GOA LESSON PLANS
I feel very blessed to have contributed to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America curriculum (Early Elementary Levels B and C, recommended for 1st and 2nd grades). It has been a wonderful team effort, bringing together many talented and dedicated individuals under the guidance of the Department of Religious Education. Each free lesson comes with a printable activity packet I created especially for it. One of my favorite features is the template crafts: there is one for every lesson, and all you need are the printed templates and a few simple, everyday craft supplies!
The GOA curriculum for grades 1 and 2 focuses on the Scripture stories surrounding Christ’s birth, earthly ministry, death, and resurrection. This is the first time in their religious education journey that children are introduced to these themes. The goal was to create a sense of continuity and coherence throughout the units, while also establishing meaningful connections to the spiritual life of the Church, her feasts, and her practices.
Three lessons explore the prophecies surrounding Christ’s birth. You can find them in GRADE 1, UNIT 2.
PROPHECIES OF LIGHT
This lesson prepares children for the Feast of the Nativity by exploring God’s plan for the coming of Christ, the Light of the World. Through the prophecies of Isaiah (Isaiah 9:2, 9:6) and the words of Christ in John 8:12, children discover who Jesus is and how His birth was foretold long before it happened. The lesson also highlights the importance of waiting with faith and trusting in God’s promises.
The packet offers a variety of fun, educational, and interactive activities, including a special pop-up card.
PROPHECY OF THE MOTHER OF GOD
This lesson explores the important role of the Theotokos, the God-bearer or Mother of God, in the birth of Christ and the life of the Church throughout history. Through the prophecy of Isaiah (Isaiah 7:14) and the words of the Theotokos in Luke 1:48, children reflect on her special place in God’s plan and how both God and His Mother are present in their daily lives. Special mention is made to two important iconographic types, the Theotokos Platytera (Wider than the Heavens), and Glykofilousa (Sweet-kissing), while the meaning of the name Emmanuel is also touched upon.
Children can engage with the lesson through a range of hands-on activities, including an Emmanuel ornament and a double-sided Theotokos icon showcasing the two icon types.
THE SAVIOR FORETOLD
This lesson explores Christ as the promised King, whose birth in Bethlehem fulfilled God’s promises to His people, as foretold in Numbers 24:17 (the star and the scepter) and Micah 5:2 (the prophecy of Bethlehem). Children learn about the journey of the Holy Family, the hope for the Messiah, and the unfolding of God’s plan in real places and times, while reflecting on the question: Who is Jesus?
Along with a variety of interactive activities, the packet offers three different template crafts, one for each of the prophecies.
I hope you will have a chance to use these lessons in your classroom! If you do, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese would love to receive your feedback. Your thoughts and suggestions will help make the lessons even better in the future!
