Activity Overview
Stories, parables and literature allow students to visualize different people, holidays, customs and traditions within a particular religion in a more concrete way. There are many books related to Christianity that teachers can use to help students form a deeper understanding of the religion and the people who practice it. In this activity, students will illustrate the plot of a Christian story.
This example is about the story of Jesus' birth or the Nativity.
There are many other engaging books that introduce students to the traditional parables and stories relating to Christianity. Teachers can use books and also videos that help illustrate different aspects of the religion. Here are some suggestions:
- The Children's Illustrated Bible by Selina Hastings
- Who Was Mother Teresa? by Jim Gigliotti
- Who Was Jesus? by Ellen Morgan
- Who is Pope Francis? by Stephanie Spinner
- Who was Joan of Arc? by Pam Pollack
- Who Believes What?: Exploring the World’s Major Religions by Anna Wills
- See Inside World Religions by Alex Frith
- The Easter Story by Parragon Books
- The Kids Book of World Religions by Jennifer Glossop
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: After listening to the story, create a narrative storyboard that includes important details from the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
Student Instructions:
- In about 3-5 cells, write the major details of the story in order of occurrence.
- Add appropriate scenes, characters and items to illustrate each cell. The Creator has each animal from the story.
Requirements: Beginning, Middle, and End of the story
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Cells include images that help to tell the story and do not get in the way of understanding. Descriptions match the images. | Descriptions do not always match the images. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Plot | Each of the six cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | Two cells or fewer are out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or three or more cells are out of order. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is difficult to understand. |
How To Conduct Group Discussions on Christian Parables and Stories
Select Stories for Discussion
Teachers can make a list of all the Christian stories and Parables that are appropriate for discussion in class. Students can also participate and recommend any story they want to discuss. For instance, “The Easter Story”, “Who was Jesus?”, “Who was Mother Teresa?” are some stories that can be used in class.
Divide into Groups
Teachers can divide the class into groups of 3-4 students. Each group can select one story for discussion and analysis. Guide the students on how they can discuss different parts of the story and present their analysis of different events.
Assign Roles and Tasks
Once students have been divided into groups, ask each group to divide their tasks based on the activity, for instance, one member will write down the discussion points, and one will present the analysis in front of the class. This will encourage teamwork and students will be able to manage themselves in a team setting.
Foster a Collaborative Environment
Encourage the students to be more collaborative and help their fellow students while learning or discussing new topics. Ensure that students are aware of the benefits of collaborative learning and what they would gain from this method of learning. Teachers can also maintain an equal ratio of individual and group projects to ensure that students can handle and learn from both situations.
Recap and Conclude
Recap the discussion's major ideas and takeaways to close it off. Allow students to provide any remarks or ideas for future discussions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christian Parables and Stories
What does a parable mean in Christian doctrine?
Jesus frequently used parables in the New Testament to illustrate spiritual or ethical points. To highlight more profound principles, it frequently uses sympathetic characters and circumstances. Parables are short fictional stories used by Jesus himself to convey important moral lessons.
What are some well-known parables from the Christian tradition?
The Parable of the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, the Sower, and the Parable of the Lost Sheep are just a few examples of well-known Christian parables.
What are some famous Christian storybooks for younger students?
The "Jesus Storybook Bible," "The Beginner's Bible," "God Gave Us You," "The Berenstain Bears' Living Lights Series," "VeggieTales Bible Storybook," and "You Are Special" by Max Lucado are a few well-known Christian children's books. These books do a good job of teaching biblical principles and values in a fun and age-appropriate way.
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