Exploring Old Testament

Grade Level

6th to 8th Grade (ages approximately 11-14)

Duration

90 minutes

Class Size

14 students

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Learning Objectives

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

• I can summarize key stories and themes from the Old Testament focusing on narratives such as creation, Exodus, and the Psalms.
• I can use close reading strategies to identify central ideas and details in biblical texts.
• I can compare and contrast themes from the Old Testament to contemporary ideas or stories.
• I can engage respectfully in group discussions, presenting and supporting my ideas with evidence.
• I can write an analytical paragraph connecting Old Testament themes to modern values and beliefs.

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Common Core State Standards Alignment

Reading: Literature (Religion-related texts have narrative qualities similar to literature)

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.2
  Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.1
  Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.3
  Analyze how particular lines of dialogue or incidents in a story or drama propel the action, reveal aspects of a character, or provoke a decision.

Writing

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2
  Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information clearly.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1.A
  Introduce claim(s), acknowledge alternate or opposing claims.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.2.D
  Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.

Speaking & Listening

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1
  Engage effectively in collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade-level topics.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.4
  Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions and evidence.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1
  Participate in collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade-level topics.

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Materials Needed

• Copies of selected Old Testament text excerpts (Creation story, Exodus narrative, Psalm 23)
• Graphic organizers (theme chart, T-chart for comparing themes)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Note-taking sheets
• Journals or writing paper
• Colored pencils or markers
• Projector for displaying key questions and instructions

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Lesson Outline

1. Introduction & Objective Setting (10 minutes)

• Begin with a brief overview of the Old Testament’s significance.
• Read aloud a short passage from Genesis 1 (Creation Story).
• Teacher prompt: “What questions or ideas come to mind about this story?”
• Display I can statements for students to read.

Success Criteria:

• Students articulate at least one question or key idea about the Old Testament text.

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2. Close Reading & Text Analysis (25 minutes)

• Divide students into 3 groups; assign each a different passage:

  • Group 1: Creation (Genesis 1)
  • Group 2: Exodus (Exodus 14, parting of the Red Sea)
  • Group 3: Psalm 23

• Each group will:

  • Read passage together.
  • Identify main ideas, characters, and themes using a graphic organizer.
  • Annotate important phrases or words.

Differentiation:

• Provide simplified language versions for struggling readers.
• Use audio recordings of passages for auditory learners and those needing support.

Success Criteria:

• Students complete graphic organizer and identify at least 3 main ideas or themes from their passage.

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3. Group Discussion & Theme Comparison (20 minutes)

• Groups present their findings briefly.
• As a class, create a T-chart comparing themes across the three stories (ex: faith, freedom, protection).
• Discuss how these themes might relate to today's world and values.

Differentiation:

• Encourage ELL students to participate with sentence starters printed on cards (e.g., “I think this story shows...”, “One theme is...”).
• Use visual aids and gestures to clarify meanings.

Success Criteria:

• Students contribute at least one theme comparison or personal connection during discussion.

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4. Writing Activity: Reflective Paragraph (25 minutes)

• Prompt: “Choose one theme from today’s stories. Write a paragraph explaining how that theme is still important or shows up in your life or society today.”

• Model writing a short paragraph on the board.

• Students draft their paragraph individually or in pairs.

Extension:

• Advanced students can write a short argumentative paragraph stating which story’s theme they believe is most influential today, supporting their opinion.

Differentiation:

• Provide graphic organizers for paragraph structure.
• Allow oral response to teacher or peer scribe for students with writing difficulties.

Success Criteria:

• Students produce a clear paragraph with a topic sentence, supporting details, and conclusion.

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5. Sharing & Closure (10 minutes)

• Volunteers share their paragraphs or thoughts.
• Teacher highlights diverse perspectives and reinforces the I can statements.
• Exit ticket: Write one new thing you learned today and one question you still have about the Old Testament.

Success Criteria:

• All students complete exit ticket demonstrating reflection and curiosity.

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Differentiated Instruction Summary

Student Needs	Strategies
Struggling readers	Simplified texts, audio support, paired reading
English Language Learners	Sentence starters, visuals, vocabulary previews
Advanced learners	Extension writing activities, deeper thematic debate
Writing challenges	Graphic organizers, option for oral response or scribing

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Assessment

• Formative: Observation during group work and class discussions; completion of graphic organizers.
• Summative: Reflective paragraph assessed for comprehension and connection to theme.
• Exit ticket for immediate feedback on understanding and questions.

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Reflection for Teachers

• How did students engage with the different Old Testament passages?
• Did the thematic connections resonate with their personal or cultural experiences?
• Were differentiated strategies sufficient to support all learners’ participation?
• How might this lesson be extended to include multimedia or cross-curricular connections (e.g., history, art)?

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This lesson encourages deep reading, critical thinking, and personal reflection, integrating literary analysis with moral themes from the Old Testament in a middle school setting, well aligned with Common Core standards.