Holy Spirit’s Presence

Year 3 (Religious Education)

Duration: 45 minutes
Class: 25 students
Unit: Understanding the Holy Trinity (Lesson 3 of 5)
Lesson Title: The Holy Spirit's Presence

WALT (We Are Learning To)

Understand who the Holy Spirit is and the role the Holy Spirit plays in guiding and supporting believers.
Recognise examples of the Holy Spirit’s presence in everyday life and in the Church community.
Express how the Holy Spirit helps people live with kindness, courage, and joy.

Curriculum Links

New Zealand Curriculum Refresh - Religious Education (Phase 1: Years 0-3)

Knowledge and Progression: Students develop understandings about Christian stories and beliefs including the Trinity.
Learning Area Outcome: Explore and respond to the stories and symbols of Christianity to understand Christian beliefs and values that shape individuals and communities.
Key Competencies:
- Thinking – exploring ideas about the Holy Spirit's role and presence
- Using language, symbols, and texts – engaging with stories and symbols about the Holy Spirit
- Relating to others – discussing feelings and experiences of support and guidance
Impact on Students: Support students' social and emotional learning by recognising guidance and support in their daily actions and relationships.

(Adapted based on thematic relevance from NZC principles and practice for years 0-3 Religious Education and support materials),

Success Criteria

I can describe who the Holy Spirit is.
I can explain how the Holy Spirit helps people.
I can share a story or example about the Holy Spirit guiding or supporting someone.
I can work well with my classmates to explore ideas and share how the Holy Spirit helps us.

Materials Needed

Storybook or illustrated story of a Bible story featuring the Holy Spirit (e.g., Pentecost or Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit)
Chart paper or whiteboard
Crayons, markers, or coloured pencils
“Holy Spirit Symbols” card set (dove, flame, wind, light)
Sticky notes or small paper slips for reflection
Visual aids/posters portraying the Holy Spirit symbols

Lesson Outline

Time	Activity	Purpose / Differentiation and Thinking Focus
5 mins	Welcome & Connect: Begin with a brief circle time greeting. Teacher asks, “Who can remind us what we have learned so far about the Holy Trinity?”	Activate prior learning about the Trinity to connect previous lessons.
10 mins	Story Time: Read a child-friendly story about the Holy Spirit’s arrival at Pentecost or Jesus promising the Holy Spirit to guide His followers. Use expressive reading and pause to ask questions like: "How do you think the people felt? How did the Holy Spirit help them?"	Engage listening and comprehension. Support ELL and diverse learners with visuals and props.
5 mins	Group Discussion: Guide students to share their thoughts on how the Holy Spirit helps people in the story. Teacher records key points on chart paper under “How the Holy Spirit Helps Us.”	Encourage verbal reasoning and use of narrative language. Sentence stems like “The Holy Spirit helps by…” are provided on a board for support.
10 mins	Symbol Exploration: Display Holy Spirit symbols (dove, flame, wind, light). Discuss what each symbol means and how it shows the Holy Spirit's presence. Students choose their favourite symbol and draw or colour it on paper.	Supports visual and kinaesthetic learners. Provide slower-paced or extra scaffolded support for students who need it. Extension: write a sentence about why they chose that symbol.
10 mins	Partner Sharing: In pairs, students share their drawings and explain why they think the symbol shows the Holy Spirit’s role. Teacher models respectful listening and turn-taking skills.	Builds competencies in relating to others and oral communication. Supports diverse learners by using pair talk.
5 mins	Reflection and Closure: Each student writes or draws one way they think the Holy Spirit can help them or someone else in real life on a sticky note. These go on a classroom “Holy Spirit Help Wall.” Teacher summarises key ideas.	Consolidates learning and encourages personal connection. Use visual cues for students who prefer drawing over writing.

Differentiation Strategies

Provide sentence starters or frames for students who may struggle to express ideas verbally or in writing.
Use visual aids, props, and multisensory activities to support varied learning styles and English Language Learners.
Give additional time or one-on-one support during partner sharing or drawing activities for students requiring it.
Offer choice in activities: students may either write or draw their ideas, according to their strengths.

Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

Encourage students to write a short story or a simple prayer asking the Holy Spirit for guidance and support.
Create a class mural representing the Holy Spirit through symbols and colours with a small group.
Lead a group discussion exploring how the Holy Spirit helps the Church as a community, linking to local church events or practices familiar to the students.

Assessment Opportunities

Observe student participation in group discussion and partner sharing to assess understanding of the Holy Spirit’s role.
Review drawings and written reflections for comprehension and personal connection.
Use questioning throughout to assess reasoning and application of ideas.

Reflection for Teacher

Did students connect their learning to personal and community life effectively?
Were the differentiation strategies sufficient for meeting the needs of all learners?
How engaged were students with the symbols and stories?
Plan to revisit and build on these concepts in upcoming lessons focusing on the Trinity’s other persons.

This lesson plan integrates key New Zealand Curriculum principles and learning competencies focusing on knowledge acquisition, oral language development, and inclusive teaching practices suitable for Year 3 students in Religious Education. It blends storytelling with visual and interactive activities to make the concept of the Holy Spirit tangible and meaningful to young learners in New Zealand schools.

Teaching Instructions