 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Home | |
Grade One Video Study Guide
Segment
1 | Segment 2 | Segment 3
| Segment 4
Segment 5 | Segment 6 | Segment
7
Bible Songs
Approximately 5 minutes.
Text reference:
Can be used to enrich all chapters.
Children sing four songs in various settings, lyrics are shown on screen.
Song titles are:
- "He's Got the Whole World" (1 1/2 minutes)
- "Jesus Loves the Little Children" (1 minute)
- "Blessed Be the Name" (1 1/2 minutes)
- "Alleluia" (1 minute)
Background:
Music is part of all major religious traditions. The words of Saint Augustine
help us to understand why this is so: "When we sing, we pray twice." Singing
expresses all human emotions from joy to sadness. It enlivens the human
spirit. It brings about a sense of unity and purpose. Most important of
all, people love music, especially children. It is a universal language.
Discussion:
- Do you like to sing? Why?
- What are some of your favorite songs?
- How can church music help you pray?
Bible Songs
Approximately 5 1/2 minutes.
Text reference:
Can be used to enrich all chapters.
Children sing five songs in various settings, lyrics are shown on screen.
Song titles are:
- "Come and Go with Me" (1 minute)
- "I've Got the Joy" (1 minute)
- "Rejoice" (1 minute)
- "The Lord Is My Shepherd" (1 1/2 minutes)
- "Whisper a Prayer" (1 minute)
Besides its aesthetic value, music appeals to children on many levels. It involves the whole person—body, mind, and heart. It can be expressed in many forms—words, sounds, body language, dance, and art. The lyrics we sing can help us understand and remember key concepts. Music can set the mood for prayer, play, quiet reflection, and celebration.
Discussion:
- What are some different feelings you have when you listen to different kinds of music?
- If you were asked to write a Bible song, what would your song tell others about God? About God's people?
- Do you like to hear other children sing? Why?
Mrs. Pockets Story: Plant Your Dreams
My Child
Approximately 3 minutes.
Text reference:
Can be used to supplement chapters 1, 2, 15, 16, 19, and 23.
Mrs. Pockets reads a story to a small group of first graders. The book she reads is Plant Your Dreams My Child by Gini Bunnell (Joplin, MO: College Press Publishing, Inc., 1998). If possible, obtain a copy of Plant Your Dreams My Child to reread to the children. This wonderful story lends itself to lively discussion on topics such as dreams and hopes.
Discussion:
- What are some of your hopes and dreams?
- Why do your dreams and hopes bring you closer to God? When do you feel closest to God?
- Why does God give us the gift to dream and hope?
Prayer: Morning and Nighttime Prayers
Approximately 3 minutes.
Text reference:
Can be used to enrich all chapters.
These two prayers will help children develop the habit of praying in the morning and the nighttime. The text, reinforced with original art and music, encourages children to always open their hearts to God. God wants us to make him an important part of each day. We do this by beginning and ending each day by expressing praise and gratitude to God.
Discussion:
- Why is it a good idea to begin and end each day with a prayer?
- How do you show your thanks to God for his blessings?
- How do you praise God for the gift of creation?
Mrs. Pockets Story: Mean Soup
Approximately 4 1/2 minutes.
Text reference:
Can be used with chapters 15, 16, 17, and 20.
Mrs. Pockets reads a story to a small group of first graders. The book she reads is Mean Soup by Betsy Everitt (Voyager Picture Book, 1995). If possible, obtain a copy of Mean Soup from the library and reread it to the class. Ask them to make their own sound effects to accompany the story. Mean Soup offers a positive way to talk about feelings. Horace has had a tough day. He and his mother begin to smile as they bang and scream at the soup pot. This story is an ideal springboard for discussing feelings, what they are, and how to express them safely and wisely.
Discussion:
- What are some things you do to turn a bad day into a good day?
- What can you do to express anger and disappointment safely and wisely?
- What can you do to help others express their feelings safely and wisely?
Story of St. Nicholas
Approximately 7 minutes.
Text reference:
Can be used to supplement chapters 15, 17, and 20.
Father Phil suggests two ideas for the school Christmas play. Lucy reads the story about St. Francis; Billy reads the story about St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas, who lived in the fourth century, is honored as the patron saint of children. We celebrate the feast day of St. Nicholas on December 6. Following the example of St. Nicholas, his story inspires Billy to make an unexpected personal sacrifice and make someone happy. This video is designed to spark a two-prong discussion process about the meaning of Christmas and how the lives of the saints can inspire us to be generous, loving people.
Discussion:
- How does your family prepare for Christmas? How do you help your family prepare for Christmas?
- What can you do to make Christmas a season of giving and joy? How can you become a more generous, joyful person all year long?
- Who is your favorite saint? How does the example of that saint help you to be more generous?
Mrs. Pockets Story: The Wednesday Surprise
Approximately 7 minutes.
Text reference:
Can be used to supplement chapters 15, 16, 17, and 20.
Mrs. Pockets reads a story to a small group of first graders. The book she reads is The Wednesday Surprise by Eve Bunting (Boston: Clarion Books, 1990). If possible, obtain a copy of The Wednesday Surprise from your local library and reread it to the class. Anna and Grandma plan a surprise birthday party for Anna's dad. Anna has a great idea. She will teach Grandma to read. Her dad receives many birthday gifts, but the best gift of all is when Grandma reads some stories for everyone to enjoy. This story will help children appreciate the gift and power of reading.
Discussion:
- Why is being able to read such a great gift? What do you like best about reading books?
- Who helped you learn to read? Why do you like to read? Why do you like it when people read books to you?
- Set this scene. The children have been asked by the mayor to create a citywide "Get Kids to Read" project that will encourage all first graders in the city to read more and to have fun doing it. Ask: What do you think is the most important thing about the "Get Kids to Read" project?
