Unit #1

Lesson Title: Introduction to Christian Beliefs

Lesson 1 of 18 in the Unit: "Exploring Christian Beliefs"

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Curriculum Alignment

Learning Area: Social Sciences
Subject: Religious Studies
NZ Curriculum Level: Level 6 (Year 11)
Strands Addressed:

• Religious Studies Big Idea 1: Beliefs shape identity, understanding, and worldviews.
• Big Idea 3: Expression of beliefs through sacred texts, rituals, and practices.
• Significant Learning: Understanding Christianity’s core beliefs, how the Bible informs these, and the social and cultural impacts of these beliefs.

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Learning Intentions 🎯

By the end of this lesson, ākonga (students) will:

• Identify key foundational beliefs within Christianity.
• Understand the significance of the Bible as the central sacred text of Christianity.
• Begin to make connections between religious beliefs and personal, social, or cultural identities.

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Success Criteria ✅

Students will be able to:

• Explain at least three foundational Christian beliefs.
• Identify the Bible's role as a source of authority and teachings.
• Demonstrate initial thinking about how these beliefs resonate with or challenge their own perspectives.

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Resources & Materials 📚

• Printed class set of simplified student-friendly Bible excerpts (Genesis 1:1-2, John 3:16, Matthew 22:37-39 NZEV)
• A3 ‘Belief Web’ worksheet (for individual and group use)
• Sticky notes and markers
• Projector and whiteboard
• Slides for key terms and visuals
• Video clip: 2-minute animated overview of Christianity’s core beliefs (stored locally)
• 5-minute teacher storytelling script (included below)

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Lesson Duration: 60 minutes

Class Size: 25 students

Lesson Plan Breakdown ⏰

1. Mihi & Settling – 5 mins

Start the lesson with a brief karakia or moment of quiet reflection, acknowledging the shared learning space. Give a brief mihi to welcome ākonga into the new unit on “Christian Beliefs” and highlight its relevance as part of understanding global and local cultures.

Teacher Says:
"Today, we step into a journey exploring one of the most influential belief systems in history—Christianity. Whether it's familiar to you or completely new, we're here to understand it, unpack it, and reflect on what it means for people today, including some in your own whānau or wider school community."

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2. Engagement Activity: Guess the Belief! – 10 mins

Task:
Place 5 statements around the room on large posters. Some are Christian beliefs; some are not.

Examples:

• “There is one God who created everything.”
• “People are reincarnated after death.”
• “God is love.”
• “The Bible is a sacred text.”
• “Salvation comes from self-discipline.”

Instructions:
Students walk around in pairs and place a green tick sticky note on statements they think are Christian beliefs, and a red cross on those they think are not.

Follow-Up: Brief (3 min) class discussion on choices. Teacher clarifies the Christian beliefs and introduces key terminology: monotheism, salvation, Bible, Jesus Christ, and commandments.

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3. Teacher Storytelling: A Faith That Grew – 5 mins

Purpose: To humanise the belief system and highlight the historical-spiritual double lens of Religious Studies.

Use a short, vivid script describing how early Christians secretly gathered to read sacred texts and how their movement shaped society over time.

Key Highlight:
"Imagine people risking their lives to read and share these stories—what kind of power must this book have had to create that kind of loyalty?"

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4. Input: What Christians Believe – 10 mins

Mode: Slideshow and discussion
Key Beliefs:

• Monotheism: Belief in one God
• Jesus as the Son of God
• The Bible as a sacred source
• Love God and love others (Golden Rule)

Visual Aids: Include symbols (cross, fish), a Bible image, and a quote from John 3:16 (NZEV version).

Students take brief notes in their books under the heading: “Four Core Christian Beliefs”.

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5. Video & Think-Pair-Share – 8 mins

Task: Watch the short 2-minute video explaining Christianity’s central beliefs with modern visuals.

Afterwards, students pair up and discuss:

• Which belief was most interesting or surprising?
• Can they think of ways that belief might affect someone's life choices?

Share back: 2–3 students offer responses to the class.

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6. Activity: Belief Web – 17 mins

Hand out the A3 Belief Web worksheet. In groups of 4–5, students complete the following:

• In the centre: “Christianity”
• Around the web: Write/draw symbols, quotes, or ideas explored today
• Add response bubbles: “I wonder…”, “This reminds me of…”, “This could affect someone by…”

Encourage diversity of ideas and personal responses. One student per group adds a "Mātauranga Māori Moment": a brief comparison between Christian belief and a value from te ao Māori (e.g., manaakitanga or whakapapa).

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7. Review and Reflect – 5 mins

Return to seats. Teacher summarises key points on the board. Ask students:

“Based on today’s lesson, what do you think might be the most important Christian belief for many followers?”

Then:

• Complete an Exit Ticket (small slip provided):
  • One new thing I learned
  • One question I have
  • One belief I found interesting or confusing

Collect these as they leave for informal formative assessment purposes.

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Assessment Opportunities 📝

• Observations during ‘Guess the Belief’ and group discussions
• Exit Ticket responses
• Belief Web completion and quality of ideas shared

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Mātauranga Māori Integration 🌿

Connection opportunities:

• Exploring tapu and noa in Māori spirituality alongside Christian sacred/profane beliefs in future lessons
• Discussing shared values like whanaungatanga (relationships) and Christian love/charity

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Next Lesson Preview 🔍

Lesson 2: "Belief in One God — Exploring Monotheism"
Ākonga will unpack the Christian idea of God, compare it with other beliefs, and explore representations through metaphor, art, and language.

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Teacher Reflection Prompt 🧠

After class, reflect on:

• How well did students connect with the sacred text concepts?
• Were any students particularly engaged or disengaged—why?
• How might this foundation help shape understanding of spiritual practices in Aotearoa?

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End of Lesson Plan