Gifts of the Spirit

Unit: Understanding the Holy Trinity

Lesson 3 of 5

Topic: Understanding the Holy Spirit
Year Level: Year 3
Duration: 45 minutes
Class Size: 25 students

---

Learning Intentions (WALT - We Are Learning To)

• Identify the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and comforting
• Recognise the gifts of the Holy Spirit and their impact on daily life

---

Success Criteria

• Students can name at least three gifts of the Holy Spirit
• Students can explain how they might use these gifts in their lives

---

Curriculum Alignment

This lesson aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh and incorporates the following key aspects:

Religious Education Learning Area Overview (adapted for primary level):

• Understand: Develop an awareness of the Holy Spirit as part of the Holy Trinity and His role as guide and comforter.
• Know: The gifts of the Holy Spirit and how they support and strengthen Christians in their daily lives.
• Do: Create a visual chart representing these gifts, discuss their meanings, and relate them to personal experiences.

Key Competencies addressed:

• Thinking: Engaging with new ideas around the Holy Spirit and gifts, making connections to personal experiences.
• Using language, symbols, and texts: Communicating ideas through discussion and chart creation.
• Relating to others: Group discussions supporting diverse viewpoints and shared ideas.
• Managing self: Reflecting on own gifts and role in community.

The teaching strategies also reflect

• Equity and Inclusion by supporting diverse learners through group discussions and scaffolds.
• Engagement with cultural and spiritual values as appropriate for New Zealand's diverse classrooms.

---

Resources Needed

• Large paper/poster for 'Gifts of the Holy Spirit' chart
• Colourful markers or crayons
• Pre-prepared cards with names of the gifts (e.g., Wisdom, Understanding, Courage, Knowledge, Reverence, Right Judgment, Wonder/Awe)
• Simple story or scriptural excerpt about the Holy Spirit (age appropriate)
• Reflection sheets for advanced learners

---

Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Engage: Begin with a simple question: "Who helps you when you feel scared or unsure?" Discuss responses briefly.
• Introduce: Explain that Christians believe the Holy Spirit is like a helper who guides and comforts us.
• Use an age-appropriate story or scripture passage illustrating the Holy Spirit’s role (e.g., from Bible stories or simplified Christian teaching).

2. Discussion on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit (10 minutes)

• Present the seven traditional gifts of the Holy Spirit on cards. Read each one aloud and briefly explain what it means using simple terms:
  • Wisdom: Helps us make good choices
  • Understanding: Helps us learn about God and others
  • Right Judgment (Counsel): Helps us decide what is right
  • Courage (Fortitude): Helps us be brave
  • Knowledge: Helps us see God’s plan in everything
  • Reverence (Piety): Helps us respect God and others
  • Wonder and Awe (Fear of the Lord): Helps us feel amazed by God’s love
• Invite students to share examples of how they might use these gifts in their lives.

3. Group Activity - Create a ‘Gifts of the Holy Spirit’ Chart (15 minutes)

• Divide the class into small groups (4-5 students per group).
• Each group receives some cards with gift names and markers.
• Groups discuss each gift and draw or write examples of the gift’s help in life on a large paper chart.
• Circulate to support students needing help articulating thoughts (differentiation).

4. Sharing & Reflection (5 minutes)

• Each group shares one or two gifts and examples from their chart with the class.
• Recap the WALT and success criteria.

5. Extension Activity for Advanced Learners (5 minutes)

• Provide sheets for students to write or draw a reflection on:
  • Which gift do they feel they have most?
  • How can they use this gift to help others or themselves?

---

Differentiation Strategies

• Use group discussions to support verbal articulation; peers scaffold each other.
• Provide visual prompts and cards for students who need concrete support.
• Allow alternative ways to express understanding (drawing, speaking, or writing).
• Provide simplified explanations and examples as needed.

---

Assessment and Feedback

• Formative assessment through observation of group discussions and students’ ability to name and explain gifts.
• Use questioning to check understanding during the lesson ("Can you tell me what courage means?").
• Collect extension reflections to assess deeper personal connection with the topic.
• Provide clear, positive feedback encouraging exploration of the gifts.

---

Links to New Zealand Curriculum Refresh

This lesson exemplifies principles as outlined in the NZ Curriculum Refresh:

• Key Competencies (Thinking, Using language, Relating to others, Managing self) development through discussion, collaboration, and reflection .
• Inclusive teaching by scaffolded group work and differentiated responses to support diverse learners .
• Supports cultural responsiveness by fostering respect and empathy in relating to others, key for religious education in NZ contexts .
• Execution of a structured, scaffolded learning sequence, matching developmental needs and effectiveness in teaching complex ideas to young students.

---

This plan ensures a rich, engaging lesson that cultivates knowledge and personal connection with the Holy Spirit, while being fully aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh.