Psalm 23 The Good Shepherd Christian Religious Studies Primary 3 Second Term Lesson Notes Week 5
Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Primary 3 Second Term Lesson Notes
Week 5: Psalm 23 – The Good Shepherd
Subject: Christian Religious Studies
Class: Primary 3
Term: Second Term
Week: 5
Age: 7 – 9 years
Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioral Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Explain what Psalm 23 is about.
- Recite Psalm 23:1-6.
- Describe how God takes care of us as a Good Shepherd.
- Identify ways we can trust God as our shepherd.
- Mention key lessons from Psalm 23.
Keywords: Psalm, Shepherd, Lord, Green Pastures, Still Waters, Comfort, Protection
Set Induction
The teacher will start by asking pupils:
- Who is a shepherd?
- What do shepherds do for their sheep?
- Have you heard of Psalm 23 before?
The teacher will explain that Psalm 23 is a special passage in the Bible that shows how God takes care of us like a shepherd takes care of his sheep.
Entry Behavior
Pupils have learned that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Now, they will learn about how God cares for them through Psalm 23.
Learning Resources and Materials
- Bible (Psalm 23)
- Flashcards with verses from Psalm 23
- Picture of a shepherd with sheep
Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge
The teacher reminds pupils that a shepherd protects and provides for his sheep, just as Jesus and God care for us.
Embedded Core Skills
- Memorization Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Listening and Speaking Skills
Learning Materials
- The Bible
- Christian storybooks
- Psalm 23 written on a board or flashcards
Reference Books
- Lagos State Scheme of Work
- Christian Religious Studies textbooks for Primary 3
Instructional Materials
- Bible (Psalm 23)
- Flashcards with key verses
- Visual aids (pictures of a shepherd and sheep)
Content
1. What Is Psalm 23?
- Psalm 23 is a chapter in the Bible written by King David.
- It describes how God is our shepherd who takes care of us.
- It teaches us to trust God in every situation.
2. Recitation of Psalm 23 (KJV)
- The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
- He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.
- He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
- Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.
- Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
- Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
3. Explanation of Psalm 23
- Verse 1: God is our shepherd; He gives us everything we need.
- Verse 2: God provides peace and rest.
- Verse 3: God refreshes our soul and guides us in the right way.
- Verse 4: Even in difficult times, we do not need to fear because God is with us.
- Verse 5: God blesses us even in the presence of enemies.
- Verse 6: God’s goodness and mercy will always be with us.
4. Lessons from Psalm 23
- God provides for us.
- God protects us.
- God leads us in the right way.
- We should not be afraid because God is always with us.
- We should trust God in all situations.
Fill-in-the-Blank Questions
- The Lord is my ______; I shall not want.
a) Friend
b) Shepherd
c) Teacher
d) Guide - He maketh me to lie down in ______ pastures.
a) Green
b) Blue
c) Dry
d) Dusty - He leadeth me beside the ______ waters.
a) Still
b) Running
c) Dark
d) Cold - Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of ______, I will fear no evil.
a) Joy
b) Death
c) Light
d) Darkness - For Thou art with me; Thy ______ and Thy staff they comfort me.
a) Food
b) Clothes
c) Rod
d) Light - Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my ______.
a) Friends
b) Enemies
c) Teachers
d) Family - Surely ______ and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
a) Goodness
b) Peace
c) Joy
d) Hope - And I will dwell in the house of the ______ forever.
a) Lord
b) School
c) King
d) Church - Psalm 23 was written by ______.
a) Moses
b) David
c) Paul
d) Peter - The Psalm teaches us that God is our ______.
a) Shepherd
b) Teacher
c) Judge
d) Friend
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Class Discussion
- Who wrote Psalm 23?
- King David wrote Psalm 23.
- What does Psalm 23 teach us?
- It teaches us that God is our shepherd who provides, protects, and guides us.
- What does “The Lord is my shepherd” mean?
- It means God takes care of us like a shepherd takes care of his sheep.
- What does “I shall not want” mean?
- It means God will provide everything we need.
- What does “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures” mean?
- It means God gives us peace and rest.
- What does “Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me” mean?
- It means God protects and guides us.
- Why should we not fear even in difficult times?
- Because God is always with us.
- What does “Thou anointest my head with oil” mean?
- It means God blesses us abundantly.
- What is the last verse of Psalm 23?
- “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
- What should we do since God is our shepherd?
- We should trust Him, obey Him, and follow His ways.
Presentation Steps
- Teacher’s Activity:
- Reads and explains Psalm 23.
- Shows pictures of a shepherd and sheep.
- Leads class discussion on trusting God.
- Learners’ Activity:
- Recite Psalm 23.
- Answer questions about the meaning of Psalm 23.
- Discuss how God provides and protects them.
Assessment (Short-Answer Questions)
- Who wrote Psalm 23?
- What is the first verse of Psalm 23?
- What does “I shall not want” mean?
- What does Psalm 23 teach us?
- What does “Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me” mean?
Conclusion
The teacher will summarize that Psalm 23 teaches us that God is our Shepherd who cares for us. Pupils will be encouraged to trust Him always.