Ascension Teaching Plan

Overview

This 60-minute plan is designed for Year 7-8 Religious Education classes in New Zealand, aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum. The focus is on understanding the theological significance of the Ascension of Jesus, its place in Christian belief, and its impact on followers. Activities blend theological content, critical thinking, and reflection to engage students appropriately for their age.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Explain the theological significance of the Ascension in Christian belief.
2. Describe how the Ascension fits into the broader narrative of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.
3. Analyse the impact of the Ascension on the faith and practices of Christian followers.
4. Reflect on the meaning of the Ascension for believers today.

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Curriculum Links

• Religious Education Learning Area (Year 7-8 phase, under Social Sciences and English integration):

  • Explore and understand key Christian beliefs and symbols (NZC Learning Area statements).
  • Develop competency to discuss spiritual concepts and their relevance in personal and community life.
  • Communicate ideas clearly using oral and written language (English curriculum integration).

• Key Competencies:

  • Thinking: engage critically with theological ideas about the Ascension.
  • Using language, symbols, and texts: interpret biblical texts and express ideas.
  • Relating to others: discuss and respect different faith perspectives.
  • Managing self: reflect individually on spiritual concepts.

• Values:

  • Respect, Integrity, and Inclusiveness as students explore diverse beliefs.

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Key Concepts

• The Ascension: Jesus' return to heaven after his resurrection.
• Theological significance: What the Ascension means for Jesus as both God and human.
• Christian Belief: How the Ascension confirms Jesus' divinity and role as mediator.
• Impact on Followers: The promise of the Holy Spirit and continued presence of Jesus.
• Biblical Foundations: Accounts from Luke and Acts chapters.

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Resources

• Bible excerpts or simplified versions (Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-11)
• Visual aids: Artwork or illustrations of the Ascension
• Whiteboard/flip chart
• Paper and coloured pencils or markers
• Worksheet with key questions and reflection prompts

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Lesson Outline

1. Introduction and Engagement (10 minutes)

• Starter Activity: Pose the question — "What do you know about what happened to Jesus after Easter?" Write key ideas on the board.
• Show a visual image of the Ascension. Ask students what they notice.

Purpose: Activate prior knowledge and spark curiosity.

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2. Story Telling & Explanation (15 minutes)

• Read aloud or watch a short narrated Bible passage about the Ascension (Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-11).
• Teacher explains:
  • What is the Ascension?
  • Why is it important?
  • Link with resurrection and promise of the Holy Spirit.

Purpose: Build foundational understanding of the event and its theological meaning.

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3. Group Discussion and Analysis (15 minutes)

• Divide class into small groups (4-5 students).

• Each group discusses:

  • What does the Ascension tell us about Jesus and Christian belief?
  • How might the followers have felt after Jesus ascended?
  • How does this event change the way Christians live or believe?

• Groups write down their ideas and share briefly with the class.

Purpose: Develop critical thinking and cooperative learning.

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4. Individual Reflection and Creative Response (15 minutes)

• Students reflect and write/draw in response to the prompt:
  • "What does the Ascension mean to me or to someone who believes in it?"
• Optional: Create a short poem, prayer, or artwork expressing this.

Purpose: Encourage personal connection and expression.

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5. Summarising and Assessment (5 minutes)

• Recap main points verbally, reinforcing key concepts.
• Quick quiz or exit question: "Why is the Ascension important in Christian belief?"
• Collect worksheets or reflections for assessment.

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Assessment Ideas

• Formative: Observation of group discussions; listening to contributions.
• Written Work: Reflection paragraphs or creative pieces assessed for understanding and engagement.
• Oral Responses: Answers during class sharing and quiz.
• Teacher feedback focussed on clarity of theological ideas and personal insight.

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Differentiation

• Provide simplified texts or visuals for learners needing support.
• Encourage deeper theological questioning for advanced learners.
• Use group roles to ensure all students participate.

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Teacher Notes

• Link teaching to students’ wider world understanding by discussing the significance of faith events.
• Connect to Māori and Pasifika Christian communities if appropriate, encouraging awareness of diverse expressions of faith in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Highlight the values of respect and empathy during discussions for varied beliefs.

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This lesson plan aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum’s emphasis on student engagement with key concepts, development of key competencies, and making meaningful connections to the students' world .