Helping people in trouble Christian Religious Studies Primary 3 Third Term Lesson Notes Week 9

Subject: Christian Religious Studies

Class: Primary 3

Term: Second Term

Week: 9

Topic: The Widow of Zarephath Serving Prophet Elijah (1 Kings 17:1-24) and Ways to Care for People in Need

Sub-topic: Learning about the widow’s generosity and understanding ways to help others.

Duration: 40 minutes

Entry Behaviour: Discuss with students what they remember about the story of Elijah and the widow from the previous lesson.

Key Words: Widow, Zarephath, Prophet Elijah, generosity, care, compassion.

Behavioural Objectives:

• Students should be able to retell the story of the widow of Zarephath and Prophet Elijah.
• Students should understand at least three ways to care for people in need.

Embedded Core Skills: Storytelling, critical thinking, empathy, and moral reasoning.

Learning Materials:

• Bible
• Pictures illustrating the story
• Whiteboard and markers
• Flashcards with key words
• Worksheets on caring for others

Content:

1. Charity: Give to those in need. Example: Donate clothes or food 🍲.
2. Kindness: Be nice and helpful. Example: Assist an elderly person with their groceries.
3. Sharing: Share what you have with others. Example: Share your toys or books 📚.
4. Compassion: Show understanding and empathy. Example: Listen and comfort someone who is sad 😢.
5. Volunteering: Offer your time to help others. Example: Volunteer at a local shelter or community event.
6. Praying: Include those in need in your prayers. Example: Pray for the well-being of others 🙏.
7. Respect: Treat everyone with respect. Example: Be kind to people regardless of their background.
8. Visiting: Spend time with those who are lonely or sick. Example: Visit someone in the hospital 🏥.
9. Advocacy: Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Example: Advocate for the rights of the less fortunate.
10. Educating: Share knowledge and skills. Example: Teach someone a useful skill or subject 🎓.

The Widow of Zarephath 

In 1 Kings 17:1-24, Prophet Elijah asked a widow in Zarephath for water and food. She explained she had only a little flour and oil. Elijah told her not to worry and asked her to make him a small cake first. Miraculously, her flour and oil didn’t run out during the famine. Later, her son got sick, but Elijah prayed, and the boy was healed. The widow showed great faith and hospitality, trusting Elijah’s words, and God blessed her abundantly.

Class Activity 

1. The widow of Zarephath lived during a __________. a. famine b. feast c. drought d. storm
2. Elijah asked the widow for __________ and __________. a. money, jewelry b. water, food c. clothes, shelter d. tools, crops
3. The widow mentioned having only a little __________ and __________. a. gold, silver b. flour, oil c. salt, sugar d. rice, beans
4. Despite having limited resources, Elijah asked her to make him a small __________. a. house b. cake c. stew d. bread
5. Miraculously, the widow’s flour and oil did not __________ during the famine. a. multiply b. spoil c. decrease d. vanish
6. The widow’s son fell __________ during the time Elijah stayed with them. a. ill b. asleep c. happy d. silent
7. Elijah prayed for the widow’s son, and he was __________. a. born b. healed c. tested d. blessed
8. The widow’s act of making a cake for Elijah demonstrated her __________ and __________. a. fear, anger b. faith, hospitality c. doubt, hostility d. joy, impatience
9. The widow’s flour and oil continued to provide for her throughout the __________. a. feast b. drought c. storm d. night
10. To care for people in need, one can practice __________ by giving to those less fortunate. a. humility b. charity c. arrogance d. stubbornness
11. __________ involves showing understanding and empathy towards others. a. Compassion b. Competition c. Criticism d. Conceit
12. Volunteering means __________ one’s time to help others. a. selling b. giving c. buying d. hiding
13. Treating everyone with respect is a form of __________ for people in need. a. disdain b. neglect c. disrespect d. caring
14. Sharing what you have with others is an act of __________. a. selfishness b. generosity c. greed d. rudeness
15. Advocacy involves __________ up for those who cannot speak for themselves. a. speaking b. shouting c. remaining silent d. ignoring

1. Presentation (5 minutes):
   • Briefly revisit the previous lesson on Elijah and the widow.
   • Introduce the new topic: The Widow of Zarephath serving Prophet Elijah and ways to care for people in need.
2. Step 1 (5 minutes): The teacher revises the previous topic which was…
   • Ask students to recall the main events of the previous lesson.
   • Use visuals to reinforce key points.
3. Step 2 (10 minutes): The teacher introduces the new topic.
   • Read the Bible passage (1 Kings 17:1-24) with emphasis on the widow’s generosity.
   • Discuss the importance of caring for others.
4. Step 3 (15 minutes): Teacher’s Activities:
   • Use pictures to aid the storytelling.
   • Discuss key aspects of the story, emphasizing compassion and generosity.
   • Introduce key words such as widow, Zarephath, compassion, and generosity.

   Learners Activities:

   • Listen attentively to the story.
   • Participate in class discussions.
   • Identify key words and phrases.
5. Assessment (5 minutes):
   • Ask students to share one lesson they learned from the story.
   • Use open-ended questions to assess understanding.
6. Evaluation:
   1. Who was the widow of Zarephath?
   2. What did Elijah ask the widow for?
   3. Why did the widow share her little flour and oil?
   4. How did God bless the widow for her generosity?
   5. Name one way the widow cared for Elijah.
   6. What is compassion?
   7. Give an example of sharing with others.
   8. What is the key word for someone who has lost their spouse?
   9. How can you show kindness to a friend in need?
   10. Why is it important to care for people who are less fortunate?

Conclusion:

• The teacher goes around to mark and provide feedback on students’ understanding.
• Emphasize the importance of caring for others and encourage students to practice kindness in their daily lives.