name ahead of time)
FOR THE CATECHIST:
The children know the meaning of “obey;” and in this lesson it is explained in the context of obeying out of love. This lesson is about being obedient to God by being thankful; for all good things He has given, most especially His Son.
INTRODUCTION:
In the last two weeks we’ve been learning how to offer something of yours, to God. We have been bringing in money for our offering box. Did anyone bring in an offering today for our offering box? [Collect offerings.]
Let’s review what we learned. Who made the world and everything in it? (God) To whom does everything belong? (God) God wants us to be good caretakers or stewards. If you have a pet, what is one thing you do to show that you are a good caretaker, or steward, of your pet? (Feed, bathe, take it out.)
CONTENT:
This week’s lesson is on obeying, or obedience. If I said, “You must obey me, because I’m your teacher.” What does that mean? [Allow responses.] We obey our parents, and teachers, because they take care of us, and love us. Does God want us to obey Him? [Allow responses.]
We have learned that God loves each person that He created. He wants us to be the best people we can be. He has rules that help us be our best. For example, He told us that we should not lie. He told us also that we should not steal. [Allow responses to:] If someone lied to you, how do you feel? What about if someone stole something from you?
It hurts when God’s rules are broken. When we obey God, we are doing what God wants. God has other rules which don’t always hurt when they’re broken. If someone gives you a gift, what do you say? (Thank you.) That is one of God’s rules, to be thankful. Is it difficult to say thank you? (No.) Does it hurt when someone doesn’t say thank you? [Allow responses.] God has given us so much. He wants us to say thank you by offering some of what we have to the church. That is our way of saying thank you to God. Let’s see how well you were listening. How do we say thank you to God? (By offering a part of what God has given us, to the church.)
I brought some pennies to help us learn a special way of counting. It’s called “Counting to 10 to say “Thank you” to God.” Can you say that with me . . . Let’s pretend you have 10 pennies in your piggy bank, and let’s count to 10 together. [As you do so, place the pennies one by one. Stop at nine.] I stopped at nine didn’t I? If you have 10 pennies, keep nine, and give the tenth to the church to say thank you to God. [Place 10th penny in the offering box.] Let’s try it again. [If you have brought 10 pennies for each child, you can have them do the exercise with you. Repeat, stopping at nine.] What should I do with the tenth penny? (Place it in the offering box.]
Abraham taught us the tenth rule. Long ago there was a battle, and Abraham’s army won. Because they won, they were bringing home lots of sheep and valuable items. Abraham met a priest who blessed him and offered him bread and wine. Abraham knew that God had given him the victory—God had made Abraham win the battle. Abraham counted out all he had won, beginning with the sheep. When he came to the number 10 each time, he gave it to the priest. In this way, Abraham thanked God.
Did God ever give us anything? [Allow responses.] What is the most important gift that God gave us? Here is a clue. [Hold up cover of offering box to show Nativity icon.] God gave us Jesus, His only-begotten Son. Jesus showed us the way to God, so that we can live united with God now and forever. There is no greater gift. How does God want us to say “thank you?” (By offering a part of what He has given us to the church.)
CLOSING:
Let’s stand and bring our tenth penny before the icon of the Nativity. I’ll say a short prayer, and then I want each of you to think of something you are thankful for. [If time allows, have each child state what they are thankful for. Make the sign of the cross and say:] Heavenly Father, we thank you for all that you have given us, especially your Son, Jesus. Let’s say “Thank you, Father,” together . . . now think of one thing to say thank you to God for . . . Then bring your penny to the offering box, and say “Thank you, God,” as you place your penny . . . Our doorknob reminder for this week is Abraham, who taught us how to obey God by being thankful.
TO TITHE IS TO LOVE
2004
Lesson 4: We Serve God
OBJECTIVES:
The students will be able to state that God wants us to serve Him by offering our time, talent and treasure to Him.
TIME: 10 Minutes
MATERIALS NEEDED:
Doorknob reminder, St. Thekla (1/child, labeled with name ahead of time)
Chalkboard
FOR THE CATECHIST:
With the liturgical response, “To Thee, O Lord,” the students are led to consider that we are to give more than a tithe to the church; we are to offer ourselves to God and to serve others. In preparation for this lesson, think of ways the children may be able to serve the church, to add to the suggestions given in the lesson. Perhaps you could arrange beforehand with the priest for the K-1 group to do something special, such as to pass the collection plate or serve the elderly at coffee hour; or sing the Lord Have Mercy responses during the Litany of Supplication. You could use this time in class to tell them how they will participate.
INTRODUCTION:
This is our final lesson about learning how to give to the church. Let’s see if you remember any of the answers to these questions.
- If I say, “God made everything, and everything belongs to ____ . . .” What is the missing word? (God.) We trust God, and ask for what we need, by saying, “Lord, have mercy.”
- If you can bow, show me. If you can do a prostration, show me. These show that we know we are nothing, without God.
- We learned that we are to be steward of God’s creation. What does a steward do? (Takes care of what he/she has been given, creation, and one another.) What is another word for steward? (Caretaker).
- We learned special way of counting to 10, called “Counting to 10 to say thank you to God.” When we do that, say with pennies, what do we do we do with number 10? (It goes to God at church.)
You have been very good students. We are to keep these lessons in our hearts all year. Every Sunday we will be collecting our offering to God. Did anyone bring in an offering today for our offering box? [Collect offerings.]
Let’s begin today’s lesson. If you have heard the phrase “To Thee, O Lord,” stand up. Where have you heard the phrase? (Church.) What does it mean? [Allow responses.] When we say that phrase, we are telling God that we love Him very much. We are telling Him that we want to live as Jesus did, and serve others. You may sit down.
CONTENT:
We have learned that God made the whole world, and us. The world belongs to God, and so do we. He made us. We say all of that when we say “To thee, O Lord
Let’s think of ways we can please God by giving our time to serve others. [Help the children think of ways they can serve in the church (sending cards to the sick, opening doors, tidying up the church, giving out bulletins, offering prayers for the sick at the start of each class.) If possible, plan to serve as a class doing one of the ideas they suggest.]
CLOSING:
St. Thekla is on the doorknob reminder this week. She heard St. Paul talk about Jesus, and she decided to spend ALL her time serving others. She became a preacher and traveled telling people about Jesus. She gave herself to God. She will help us remember that we belong to God, because He made us; and we want to be give ourselves to Him!