Planning

Document
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
University of Notre Dame
Kindergarten – Looking After God’s World

Danielle Rebelo
20160283
 EARLY YEARS LEARNING FRAMEWORK

OUTCOMES EYLF
OUTCOME 1:
Children have a strong
sense of identity
Children feel safe, secure, and
supported
Children develop their emerging
autonomy, inter-dependence,
resilience and sense of agency
Children develop
knowledgeable and confident
self-identities
Children learn to interact in
relation to others with care,
empathy and respect
OUTCOME 2:
Children are connected with
and contribute to their world
Children develop a sense of
belonging to groups and
communities and an understanding
of the
reciprocal rights and responsibilities
necessary for active community
participation
Children respond to diversity with
respect
Children become aware of fairness
Children become socially
responsible and show respect for the
environment
OUTCOME 3:
Children have a strong sense
of well being
Children become strong in their
social and emotional wellbeing
Children take increasing
responsibility for their own health
and physical wellbeing
OUTCOME 4:
Children are confident and
involved learners
Children develop dispositions for
learning such as curiosity,
cooperation, confidence, creativity,
commitment, enthusiasm,
persistence, imagination and
reflexivity
Children develop a range of skills
and processes such as problem
solving, enquiry, experimentation,
hypothesising, researching and
investigating
Children transfer and adapt what
they have learned from one context
to another
Children resource their own learning
through connecting with people,
place, technologies and natural and
processed materials
OUTCOME 5:
Children are effective
communicators
Children interact verbally and non-
verbally with others for a range of
purposes
Children engage with a range of
texts and gain meaning from these
texts
Children express ideas and make
meaning using a range of media
Children begin to understand how
symbols and pattern systems work.
Children use information and
communication technologies to
access information, investigate ideas
and represent their thinking

PRINCIPLES
1. Secure, respectful & reciprocal 2. Partnerships 3. High expectations & equity 4. Respect for diversity 5. Ongoing learning & reflective
relationships • Equality • Sustainability practice
• Trust • Wondering and
experiencing

PRACTICES
Holistic approaches Responsiveness to children Learning through play Intentional teaching
Continuity of learning & transitions Cultural competence Assessment for learning Learning environments
AIMS OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION – Highlight those items that relate to the planned activities PK/K ONLY
Religious Education in the early years
aims to provide students with the
opportunity to discover God in people
and creation by:
Experiencing the created environment, using
all of their senses
Expressing basic ideas about the created
environment in which they live
Sorting and classifying living and non-living
things
Identifying signs of God’s creation
Wondering at what God who created their
world is like
Developing an awareness that by caring for
living and non-living things they are living as
God wants
Discovering things about themselves
Identifying significant others
Recognising people and places of importance
Wondering at all the ways God loves them
Developing awareness that by caring for
people they are living as God wants.
Religious Education in the early years
aims to provide students with the
opportunity to draw on human
experiences of God by:
Identifying the many gifts that God has given
them
Reflecting on experiences of family, love, care,
forgiveness and community
Exploring a range of human interactions
Demonstrating socialisation into the early years
community
Reflecting on experiences of play and work,
likes and dislikes, belonging and celebrations
Wondering at God in the midst of human
experiences.
Religious Education in the early years
aims to provide students with the
opportunity to know Jesus by:
Wondering at the person of Jesus in the
Gospels
Wondering at Jesus’ love for them
Hearing and being immersed in stories about
the life of Jesus
Identifying significant people in the life of Jesus
Identifying the way that Jesus loved and cared
for people
Engaging in play experiences based on the
stories of Jesus
Responding to stories about Jesus
Exploring and making meaning of Scripture.
Religious Education in the early years
aims to provide students with the
opportunity to live like Jesus by:
Naming ways that people can show love and
be considerate like Jesus
Identifying ways of including people based on
how Jesus included people
Exploring ways of forgiving like Jesus
Identifying ways of choosing to do good
following the example of Jesus
Wondering at the love that Jesus had for all
people
Using their special gifts to help others
Wondering at the ways they can use their gifts
to help people
Knowing special people who like Jesus used
their gifts to help others in particular ways
– Mary, the mother of Jesus
– Joseph
– Some saints (patron saint of the school or
founding order).
Religious Education in the early years aims to provide students with the opportunity to develop a basic understanding of Catholic life, prayer and Scripture by:
Knowing that prayer is the way that people develop a relationship with God.
Recognising religious symbols including the cross, liturgical colours and holy water.
Knowing simple ways of praying – making the Sign of the Cross, joining hands in prayer, singing.
Engaging in informal prayer experiences i.e. prayers of praise, thanks, sorrow, petition, spontaneous prayers or through song or movement.
Participating in rituals (e.g. Children’s Liturgy of the Word, having a set process for coming to prayer).
Appreciating the importance of Christmas and Easter as special celebrations for the followers of Jesus.
Developing an awareness that God’s family is called the Church.
Coming to know of the relationship between Jesus and the Father.
Developing an awareness that Jesus came to tell people about God’s love.
Meeting the parish priest and knowing of his role in the Church.
Visiting the parish church and learning of its role as the place that gathers God’s family.
Knowing how God’s family celebrates and experiencing liturgies and other appropriate school activities.
Recognising the Bible as the special book that tells people about God’s love.
Observing, manipulating and retelling Scripture stories using pictures and other objects
Participating in ritual to listen to and respond to Scripture.

Religious Capabilities Spiritual Capabilities

Faith Hope Charity Prudence Justice Fortitude Temperance

Catholic World View and Teacher Witness

The Catholic church encourages it’s believers to be stewards and uphold our stewardship towards God’s creation. We are encouraged to support and look after
all of God’s creation including nature and our neighbours. We are called to look after God’s creation the same way he looks after us; with respect and love. It is
important as Catholic’s to supporting and caring for the world God created and continue to work of Jesus Christ.

Sustainability and following in the footsteps of Jesus are very important to me. It’s even more important for me to teach and educate young children on the
importance of doing so. This unit of work is one very close to my heart, and it is a topic I am very passionate about teaching. Appreciating the beauty around us
and knowing how to care for it is vital for the happiness and success of society. Throughout my unit of work, I will communicate with my students the importance
of looking after God’s work. Through prayer, scripture reading and hands-on activities I hope to model my own love and passion for the environment and God’s
creation.
 Highlight Key
Physical
Social/Emotional
CONCEPT MAP
Spiritual/Moral
Cognitive/Language
Creative/Aesthetic
Constructive Play
1. Using recycled materials, create a sustainable bird home. Discuss the importance of providing care for animals
(OUTDOORS)
2. Include natural materials into the block corner and invite children to create natural environments. (INDOORS/OUTDOORS)
3. Using recycled materials, invite children to create musical instruments. Ask the children why they think God created music
and how music makes them feel. (INDOORS/OUTDOORS)

Dramatic Play
1. Role play being people who look after God’s world. Add costumes to dramatic play section. (INDOORS/OUTDOORS)

Investigation Table
1. Take children on nature walk and ask them to pick a special place to them. Brainstorm ways to keep special place clean.
Plan time each week for the children to clean spot and take pictures to track the progress. (OUTDOORS)
2. Go on a nature walk. Encourage children to find things that fit into various headings e.g. (OUTDOORS)
Something young
Something old
Something living
Something not living
Something that smells nice
Something that doesn’t smell nice
Something that looks nice
3. During a morning meeting, invite each child to put their hand into a Feely-Bag and describe what they feel. Fill the feely bag
with materials found at the beach. Discuss how God created the beach and what we can do to care for it.
(INDOORS/OUTDOORS)

ICT
1. Invite children to record their findings by making a book on their iPad. The App ‘Book Creator’ would work well. (INDOORS)
Manipulatives
1. Plant seeds in a small cardboard pot or eggshells (depending on class allergies). Discuss the creation of plants and the
importance of caring for God’s world. (INDOORS/OUTDOORS)
2. Using natural materials, invite children to sort and organise of God’s creations. (INDOORS/OUTDOORS)
3. Set up a loose parts play. Include pine cones, seeds and other natural resources. (INDOORS/OUTDOORS)
4. Add natural oils like eucalyptus or tea tree to cotton balls and scatter them around the class environment. Ask the children to
identify if the smells are recognisable. (INDOORS)
5. On the playdough table, provide the children with animal, insect and natural material dough cutters.
(INDOORS/OUTDOORS)
6. Provide children with clay, pop sticks and matchsticks. Prompt children to create natural environments.
(INDOORS/OUTDOORS)
7. Play a matching game. Collect different shaped leaves and trace them onto paper. Have the children match the leaves to
their outlines. (INDOORS/OUTDOORS)
8. Using measuring equipment, compare and contrast the size of leaves. (INDOORS/OUTDOORS)

Collage
1. Using natural materials, invite children to create a collage of God’s creations. (INDOORS/OUTDOORS)
2. Invite children observe the colours of the leaves. Discuss the leaves colours and why they change. Invite children to rip up
tissue paper in colours that match the leaves. (INDOORS/OUTDOORS)

Drawing/Writing Centre
1. Invite the children to go on a nature walk and pick out aesthetic leaves. Create leaf printings/rubbings and discuss the
beauty of God’s creation. (OUTDOORS)
2. Make a map locating trees and shrubs in the immediate area. (INDOORS/OUTDOORS)

Dramatic Play
1. Following “Pockets’ Predicament”, discuss the importance of recycling and keeping God’s world clean. Using a “Pocket
Kangaroo” puppet, encourage the children to explain how we can care for the world and keep it clean. (INDOORS)
Climbing Areas
1. Create an obstacle course outdoors. Direct the course through the outdoor environment and encourage children to observe
the natural materials. (OUTDOORS)

Mat Play
1. During morning meeting, brainstorm the children’s favourite things. Discuss how the children can care for their favourite
things and how God created them. (INDOORS)
2. Provide children with 4 Bins (Compost, Green Waste, General and Recycling). Ask children to sort the materials provided
into each bin. (OUTDOORS)

Godly Play/Bible Discussion Points (INDOORS/OUTDOORS)

1. Genesis 1:28-31; 2:15-20
2. Psalm 8:3-4
3. Acts 17:26
4. Psalm 104:24
5. Psalm 148
6. Job 38-39
7. Daniel 3:52-90

Songs (INDOORS/OUTDOORS)
1. “God Made the World”
2. “God Is So Good”
3. “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”
4. “Thank-You God for Trees”
5. “Trees”
6. “The World God Made”
7. “God Made the Dinosaur”
8. “God Made Them All”
9. “Hippo Song”
10. “Thank-you God”
 11. “Rainbow Song”

Prayers (INDOORS/OUTDOORS)
1. “Echo Prayer”
2. “A Care Prayer”
3. Apostles Creed
“I believe in one God, the Father, the almighty, creator of heaven and Earth”

Wonder Questions (INDOORS/OUTDOORS)

I wonder…
1. Who put God in charge of the world…?
2. How we can take care of God’s world…
3. How can we encourage our friends and families to care for the world…
4. What the Garden of Eden was like…
5. If you have ever cared for a garden
6. If we always care for our world like God intended…
7. How can we thank God for His creation…
8. Why God made the leaves to fall off the trees…?
9. Why God made some things soft and some things hard…?
10. Why God made some things prickly…?
11. How God wants us to care for our World…?
12. How we can recycle to look after God’s world…?
13. How the leaves know when it is time to change colour…?
14. How many leaves God created…?

Book Corner (INDOORS/OUTDOORS)

1. Look After God’s World by Karen Halford
2. Maybe Something Beautiful by Theresa Howell
3. What A Waste: Rubbish, Recycling, and Protecting our Planet by Jess French
4. Working for the Environment: How to make a career of caring for the world we live in by Barbara Buffton
5. Under the Ocean by Anouck Boisrobert
6. Ian & Fred’s Big Green Book by Fred Pearce
7. Topsy and Time: Go Camping by Jean Adamson
8. Superfrog and the Big Stink by Michael Foreman
9. Recycling Fun by Ladybird
10. George Saves the World by Lunchtime by Jo Readman
11. Look After Your Planet by Lauren Child
12. Seeds of Change: Wangari’s Gift to the Wolrd by Jen Cullerton Johnson
13. Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World by Laurie Lawlor
14. Sea Turtle Scientist by Stephen R. Swinburne
15. The Elephant Scientist by Caitlin O’Connell and Donna M. Jackson
16. Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
17. We Are Extremely Very Good Recyclers by Lauren Child
18. Mama Miti by Donna Jo Napoli
19. One Love by Cedlia Marley
20. Miss Fox’s Class Goes Green by Eileen Spinelli
21. Olivia’s Birds: Saving the Gulf by Oliver Bouler
22. Wonderful God by Clare Horan
 EARLY CHILDHOOD RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM PK AND K ONLY

YEAR: Kindergarten THEME: Looking After God’s World

OVERVIEW:
This unit assists in the development of a rich understanding of God’s love and presence in young children’s lives. The unit promotes learning
holistically though various hands-on and play-based learning experiences surrounding God’s creation of the world and how to adequately care for it.
Learning occurs through various domains of early childhood development and the lessons planned are appropriate for all learning experiences and
environments within Early Childhood. This unit support learning through scripture, abstract discussion points and wonder questions as well as hands
on and child-led experiences. The application of teaching this unit is split into six main sections and support the development of a clear
understanding of God, Jesus and the students place in the Church.
Ideas for WONDER God in People and Human Experiences of Knowing Jesus Living Like Jesus Catholic Practices – Prayer
questions Creation God Experiences
I wonder… • Role play being • Go on a nature Godly Play • Using recycled • Implement
a) Who put God in people who look walk. Encourage • Genesis 1:28-31 materials, songs/hymns into class
charge of the after God’s world. children to find Following the create a meetings, assemblies
world…? Add costumes to things that fit into Salvation Army’s sustainable bird or rituals. Songs can
b) How we can take dramatic play various headings “Godly Play- home. Discuss include
care of God’s section. e.g. Creation Story” the importance “God Made the World”
world… Something young present children of providing “God Is So Good”
c) How can we • Brainstorm the Something old with a Godly Play care for “Reduce, Reuse,
encourage our children’s favourite Something living experience of the animals. Recycle”
friends and things. Discuss Something not Creation Story. “Thank-You God for
families to care how the children living • Take children Trees”
for the world…? Discussion Points
can care for their Something that on nature walk “Trees”
d) What the Garden • Discuss Psalm
favourite things smells nice and ask them to “The World God Made”
of Eden was 8:3-4 with the
and how God Something that pick a special “God Made the
like… children. Ask
created them. doesn’t smell place to them. Dinosaur”
e) If you have ever them how we
nice Brainstorm “God Made Them All”
cared for a might care for
Something that ways to keep “Hippo Song”
garden our care for
looks nice special place “Thank-you God”
God’s creation.
f) Have we always Discuss with the Encourage clean. Plan time “Rainbow Song”
cared for our children who children to each week for
world like God created the display the the children to • Implement the “Echo
intended…? beauty of the beauty of God’s clean spot and Prayer” or “A Care
g) How can we outdoors and world through take pictures to Prayer” from Let The
thank God for what our role is their paintings track the Little Children Come to
His creation…? in keeping it safe. and drawings. progress. Me into Morning
h) Why God made • Provide children • Discuss Psalm Meetings and rituals
the leaves to fall with clay, pop 104:24 with small throughout the unit.
• Following
off the trees…? sticks and groups of Encourage discussion
“Pockets’
i) Why did God put matchsticks. children. Using about how we say
Predicament”,
sand on the Prompt children manipulatives of thanks through prayer.
discuss the
beach? to create natural their choice,
importance of
j) Why God made environments. invite the children
recycling and
some things soft to create a
and some things keeping God’s
• Invite children collage, drawing,
world clean.
hard…? observe the painting,
Using a “Pocket
k) Why God made colours of the sculpture etc of
Kangaroo”
some things leaves. Discuss God’s creations.
puppet,
prickly…? the leaves
l) How does God encourage the
colours and why
children to
want us to care they change.
explain how we
for our World…? Invite children to
can care for the
m) How we can rip up tissue
world and keep
recycle to look paper in colours
it clean.
after God’s that match the
world…? leaves.
n) How the leaves
know when it is • Include natural
materials into the
 time to change block corner and
colour…? invite children to
o) How many create natural
leaves God environments.
created…?
p) Who created our • During a morning
favourite meeting, invite
things/places? each child to put
q) Which day is the their hand into a
most Feely-Bag and
important…? describe what
r) Which day is they feel. Fill the
about the feely bag with
creation of materials found
nature…? at the beach.
s) If we could take Discuss how God
out any of these created the
days and still beach and what
have everything, we can do to
we need…? care for it.
t) How God
created such a
beautiful
world…?
u) How can we care
for animals and
other people…?

Etc…
LEARNING AND TEACHING PROGRAM PK- K only
Evaluation and
Lesson 5
Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3 Lesson 4 Assessment
(See Appendix)
Week 1: ---- ---- ---- ----- ----- Lesson 1:
Introduce topic Mat Session: Mat Session: Mat Session: Mat Session: Mat Session: Anecdotal Notes
Introduce God’s Begin morning meeting Begin morning Begin morning Begin morning Begin morning meeting
world by singing “God Made meeting by singing meeting by singing meeting by singing by singing “God Made Lesson 2:
Explore beauty of the World”. “God Made the “God Made the “God Made the the World”. Pictures and
God’s world
Read: Look After World”. World”. World”. Read: Look After Running Record
God’s World by Karen Read: Look After Read: Look After Read: Look After God’s World by Karen
Halford God’s World by God’s World by God’s World by Halford Lesson 3:
Human
Karen Halford Karen Halford Karen Halford Anecdotal Notes
experiences
Activity: Activity
Brainstorm the Activity Activity Activity Explore various Lesson 4:
Knowing children’s favourite Include natural (Genesis 1:28-31) Go on a nature walk. creation songs that Checklist
about Jesus things. Discuss how materials into the Following the Encourage children explore what, how and (Independent
the children can care block corner and Salvation Army’s to find things that fit why God created the success,
Understanding for their favourite invite children to “Godly Play-Creation into these world. Encourage assisted
of Catholic life things and how God create natural Story” present headings… children to learn lyrics success,
created them. To environments. If children with a Godly through repetition. unsuccessful)
encourage further children need Play experience of • Something Songs:
discussion about the inspiration, ask the Creation Story. young “The World Lesson 5:
children’s favourite families to take their • Something God Made” Videos and
things, set this as the children to Wonder Questions “God Made the Checklist
theme for the weeks beaches/parks etc I wonder who put old (Independent
• Something Dinosaur”
News. Encourage and bring back God in charge of the success,
peers to ask presenter photos (or print world… living “God Made assisted
questions about their photos from the • Something Them All” success,
favourite thing and why internet for a quicker I wonder how we can not living unsuccessful)
and how God created payback). take care of God’s Wonder Questions
• Something I wonder who put God
it. Applicable Wonder world…
Questions: a, b, i, o that smells in charge of the
Wonder Questions: nice world…
I wonder how we can Wonder Questions I wonder which day • Something I wonder how we can
take care of God’s I wonder who put is the most that doesn’t take care of God’s
world… God in charge of the important… smell nice world…
world…
• Something
I wonder how we can I wonder which day I wonder why God put
encourage our friends I wonder how we can is about creation of that looks sand on the beach…
and families to care for take care of God’s nature… nice
the world… world… I wonder how many
I wonder if we could Discuss with the leaves God created…
I wonder who created I wonder why God take out any of these children who created
our favourite put sand on the days and still have the beauty of the
things/places? beach… everything, we outdoors and what
need… our role is in keeping
I wonder how many it safe.
leaves God
created… Wonder Questions
I wonder how we can
take care of God’s world…

I wonder how we can

encourage our
friends and families
to care for the
world…

I wonder if you have

ever cared for a
garden

I wonder if we have
always cared for our
world the way God
intended…
 I wonder how we can
thank God for his
creation…

I wonder why God

made the leaves to
fall off the trees…

I wonder why God

made some things
prickly…
Week 2: ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Lesson 1:
Explore beauty of Mat Session: Mat Session: Mat Session: Mat Session: Mat Session: Anecdotal Notes
God’s world Begin morning meeting Begin morning Begin morning Begin morning Begin morning meeting
Explore the by singing “God Made meeting by singing meeting by singing meeting by singing by singing “God Made Lesson 2:
creation of God’s Them All”. “God Made Them “God Made Them “God Made Them Them All”. Anecdotal Notes
world
Read: Wonderful God All”. All”. All”.
by Clare Horan Read: Wonderful Read: Wonderful Read: Wonderful Activity: Lesson 3:
God by Clare Horan God by Clare Horan God by Clare Horan Recap discussions of Anecdotal Notes
Activity: Psalm 8:3-4 with the
Provide children with Activity: Activity: Activity: children. Encourage Lesson 4:
clay, pop sticks and Invite children into Invite each child to Discuss Psalm 8:3-4 children to display the Running Record
Human
matchsticks on the the outdoor put their hand into a with the children. Ask beauty of God’s world
experiences
Manipulatives table. environment. Ask Feely-Bag and them how we might through their paintings Lesson 5:
Prompt children to children to observe describe what they care for our care for and drawings. Word Sample
Knowing create natural the colours of the feel. Fill the feely bag God’s creation. and Checklist
about Jesus environments/materials leaves. Discuss the with materials found Wonder Questions: (Independent
such as leaves, trees leaves colours and at the beach. Wonder Questions: I wonder who put God success,
and bark. the reasons they’re Discuss how God I wonder who put in charge of the assisted
Understanding that colour (Autumn created the beach God in charge of the world… success,
of Catholic life Wonder Questions: = orange, red, brown and what we can do world… unsuccessful
I wonder who put God etc). Invite children to care for it. Design I wonder how we can
in charge of the to rip up tissue paper feely-bag based on take care of God’s
world… in colours that watch the children’s world…
I wonder how we can that of the leaves. interests and the I wonder how we can
take care of God’s Use the tissue paper school’s area, if a take care of God’s I wonder how we can
world… to collage a leaf. forest or bush area is world… encourage our friends
Discuss why the more applicable, I wonder how we can and families to care for
I wonder how we can leaves change colour choose that type of encourage our the world…
encourage our friends and God’s place in environment instead friends and families
and families to care for the process of beach. to care for the I wonder how God
the world… world… wants us to care for
Wonder Questions: our world…
I wonder how God I wonder if you have I wonder how God
wants us to care for ever cared for a Wonder Questions: wants us to care for I wonder how we can
our world… garden… I wonder who put our world… thank God for His
God in charge of the creation…
I wonder how we can world… I wonder how we can
thank God for His thank God for His I wonder how God
creation… I wonder how we can creation… created such a
take care of God’s beautiful world…
I wonder how the world… I wonder how God
leaves know when it created such a I wonder how God
is time to change I wonder how we can beautiful world… wants us to care for
colours…. encourage our our world…
friends and families
I wonder how many to care for the I wonder if we have
leaves God world… always cared for our
created… world like God
I wonder how God intended…
wants us to care for
our world…

I wonder how the

leaves know when it
is time to change
colours….
 I wonder who
created our favourite
things/places…

Week 3: ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Lesson 1:

Caring for God’s Mat Session: Mat Session: Mat Session: Mat Session: Mat Session: Anecdotal Notes
world Begin morning meeting Begin morning Begin morning Begin morning Begin morning meeting Work Sample
Sustainability by saying/repeating “A meeting by meeting by meeting by by saying/repeating “A
Care Prayer”. saying/repeating “A saying/repeating “A saying/repeating “A Care Prayer”. Lesson 2:
Human Read: We Are Care Prayer”. Care Prayer”. Care Prayer”. Read: We Are Videos and
experiences Extremely Very Good Read: We Are Read: We Are Read: We Are Extremely Very Good Anecdotal Notes
Recyclers by Lauren Extremely Very Extremely Very Extremely Very Recyclers by Lauren
Knowing Child Good Recyclers by Good Recyclers by Good Recyclers by Child Lesson 3:
about Jesus Lauren Child Lauren Child Lauren Child Word Sample
Activity: Activity: and Checklist
Discuss Psalm 104:24 Activity: Activity: Activity: Following “Pockets’ (Independent
Understanding with small groups of Role play being Using recycled Take children for a Predicament”, discuss success,
of Catholic life children. Ask them people who look materials collected walk around the the importance of assisted
what they think of after God’s world. from home and the school and recycling and keeping success,
when they hear the Add costumes and community, create a encourage them to God’s world clean. unsuccessful
verse. Using visual prompts into sustainable bird find a spot that they Using a “Pocket
manipulatives of their dramatic play area home. Discuss the want to keep clean. Kangaroo” puppet, Lesson 4:
choice, invite the and home corner to importance of Brainstorm with the encourage the children Word Sample
children to create a assist in the providing care for children ways to to explain how we can and Checklist
collage, drawing, children’s animals. Extend by keep the school care for the world and (Independent
painting, sculpture etc experiences. describing the basic clean and why it is keep it clean. success,
of God’s creations. caring needs for important. Plan time assisted
Compare each groups E.g. animals including each week for the Wonder Questions: success,
work and display them Scientists: water, food, warmth children to clean I wonder who put God unsuccessful
around the classroom. white coats, and shelter. their spot and take in charge of the
pictures to track the world… Lesson 5:
glasses,
Wonder Questions: Wonder Questions: progress. Anecdotal Notes
I wonder who put God magnifying I wonder how we can I wonder how we can
in charge of the glasses, take care of God’s Wonder Questions: take care of God’s
world… microscopes, world… I wonder who put world… ---------------------
collection God in charge of the
I wonder how we can containers, I wonder how God world… I wonder how we can Evaluation/
take care of God’s etc. created such a encourage our friends Reporting:
world… beautiful world… I wonder how we can and families to care for All work
Rubbish
take care of God’s the world… samples,
I wonder how we can collector: I wonder how we can world… checklists and
encourage our friends trucks, bins, care for animals and I wonder how we can pictures/videos
and families to care for orange vests, other people… I wonder how we can take care of God’s taken will be
the world… hard hats, encourage our world… uploaded onto
recyclable friends and families the class app.
I wonder how God materials, to care for the I wonder how God Hardcopies of all
wants us to care for world… created such a work and
etc.
our world… beautiful world… assessment
I wonder how we can Discuss with I wonder how we can pieces will be
thank God for His children why take care of God’s I wonder how we can filed in each
creation… these people world… care for animals and child’s Religious
play an other people… Education file to
I wonder how God important role I wonder how God help shape
created such a created such a reports and
in caring for
beautiful world… beautiful world… evaluations.
God’s world
and how? I wonder how we can
care for animals and
Wonder Questions other people…
I wonder How we an
take care of God’s
world…
I wonder how we can
encourage our
friends and families
to care for the
world…

I wonder is we have
always cared for our
world the way God
intended…

Why God made

some things soft and
some things hard…
PLANNED ASSESSMENT

Week 3
Lesson 3
Child was able to identify recycled materials and use them to construct a bird habitat. If child can identify the features of their Bird
house, it is considered a success even if the final product isn’t visibly a ‘bird house’.

Independent Assisted Unsuccessful Comment

Success Success
Child 1

Child 2

Child 3

Child 4

Child 5

Child 6

Child 7
PLANNED RITUAL

Gather (Let the Little Children Come to Me – page 61)

Welcome children onto the mat. Lay the prayer cloth, light candle and sing “The World God Made”.

Song (Let the Little Children Come to Me – page 61)

Kangaroos in the desert go Hop, hop, hop,
Hop, hop, hop,
Hop, hop, hop.
Kangaroos in the desert go Hop, hop, hop,
All around the camp.
The lizards in the desert go Flick, flick, flick,
Flick, flick, flick,
Flick, flick, flick.
The lizards in the desert go Flick, flick, flick,
All around the camp.
The crows in the desert go Ark, ark, ark,
Ark, ark, ark,
Ark, ark, ark.
The crows in the desert go Ark, ark, ark,
All around the camp.
God made all these wonderful things Wonderful things
Wonderful things.
God made all these wonderful things And God made me!

Read
Read “Wonderful God” by Clare Horan. Point out the illustrations and poems included in the book. Make comments about the
beauty of God’s creation.

Reflect and Respond

I wonder why Clare Horan called God ‘wonderful…
I wonder why God created the world the way he did…
I wonder how God would like us to look after his world…
I wonder who God created the world for…
I wonder how we can thank God for His creation…

Go Forth (Let the Little Children Come to Me – page 62)

Invite children to sing “God Made Them All”.

Song
The fins on the barra
Go splash, splash, splash,
Splash, splash, splash,
Splash, splash, splash.
The fins on the barra
Go splash, splash, splash,
All through the waves.
The shell on the goolel (turtle) goes Up and down,
Up and down,
Up and down.
The shell on the goolel (turtle) goes Up and down,
All through the day.
The tail of the dugong goes Swish, swish, swish,
Swish, swish, swish,
Swish, swish, swish.
The tail of the dugong goes Swish, swish, swish.
Gliding through the grass.
The jaws of the crocodile go Chomp, chomp, chomp, Chomp, chomp, chomp, Chomp, chomp, chomp. The jaws of the crocodile go
Chomp, chomp, chomp,
As it eats it prey.
God made all these
Different things
Different things,
Different things.
God made all these different things, Like you and me.

Ending
“God, we thank you for the beautiful world you created for us. We thank you for the trees, the beach, the animals and our love. We
pray that all of us in Kindy can care for our world the way you intended. Amen”

Teacher models the sign of the cross.

 PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT: 5 slides, notes of presentation, rationale of RE in the early years
Cover Slide

Welcome parents
Introduce self

Explain the importance of knowing which prayers their

children will be saying and how they link to the unit of work
Sign of cross
Say prayer and focus on the links to caring for God’s world
Sign of cross

Provide parents with prayer handout. Encourage parents to

practice prayer with children.
How will we teach this unit?
Examples of hands-on, child-led experiences may include:
Plant seeds in a small cardboard pot or eggshells
(depending on class allergies). Discuss the creation
of plants and the importance of caring for God’s
world.
Using natural materials, invite children to sort and
organise of God’s creations.
Set up a loose parts play. Include pine cones, seeds
and other natural resources.
Discuss the important of partnerships
“It is vital for your child’s success that we have a clear and
continuous relationship especially in religious education. It is
important for us to know how and why you teach religion to
your children so we can do our best t met the same criteria
at school.”

Outcome 1:Children have a strong sense of identity

Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to
their world
Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
Principle 1: Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships
Principle 3: High expectations and equity
Principle 4 Respect for diversity
Principle 5: Ongoing learning and reflective practices
Practices 1-8: Holistic approaches, Responsiveness to
children, Learning through play, Intentional teaching,
Continuity of learning and transitions, Cultural Competence,
Assessment for Learning and Leaning Environments
Start slide with questions:
How do you help your child with their spirituality and
religious development?
How can you help your child with this unit of work
(Looking after God’s world)?

Start slide with questions:

What is some children’s literature you have at home
that may be beneficial for this unit?
Any book that includes these themes will be beneficial
Sustainability
Nature
Beauty in nature
Recycling
Caring for the environment
Outdoor environments
God’s creation
God’s beauty

Any final questions?

APPENDIX

Songs and Prayers mentioned: Let the Little Children Come to Me (pages 60-63, 66, 68-69)

Godly Play Script:

Bible Passages (New International Version - NIV):

Genesis 1:28-31
28
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the
sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
29
Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in
it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move
along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so.
31
God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

Psalm 8:3-4
3
When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4
what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?[a]

Psalm 104:24
24
How many are your works, LORD!
In wisdom you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
Pocket’s Predicament
References

Catholic Education Office of Western Australia. (2014). Let the Little Children Come To Me. Perth, WA: Catholic Education Office
of Western Australia.

Child, L. & Hurst, B. (2009). Charlie and Lola: We Are Extremely Very Good Recyclers. New York, NY: Dial Books.

Children’s Ministry. (2016). 5 Fun Activities About Taking Care of God’s World. Retrieved from https://childrensministry.com/taking-
care-of-gods-world/

God Gives Adam and Eve Dominion Over the Earth. (n.d.). God made us and wants us to take care of our world. Retrieved from
http://storage.cloversites.com/communitybiblechurch4/documents/Kindergarten%20lesson%203_9.pdf

Holford, K. & Vercesi, C. (2010). Looking after God’s world. Gratham, QLD: Autumn House.

Horan, C. & Krndija, M. (2009). Wonderful God. Strathfield, NSW: St Pauls Publication.

Medina, L. (n.d.). Illustration – Stickman Illustration of Kids Praying. [Photograph]. Retrieved from https://www.123rf.com/clipart-
vector/child_praying.html?sti=lzxdym85akp1uyyxpn|&mediapopup=56708329

Parenting Christian Kids. (2018). Teach children to Care for God’s Creation. Retrieved from
http://www.stpetersnorthplato.org/Pictures/Documents/Parenting%20Christian%20Kids%20April%202018.pdf

Salvation Army. (n.d.). Godly Play – Creation Story. Retrieved from https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/files/godlyplay-
thecreationstorypdf/download?token=j3Kh-qCz

The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1984). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.

Windley-Daoust, J. (2018). Pray for the Care of Creation with Your Kids. Retrieved from https://www.pbgrace.com/day-of-prayer-
for-care-of-creation/