First Grade Religion
I have called you by name: You are Mine. (Is 43:1)
Focus: God Provides for Us – God is a loving Father Who blesses us with life and with the wonderful gifts of creation.
Children in first grade are at a stage where the concepts and beliefs of others, primarily parents, are most essential to faith growth. It is at this time that children learn about faith experience through scripture stories and role models.
First graders are not able to think abstractly. Therefore, it is important that catechists provide real experiences and concrete objects and examples. In addition, catechists should concentrate on faith community to provide a healthy foundation for further faith development.
Creed
1. God – The student will describe God as a Parent, Creator, and Provider.
a. Explain that God is always with us.
b. Explain how God creates us in His own image and likeness.
c. Tell how God is the creator of all.
d. Tell how creation is a gift of God’s love.
e. Give examples of how God provides for you.
f. Tell how God fulfills the needs of others.
2. Jesus – The student will describe how Jesus, the Son of God, takes
care of people’s needs.
a. Describe how Jesus healed and forgave others.
b. Tell how Jesus promised us joy and peace.
c. Retell stories Jesus told of God as a provider.
3. Holy Spirit – The student will grow in his or her understanding of the
Holy Spirit.
a. Tell how Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help us.
b. Describe how the Holy Spirit helps us live together in peace.
c. Explain how the Holy Spirit gives us special gifts.
4. Blessed Virgin Mary – The student will grow in his or her understanding of Mary, the Mother of God.
a. Recognize that Mary is our mother who shows us love and care.
Mary.
5. Saints – The student will grow in his or her understanding of the saints.
a. Determine that saints live holy lives, loving and serving God and His
people.
b. Recognize that we honor saints on All Saint’s Day (November 1).
6. Sacred Scripture – The student will describe how God speaks to us
through the Bible.
a. Read and listen to Sacred Scripture.
b. Retell Old Testament stories.
c. Retell stories about Jesus (New Testament).
d. Explain that the Gospel is the Good News of Jesus.
7. Church – The student will pray and sing as a member of God’s family.
a. Participate actively in Mass.
b. Plan a Mass.
1. Sacrament Preparation – The student will explain how a sacrament fills a
spiritual need.
a. Understand that in Mass we come together to celebrate.
b. Describe how we become members of God’s family in Baptism.
c. Explain how Jesus shares Himself with us in a special meal.
1. Christian Response – The student will show concern for others,
especially those in need.
a. Share gifts and possessions with others.
b. Be helpful and loving to parents, teachers, and friends.
c. Care for the poor and suffering.
2. Morality – The student will recognize authority.
a. Recognize the authority of God in one’s life.
b. Recognize the authority of parents in one’s life.
c. Recognize the authority of one’s conscience.
3. Human Life – The student will understand that God gives the gift of life.
a. Recognize that our families share love with us.
b. Recognize that each person and each family is different and special.
c. Develop good health habits.
d. Recognize that boys and girls are alike in some ways and different in others.
e. Reject things that are harmful.
f. Recognize the different emotions. Discover good ways of communicating feelings.
1. Prayer – The student will understand that prayer is listening and talking
to God.
a. Make the sign of the cross reverently.
b. Pray together as a class, school community, family and church.
c. Pray the Guardian Angel.
d. Pray the Lord’s Prayer.
e. Pray the Hail Mary.
f. Pray the Blessing Before Meals.