Title: Old Testament Overview
Current Content:

Unit: Exploring the Bible's Story

Lesson 2 of 4

Duration: 30 minutes

Year Level: Year 5

Class Size: 25 students

Learning Area: Religious Education (aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh)

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Lesson Description

In this lesson, students will explore the Old Testament’s significance in the history of the People of God. They will learn to identify and describe key figures and events that shape the story of the Old Testament up to the birth of Jesus. The focus will be on understanding the narrative’s role, connecting with the big ideas of covenant, faith, and community, and appreciating diverse perspectives within sacred texts.

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Curriculum Alignment

Learning Outcome Focus (NZ Curriculum Refresh)

• Phase 2 (Years 4–6): Expanding horizons of knowledge and collaboration

• Key Competencies addressed:

  • Thinking: Identify key ideas and themes about the Old Testament narrative and sequence events.
  • Relating to others: Respect diverse beliefs; share ideas collaboratively.
  • Using language, symbols, and texts: Read and discuss stories from the Old Testament using age-appropriate texts.
  • Managing self: Engage actively and reflect on learning about people’s stories and beliefs.

• Religious Education Learning Goals (adapted to curriculum):

  • Understand the Old Testament as a foundational story of the People of God.
  • Recognise important characters such as Abraham, Moses, David, and prophets.
  • Identify key events (creation, covenant, Exodus, kingship, prophetic messages).
  • Describe how these stories build towards the arrival of Jesus in Christian tradition.

• Values and Principles:

  • Encourage cultural respect and inclusivity, including understanding of Māori worldviews as taonga (treasures) of story and heritage.
  • Hold high expectations and support all students to understand the significance of sacred stories as sources of ethical guidance and identity.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will be able to:

1. Describe the role of the Old Testament in the story of God’s people.
2. Identify and talk about at least three key figures and events in the Old Testament.
3. Understand how these stories help explain the history leading up to Jesus’ birth.
4. Participate actively in group discussions, showing respect for different views and cultural understandings.

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Resources Needed

• Age-appropriate illustrated Bible storybook or selection of Old Testament stories
• Large laminated timeline of Old Testament events
• Character cards: Abraham, Moses, David, Prophet
• Whiteboard and markers
• Paper and coloured pencils
• Sticky notes for exit ticket
• Digital device (optional) to show a short visual summary or animation about the Old Testament
• Karens – online resource/video related to Old Testament content to support visual and auditory learning

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Lesson Structure

Time	Activity	Details
5 min	Engage: Introduction & Connect	Begin with a simple question: "What stories do you know about the beginnings of the world or people helping each other?" Introduce the Old Testament as a big collection of stories that tell about God’s people before Jesus. Show the cover or an attractive illustration from the storybook. Activate prior knowledge.
10 min	Explore: Storytelling & Timeline Activity	Read aloud 3 short, selected Old Testament stories (Creation, Abraham’s covenant, and Moses leading people out of Egypt). Use visual aids and ask questions during reading: "Who is this story about? What happens here? Why is it important?" Show the timeline and place each story key event on it with student help. Introduce character cards for interactive identification. Optionally, show a short video or animation from Karens to reinforce understanding.
8 min	Explain & Discuss: Key Figures and Events	Facilitate a guided discussion on how these people and events show God’s relationship with the People of God and how it prepares for Jesus’ birth. Highlight the themes of promise, faith, and leadership. Use the timeline to reinforce chronology. Encourage students to share personal reflections or connections to the stories.
5 min	Elaborate: Collaborative Reflection	In pairs, students draw their favourite Old Testament character or event and write a sentence explaining why. Share drawings briefly with the class, fostering respectful listening. Link reflections to key values like faith, courage, or hope.
2 min	Evaluate: Exit Ticket	Each student writes one thing they learned about the Old Testament on a sticky note and posts it on a "Learning Wall" or whiteboard section. Teacher scans notes to assess understanding and inform next lessons.

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Assessment & Feedback

• Formative assessment through questioning during reading and timeline activity
• Observation of student participation and contributions during discussion
• Exit ticket evaluation for understanding of key ideas and ability to summarise learning
• Provide positive feedback highlighting respectful listening, insightful ideas, and clear understanding of major stories.

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Differentiation and Inclusivity

• Use clear, simple language and visual supports to scaffold comprehension
• Provide extra support or small group guidance for students needing literacy assistance
• Encourage all voices, including those with diverse cultural backgrounds, to share their understandings respecting Māori and other traditions
• Allow varied modes of expression (drawing, speaking, writing) for student reflection

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Reflection for Next Lesson

• Consider students' interests and misconceptions emerging from the exit ticket
• Plan deeper exploration of selected Old Testament stories or start linking Old Testament to New Testament narratives (setting up for lessons 3 and 4)
• Introduce a cross-curricular link such as storytelling in English or art based on biblical themes

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Teacher Notes

This lesson embraces the Phase 2 critical focus: Expanding horizons of knowledge and collaboration and supports students in thinking, relating to others, and using language, symbols, and texts competencies, precisely as envisioned in the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh for years 4-6.

The lesson fosters a holistic understanding by valuing narrative, cultural respect, and active learning — preparing students with foundational knowledge of the Bible’s story aligned with national curriculum aims to support Māori worldviews and a diverse Aotearoa community.

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If you want, I can also prepare detailed lesson slides or printable resources to complement this plan!