Christ Our Life God Cares for Us SCHOOL EDITION Teacher’s Guide ® GRADE 2 SAMPLE
www.christourlife.com 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 VTL 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Imprimatur In accordance with c. 827, permission to publish is granted on October 17, 2022, by Most Reverend Robert G. Casey, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Permission to publish is an official declaration of ecclesiastical authority that the material is free from doctrinal and moral error. No legal responsibility is assumed by the grant of this permission. In Conformity The Subcommittee on the Catechism, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has found the doctrinal content of this manual, copyright 2024, to be in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Acknowledgments Scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition, copyright © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All Rights Reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner. The English translation of The Order of Penance © 2019 International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation (ICEL); excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010 ICEL. All rights reserved. Excerpt from the English translation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church for the United States of America copyright © 1994 United States Catholic Conference, Inc.—Libreria Editrice Vaticana. All rights reserved. The prayers Sign of the Cross/Signum Crucis, Glory Be to the Father/ Gloria Patri, Lord’s Prayer/Pater Noster, Hail Mary/Ave Maria, Act of Contrition, and Hail, Holy Queen (Salve Regina) come from the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. English translation copyright © 2006, Libreria Editrice Vaticana. All rights reserved. Exclusive licensee in the United States is the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The prayers Grace Before Meals, Grace After Meals, and Prayer to One’s Guardian Angel come from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults. Copyright © 2006, U.S. Conference Catholic Bishops. All rights reserved. Loyola Press has made every effort to locate the copyright holders for the cited works used in this publication and to make full acknowledgment for their use. In the case of any omissions, the publisher will be pleased to make suitable acknowledgments in future editions. Cover and interior design: Loyola Press Cover illustration: Chiara Fedele 978-0-8294-5287-7 Copyright © 2024 Loyola Press All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior permission of the publisher. Manufactured in China Art Credits i Chiara Fedele. iv(t) Vivian Imbruglia/Iconographer; (b) kookookoo/ iStock/Getty Images. vi ajt/iStock/Getty Images. vii Anni Betts. viii(br) Svetlana Vorotniak/Shutterstock.com; (b) kirstypargeter/ iStock/Getty Images. OV-3(t) Davyd Volkov/iStock/Getty Images; (b) FatCamera/iStock/Getty Images; SDI Productions/ E+/Getty Images. OV-8 monkeybusinessimages/iStock/Getty Images. OV-10(t) AzLa/Shutterstock.com; (b) jhuting/iStock/ Getty Images. OV-12 JGI/Jamie Grill/Tetra images/Getty Images. OV-14 Capelle.r/Moment/Getty Images. OV-15(t) Johner Images/ Johner RF/Getty Images; (b) Warling Studios. OV-16 Nongkran_ch/ iStock/Getty Images. OV-18 Klaus Vedfelt/Digital Vision/Getty Images. OV-21 colematt/iStock/Getty Images. OV-23 Cultura Creative RF/Alamy Stock Photo. OV-30 Anna Khomenko/iStock/ Getty Images. OV-33 and2DesignInc/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images. OV-36 (left to right, top to bottom) Loyola Press; bubaone/ DigitalVision/Getty Images; Loyola Press; Shams Suleymanova/ iStock/Getty Images; bortonia/DigitalVision/Getty Images; appleuzr/DigitalVision/Getty Images; bortonia/DigitalVision/ Getty Images; TotemArt/Shutterstock.com; Nadiinko/iStock/Getty Images. OV-37 elenabsl/Shutterstock.com. OV-39 Warling Studios. OV-40 adriaticfoto/Shutterstock.com. OV-41 FatCamera/E+/Getty Images. OV-42 Warling Studios. OV-43(t) Phil Martin Photography; (b) Loyola Press. OV-44 Ariel Skelley/DigitalVision/Getty Images. OV-45 amtitus/DigitalVision/Getty Images. Continued on page T449. SAMPLE
v Contents Digital Resources Easily access the robust digital resources included with Christ Our Life by visiting digitallibrary.loyolapress.com. Contact your administrator for your login credentials. God Gives Us Life and Love T1 Chapter 1 God Is the Giver of Gifts. . . . . T2 Day One God Gives Us Many Gifts T4 Day Two We Are Gifts T7 Day Three God Cares for His Gifts T10 Day Four Each Person Is a Precious Gift T12 Day Five Extending the Chapter T15 Chapter 2 Jesus Is God’s Best Gift. . . . . T16 Day One Jesus Shows Us the Father’s Love T18 Day Two The Friends of Jesus Are the Church T21 Day Three Jesus Shares His Life with Us T23 Day Four We Pray the Sign of the Cross T25 Day Five Extending the Chapter T27 UNIT 1 Chapter 3 Jesus Lives in His Church. . . . T28 Day One God Gives New Life in Baptism T30 Day Two The Church Welcomes Us T32 Day Three We Belong to Jesus’ Church T36 Day Four You Are a Part of the Church T39 Day Five Extending the Chapter T42 Chapter 4 God Speaks to Us. . . . . . . T44 Day One Jesus Helps Us Hear God’s Word T46 Day Two Unit 1 Review T49 Day Three Unit 1 Test T51 Day Four Unit 1 Celebration T52 Day Five Extending the Chapter T54 Jesus Calls Us to Give Ourselves in Love T55 Chapter 5 Jesus Shows Us How to Love God Our Father. . . . . . T56 Day One Jesus Loved God His Father T58 Day Two We Can Pray to God Every Day T62 Day Three We Honor God’s Name and Day T65 Day Four We Celebrate God T67 Day Five Extending the Chapter T69 Chapter 6 Jesus Shows Us How to Love Others. . . . . . . . . T70 Day One Jesus Tells Us to Love Others T72 Day Two We Love When We Obey God T75 Day Three We Show Love with Our Gifts T79 Day Four Every Day Is a Kindness Day T81 Day Five Extending the Chapter T83 Chapter 7 We Give Love to Others. . . . . T84 Day One How Else Do We Show Love? T86 Day Two Acting with Courtesy and Concern T89 Day Three We Love When We Are Honest T90 Day Four We Love When We Are Truthful T92 Day Five Extending the Chapter T95 UNIT 2 Program Overview . . . . . . . OV-1 Welcome OV-1 Program Overview OV-2 Spiral Curriculum OV-23 Scope and Sequence OV-24 Media at a Glance OV-30 The Catechist’s Handbook . . . . OV-31 The Vocation of a Catechist OV-31 The Role of the Catechist OV-32 Knowledge and Skills of a Catechist OV-34 Inclusion: Diverse Learners OV-39 Multicultural Awareness OV-44 Profile of a Second Grader OV-45 SAMPLE
vi Chapter 13 We Grow as Disciples. . . . . T168 Day One We Make Up for Our Sins T170 Day Two God Forgives Us T173 Day Three We Praise God T176 Day Four We Prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation T179 Day Five Extending the Chapter T181 Chapter 14 Jesus Calls Us His Friends. . . .T182 Day One We Are Friends of Jesus T184 Day Two Unit 3 Review T186 Day Three Unit 3 Test T189 Day Four Unit 3 Celebration T190 Day Five Extending the Chapter T192 Jesus Gives Us the Gift of Himself T193 Chapter 15 Jesus Promised the Gift ofHimself. . . . . . . . . T194 Day One Jesus Fed the People T196 Day Two Jesus Promised Living Bread T199 Day Three We Are Invited to the Table T202 Day Four We Come to Be Enrolled T204 Day Five Extending the Chapter T205 Chapter 16 We Celebrate God’s Love. . . . T206 Day One God’s People Celebrate Passover T208 Day Two Jesus Offers the Gift of Himself T210 Day Three Jesus Gives Himself at Mass T213 Day Four We Give Ourselves with Jesus T215 Day Five Extending the Chapter T218 Chapter 17 Jesus Invites Us. . . . . . . T220 Day One We Celebrate at Mass T222 Day Two We Come with Joy T224 Day Three We Pray Together T227 Day Four We Begin Our Celebration T229 Day Five Extending the Chapter T230 UNIT 4 Chapter 8 Jesus Calls Us to Live in Love. . .T96 Day One Love Takes Sacrifice T98 Day Two Unit 2 Review T101 Day Three Unit 2 Test T104 Day Four Unit 2 Celebration T105 Day Five Extending the Chapter T108 Jesus Gives Us the Gift of Peace T109 Chapter 9 Our Friend Jesus Forgives Us. . .T110 Day One Jesus Is Our Friend T112 Day Two We Tell Friends, “I’m Sorry” T115 Day Three Jesus Forgave Zacchaeus T118 Day Four Jesus Forgives Us T121 Day Five Extending the Chapter T125 Chapter 10 Jesus Leads Us to His Peace. . .T126 Day One We Need Jesus’ Forgiveness T128 Day Two Jesus Gives Us a Sacrament of Peace T131 Day Three Jesus Helps Us to Bring Peace T134 Day Four Jesus Forgave the Woman T136 Day Five Extending the Chapter T139 Chapter 11 The Holy Spirit Helps Us. . . . T140 Day One The Holy Spirit Is with Us T142 Day Two We Look into Our Hearts T145 Day Three The Holy Spirit Helps Us Love T148 Day Four We Open Our Hearts to God’s Love T151 Day Five Extending the Chapter T153 Chapter 12 We Meet Jesus in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. . .T154 Day One Jesus Forgives Us T156 Day Two We Tell Jesus We Have Failed T159 Day Three We Confess to Jesus T161 Day Four Jesus Helps Us Become Better T164 Day Five Extending the Chapter T167 UNIT 3 SAMPLE
vii The Church Celebrates God’s Care T293 Chapter 23 We Are One in the Church. . . T294 Day One We Are One in the Church T296 Day Two We Bring Others to Jesus T299 Day Three We Become like Jesus T302 Day Four We Need the Eucharist T305 Day Five Extending the Chapter T308 Chapter 24 Mary, Mother of the Church, Cares for Us. . . . . . . . .T310 Day One Mary Asks Jesus to Help T312 Day Two We Do Our Best to Be like Mary T316 Day Three We Honor Our Mother T318 Day Four We Celebrate Mary T319 Day Five Extending the Chapter T321 Chapter 25 The Church Celebrates God’s Love. . . . . . . . . T322 Day One Unit 5 Review T324 Day Two Unit 5 Test T327 Day Three Unit 5 Celebration T329 Day Four We Plan to Follow Jesus T331 Day Five Extending the Chapter T332 UNIT 5 Chapter 18 We Listen and Pray. . . . . . T232 Day One We Listen to the Word T234 Day Two We Tell God We Believe T236 Day Three We Ask God for Help T238 Day Four We Live God’s Word T240 Day Five Extending the Chapter T242 Chapter 19 We Prepare Our Gifts . . . . . T244 Day One We Prepare to Offer Gifts T246 Day Two We Give Thanks and Praise T248 Day Three We Lift Our Hearts to the Lord T251 Day Four We Make Gifts T253 Day Five Extending the Chapter T255 Chapter 20 Jesus Offers Himself. . . . . .T256 Day One Jesus Gives Himself at Mass T258 Day Two Jesus Offers Himself for Us T260 Day Three We Remember What Jesus Christ Has Done T262 Day Four We Celebrate in Prayer T263 Day Five Extending the Chapter T265 Chapter 21 We Receive the Bread of Life. . T266 Day One We Prepare to Receive Jesus T268 Day Two We Remember Jesus’ Love T270 Day Three Jesus Gives Himself to Us T273 Day Four We Thank Jesus T276 Day Five Extending the Chapter T279 Chapter 22 We Share God’s Love with Others . . . . . . . . .T280 Day One We Love and Serve the Lord T282 Day Two We Bloom Wherever We Are T285 Day Three Unit 4 Review T288 Day Four Unit 4 Test T291 Day Five Extending the Chapter T292 SAMPLE
viii Saints and Feast Days T419 Calendar of Saints and Feast Days T419 September T420 October T421 November T422 December T423 January T424 February T425 March T426 April T427 May T428 June T428 July T429 August T430 Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . T431 Index..............T441 Scripture Index . . . . . . . . . . T447 Special Seasons and Lessons T333 The Year in Our Church T335 1 Feast of All Saints T336 2 Advent T341 3 Christmas T350 4 Lent T356 5 Holy Week T363 6 Easter T369 7 Pentecost T374 8 The Missions T379 9 Reconciliation Service T386 10 Eucharist: Planning a Mass T388 What Catholics Should Know T395 Prayer and How We Pray T397 Stations of the Cross T404 The Seven Sacraments T408 Holy Days of Obligation T411 Commandments T412 Making Good Choices T414 The Bible T415 Showing Our Love for the World T416 Student Book Cover Prayers T417 SAMPLE
Media in This Unit When preparing to teach the unit, determine how you will use the media. Media that enhances each chapter can be accessed by scanning the QR codes found on the student pages. All media resources are available to you through the LP Digital Library (digitallibrary.loyolapress.com). Contact your administrator for your login credentials. UNIT 1 God Gives Us Life and Love Goals • Children will explain how everything and everyone is a gift from God. • They will demonstrate an understanding of Baptism and the Church. 1 God Is the Giver of Gifts The living God shares with each person the gift of human life and calls each one to eternal union. Children learn that their lives are a sign of God’s love, and they are led to a deeper awareness of God’s presence in the love, beauty, and goodness of the other gifts given to them each day. See page T15 for STREAM activity. 2 Jesus Is God’s Best Gift God the Father reveals his love for the human family in the gift of his Son, Jesus. Jesus shows us how we can come into the fullness of our being and enjoy life with him forever. Children learn how they can live in union with God, who has come to dwell among us. 3 Jesus Lives in His Church Baptism joins us to the Church, a community of people who believe in Jesus and live together in love and unity under the leadership of our Holy Father, the pope. Children learn how Baptism is the beginning of a new life and opens their hearts to God’s love. They learn that the Church proclaims and teaches God’s Word, celebrates God’s presence among us, and devotes itself to living in the power of God’s love. Children share in the mission of Christ as members of his Church. 4 God Speaks to Us We celebrate God’s gifts by sharing them with others. Children review the main concepts of Unit 1. They participate in a celebration of their belonging to the church community. T1 SAMPLE
CHAPTER God Is the Giver of Gifts Listening You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb. I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works! My very self you know. Psalm 139:13–14 Reflecting Poets and writers capture in words the wonder of the world and the vitality of life. Their sensitivity to sights, sounds, and feelings helps us see familiar things in a new way and increases our awareness of the greatness of God. Saint Paul’s letter to the Romans says: Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes of eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and perceived in what he has made. Romans 1:20 Faith Focus We were made like God and given many gifts. Reflecting on the Faith Experience Take a few moments to reflect prayerfully before preparing the lesson. Responding God, giver of all good gifts, thank you for your gift of life. Scripture for Further Reflection Genesis 1:27–30 We are created in the image of God. Luke 12:24–29 God provides for his creatures. James 1:17 Every perfect gift comes from God. The psalmist, reflecting on how the human person surpasses the other marvels of creation, says: When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars that you set in place— What is man that you are mindful of him, and a son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him little less than a god, crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him rule over the works of your hands, put all things at his feet. Psalm 8:4–7 How do I express my thanks to God? How can I share with others how thankful I am? 1 T2 Unit 1 God Gives Us Life and Love SAMPLE
GOD’S I F T S * Post pictures or children’s drawing depicting God’s gifts. Use real bows on the gifts. Preparing for the Faith Experience Day One God Gives Us Many Gifts Day Two We Are Gifts Day Three God Cares for His Gifts Day Four Each Person Is a Precious Gift Day Five Extending the Chapter The following pages present a plan for teaching this chapter in five days. Adapt the lessons and pacing to suit your program. Bulletin Board A suggestion for a bulletin-board design for this chapter is pictured. Write the name of each child in the gift boxes. You may want to use real bows on the gifts. Scripture in This Chapter Psalm 104:1 Bless the Lord 1 Kings 17:7–16 Story of Elijah Genesis 1:27 Made in God’s Image 1 Peter 4:10 Stewards of God’s Grace Psalm 139:14 Psalm of Praise Luke 12:24–29 God Cares for You Psalm 40:6 God’s Immeasurable Gifts Mark 16:15 Share the Gospel Catholic Social Teaching Life and Dignity God’s Creation Church Documents Catechism of the Catholic Church. The themes in this chapter correspond to the following paragraphs: 299, 301, 355–358, 422. Directory for Catechesis #237. Children should learn to recognize their own dignity and their importance not only for what they will do in the future but for who they are now. Sharing Catholic Social Teaching (USCCB). Our Catholic tradition teaches us that every person is precious and that people are more important than things. Media in This Chapter Determine in advance if you will have children experience the media during class or at home. This media can be accessed by scanning the QR code with a web-enabled smartphone or tablet. Families in Mission Send home the Families in Mission pages after teaching the chapter so that families can further explore the teaching, grow in faith, and be inspired to go forth as missionary disciples. Enriching the Faith Experience Use the activities at the end of the chapter to enrich a lesson or to replace an activity with one that better meets the needs of your class. STREAM Each unit has a STREAM small-group activity aligned to the content of one chapter in that unit. Use these activities to help children develop interdisciplinary academic skills and see that their Catholic faith is at the heart of everything they do (page T15). God Is the Giver of Gifts Chapter 1 T3 Inclusion Scan the QR code for Inclusion articles or access them from the LP Digital Library. SAMPLE
• During this year together, we will help one another know and love Jesus more as we get to know one another better. We will share ideas and pray together. Day One God Gives Us Many Gifts Student pages 1–3 LEARNING OUTCOMES Children will be able to • describe the gifts of God’s love that they experience each day. • explain that God’s love is known through the love of the people in their lives. • explain that God’s gifts are for sharing. Materials • Bible • Student Book for each child • Device with internet access, optional • Music Before You Begin 1. Determine whether the media will be experienced during class or at home. 2. God reveals himself as a loving Father who has given us everything in nature and even a chance to participate in divine life. 3. All creation speaks of the wonders of our God, who calls us to an ever-closer intimacy. 4. God’s gifts are given for all people and are to be shared by all. 5. You may wish to begin religion time by calling children to a different part of the room, by playing music, or by praying the Sign of the Cross. 6. The Student Books could be blessed earlier—either before the dismissal at a Eucharistic celebration or at a prayer service. Presenting the religion book in a prayerful ceremony encourages children to regard it as a meaningful book that can help them come closer to Jesus. The presence of a priest will further impress children with the book’s importance. If a priest cannot be present for this, perhaps he can bless the books beforehand. Centering 1. Talk about religion class. • You have come here to learn more about Jesus so that you can grow to be more like him. • This year is unique because you will be preparing to meet with Jesus in the Sacraments of First Penance and Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. UNIT 1 Bless the LORD, my soul! LORD, my God, you are great indeed! Psalm 104:1 God Gives Us Life and Love 1 T4 Unit 1 God Gives Us Life and Love SAMPLE
2. Play a game of “Follow the Leader.” • Play music and invite children, one by one, to follow you around the room. You might choose to have children hop on one foot or clap their hands. 3. Present and distribute the religion books. • Today you will receive an important book to use this year. Show the religion book. • Why do you think this book is important? (It will help us learn more about Jesus.) 4. Invite a volunteer to read aloud the title of Unit 1, God Gives Us Life and Love on page 1. (See page T4.) • Describe the pictures on this page. (a loving family; a mama bird sitting on her eggs in a nest; neighbors and families walking to church) 5. Have children find the Scripture passage at the bottom of page 1. (See page T4.) Invite a volunteer to read it aloud. • God the Father is truly great and wonderful. He gives us many gifts. God’s most important gift to us is his Son, Jesus. 6. Direct children to the QR code at the bottom of page 1. (See page T4.) • Explain that you will be inviting them to access media behind the code, whether it be in class via computer or tablet or at home via smartphone, computer, or tablet. Sharing 1. Discuss gifts. • What are some gifts you have received? • Did you ever receive a gift that wasn’t in a gift box? What was it? Look at page 1 in your books. Here is a picture of some gifts that are not wrapped up and tied with pretty bows. What are the gifts in this picture? (a family, a bird, a church, a neighborhood) • How many of you have made something, or drawn a picture, or picked flowers as a gift for someone? • What was your gift? Why did you give these gifts? (to show my love) • God has given all of us so many gifts, more than we could ever count, out of love. A Letter Home At the beginning of the unit, have children tear out page 2 and bring it home or send the entire Student Book home. Ask children to read this letter with their parents and use the QR code found on the page to experience and discuss the media before your next class meeting. A Letter Home LOOKING AHEAD Scan the QR code with a web-enabled device to view a video on the life and charism of Saint Pius X together as a family. You will learn more about this 20th-century saint in the Families in Mission pages for Chapter 3. Dear Parents and Family, Welcome to Christ Our Life! You have the opportunity to be involved in your child’s learning about the Catholic faith. Your interest, participation, and discussions at home will expand your child’s understanding of these lessons and convey a message about their importance. Unit 1 introduces your child to an all-loving God who cares personally about each of us. Children learn that everything and everyone are gifts from God, and they are led to a greater awareness of God’s presence in the everyday. They learn that God the Father’s greatest gift is his Son, Jesus, who freed us from sin. Jesus shows us how we can enjoy life with God forever. Children come to a deeper understanding of Baptism, which joins us to the Church and is an initiation into a new life united with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This leads to a discussion of the Trinity. Children learn how the Church shares and teaches Sacred Scripture, celebrates God’s presence among us, and is dedicated to living in God’s love. At home, consider lighting your child’s baptismal candle at a family meal as a reminder of your child’s Baptism and bringing Jesus’ Light to others. Children revisit essential chapter content, complete a Your Turn activity, and undertake an interactive chapter review in the Review section of each chapter. At the end of each chapter of this unit, children will bring home the Families in Mission pages so that you can further explore the chapter content, grow in your faith, and be inspired to go forth as a family of missionary disciples. The last chapter of each unit is a unit review. There you will find a QR code to scan to play the Stump the Shepherd unit review game. 2 Unit 1 Christ Our Life® God Is the Giver of Gifts Chapter 1 T5 Day One SAMPLE
2. Turn to God’s Gifts Show His Love on page 3. • What is the title of the poem? (God’s Gifts Show His Love) • Invite children to listen while you read aloud each verse of the poem and discuss the gifts it mentions: • (after verse 1) What gifts of God did you enjoy this summer? • (after verse 2) What things in the world are your favorite gifts? • (after verse 3) Who are some of the people who love and care for you? 3. Re-read aloud God’s Gifts Show His Love and have children read aloud the words in all capital letters. 4. If feasible, have children scan the QR code on page 3 using a handheld, web-enabled device to experience the media. 5. Tell children the story of Elijah (From 1 Kings 17:7–16). • Show children a Bible. • In God’s holy book, the Bible, there is a story about God’s friend, Elijah. One day Elijah was very hungry. He met a woman and asked her for something to eat. This woman was poor. She had only enough flour and olive oil in her house to make a little bread for her son and herself. Even so, she made some bread for Elijah first. Then she went to make her own bread. To her surprise, she found that her jar still had the same amount of flour as before and that her jug had the same amount of oil as before. For a whole year, she never ran out of flour or oil. 6. Discuss the story. • In the story, what did the woman do with her gift of food? (She shared it with Elijah.) • How do you think Elijah felt when he received the bread? (happy, grateful) • Why did God bless the woman by giving her enough food for another year? (He rewarded her because she shared what she had.) • All goodness comes from God. He calls us to share his gifts. It is good when people share their gifts with others. What gifts have you shared with others? (toys, a snack, help zipping a jacket) Life and Dignity Acting 1. Explain that all goodness comes from God. • God is so good to us. He loves us and cares for us. We are all called to share the gift of God’s goodness. 2. Invite children to thank God for his love in the quiet of their hearts. CHECKPOINT Were the learning outcomes achieved? Do children show that they understand that God is the source of all goodness? CHAPTER 1 God Is the Giver of Gifts God’s Gifts Show His Love God is the GIVER OF GIFTS. God gives the gift of summer. I feel the warm sun on my back and cool blades of grass beneath my feet. And I know that GOD IS GOOD! God sends the gifts of rain, colorful flowers, trees to climb, and lakes with waves. I know the gift of the touch of a soft, furry kitten and the sight of a puppy’s wagging tail. And I know that GOD IS GOOD! God gives the gift of people who love me and care for me when I fall and scrape my knee, who help me with my schoolwork, who hug me when I feel sad or lonely or scared. And I know that GOD LOVES ME! God Is the Giver of Gifts Chapter 1 3 T6 Unit 1 God Gives Us Life and Love Day One SAMPLE
Day Two We Are Gifts Student pages 4–5 LEARNING OUTCOMES Children will be able to • explain that we are made in the image of God. • name what we can do because we are created in God’s likeness. • explain how to give ourselves as gifts. • define Trinity. Word to Know Trinity See the Glossary for definition. Materials • Box with a mirror taped inside so that when children look inside the box, they see themselves • Bible bookmarked to Genesis 1:27 • Art supplies • Reproducible 1a Before You Begin 1. Our lives are precious gifts from God our Father, who has formed all people in his image. God made us with the power to think, to choose, and to love. 2. We are set apart from and called to care for all of God’s creation. 3. Download from the LP Digital Library Reproducible 1a, Pre-test/Post-test. You may wish to administer Reproducible 1a as a pre-test. Use the test to assess children’s familiarity with faith concepts being covered this year. You then can use the results to plan your lessons for the year. Save the tests. At the end of the year, give the test again as a post-test. Lead children to see how much they have learned. Centering 1. Invite children to think about how they have shared God’s gifts. 2. Present the box with the mirror inside. • I want to show you another of God’s wonderful gifts. You will know what this gift is when you look inside the box. Who would like to look inside and find out what the gift is? Don’t tell us what you see so that it is a surprise for everyone. • Let children take turns looking inside to discover that the gift is themselves. Sharing 1. Explain the concept of image. • What happened when you looked in the box? • You saw an image, or likeness, of yourself. • The Bible tells us that we are made in the image and likeness of God. Read aloud Genesis 1:27 from the bookmarked Bible. 2. Talk about how God creates humans in his image. • God made us to be like himself. Of all the wonderful creations in our world, we are the closest to and the most like God. • What can people do that the mountains, flowers, and animals God made cannot do? God Is the Giver of Gifts Chapter 1 T7 SAMPLE
3. Invite a volunteer to read aloud the first paragraph of We Are Gifts on page 4. • Who creates all things? (God) • What is another name for God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? (Trinity) • We recognize the Trinity every time we pray the Sign of the Cross. Word to Know Invite a volunteer to read aloud the definition of Trinity from the Word to Know feature. Children can further explore the meaning of the word in the Glossary. 4. Invite a volunteer to read aloud the next paragraph. • We are precious gifts from God. God loves and cares for each one of us. • What three things can we do because we are made in the image and likeness of God? (think, choose, and love) God’s Creation 5. Ask a volunteer to read aloud the third paragraph. • We can give the gift of ourselves by helping and caring for others. What are some examples of giving ourselves to others? (zip up someone’s jacket; give someone a smile or a kind word; sing a song; give someone a hug) • How can we give ourselves to God? (by offering ourselves to God in prayer; by doing everything for God) Life and Dignity God’s Word 6. Invite a volunteer to read aloud the Scripture passage from Psalms from the God’s Word feature on page 4. • We are all wonderfully made by God our Father. He loves us and cares for us. Let’s take a moment now to praise and thank God for making us so wonderful! • Allow time for children to pray silently. 7. Tell children the story of Lea. • I would like to tell you a story about a girl named Lea. It was Lea’s mom’s birthday. Lots of family and friends came to Lea’s home for a party. Lea felt sad because she had no money to buy her mom a gift. While her mom was opening her presents, Lea left the room and returned with a tray. When her mom was finished opening her presents, Lea put the tray on the floor in front of her mom. Then she stood on the tray and said, “Happy birthday, Mom! I’m your gift!” We Are Gifts God the Father makes everything. He made the sun and the moon. He made plants and animals. All creation is a gift from God. God is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The one God in Three Persons is called the Trinity. God made us. We are gifts too. Humans are different from the rest of creation. We are made in God’s image and likeness. This means God made us to be like himself. We can think. We can choose. We can love. God created us to be with him and to be happy, now and forever. Gifts are to be given. We give ourselves to others. We give ourselves to God. God’s Word I praise you, because I am wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14 Word to Know Trinity The mystery of one God existing in Three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit Unit 1 God Gives Us Life and Love 4 T8 Unit 1 God Gives Us Life and Love Day Two SAMPLE
• God made all of us to be gifts like Lea. He wants all people to love and care for one another. 8. Guide children to read and complete page 5. • Ask a volunteer to read aloud God Gives Us Gifts. Then invite children to complete the activities I Can Think, I Can Choose, and I Can Love. • Ask volunteers to share their work. 9. Talk about things children can do with their senses. • God has given us eyes to see. What are some of your favorite things to look at? • God has given us ears to hear. What kinds of sounds do you like? • God has given us touch so that we can feel things. What are some comforting or favorite things you like to touch and feel? • God has given us a nose to smell. What smells good to you? • God has given us taste to enjoy food. What do you like to eat? 10. Draw on the board an outline of a body and talk about God’s gifts. • As you add parts of the body, have children tell the things we can do in relation to each part: head (think), eyes (see), ears (hear), nose (smell), mouth (taste), fingers (feel). • What three important things can we do because we are made in the likeness of God? Refer children to the titles of the three activities if they have difficulty. (We can think, choose, and love.) Acting 1. Invite children to thank God for the gift of themselves and the things they can do. 2. Ask children to think about how they can give someone the gift of themselves today. • Invite volunteers to share their ideas and list their suggestions on the board. • Ask children to choose from the list (or come up with an idea of their own) one way they can gift themselves and the person to whom they will offer that gift. Life and Dignity 3. Distribute Reproducible 1a, Pre-test. Use the test to assess children’s familiarity with the content that will be learning this year. Name Score 1a REPRODUCIBLE Christ Our Life® GRADE 2 Chapter 1 All Rights Reserved Christ Our Life® Reproducibles w3155 www.christourlife.com Pre-Test/Post-Test Write the letter of the term from the box next to its meaning. A. confession B. Jesus C. prayer D. sacraments E. contrition F. sacrifices G. Mass H. Good News I. reconciliation J. Mary 1. God the Father’s greatest gift to us p. 11 B 2. The Mother of the Church p. 13 J 3. Sacred signs given to the Church by Jesus p. 19 D 4. Making up with God and others we have hurt I 5. Telling our sins to the priest p. 92 A 6. Being sorry for what we have done wrong p. 98 E 7. Gifts given to God to give him thanks p. 59 F 8. Celebration of Jesus’ dying and rising p. 128 G 9. Another name for the Gospel p. 136 H 10. Talking with God pp. 38, 41, 612 C Page 1 of 3 p. 79 CHECKPOINT Were the learning outcomes achieved? Were children able to demonstrate an understanding of giving themselves as gifts? God Gives Us Gifts God gives us a mind so that we can think. We can choose. God also gives us the ability to love. I Can Think Write one thing you learned recently. I Can Love In the heart, draw a picture of someone you love. Ask God to bless that person. I Can Choose Choose the pet you like best. Circle it. God our Father, please bless . God Is the Giver of Gifts Chapter 1 5 God Is the Giver of Gifts Chapter 1 T9 Day Two SAMPLE
LEARNING OUTCOMES Children will be able to • describe God’s never-failing care for creation. • explain why people are especially important to God. • talk about trust in our heavenly Father’s care. Day Three God Cares for His Gifts Student page 6 Materials • Bible enthroned on a table • Scenic pictures: sky, land, trees, flowers, birds, sun, stars, animals • Pictures of people • Art supplies Before You Begin A person whose vision of life is shaped by the Christian faith sees God manifesting himself in all of creation, in the events of everyday life, and especially in the people who faithfully reflect God’s loving kindness. Centering Introduce the Bible as a treasure. • What are some special gifts or treasures that you own? How do you care for them? Why do you care for your treasures in this way? • I have a precious treasure to show you that belongs to all of us. Reverently hand the Bible to a child and ask him or her to place it on the worship table. • The Bible contains messages from God to us. • How can we show that we know the Bible is a treasure? (carry the Bible carefully, handle it gently) • Today we will talk about how we are cherished by God and the way God cares for us. Sharing 1. Display the pictures of nature and people. • Ask children to tell how God cares for each creation. • God cares for people, giving them what they need. What do we need to live and grow? (food, water, clothing, shelter) • God takes care of everything in the sky and space. What are some of these things? (sun, moon, stars, planets, clouds) • God takes care of the land too. God makes everything beautiful. The grass, the trees, and the flowers grow according to God’s laws of nature. • The trees change colors in the fall. In some places, it snows in winter. God cares for plants and animals all year long. • God also takes care of the lakes, the rivers, and the seas. • God takes care of all living things, giving them food, water, and sunshine to help them grow. 2. Tell Jesus’ story about how God cares for all creatures. • Jesus wanted people to know that God our Father cares for everything he makes and that God cares for people so much more. • In the Bible, Jesus tells us about God’s loving care. • Read aloud God Loves and Cares for Us. 3. Review the story with children. • Do birds plant seeds or store food in barns? (No.) • Why don’t birds do this? (God provides food for them in nature.) • Do flowers have to make cloth and sew clothes? (No.) Why are flowers so beautiful? (God makes them that way.) • Why does Jesus say we don’t need to worry? (because God will take care of us) Why does God care for us? (We are more precious than all the other creatures.) • How are people extraordinary? (God made us in his image and likeness. We can think, choose, and love.) God Loves and Cares for Us Luke’s Gospel tells us that one day, Jesus was teaching people about his Father. He wanted them to know that God the Father loves and cares for us more than anything else in the world. Jesus told the people to look at the birds in the sky. He said that birds don’t plant seeds or store food in storehouses or barns. Yet, God our Father feeds them. Jesus said we are much more important than birds. Then Jesus pointed out the flowers that grow wild in the field. He reminded the people that flowers don’t spin thread or weave cloth to make clothes. Yet not even a king has clothes as beautiful as theirs. Jesus told the people that if this is how God clothes the wild grass in the field, which is here today and gone tomorrow, he will take much more care of us. Jesus said that God’s people are worth so much more than the birds and the flowers. We can trust in God and not worry anymore. (From Luke 12:24–29) T10 Unit 1 God Gives Us Life and Love SAMPLE
4. Share with children a personal experience of God’s loving care. 5. Invite volunteers to share a time they experienced God’s loving care. • No matter how you may be feeling—happy, sad, excited, angry, or afraid—God is always with you and will take care of you. 6. Discuss with children how they can care for creation. • God asks us to take care of ourselves, other people, and all the things he makes and gives to us. Why do you think God wants us to look after all these things? • How can you take care of yourselves? (eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, cleaning up after myself) How can you take care of others? (sharing, helping, using my gifts) • How can you help take care of the beautiful land God has given us? (not littering or destroying the land) • How can you take care of the water in the lakes, rivers, and streams? (not polluting; conserving water) • How can you help take care of living things such as animals? (feeding, playing with, and loving pets; respecting wild animals) • How can you show God that you’re grateful for the gift of food? (Don’t play with food. Pray before and after meals.) God’s Creation 7. Invite volunteers to read aloud God Cares for Us on page 6. A Moment with Jesus 8. Lead children in personal prayer using A Moment with Jesus. • A Moment with Jesus is an opportunity for children to turn to God in the quiet of their hearts. This is a time for personal, internal prayer. You may wish to use a soft chime or other musical tone to let them know when prayer time begins and ends. • Invite children to spend some quiet time with Jesus each day. Acting Ask children to complete the activity God Cares for His Gifts. • You might encourage children to draw more flowers, butterflies, and birds on the page. • Invite volunteers to share their work. CHECKPOINT Were the learning outcomes achieved? Were children able to share ways they can care for creation? God Cares for Us The Gospel of Luke tells us that one day, Jesus was teaching people about God the Father. Jesus wanted everyone to know that the Father loves us and will always take good care of us. Jesus reminded the people of how God takes care of the birds and flowers. He makes sure that they have what they need. Then Jesus told the people that God loves us much more than the birds and the flowers. God loves us more than any part of his creation and he will always provide for us. A Moment with Jesus Think about the wonderful things God the Father makes. Listen to his Son, Jesus, tell you how much God loves and cares for you. God Cares for His Gifts Tell Jesus how you will care for God’s gift of creation. Unit 1 God Gives Us Life and Love 6 God Is the Giver of Gifts Chapter 1 T11 Day Three SAMPLE
LEARNING OUTCOMES Children will be able to • identify the different levels of being. • describe the dignity of each person. • demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts in this chapter. Materials • Device with internet access, optional • Drawing of ladder steps on the board • Picture of a rock • Picture of a plant • Picture of a fish, a turtle, or a bird • Picture of a child • Picture of an angel • Art supplies • Reproducible 1b Day Four Each Person Is a Precious Gift Student pages 7–8 Before You Begin 1. Determine whether the media will be experienced during class or at home. 2. Download from the LP Digital Library Reproducible 1b, Chapter 1 Quiz. 3. God has set humankind over the rest of the created world and calls us to cooperate in caring for it. The story of creation in the Book of Genesis is placed at the beginning of the Bible for a reason: to make the emphatic statement that all of creation comes from God, is directed toward God, and is good. 4. For the self-portraits in Sharing #5, you might choose to use paper large enough so that each child can lie down on it and be traced for a life-size picture. 5. When planning today’s lesson, keep in mind that Day Four is when children take the quiz for this chapter. Reserve time at the end of class for this assessment. The quiz can also be administered on Day Five. 6. You may wish to read aloud the Reproducible 1b, Quiz to test children’s knowledge of religion, not their reading ability. Centering 1. Invite children to name ways they use their senses. 2. Ask children what they would thank God for if they were grass, a pony, or a bird. Sharing 1. Introduce the Ladder of Creation exercise. • Let’s work together to make a Ladder of Creation. What does the word creation mean? (things God makes) We can also use the word creatures to describe living, breathing things that God makes. Write the words on the board. 2. Show children some things God has created. • Let’s put a rock, a plant, and an animal on the correct steps of the ladder. • On the bottom step belongs something God made that is not alive. What can we put on that step? (rock) • Let’s put a living thing that can grow, but cannot see or hear, on the next step. (plant) • On the third step, let’s put a creature that can do more than a plant can do. What are some things an animal can do that a plant can’t do? (animal) • At the top of the ladder belongs a creature God made in his own image and likeness. Who could this be? Place a picture of a child on the top step of the ladder. 3. Discuss why people are precious. • Why are people on the top step of the ladder? (People are greater than the other creatures God makes.) • Why are people the most important in all of God’s creation? (God made people in his own image and likeness.) • How are people like God? (People can think, choose, and love.) • Because we are more advanced than any other creature on earth, we have a responsibility to take care of God’s creation. God’s Creation 4. Place a picture of an angel above the Ladder of Creation. • God made some creatures who are his helpers and messengers. They adore God in heaven. What do we call them? (angels) • Angels can do some of the things we do. What are some of these things? (They can think, choose, and love.) • Angels also take care of us. T12 Unit 1 God Gives Us Life and Love SAMPLE
5. Have children make self-portraits. • Distribute sheets of paper. Invite children to make their drawings fill the entire sheet of paper. Remind them to think about the color of their hair, eyes, and so on. • Have children write at the bottom: “God, thank you for making me so wonderful.” 6. Discuss uniqueness. • Ask children to form a circle, holding their portraits in front of them so everyone can see them. • Does anyone have a portrait that looks just like yours? Why not? God didn’t use a cookie cutter or a stamp to make us all alike. He designed each person individually and carefully. There is no one else like you in the whole world. Each person is God’s wonderful creation. Each person is in the image of God and is a child of God. • Hang the portraits around the room if possible. 7. Invite a volunteer to read aloud God’s Gifts Are Precious on page 7. 8. Have children complete the activities My Gift from God and Thank You, God. • On the board, write words they might need to write their prayers, such as Jesus, love, thank, and God. • Invite volunteers to share their drawings and their prayers. 9. Pray a litany of thanks for all God’s people with the response “Bless them.” • Thank you, God, for those who care for us. (Bless them.) • Thank you, God, for those who help us. (Bless them.) • Thank you, God, for our families. (Bless them.) • Thank you, God, for our friends. (Bless them.) • Thank you, God, for those who make us laugh and smile. (Bless them.) • Invite children to add their own petitions. God’s Gifts Are Precious Think about all the gifts God has given you. God is good to give us many gifts. My Gift from God Choose one of the gifts that God has given you. Draw yourself in the box using your gift. Then write your name on the gift tag. Thank You, God Write a prayer to thank God for the many good gifts he gives us. To: From: God God Is the Giver of Gifts Chapter 1 7 God Is the Giver of Gifts Chapter 1 T13 Day Four SAMPLE
Acting 1. Guide children through the Chapter 1 Review on page 8. 2. Pray together We Respond. 3. Invite a volunteer to read aloud the directions for the Your Turn activity and have children complete it. 4. Distribute and administer Reproducible 1b, Chapter 1 Quiz. • Use this opportunity to assess children’s understanding of the main concepts in the chapter. If there is not sufficient time for children to complete the quiz, consider moving it to Day Five. 5. At the end of class, have children tear out and take home A Letter Home on page 2 and pages 9–10. 6. As an option, have children undertake the interactive chapter review by scanning the QR code on page 8 and send the results to you. CHECKPOINT Were the learning objectives achieved? Do children demonstrate an understanding of their dignity as creatures of God? Name Score REPRODUCIBLE Christ Our Life® All Rights Reserved Christ Our Life® Reproducibles w3155 www.christourlife.com GRADE 2 Chapter 1 1b Chapter 1 Quiz Write the correct word on the line to complete each sentence. Use the word bank to help you. WORD BANK creation think Son choose image everything Trinity God gifts us 1. God is Father, , and Holy Spirit. p. 4 2. We are made in God’s . p. 4 3. All is a gift from God. p. 4 4. God the Father will always take good care of . p. 6 5. God gave us a mind so that we can . pp. 4,5 6. God is good to give us many . p. 7 7. God gave us the ability to love and to . pp. 4,5 8. We give ourselves to . p. 4 9. God the Father makes . p. 4 10. The mystery of one God in three Persons is called the . p. 4 Son image think gifts creation choose everything Trinity God us REVIEW Your Turn CHAPTER God Is the Giver of Gifts 1 Below, draw a picture of something God created that shows his love. Word to Know Trinity pp. 4, 244 We Remember How are humans different in God’s creation? God made us in his image and likeness. We can think, choose, and love. What is the Trinity? The Trinity is one God inThree Persons—God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We Respond You, yes you, O LORD, my God, have done many wondrous deeds!. . . Should I wish to declare or tell them, too many are they to recount. Psalm 40:6 8 Chapter 1 Chapter Review T14 Unit 1 God Gives Us Life and Love Day Four SAMPLE
Day Five Extending the Chapter Families IN MISSION Remind children to take home pages 9–10 to share what they are learning with their families. As an alternative to teaching a lesson, attend Mass on Day Five together as a class. Or use the following suggestions to develop an additional lesson. 1. Consider the time of the liturgical year and use the appropriate Special Seasons and Lessons content, which begin on page T333. 2. Incorporate any reproducibles from this chapter that were not previously used. 3. Explore or revisit the multimedia for this chapter. 4. Use activities from Enriching the Faith Experience below. 5. Guide children in a prayerful discussion of Sunday’s Scripture readings. Visit www.loyolapress .com/Sunday. 6. Assign the STREAM small-group project found by scanning the QR code below and on the LP Digital Library. Use the following activities to enrich a lesson or to replace an activity with one that better meets the needs of your class. 1. Take a nature walk around the school grounds. Point out the beauty and bounty of God’s creation. 2. Have each child write his or her name at the top of a sheet of paper. Then have children move from desk to desk and write their name and one thing that makes the person at the top of the sheet of paper unique and wonderful. Life and Dignity 3. Guide children in completing Reproducible 1c, God Gives Us Many Gifts, which leads them to a greater appreciation of the gifts of creation. 4. Make a class booklet with drawings of good things God has given us. Let each child contribute one page. Together, design a cover for the booklet and write on it the title “God Fills My Life with Goodness.” Name REPRODUCIBLE Christ Our Life® All Rights Reserved Christ Our Life® Reproducibles w3155 www.christourlife.com 1c GRADE 2 Chapter 1 possible answers: I am a fast runner. I am a good artist. I like to sing. I like to write stories. possible answer: drawing of a child running in a charity 5K God Gives Us Many Gifts Write three gifts that God has given you. Below, draw a picture of yourself using one of your gifts to show love for God and others. 5. Start a Good News Box by covering a small box with a lid and labeling it “Good News.” Each week, have children think of one or two important things they have learned. These might be taken from the We Remember and We Respond sections or they might be expressed in the children’s own words. Write them on cards, place the cards in the box, and use them for review the following week. Chapter 1 Enriching the Faith Experience Families IN MISSION A Catholic to Know Invite one family member to read aloud about Saint Bernadette. Then discuss how her example can guide our lives. Bernadette was born in France in 1844. As a young girl, Bernadette was visited by Mary at a cave near her home. Mary gave her a message of penance and prayer to share with others. Bernadette told the truth about what she saw. Hardly anyone believed her at first, but Bernadette never backed down. Today, millions of people have visited Bernadette’s town in France seeking God’s healing in their lives. Witness and Share These sentences describe what Catholics believe. Invite one family member to read aloud the My Way to Faith statements. Ask yourself, “How do I live my Catholic beliefs?” My Way to Faith • I believe that God made everything and everyone. • I believe that God made me in his image. • I remember the Trinity when I pray the Sign of the Cross. Share Your Faith Below, write one way you can share your Catholic faith. Then invite family members to tell more ways to share God’s love. Saint Bernadette 10 Grade 2 Christ Our Life® Families IN MISSION CHAPTER Continued on next page. Scan the QR code for the answer to the question and to access other Christ Our Life resources for families. Do these pages at home as a family. 1 As Catholics, we gather to hear God’s Word and celebrate the sacraments. “Go . . . proclaim the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15 Know and Proclaim Read and discuss the introduction and the chart below. God gives us our lives. We share God’s love with others. We Know Our Faith We Proclaim Our Faith God made everything. God loves everyone. As Catholics, we take care of God’s creation and respect all people. God is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We call this the Trinity. Catholics remember the Trinity when praying the Sign of the Cross. It is a sign of our faith. Test Your Catholic Knowledge Fill in the circle that best completes the sentence. Then discuss the correct answer. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are ❍ saints. ❍ disciples. ❍ the Trinity. ❍ prophets. 9 Christ Our Life® Grade 2 God Is the Giver of Gifts Chapter 1 T15 SAMPLE
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