Year 5 Advent

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Possible Outcomes

Working towards Age Related outcomes

Pupils will be able to make links between the story of John the Baptist and our beliefs about the way we should prepare to celebrate Christmas. AT1 (this includes the need for reconciliation)

Pupils will be able to use a developing religious vocabulary to explain words used in Advent.

They will be able to use a developing religious vocabulary to give reasons for the symbolism of the O Antiphons AT1

They will be able to compare their own and other people’s ideas on the question of has Advent lost its meaning? AT2

Age Related Outcomes

Pupils will show understanding of both the words of John the Baptist and those of Isaiah by making links between the words and the way Christians behave AT1

Pupils will be able to use religious terms to show an understanding of how the O Antiphons are used to convey understanding about Jesus during Advent.AT1

Compare their own and other people’s ideas to the statement: People become more selfish at Christmas AT2

They will be able to engage with and respond to the question has Advent lost it meaning? (Note: they must do more than give a personal opinion. They must use scripture and other sources to explain their views.) AT3

Working in greater Depth (The questions in this unit are already challenging part of the determination that they are working at greater depth will be on the quality of the answers they give to the Age related Outcomes)

Pupils will show understanding of the O Antiphons by explain how at least one is relevant to people’s lives today. AT1

Pupils will be able to give reasons for their answer to the question are the words of John the Baptist “Every valley shall be filled,  and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight,  and the rough ways made smooth;” (Luke 3:5) relevant today? They must draw on different sources.

Note you may need Music for this unit. The song while My heart Beats can be downloaded from http://martinpoulsom.bandcamp.com/album/dark-light

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Additional Tasks to support Outcomes

Engage

Recap the details of Advent through a quick quiz. (Note this is a very quick recap 10 minutes no more)

Play the powerpoint entitled I want. (Note the music is by CJM and you will need to obtain this music from the CJM website www.cjmmusic.com the CD is called Born in Bethlehem. Ask what do you think the music is trying to say about how people prepare for Christmas? Alternatively you could collect pages from magazines showing shop adverts for Christmas and ask the same question. Play Powerpoint. This recalls Jesse tree, prophets and in particular Isaiah. It leads into John the Baptist. Note one of the questions on the powerpoint asks: “Imagine Isaiah looking at the world today what do you think he would say or feel? Why?” Pupils could either hot seat this with one person playing the part of Isaiah or they could do a piece of art work imagining Isaiah looking at specific events in the world and then have words describing his feelings over the images. It might be helpful to read more of the actual words of Isaiah. Look at the specific readings used in Advent so that their views are based on knowledge.

Explore and Express

Use the Work sheet on John the Baptist to explore his words. ( (Note you may wish to make the worksheet on Isaiah from Year 4 available to pupils if they are doing the extension piece)

Note for teachers: John the Baptist wrote, when he was talking about preparing for the coming of Jesus “Every Mountain shall be laid low Every Valley filled in” And he wasn’t talking about geography! So what was he talking about? Well, if you stand behind a mountain, you can’t see the way ahead and if you stand in a valley you can’t see the way ahead either. John believed that some people build mountains out of all the stuff in their lives, because having things like lots of clothes, lots of DVD’s etc becomes the most important things in their lives; but some other people don’t have enough to live and their problems weigh them down so it is like living in a valley. John went on to say that if you build a mountain out of stuff, or live in a valley it can be difficult to find God. He hoped there would be a time when people who had lots of things would be prepared to share with those who haven’t anything so that everyone would then be close to God. For the final activity on the extension it would help to have magazines available to show adverts for Christmas.

Ask the question do people today behave in the same way as they did in the time of John? Recall the Year 4 work on Sean Devereux for example.. (Note if they haven’t done that in year 4 then you will need to brief them.. Play the music ‘While my Heart Beats’ on the life of Sean Deveraux. This music is by Fr Martin Poulsom and can be obtained from http://martinpoulsom.bandcamp.com/album/dark-light.) Then follow the questions and activities on the sheet containing the words to My heart

Play the clip from the Muppets Christmas Carol where the song Marley and Marley is sung. (Available either on the DVD of A Muppets Christmas Carol or from YouTube)

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use the work sheet which accompanies this to focus on our need for reconciliation. AT1iii and AT2 ii L3 AT2 I L4 (Note to link with the chaplaincy side of school at the end of this piece of work you could hold a reconciliation service. For the service pupils could make paper chains and on those chains write the things that we need to be forgiven for and during the service at the point where we are forgiven break the chains to show we are set free. If there are Catholic children in the class you may wish to invite a priest so that pupils can experience the sacrament of reconciliation as part of the service) If you want to more adventurous here there is a Dr Who Christmas Special that also takes the scrooge story it is possible to use this as well but you would need to select the clips carefully to make the points. It does illustrate clearly how scrooge is in a prison of his own because of his actions and the contrast with those who freely give.

Explain what the O Antiphons are (Powerpoint and worksheets on this) and how and why they are used.Note: you will need to prepare the card set in advance. (Note: apart from the task set here there are more ideas for using the O Antiphons in the prayer stations which are based around them. These were originally designed as reflective chaplaincy work but could be adapted to classroom based activities)

Have pupils work in pairs to use the sort card exercise to begin thinking about has Advent lost its meaning. After pupils have sorted their own cards they should look at each other’s to see if there are differences. (Some of the cards are ambiguous they could be on either side- ask at least some of the pairs to explain their reasoning to the class. Include some blank cards so pupils can add in more reasons)

Extended writing: Pupils answer the question ‘Has Advent lost its meaning’ Use the writing frame to help pupils do this task. This is quite difficult and for pupils working towards Age Related expectations the alternative might be to produce an Advent card. (Not a Christmas Card!) This would have symbols of Advent on and, appropriate scripture quotes.

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John the Baptist

John went out into the desert to preach. He went to the desert rather than the synagogue because he felt that people only went to the synagogues for show. They might go and say the prayers but they didn’t change their lives. People wanted to listen to John and they asked him, “What must we do to change to lead better lives”?

Find out what John told them. Look in the Bible Lk 3 10-14. Who did John talk to? What did he ask them to do? Do you think they would have found that easy? Give reasons for your answer

Many people thought John might be the Messiah, the saviour they had been waiting for but John said no it wasn’t him but the Messiah would come soon.

Find out what John told the people they had to do to prepare for the Messiah by reading Lk3 v5 What do you think John is talking about? He isn’t really talking about real mountains. Discuss your ideas. Here are some clues as to what John might really be saying:

This is all stuff piled up if you stood behind it could you see clearly? What would you have to do to see? How do you think this links to the ‘I want’ song we listened to earlier?

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What things are causing this valley? What other problems do people face that might weigh them down bring them into a valley?

What happened to John in the end? Look up Mt 14 3-12 to find out. John spoke the truth. He saw what was wrong he reminded the people about the way God wants us to live and he was prepared to give everything even his life to make that happen

John hoped there would be a time when people who had lots of things would be prepared to share with those who haven’t anything so that everyone would then be close to God.

Extension work

How is what John asked people to do similar to what isaiah asked people to do?

Look at different adverts for shops encouraging us to prepare for christmas. What are they asking people to do? What do you think John would have thought of this?

Write out John’s words on preparing for the Messiah then illustrate the meaning of his words

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Can’t afford medicine

Hunger refugeelonely

While My Heart Beats

lyrics

1.The greed starts here, under our very noses. The best of intentions, the soundest of sense. The other side of the world, someone is dying. Is there nothing more that I can say?

I can learn about the race, have the courage to show my face. I must do what I can do while my heart beats. I must do what I can do while my heart beats.

2.So many guns in the hands of children. The causes are complex, the feelings are strong. More choice in bullets than rice in this global market - surely, there must be another way!

Be a sign of joy and peace, be a symbol of release. I must do what I can do while my heart beats. I must do what I can do while my heart beats.

Be a sign of joy and peace, be a symbol of release. I must do what I can do while my heart beats. I can learn about the race, have the courage to show my face. I must do what I can do while my heart beats.

Questions.

This song is written about Sean Devereux. On 2nd January 1993 Sean Devereux was shot dead - assassinated by a hired gunman whilst working for UNICEF in Somalia. Sean died coming to the aid of children. He was a teacher before joining the Salesians, a religious order. He was 28 years old when he died. . He first went to Liberia in February 1989 and began work with the Salesian community at St. Francis School in Tappita District. He was imprisoned for a while after pleading for the release of a student drafted into the army as a child-soldier. In his second year, the Liberian Civil War got even more violent and had forced the closing of the school and Devereux joined the UN refugee program.On one occasion he was beaten by soldiers after confronting one of them for attempting to steal food meant for refugees. Ultimately he was ordered out of the country in September 1992.

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He then began working with UNICEF in Somalia where he was assigned to organise relief for the starving, particularly children, in Kismayo, the stronghold of one of many warlords. Because he was prepared to stand up to those who would use violence and steal food from the poor he was killed shot in the head. Before his death he had written home saying that as long as his heart beat he would keep trying to do the right thing.

1. The first verse talks about greed. Do you think people get greedy as they prepare forChristmas?

2. What do you think verse 2 is about?3. I the second chorus it talks about being a sign of joy and peace. How

can we do that in our lives?4. How was Sean trying to live in the way God wants.5. Sean said as long as his heart beats, that is as long as he lived he

wanted to try to change things for the better. Where he worked he faced chidren going hungry, warlords forcing people to fight, soldiers stealing food from refugees and dealing with poverty. What things, what problems do we face? Try to add another verse to the song talking about our problems.

Sean with some of the children he helped.

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Marley and Marley

Marley and Marley come to visit scrooge. They are tied up in chains. They say they have come to warn scrooge. This is their song. Read the words carefully.

1. We're Marley and MarleyAverious and greedWe took advantage of the poorJust ignored the needyWe specialized in causing painSpreading fear and doubtAnd if you could not pay the rentWe simply threw you out

2. We're Marley and MarleyOur hearts were painted blackWe should have known our evil deedsWould put us both in shacklesCaptive! Bound!We're double-ironedExhausted by the weightAs freedom comes from giving loveSo, prison comes with hateWe're Marley and MarleyWe're Marley and Marley

Read verse one. What kind of people were the Marley brothers? Give examples of what they did in their lives.

Read verse two. What put the brothers in shackles (chains). According to the brothers what do you have to do in order to be free?

Why is scrooge doomed according to the brothers? How are scrooge’s chains forged?

In the story however scrooge isn’t doomed. He is given a chance to change. (If you don’t know the story ask your parents to tell you the story or maybe you can read the book yourself it is by Charles Dickens and called a

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3. Doomed, Scrooge!You're doomed for all timeYour future is a horror storyWritten by your crimeYour chains are forgedBy what you say and doSo, have your funWhen life is doneA nightmare waits for youWe're Marley and Marley

Christmas Carol) What about us? What deeds do we do that might chain us up? For example have you ever caused someone pain? This can be by your words not just fighting. What kind of activities do you think cause chains to surround people to day? Illustrate your answer. How are we given a chance to change?

Extension

How are the words of the song a reminder of the way both John the Baptist and Isaiah spoke to the people of their day?

This is a difficult question. The artist has shown a man wrapped in chains although he doesn’t know it. Why do you think he has included the words Merry Christmas underneath?

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The O AntiphonsWe are going to think about Wisdom The prayer begins:“O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care. Come and show your people the way to salvation.”

In pairs look at the card set. Chose a card and read the description found there.Does this apply to your life in any way or the lives of those around?

In this situation “What Would Jesus Do?” Discuss this then give a reason for your answer. If possible use your Bible to find some words of Jesus which might be relevant to the situation. Chose two more of the cards and do the same thing. What would the prophets like Isaiah, John the Baptist or Sean Devereux say about these situations?You will be working at a higher level if you can find the words of Jesus that apply to the situation and give reasons for the how you think the prophets would respond.

Take a blank card. On it describe or draw an image of a situation you need guidance with in your life?

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You see images of people suffering through hunger/poverty/war/disaster.You feel sorry for them. How far do go in helping? Do you Pray? Do you give a little? Do you give so that it affects your life? What would Jesus do?

There is someone in your life that you don’t get on with. How do you respond? By ignoring them? By arguing? By trying to get to know them? What would Jesus do?

People are gossiping. Do you join in?Do you pass the gossip on? Do you stay out of it? What would Jesus do?

You are worried about the future in some way, illness, money, job, relationships. How do you deal with your fears? Do you pray? Do you do nothing? Do you let the fear affect you? Do you talk to others? What would Jesus do?

Someone you know is doing something you don’t approve of or don’t think is right. Do you tell them what you think? Do you support them anyway? Do you stop seeing them? What would Jesus do?

Someone has hurt you, badly. Do you forgive them? Forgive them if they say sorry? Hold a grudge against them? Get your own back?What would Jesus do?

Your friends have more than you do.Do you feel jealous? Do try to live as they do? Does it make you discontented with your own life? Are you able to be happy with what you have? What would Jesus do? What would Jesus do?

Has Advent lost its meaning?

The shops start advertising Christmas in September

People are encouraged to spend lots of money buying presents

Lots of people go into Debt before Christmas

Very few people really understand what Advent is all about

Schools put on Christmas Plays before Christmas

Almost everyone has an Advent Calendar

Most Advent calendars are not religious

Most towns have Christmas lights and trees up during December

Lots of Charities receive more money during the weeks before Christmas

People invite other members of their family to stay with them during Christmas

We buy Christmas decorations People send Christmas cards

Most people know at least one carol to sing

Lots of people feel lonely during this time

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Most people know what an Advent wreath is

Most people don’t know what a Jesse Tree is

Most people don’t go to Church during Advent

Most cards sent don’t have religious scenes on them

A lot of paper is used wrapping presents which is bad for the planet

Children write to Santa

Cafod raises more money over Christmas

Cafod needs to raise more money because so many people are still suffering

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Has Advent lost its meaning?

In order to do well in this piece of work you need to do the followings things:

Explain clearly what the purpose of Advent is

Next explain how the prophets like Isaiah and John the Baptist wanted us to prepare for the coming of the Messiah (Jesus). What kind of actions did they want us to take; who did they want us to help? Look back at your previous work to help you.

Now describe the world today. Is it a perfect place where everything the prophets wanted has happened or are there situations where we still need to change things. Explain your views.

At this point explain what you think Jesus and the prophets would want us to do in Advent to prepare for Jesus to be part of our world. Are we doing this?

Next describe how people actually do behave in the few before Christmas. Are they doing what the prophets want?

Finally conclude by summing up your answer to the question.

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