Respecting Others

OBJECTIVE

The objective for the Morality module is to have the children focus on foundational Christian values and how to incorporate them into their lives. In first grade, the children will discuss the Golden Rule, respect for everyone, the parable of the Good Shepherd, and forgiveness. This week's objective is to discuss respect for everyone.

INTRODUCTION & HOOK - 10 Minutes

Create a garden of good manners.

There are many choices when it comes to respectful language. Before class, use the template in the attachments to cut out flowers in a variety of colors. Ask the first graders for polite language to write on the flowers. Write polite words and phrases on them like 'thank you', 'please', 'may I...', 'how do you do', 'pardon me', 'excuse me', 'after you', 'you're welcome'. Glue the flowers on a large sheet of paper and draw stems. Then tell the first graders, "You've created a garden of good manners. You can use these 'flowers' at any time to show respect to the people around you."

HOLY SCRIPTURE - 10 Minutes

Memory Verse - 'And the King will answer and say to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me."' Matthew 25:40

Gather the children and light a candle. Ask the children why we are lighting a candle before reading the Bible. Listen to the children's responses about the candle. Why do we light a candle: The Candle reminds us that Jesus is with us all the time. The candle gives us light in the darkness. Deacons hold a candle during the Gospel reading. Ask if any boys in the class are deacons and if they ever held the candle during the Gospel reading. Explain when we read the Bible we are to be quiet and reverent (define that word). Reverence means a deep respect. Maybe discuss how we show deep respect. Take out the Holy Bible. Do the sign of the cross before reading the passage. Read the passage. Define words that need to be defined as you are reading the passage.

Read Romans 12:10 aloud to the students:

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.

CONTENT (KEY POINTS) - 10 Minutes

After reading the Bible passage, ask the children: "What did you hear?" Just listen to their responses. Encourage their answers. Ask each child to say just one word that they remembered from the passage and write them on the board or writing pad. Read it again and encourage them to listen so that they see and hear all those highlighted words.

Kindly affectionate: Our Lord Jesus Christ taught us to love each other as we love ourselves. We can show each other love with kind affection, like hugs, shaking hands, opening the door for each other, and saving each other a seat. Ask the students: what other ways can we show each other kindly affection?

Brotherly love: We should love one another because we are all brothers and sisters of the same spiritual mother, the Church. There is nothing which makes friends so much as everyone working together to bring honor to our community.

Honor: All people are created in the image of God and God loves each and every person. We must show respect to every person, because our Heavenly Father created them and loves them. Ask the students: how do we show respect to all people? Encourage answers that reflect respect like being kind, being polite, and being courteous.

Give preference to one another: Sometimes, we want to take the best or biggest part for ourselves, but God wants us to think of others first. Instead of just taking, first think has everyone had a fair share or have I done my best to share with my siblings?

DISCUSSION (Challenge) - 10 Minutes

Wonder questions: Ask these questions and wait for the children to respond. It may take time for them to answer, but be patient and encouraging.

How do I show affection to my family?
How do I show affection to my classmates?
How do I show affection to Abouna?
How do I love my neighbor?
How does showing affection and love also show respect?
Why does God want us to show respect to everyone?
How can I give preference to a classmate?
How can I give preference to my parents?

LIFE APPLICATION - 10 Minutes

Focus on making sure we treat everyone with respect. Even those who are different from us. Pope Kyrillos VI said, "Do good to all. Do not distinguish in the doing of good between people's race or color or creed. Make peace between a man and his companions, for your Christ is a Lord of peace and a Worker of it."

ACTIVITY - 10 Minutes

Option 1: Role play a scenario where a few kids are making fun of someone. How can the others show respect to the one getting picked on and to the bullies. Can we be peacemakers to everyone involved in the conflict?You can outline the story with them and then act it out. Once the acting is complete, get the kids to settle down and review the memory verse.

Option 2: Give the students each a paper and crayons and have them draw or write out their feelings about how they felt when they were being made fun of. Remind them of the Golden Rule. If the kids talk about how they felt when they were made fun of then you can have them focus on our Lord Jesus Christ always being there for them, especially when they are hurt. They can draw or write about that as well.

Option 3: Print out the attachment worksheet for each of the students. Encourage the children to share what they wrote and discuss it with the class. Make sure they write their names and take it home to review the memory verse with their parents.

SERVANT RESOURCES

The Religious Potential of the Child Age 3-6 by Sofia Cavellitti.

Berenstain Bears Show Some Respect, by Mike Berenstain, YouTube StoryTime, 5 min

PARENTS CORNER/HOMEWORK

Reinforce respect at home with your child this week. Encourage your child to be an example of God's love to everyone in their community. Continue discussing with the children how to show respect to elders, authority, and peers.