Advent and Jesus

Title: Advent and Jesus
Current Content:

Overview

This 60-minute lesson invites Year 4 students to explore the season of Advent and the birth of Jesus through the lens of the Irish curriculum framework for Religious Education. It promotes cognitive development across all levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy, enabling students to engage with Christian traditions, symbolism, and stories while encouraging empathy, reflection, and creativity.

Curriculum Alignment

Strand: Faith Tradition, Beliefs and Practices
Strand Unit: Christian Faith: Christmas (Birth of Jesus and the Season of Advent)
Relevant Learning Outcomes from IE Curriculum Framework:

Describe key events of the Christmas story, focusing on the birth of Jesus (RF4)
Recognise and explain the meaning and symbolism of Advent (RF7)
Reflect on the themes of hope, preparation, and expectation (PES3)
Apply Christian practices linked with Advent and Christmas in everyday life (AP4)

Cross-Curricular Links:

Language Development: Listening, Speaking, and Writing
Visual Arts: Creative expression through crafts and drawing
Personal Development: Empathy, Reflection, and Respect for Diversity

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

Remembering

Remember the story of baby Jesus being born in a stable.

Understanding

Know that Advent is a special time when we get ready for Christmas.

Applying

Show how they can get ready for Christmas by helping at home or being kind.

Analysing

Talk about waiting and what it feels like when we wait for something special.

Evaluating

Say why Advent is a happy and hopeful time for many people.

Creating

Make a simple Advent picture or decoration using colours and shapes they like.

Resources Needed

Bible storybook or printed Christmas story passages appropriate for children
Large paper and coloured markers
Advent wreath and candles or images of these
Art supplies: coloured paper, glue, scissors, crayons, glitter
Whiteboard or chart paper for brainstorming
Projector or tablet to show images/videos (optional)

Lesson Procedures

Time	Activity	Details	Bloom’s Level	Assessment Focus
0-10 mins	Introduction and Recall	Begin with a storytelling session recounting the birth of Jesus. Use a child-friendly version to engage listening. Ask simple recall questions to activate prior knowledge: Who was born? Where?	Remembering	Oral questioning
10-20 mins	Exploring Advent	Show or describe an Advent wreath and candles. Discuss the symbolism of each candle and the idea of preparation and hope. Engage the class with “What do you think waiting means?”	Understanding	Whole class discussion
20-30 mins	Personal Connection Application	Invite students to reflect on something they are waiting for or preparing for at home or school. Discuss as a group how Advent can teach us to prepare patiently.	Applying	Share ideas aloud
30-40 mins	Theme Analysis	Split class into five small groups. Each group analyses one theme (hope, waiting, preparation, joy, peace) and finds examples from the story or their own life. Groups report back with examples.	Analysing	Group presentation
40-50 mins	Evaluative Discussion	As a full class, discuss: Why do you think Advent is important to Christians? How can these ideas help us in our daily lives? Encourage reasoned responses.	Evaluating	Open class discussion
50-60 mins	Creative Activity	Students design and make an Advent decoration (candle, wreath segment) using supplied art materials. They write a short sentence explaining their symbol’s meaning. Display work in the classroom.	Creating	Completed artwork and written explanation

Differentiation Strategies

Provide illustrated storybooks for EAL or less confident readers.
Allow oral responses instead of written for students with writing difficulties.
Provide templates for Advent decorations for students requiring fine motor support.
Challenge more able students to write a brief reflection on what waiting feels like.

Assessment and Reflection

Formative Assessment:

Teacher monitors oral responses during recall and discussion phases.
Group analysis presentations are assessed for understanding of themes.

Summative Assessment:

Evaluate students' creative projects and written sentences for comprehension of Advent symbolism and themes.

Extension Opportunities

Invite students to research international Advent traditions and share findings.
Plan a visit or virtual tour to a local church during Advent season.
Create a class Advent calendar with daily reflections or good deeds.

Teacher Notes

Maintain a calm and reflective atmosphere to encourage spiritual engagement.
Relate Advent themes to contemporary issues such as kindness, hope in difficult times, and community spirit.
Use inclusive language, respecting diverse family celebrations while focusing on Christian tradition.

By integrating vivid storytelling, active participation, group work, and creative expression, this lesson fulfils Irish curriculum objectives and enriches students’ understanding of Advent and the birth of Jesus in an age-appropriate, meaningful way.

Teaching Instructions