Unit #4: Faithful Speech

Lesson 20 of 25

Lesson Title: Understanding the Importance of Faith in Speech
Duration: 45 minutes
Year Level: Year 7–8
Class Size: 30 students
Curriculum Area: English – Level 4, The New Zealand Curriculum
Big Idea: Students understand how a Christian worldview can influence the way we speak and write, making deliberate language choices that reflect faith, values, and integrity.

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NZ English Curriculum Links

Strand:
Speaking, Writing, and Presenting
Level 4 Achievement Objectives:

• Select, develop, and communicate ideas in thoughtful and structured ways for specific purposes and audiences.
• Use language features appropriately, showing an understanding of their effect.
• Reflect critically on their own and others’ communication.

Key Competencies:

• Thinking: Reflecting on their beliefs and values in writing.
• Relating to others: Understanding others’ worldviews and how faith can be expressed respectfully.
• Using language, symbols, and texts: Choosing language that aligns with Christian messages.

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Learning Outcome

By the end of this lesson, ākonga will be able to:

• Describe how a Christian worldview influences the message and tone of speech.
• Identify language choices that reflect their personal beliefs.
• Begin developing speech content that aligns with both their faith and audience.

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Resources & Preparation

• A short speech excerpt from a well-known Christian speaker (pre-selected 1–2 minute clip or printed transcript)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Personal speech writing books
• Printed reflection handouts ("Faith and Speech" worksheet)
• Device with speakers/projector (if a digital excerpt will be used)
• Optional: Class Bible or printed Proverbs 15:1, Ephesians 4:29

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Lesson Sequence

1. Karakia & Introduction (5 mins)

• Open with a short karakia/blessing inviting God into the learning space.
• Briefly recap previous lesson (lesson 19), which focused on using persuasive language in speech.
• Introduce today’s focus: "Today, we’ll explore how our Christian faith shapes the way we write and speak, especially when preparing a speech."

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2. Teacher Modelling – Faith in Action (8 mins)

Activity: Share a speech excerpt (1–2 minutes) from a Christian speaker (e.g. Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr., or a contemporary NZ Christian leader).

• Ask: What values or beliefs do you hear being expressed?
• Write on the board: Tone, Purpose, Language, Message
• Discuss each briefly, linking back to the speaker's intentional choices rooted in Christian faith.

Extension option: Brief class discussion about Proverbs 15:1 – "A gentle answer turns away wrath." How does this relate to speechwriting?

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3. Student Reflection – Faith in Their Voice (10 mins)

Distribute the “Faith and Speech” worksheet with the following prompts:

• One Christian value I want my speech to reflect is ______ because…
• When I write and speak, I want people to feel ______.
• I think God wants me to speak with ______.
• A recent example where my faith influenced my words was…

Students reflect silently and write. Encourage honest, thoughtful answers.

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4. Pair and Share (7 mins)

In pairs, students share two things from their worksheet. Focus questions:

• Did we both choose the same value? Why or why not?
• How might our values shape our speech differently?

Encourage respectful listening and affirm the uniqueness of each voice.

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5. Speech Writing: Drafting with Faith (8 mins)

Return to students’ ongoing speech projects (they’ve been developing these over prior lessons).
Task: Students revise the opening few lines of their speech or outline a new paragraph, integrating one Christian value or belief.

Remind them:

• Use words that uphold dignity, truth, and hope.
• Think about your audience – how will your tone reflect your faith?

Teacher roams – offering individual support and suggestions.

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6. Whakaaro and Wrap-Up Reflection (5 mins)

• Ask: How did it feel to integrate your faith into your speech?
• Invite two volunteers to share a sentence or idea they revised.
• Record on the board shared values/themes heard in student writing: love, integrity, justice, kindness, humility.

Close with a short reflection: “As Christians, our words have power. Let’s choose them faithfully.”

Offer optional homework: Students look for one example during the week where someone uses speech to uplift or tear down – and write briefly about it for warm-up tomorrow.

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Differentiation

• Support learners with sentence starters and scaffolding on their reflection sheet.
• Extend advanced writers by offering a challenge: Use a metaphor or allusion from Scripture in their speech segment.

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Assessment for Learning

• Informal checks through pair work and teacher conferencing.
• Review of filled “Faith and Speech” worksheets for formative insight into student thinking.
• Observation during speech drafting to assess how students are integrating faith-based language thoughtfully.

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Teacher Reflection (Post-Lesson Notes)

☐ Were students able to articulate the connection between faith and speech?
☐ Which values emerged most strongly across the class?
☐ How might I scaffold next lesson (which focuses on tone and audience further)?

Next Lesson: Lesson 21 – Adapting Tone for Audience

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This lesson bridges personal belief and public communication, empowering ākonga to speak with courage, conviction, and compassion.