Title: Why do people give presents at Key Stage: 1 Length of unit: 3 lessons Christmas? Year Groups: 1 Cross-curricular links: Literacy; Art; Music Lesson Title of lesson Main points of content / Bible references for Christianity units 1 INTRODUCTORY LESSON Who gave presents to baby Jesus? Talk about who visits a new baby and why. Look at the story of the visit of the Wise Men within the context of the whole story (Matthew 1: 18-2: 12) Consider the clues in the story that show Jesus was a very special baby angels, the star, important visitors etc. Look at paintings of this part of the story and explore how the wise men in the pictures express their understanding of who Jesus is. 2 What do the presents mean? Talk about the gifts that people give to new babies, especially those that have some relevance for later in a child s life e.g. savings, a special book to be filled in as they grow up etc. Recall the gifts that the Wise Men brought why were they unusual? Look at the hidden symbolism and what each gift says about the life that Jesus would live. Add speech bubbles to a photocopy of the wise men painting, showing 3 EVALUATION LESSON What would you give? who brought what. Listen to the Christmas carol In the bleak midwinter (words by Christina Rosetti). Consider especially the words of the final verse about bringing gifts for Jesus. If they were a wise man, what might they have brought for the baby? Make a lift-theflap present with your choice of gift inside, along with the reason why. Notes / Background to the unit: All skills identified in these units are highlighted within the activities section in bold Where there are links with wider school issues such as SMSC, Every Child Matters and Community Cohesion (Co-Co), these are identified on each lesson plan. The Biblical account of the visit of the wise men can be found in Matthew 1: 18-2: 12. Although people often think of three kings at Christmas time, there is no evidence that the visitors were actually kings, or that there were only three of them (although three gifts are mentioned, hence the conclusions drawn about there being three magi) but they were important people. It should also be noted, though often contradicted by Christian art, that the magi probably visited Jesus as a boy, not arriving shortly after the shepherds to see Jesus as a baby Presents are traditionally given at Christmas as a reminder of the gifts of the wise men, or Magi
Lesson title: Who gave presents to baby Jesus? Skills being developed: Reflection; Investigation; Interpretation Lesson: 1 of 3 Cross-curricular links / wider school issues: Art appreciation; Drama; SMSC the sequence of events of Jesus birth the Wise Men that artists use symbolism in their pictures to convey deep meanings and beliefs (SMSC) You will need to make your room as dark as possible for the first part of this lesson. The National Gallery online has lots of examples of the visit of the Magi try their zoomable paintings, as you can get really close www.nationalgallery.org.uk In paintings of this part of the story, the wise men are usually shown wearing grand clothes (often king-like) to show their rank and importance. They will often be shown kneeling before baby Jesus, showing their recognition of who he is. They bring gold, frankincense and myrrh symbols of kingship, priesthood and burial. You don t need to go into much detail at this point, as the next lesson covers this In Jesus day, it was believed that the appearance of a new star in the sky announced the birth of a king, which is why the magi followed it! The gifts they brought were traditionally those offered to kings. Talk about who visits a new baby and why. Look at the story of the visit of the Wise Men within the context of the whole story (Matthew 1: 18-2: 12) Look at paintings of this part of the story Reflection: Allow children plenty of time to share personal responses to the painting (good for ). Use careful questioning to extend their thinking. Also allow them to ask any questions that they want to know answers to other children might have their own really good answers. It s important that children feel that at this stage, there are no wrong answers, and therefore they should show sensitivity and respect for the views and opinions of others. Investigation / Interpretation: Talk about the different physical gestures of the wise men in the pictures, what they might mean and how they express their understanding of who Jesus is (see Resources section). Talk about ways that people show respect for important people today. In groups (perhaps during drama), re-enact the gestures shown by the kings and explore how they demonstrate submission (bowing of head; being physically lower by kneeling; removing of hats etc.) Ask your more able children to see if they can find other clues within the story that show Jesus was a very special baby Encourage your more able children to take a lead in a discussion about the other clues in the story that show Jesus was a very special baby angels announcing the birth, the star, important visitors etc. Identify the different people in the paintings ( L1) share their own thoughts and feelings about the painting ( L1) talk about the different physical gestures of the wise men and what they might mean ( L2) show sensitivity to the fact that other people may have different opinions to them ( L2) be able to draw conclusions about other clues within the story that show Jesus importance ( L2/3)
Lesson title: What do the presents mean? Skills being developed: Reflection; Interpretation; Expression Lesson: 2 of 3 Cross-curricular links / wider school issues: Literacy (speech /think bubbles); Art appreciation Christians believe that God gave Jesus, like a present, to the world the Wise Men and the symbolism of their gifts Epiphany is the time to remember this part of the Christmas story Christians believe that the gifts brought by the wise men, as well as being those traditionally offered to kings, are symbolic of Christian beliefs about Jesus: as King (gold); priest a go-between, between God and men (frankincense); and sacrifice or death (myrrh). In John 19:39, reference is made to myrrh as one of the burial spices that embalmed Jesus body. The festival of Epiphany is on Jan 6 th, and recalls the visit of the magi to Jesus. It also marks the end of the Christmas period. In some countries, it is called Three Kings Day. Reflection: Talk about the gifts that people give to new babies, especially those that have some relevance for later in a child s life e.g. savings, a special book to be filled in as they grow up etc. If children still have some of the gifts they were given at birth, they could bring them in to add interest to this part of the lesson Recall the gifts that the Wise Men brought why were they unusual? Interpretation: Look together at the hidden symbolism and what Christians believe each gift says about the life that Jesus would live. Expression: Add speech bubbles to a photocopy of the wise men painting, showing who brought what. More able children should be able to add what each gift means as well. Tell the story of the wise men s visit to a partner. Also ask your more able children to think whether there s anything in this part of the story that helps to answer the question Why do people give presents at Christmas? Reflection: Allow children some time to ask their own questions about the story is there anything that puzzles them? Talk together does this part of the story answer the question Why do people give presents at Christmas? Explain that Christians also believe that God gave Jesus, like a gift, to the world (John 3:16) What do children think that this means? recall the gifts brought by the wise men ( L1) talk about gifts that people give to babies ( L1) explain the Christian roots of the tradition of giving presents at Christmas ( L2) retell the story of the Wise Men ( L2) make links between the meaning of the gifts of the Wise Men and Christian beliefs about Jesus (
Lesson title: What would you give? Skills being developed: Reflection; Investigation; Expression; Empathy Evaluation Lesson Cross-curricular links / wider school issues: Literacy (captions); Music; Art; DT Christians believe that God gave Jesus, like a present, to the world the Wise Men and the symbolism of their gifts Children working at level one are likely to choose gifts that babies are given today. Those working at level two may choose something more related to the story of Jesus in the stable e.g. a blanket to keep him warm; a pillow for his head etc. Any level three children should choose something linked with Christian belief about Jesus and the life he would live. Most children should be able to give logical reasons for their choices their reasons may also help to confirm the appropriate level Talk about Christmas presents giving and receiving and the feelings associated with them. Which is best giving or receiving? Why? Encourage more able children to make comparisons Listen to the Christmas carol In the bleak midwinter (words by Christina Rossetti). Reflection: Display a copy of the words for children to see. Consider especially the words of the final verse about bringing gifts for Jesus. If they were a wise man, what might they have brought for the baby? (You may wish to remind children of the discussion at the start of lesson 2) Expression: Make a lift-the-flap present with your choice of gift inside, along with the reason why. These could be decorated with Christmassy bits on the front to add a design to the wrapping paper More able children should be encouraged to really think about how they (like the wise men) will reflect Christian belief about the importance of Jesus in their choices or if their gift might be symbolic of Jesus adult life in some way Exchange the gifts together, and find out who brought what and why (see section) draw a gift they would choose for Baby Jesus and say why they chose it ( L1) share experiences of giftgiving ( L1) in their choice of gift, reflect something of the story of the Nativity ( L2) talk about whether they think it s better to give or receive gifts ( L2) make links between their choice of gift and the story / Christian belief ( compare attitudes to giving and receiving (
Assessment sheet for RE Unit: Why do people give presents at Christmas? Year: 1 draw a gift they would choose for Baby Jesus and say why they chose it ( L1) in their choice of gift, reflect something of the story of the Nativity ( L2) make links between their choice of gift and the story / Christian belief ( share experiences of gift-giving ( L1) talk about whether they think it s better to give or receive gifts ( L2) compare attitudes to giving and receiving ( Names: Names: Names: