Activity Overview
Researching real people who practice Christianity or key figures from Christian texts and mythology help students to gain greater insight into this fascinating religion. It helps students go beyond simply memorizing facts to acquire a more substantial view of Christianity and its followers. In this activity, students will create a biography poster for one person relating to Christianity. Teachers can assign students a specific person or they may give students a choice.
These posters can be printed out, laminated, and hung around the room as a visual reminder of notable people who practice Christianity. Students can also present their posters to their classmates, sharing their knowledge about their person, thus combining research, writing and public speaking skills into one powerful assignment.
Find more biography poster templates to add to this assignment if desired!
Suggested Christian Figures in History
- Jesus
- Mary
- Joseph
- Peter
- Mary Magdalene
- Mother Teresa
- Joan of Arc
- Pope Francis
- Pope John Paul II
- Constantine the Great
- Martin Luther
- Maximilian Kolbe
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Desmond Tutu
- Susan B. Anthony
- Sojourner Truth
- Clara Barton
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Research a famous Christian person past or present or a literary character that is related to Christianity. Create a poster that includes important details and engaging imagery.
Student Instructions:
- Using school resources, conduct research on a character or person of significance past or present that is related to Christianity. Take notes using a graphic organizer.
- On the poster, include your person’s name and dates of birth, death (if applicable) and major accomplishments in sequence.
- Add appropriate scenes, characters and items to illustrate each cell.
Requirements: Person’s image, name, dates of birth/death, major accomplishments and images to enhance the poster.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | The description includes at least five important facts about the famous or historic figure. | The description includes less than five important facts or it includes information that is not pertinent to the famous or historic figure. | The description is incomplete and does not contain important information about the famous or historic figure. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes, characters and items that are appropriate to the famous or historic figure. They enhance the poster by symbolizing or illustrating important facts about the figure. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes, characters and items are mostly accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the scenes, characters and items is too limited or incomplete. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Storyboard text is difficult to understand. |
How To Help Students Compare Significant Christian Figures
Define Objectives of Comparison
Begin by introducing the objectives of this comparison to students. Explain that the comparison will help the students look at the religion from different perspectives and understand the different aspects of the religion. If students are comparing figures from different time periods, they can even make a connection with history.
Identify Significant Figures
Introduce students to the concept of significant religious figures. Ask the students if they are aware of any significant figures like Jesus, or Mary from Christianity or from any other religion. Teachers can help the students make a list of significant Christian figures who have played a crucial role in introducing the religion and in the development of the religion.
Establish a Framework
Establish precise standards for comparison, such as their theological perspectives, Church contributions, cultural influence, and responses to important Christian challenges. Students can also add some other elements for the comparison such as background, life and experiences, and journey with Christianity to understand the figures on a deeper level.
Concentrate on Similarities and Differences
Ask the students to compare and contrast the two historical personalities while taking into account their respective origins, ideologies, and contributions to Christianity. Encourage the students to use Venn diagrams or other graphic organizers to present this information and share it with the class.
Encourage a Respectful Discussion
Encourage a classroom culture that values different viewpoints. Encourage the students to have constructive disagreements while fostering an atmosphere of understanding. Students should be respectful of other’s opinions and deal with different perspectives in a mature way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Significant Christian Figures
Which historical leaders have had the largest impact on Christianity?
Jesus Christ, the apostles Peter and Paul, Augustine of Hippo, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Mother Teresa, and Pope John Paul II are just a few examples of notable Christians. Students can reflect on the teachings and contributions of these figures to gain a deeper understanding of the religion itself.
Who is Mother Teresa?
Mother Teresa was an Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic nun and missionary, popularly known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta. She created the Missionaries of Charity and dedicated her life to helping the ill and needy in Kolkata (Calcutta), India.
What are the contributions of Martin Luther towards Christianity?
German theologian and monk Martin Luther is credited with starting the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. He stressed salvation by faith in Jesus Christ and criticized certain of the Roman Catholic Church's policies.
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