Timeless Beginnings

Unit Title: Timeless Lessons from Scripture

Lesson 1 of 10
Lesson Title: Introduction to the Old Testament: Context and Significance
Year Levels: 5–6
Class Size: 25 students
Lesson Duration: 30 minutes

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Curriculum Links

Learning Area: Social Sciences – Religious Education (NZC Level 3)
Curriculum Links

• Understanding beliefs: Students explore and understand the beliefs and practices of people in religious traditions.
• Explaining social and cultural diversity: Students identify how religious beliefs shaped the culture and thinking of groups in historical contexts.
• Making connections with Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Students explore how religious stories and perspectives can connect with broader understandings of treaty-based partnerships, appreciating different worldviews, including mātauranga Māori perspectives.

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Learning Intentions

Students will:

• Understand what the Old Testament is and why it was significant during Jesus' time
• Identify where the Old Testament was written and what regions it relates to
• Recognise key themes such as faith, justice, and leadership within Old Testament stories

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Success Criteria

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
✅ Locate the areas related to the Old Testament on a simplified map
✅ Talk about why the Old Testament was important to the people during Jesus’ time
✅ Identify at least one key Old Testament theme and one well-known story

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Key Competencies

• Thinking: Making sense of religious narratives and developing interpretations
• Relating to others: Working together on activities, sharing ideas
• Participating and contributing: Asking questions, engaging in group and class discussions
• Using language, symbols, and texts: Interpreting story-based and visual religious texts

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Resources and Materials

• Large world map with Middle East area highlighted
• "Dyslexia-friendly" Old Testament fact sheets (OpenDyslexic font, simplified sentence structure)
• Picture cards of Old Testament stories (e.g., Moses parting the Red Sea, David and Goliath)
• Visual timeline chart (with both religious and secular historical points)
• Devices/tablets for map-match extension activity (optional)
• Sticky notes, markers, large poster paper

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Lesson Sequence

1. Karakia & Settling (2 mins)

Begin with a short karakia to set the tone and welcome shared learning.

Karakia Whakamutunga (optional): Can be used at the end if desired.

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2. Memory Hook / Engagement (5 mins)

Activity: Suitcase Time Travel 🌍🧳
Hold up an old suitcase. Tell the class: “We’re travelling back in time—2,500 years ago!” Pull out objects (e.g., a fabric ‘scroll’, a toy sheep, a sandal, a small model temple).

Let students guess what time or culture they come from, and introduce the Old Testament as a library of stories from this time.

Purpose: Activates schema and curiosity.

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3. Story Snapshot & Discussion (7 mins)

Mini-storytime: Tell the story of David and Goliath, using simple, expressive language and a picture card. Emphasise the big idea: bravery and faith in the face of challenges.

Then ask:
★ “Why do you think this story mattered to people back then?”
★ “Would it still matter today? Why?”

Differentiation:

• Provide printed snapshot for students who prefer reading along (Dyslexia-friendly version available).
• Use rich visuals and props for ELL and visual learners.

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4. Interactive Geography (5 mins)

Activity: Find the Lands of the Scroll
Show the world map and guide students to find modern-day Middle East countries. Hand out star stickers — students place them on approximate locations for:

• Israel
• Egypt
• Babylon (modern Iraq)

Talk briefly about why geography mattered – deserts, rivers, cities.

Extension: Fast finishers use a class tablet to explore interactive maps showing Ancient Israel/Palestine.

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5. Shared Reflection Wall (8 mins)

Group Work: Divide students into 5 groups. Each gets:

• A different Old Testament theme (e.g., Justice, Courage, Leadership, Faith, Forgiveness)
• A visual aid and short explanation sheet on their theme (Dyslexia-friendly)

Task:

• Discuss what this theme might mean and where they have seen it (stories, life, TV, etc.)
• Summarise in 1–2 sentences and draw a simple symbol
• Add to the “Timeless Themes” wall poster for the unit

Support: Assign mixed-ability groups, peer support encouraged.

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6. Closing Reflection (3 mins)

Bring class back together.
Ask:
⭐ “What was one thing you learned about today that surprised you?”
⭐ “What big idea do you think we’ll explore next?”

End with a reminder: These are not just stories—they shaped how people lived and what they believed. Some of these ideas are still guiding people today!

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Extension Activities

For Advanced Learners:

• Begin to explore how the stories overlap or contrast with mātauranga Māori values (e.g., kaitiakitanga, whakapapa) using guiding questions.
• Encourage them to write a short reflective journal (3–5 sentences): “What would I have thought if I heard this story back then?”

Possible Homework:
“Interview a family member or friend: Ask them what their favourite story from the Old Testament is, or if they’ve heard one!”

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Differentiation Strategies

• Visual learners: Use maps, picture cards, symbols
• Dyslexic learners: Use printed material in OpenDyslexic font with simplified text
• English Language Learners (ELLs): Simplified language scripts and visual supports provided. Peer buddies assigned where necessary
• Neurodiverse learners: Task instructions broken into steps; tactile props used during storytelling, and expectations made clearly visible

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Teacher Reflection (Post-Lesson Prompt)

🔍 Did students demonstrate a basic understanding of the Old Testament’s context and importance?
🧠 Were all learners able to engage at their level?
🗺️ Were students able to make geographical and thematic connections?

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Stay tuned for Lesson 2: “People of the Promise: Abraham, Covenant & Calling”.

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Prepared in alignment with Te Mātaiaho and the New Zealand Curriculum.
Let timeless wisdom inspire timely character. 🌿