Support material for

The Year of MatthewYear A: From Advent to Christmas

Second half of Autumn Term 2013/2014

The format of this unit is intended to allow teachers to link Religious Education learning directly and explicitly to the EYFS goals. It is hoped that this formatting makes clear that Religious Education integrates with much of what occurs in an Early Years classroom. Teachers are encouraged to select from the activities suggested. Monitoring activities suitable for pupils’ profile or learning journal may also be identified on the grid.

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The Diocesan Policy on Religious Education (2012) commits the Diocese to supporting schools implement the requirements of the Curriculum Directory and other norms of the Bishops’ Conference. In recent years this support has focussed on developing Religious Education which is suited explicitly to the development and learning style of children in the early years.

This unit serves two purposes. First, it models the application of these two important areas and so serves as continuing the professional development of Staff. Second, its content offers explicit support for the teaching of the Year of Matthew (Year A).This unit models:

A Scripture process employing the principles described in the new Religious Education Curriculum Directory (RECD),

Explicit links between the teaching of Religious Education and the new RECD as required by the Diocesan Inspection Framework.

Opportunities by which pupils are invited to consider our nature as a people of Faith Clear and explicit links to the EYFS goals.

How to use this unit:

Schools may use this unit within the scheme of work they are currently using by selecting those activities they think are appropriate.

Alternatively, schools may choose to teach this unit as it stands. As this unit will not be taught next year it does not matter if children across the early years complete similar activities.

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OverviewTopic Theme: From Advent to ChristmasThis unit is intended as the second for the academic year 2013/2014 and the first of the new Liturgical year, Year A. In keeping with the Liturgical year, this framework teaches the seasons of Advent and Christmas, according to the Gospel of Matthew.Content Areas from the Religious Education Curriculum DirectoryPupils will have the opportunity to:

Revelation:Come to know Jesus is God the Father’s SonHear the story of Christmas

Church:Come to know that Mary is the Mother of Jesus

Celebration:Experience praying with others as a celebrationBe able to join in simple prayers and hymns

Life in Christ:Ways in which a Christian family and parish share and celebrate life, and show care for one another

Key Teachings from the Catholic Tradition from the RECD. Numbers in brackets relate to the Catechism of the Catholic Church1.1.1.The Nature of Revelation: How Do We Know About God? (1-3,27-35)C. Divine Revelation (50-53,68-69)

1.2.5. The Shape of the Bible (120-130)D. The Gospels

1.5.1. Jesus Christ, Son of God (422-679)A. Mystery of the Incarnation: Emmanuel (God-is- with-us) (Jn 3:16-17; 484)

1.5.2. The Promise of a Messiah and the promise of redemption fulfilled in Jesus (422-451)G. The Gospels recognise Jesus as the fulfillment of the promise

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1.5.3.The Mystery of the Incarnation (461-463)A. The Word became Flesh (the Incarnation) (525-528, 456-478)B Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man (464-469)

3.5.1. What is prayer? (2559-2565)A The Church at prayer

3.5.2. A universal call (2566-2567)A. God calls every individual to a vital relationship with him experienced in prayer (2558)B. Developing intimacy and communion with Jesus Christ through prayer is an essential aspect in the life of a believer or disciple (CT, no. 5; GDC, no. 80; NDC, §19B; 2560)D. Expressions of prayer can be vocal, meditative, or contemplative (2700-2724)E. The forms of prayer are blessing, adoration, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise (2626-2649)F. Prayer requires effort and commitment (2729-2745)

3.2.4. Liturgical year (1163-1171)A. Seasons (1163-1165)B. The Sabbath and the Lord’s Day (1166-1167)C. The Liturgical Year (1168-1171)D. The Sanctoral (1172-1173)E. The Liturgy of the Hours (1174-1178)

Background Notes for TeachersTwo stories of the Birth of Jesus. Why?During Vatican II Pope Paul VI asked his Biblical Commission to explain why there are differences in the Gospel accounts of the life of Jesus. They wrote their answer as a document called The Instruction Concerning the Historical Truth of the Gospels.

In this document the commission tell us that ‘each evangelist chose a method suited to their purpose; they reduced or

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adapted material, re-ordered and explained others, all determined by what would be useful to their audience.’ People studying the Bible were told to ‘seek out what each evangelist meant in recounting events or sayings in a particular way or in placing things within a specific context.’ Importantly though, the document reminds us that ‘the truth of the story is not affected at all by the fact that the Evangelists relate the words and deeds of the Lord in a different order and express his sayings not literally but differently, while preserving its sense’ (HTG IX).

There are some important differences to note in Matthew’s account of the birth of Jesus.

1. Matthew has the family already in Bethlehem living in a house – there is no journey from Nazareth.2. The angel ALWAYS speaks to Joseph – Mary does not speak at all, neither does she visit Elizabeth.3. Matthew quotes a lot from the First (Old) Testament. We think he does this because his community are Jewish

and he wants to show them how Jesus is the Messiah they have been waiting for.4. Matthew has no shepherds – instead wise men (Maji) visit the baby.5. The family flee to Egypt to keep Jesus safe from King Herod – something Luke does not have at all.

We need to remember that although Luke and Matthew record the birth of Jesus very differently, the truth they are trying to convey is the same: Jesus was the Messiah, God as fully human. Christians call belief that God became human and lived among us, the Incarnation.

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A Year of FaithLinking School, Parish and

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Religious Education

Topic Theme: From Advent to ChristmasThis unit is intended as the second for the academic year 2013/2014 and the first of the Liturgical year, Year A. In keeping with the Liturgical year, this framework teaches the seasons of Advent and Christmas, according to the Gospel of Matthew.

Learning opportunities include: Monitoring opportunities:

Coming to know Jesus is God the Father’s Son

Hearing the story of Christmas

Coming to know that Mary is the Mother of Jesus

Experiencing praying with others as a celebration

Joining in simple prayers and hymns

Learning about the ways in which a

Student’s development will be monitored through observation and the collection of work samples for their portfolio.

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Christian family and parish share and celebrate life, and show care for one another

Affective and Spiritual Dispositions

It is hoped that pupils will develop: An appreciation of the gift of God’s presence born again into the world at Christmas An openness to the Incarnation in their own lives An appreciation of the truths contained in Scripture A willingness to pray during Advent

Activities to try at homeParents, you are the first educators of your child in faith. Your child’s learning in Religious Education will be much greater if you and the school are engaged in talking about the same ideas and beliefs. Help your child by trying one or more of these activities while this unit is being taught:

Talk to your children about your plans and preparations for Christmas. Point out what is happening in your local community.

Ask your children to share the prayers they are saying at school with you. Include them in your bedtime rituals.

An idea for prayer at home

Prayer Activity

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Pray with your children at bedtime.

As we work for you Come, Lord JesusAs we play for you Come, Lord JesusAs we rest for you Come, Lord JesusAs we pray for you Come, Lord JesusAs we wait for you Come, Lord Jesus

EYFS Goals Pre RE Attainment

PSE Expressive Arts and Design

Communicationand Language

Physical Development

Literacy Knowledge and Understanding

Maths

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AT1 (i)Become immersed in the Beliefs, Teachings and Sources of faith

The Birth of JesusMatthew 1:18-2:15

This section should be done after AT 1 (ii), playing with the signs and symbols of faith.

At the start of each day begin with the prayer suggested for parents to use at home:

As we work for you, Come, Lord Jesus

As we play for you, Come, Lord Jesus

As we rest for you, Come, Lord Jesus

As we pray for you, Come, Lord Jesus

As we wait for you, Come, Lord Jesus

Matthew’s story tells of the wise men bringing gifts for the new baby.

Make stencils of camels for pupils to trace, print or decorate.

Use butcher’s paper and ask pupils to make Christmas wrapping paper: write themes, symbols and names for Jesus, from Matthew’s story on it.

Make cards and wrap any small gift pupils make for their

Continue to develop pupils knowledge of language:

JesusAn English translation of the Jewish name ‘Yeshua’ which means ‘to rescue’ or ‘deliver’ – we sometimes say ‘to save’

EmmanuelWhich means ‘God with Us’

Find out what pupils’ names mean.Stress the importance of using a person’s name in showing

Matthew says the wise men came from the East - perhaps Jordan, an area of desert.

Provide pupils with damp sand and cups of different sizes with which to mould and build. Encourage pupils to re-enact the journey of the wise men from their home to King Herod’s palace and to the home of Mary and Joseph where Jesus was born.

START:Explain that there are two stories that describe Jesus’ birth. You are going to learn Matthew’s story!

Read the background information and the actual story before you tell it so you are very comfortable with it.

Tell Mt 1:18-2:15 to pupils, using concrete materials if you can.

THEN:Help pupils become familiar with Matthew’s story through their play: With

concrete materials

In role play

In picture sequences

Using the story ‘pointers’

Look in the Block 1 framework for extension activities for more able or older pupils.

Use simple sets of scales to imagine the wise men buying the frankincense and myrrh.

Have pupils weigh bags of stones, buttons or blocks and explain to the ‘shop-keeper’ what they are buying it for.

See resources for purchase of actual frankincense and myrrh.

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family in their paper.

respect for them. Dance!

EYFS Goals Pre RE Attainment

PSE Expressive Arts and Design

Communicationand Language

Physical Development

Literacy Knowledge and Understanding

Maths

AT 1 (ii)Play with the Signs and Symbols of faith

Advent

Do this section FIRST

Develop prayerful ways of behaving during prayer: listening; thinking quietly.

Make prayer a ritual of each day.Look at the prayers in the Block 1 and 2 framework for examples of class prayer.

Do anything at all in purple!

Make different shades of purple paint…Advent ‘purple’ should be lighter than dark Lent purple to recognise that it’s a joyful time of waiting, not a sad one.

Teach and use vocab:Advent means ‘coming’ or ‘arrival’Maranatha means ‘The Lord is coming!’

Set up the play corner as a space where Mary and Elizabeth might have talked about what was happening to them. For

Be ‘maranatha kids’!

Ask the pupils to dress in something purple and play ‘waiting’ games: eg hide a seek; pass the parcel; Duck Duck Goose (see Wikipedia for instructions!)

THEN:

Read/Tell a story about Mary who also waited for Jesus.

Before you tell the story explain that Elizabeth and Zechariah (her husband) are also expecting a baby – John the Baptist. This story tells how

START:

Explain that the Church has a special season (time) to help us get ready for Christmas. It is a time of waiting and looking forward to what is going to happen!During Advent we remember people who waited for

Make purple numerals to arrange in order

Count down the days until Christmas.

Put a large calendar on the wall and mark the special dates on it: Advent begins; the First, Second, Third, fourth

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Make sure your prayer table has a purple cloth and candles on it!

Sing! See links below

Talk about how the Church gathers to celebrate at Christmas.

We use white and gold cloths and vestments to show that this is a special time of celebration.

example Under an olive tree; in an open field. Be as historically accurate with your setting as you can.See Nazareth Village website:

Mary visited Elizabeth.Tell Luke1: 39-49

Imagine: What did Mary and Elizabeth talk about? How might they have got ready for the birth of Jesus?

the birth of Jesus.Make a Jesse Tree. Put symbols on the tree for Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Zechariah, John the Baptist and the pupils (e.g. handprint, photo)See Block 1 for a longer list of people.

Sunday of Advent; Christmas eve; Christmas day.

EYFS Goals Pre RE Attainment

PSE Expressive Arts and Design

Communicationand Language

Physical Development

Literacy Knowledge and Understanding

Maths

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AT 1 (iii)Explore the way people live because of their beliefs

Christmas is a time when we remember those in our community who might have less than we do.

Link in with a charity in the Parish or school and support their giving.

This activity has NOT been suggested for Block 1 and 2 – ask the ‘little ones’ to lead it….taking messages and invitations around other classes to join in ‘their’ ‘Gifts at

Most Christmas traditions come from a Christian source. Use the powerpoint on the teachscripture site that explains many of the Christmas traditions.

Explain how Christians use colour and symbol to show their delight that God came into the world at Christmas.

Make‘Matthew’ Christmas cards!

Make a game of using ‘gift words’ – those which we ‘give’ to thank, compliment, praise or wish each other greetings of the season.

Link to Maths. Make cubes out of cardboard to look like presents. Decorate each ‘face’ with ‘gift words or phrases’ before they are put together! Tie them with ribbon to display See resources for

Sing and dance to Christmas carols!

Explain that one of the special things Catholics do during the last week before Christmas is say ‘O’ Antiphons.An Antiphon is a short prayer said in the evening.

Learn the ‘O’ Antiphon in the resources below.

Say the antiphon with actions at the end of the days before you break for Christmas.

For further information on antiphons

START:Matthew’s story expresses a basic belief of all Christians: that God came to live with us in the person of Jesus. Jesus was God! We believe that God remains with us today; in each other, in our world and in our Church.

Make banners: We believe that Jesus is God who came to live with us!

Thread beads in Christmas colours (red green and white)

Build a Christmas tree out of triangles – in paper of blocks

Trace and cut shapes out of old Christmas cards.

Explore different ways of making stars with different numbers of points on them.

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Christmas’ appeal.

website pattern.

see Block 1 and 2

Resources:

Sing! Learn the chorus of the following song (note it is sung by a children’s choir called ‘Maranatha Kids’) and use it

as a response to prayers of Intercession for Christmas. Maranatha is an Aramaic word which means ‘The Lord is coming!’ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOG8uXqKgNI

Come O Come Emmanuel. (Celebration Hymnal for Everyone 522; Hymns Old and New 384 & Laudate 112) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BC8eW_V9pM

Art Possibilities. See www.zartart.com.au for ideas for Christmas. Use the ‘Art and Craft Project’ tab. Scroll down for Christmas activities. If you decide to do the Nativity Book, ignore the description of what happened – it’s Luke’s and it’s wrong! The book though, is great! Zart Art Education also have a youtube channel which demonstrates art activities.

Camel stencils: http://hstrial-mwanimalattra.homestead.com/camel-outline-2.png (or Google Images: camel outline)

Frankincense and Myrrh can be obtained from Rahiiq Ltd (on line).

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O Antiphon. (adapted) O Emmanuel ‘God with us’, you are our King and our Saviour: Come to us, O Lord our God. For a full list of the O Antiphons see The Follower (the Diocesan magazine) or the Block 1 and 2 Framework.

Cube pattern: http://staff.argyll.epsb.ca/jreed/math14/strand3/images/cube_net2.gif

Pictures of Matthew’s story to sequence:

http://bibleartwork.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/angel-appear-to-joseph-in-a-dream1.jpg

http://www.piercedhearts.org/multimedia/z_imagenes/Jesus/mary_joseph_child.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm27/iam733_photos/ISRAEL/WISE_MEN_VISIT_KING_HEROD_.jpg

http://www.catholic-convert.com/wp-content/uploads/wisemen.gif

http://www.catholicstewardsofcreation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/wisemen.jpg

http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Flight-into-Egypt-01.jpg

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Nazareth Village website:

http://nazarethvillage.com/home.php

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Possible concrete materials for telling Matthew’s story of the birth of Jesus.

Characters: Mary, Joseph, King Herod, 3 wise men

Settings: There are four settings: You will need something to represent the home they are living in….a box cave or house. A place where King Herod is; a place where the wise men have come from; Egypt.

Events: The story can be broken into scenes: Scene 1: Mary and Joseph finding out Mary is to have a baby. Jesus is born.Scene 2: The wise men go to Herod to ask where the new child ‘king of the Jews’ is. He tells them to find him and come and tell him.Scene 3: The wise men visit the baby with their gifts. They go home by another road.Scene 4: Joseph takes Mary and Jesus to Egypt as the angel tells him that King Herod want to hurt the baby. These ‘pointers’ may prompt your telling of the story. Choose/make your own – these are merely suggestions.

Mary [was] engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, Mary was found to be [having a] child from the Holy Spirit.

But … an angel of the Lord appeared to him. When Joseph awoke from [his] sleep ... he took [Mary] as his wife…[and after she had given

birth to her son] he named him Jesus. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem

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[So] Herod secretly called the wise men [to come to him] and he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search [carefully] for the child and when you have found him, [come and tell me] so that I may also go and pay him [respect].’

[They entered the house and] saw the child with Mary his mother [so] they knelt down and paid him [respect].

[After] they had [gone] an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream.

Gospel of Matthew The Birth of Jesus

Matthew 1:18-2:15

Adaptations to the NRSV text shown in [square brackets]

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place [like this!] Mary [was] engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, Mary was found to be [having a] child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, [was] a [faithful] man and unwilling to [embarrass her in the community], planned to [quietly break from her]. But just when he had [decided] to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child [she is carrying] is from the Holy Spirit. She will [have] a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’

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[Now] all this took place [just as the prophet had said]: ‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel’,which means, ‘God is with us.’

When Joseph awoke from [his] sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took [Mary] as his wife…[and after she had given birth to her son] he named him Jesus.

[All this happened in] in the time of King Herod. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men

from the East came to Jerusalem. [They asked around], ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we [have seen] his star at its rising, and [we] have come to pay him [respect].’

When King Herod heard this, he [and all of Jerusalem] was frightened. [So he called] together all the chief priests and scribes [and asked them] where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for [the prophet wrote]: “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least … for from you shall come a ruler who is to [be like a good] shepherd [to] my people Israel.” ’

[So] Herod secretly called the wise men [to come to him] and [he asked them] when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search [carefully] for the child and when you have found him, [come and tell me] so that I may also go and pay him [respect].’

[After they had spoken to King Herod the wise men] set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen - until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had

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stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. [They entered the house and] saw the child with Mary his mother [so] they knelt down and paid him [respect]. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they [gave the baby] gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh – two perfumes]

[But an angel] warned [them] in a dream not to return to Herod, [so] they left for their [home] by another road [and did not go back to King Herod to tell him where the baby was].

[After] they had [gone] an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. [It told Joseph to] take the child and his mother and [go quickly] to Egypt and to stay there until [it told him it was safe] for Herod will look for the child to destroy it.

[So] when Joseph [got up] he took the young child and his mother and left for Egypt.

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