7th Grade Religion Lesson

•This resource is a great tool to help students build their understanding of vocabulary, topics, and people. Students can work independently or with groups and discuss “what is the best” or “who would win” as they work their way through the bracket.

•The thought and discussion will lead to deeper understand of the person or vocabulary word. The learning is in the discussion, not the conclusion.

•Be creative about the prompt you give to students. Examples are included, but feel free to make adjustments. Perhaps your students will have fun debating which Gift of the Holy Spirit is strongest in their favorite cartoon character.

•There are brackets with the topic and prompts completed as well as blank brackets that you or students can complete based on the current topic/lesson.

•There is also a writing page so students can process their discussion and practice putting their ideas into more formal language and writing.

This is a zip file with a PDF that is ready to use and a PowerPoint file that you can edit to add your own topics.

These topics have pre-made brackets so you can print and teach!

• Liturgical Calendar: Ordinary Time, Lent, Advent, Easter, Christmas, Holy Week, Holy Days of Obligation, Daily Mass
• Fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Chastity, Self-Control
• Gifts of the Spirit: Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Fortitude, Piety, Fear of the Lord, Counsel
• Sacraments: Baptism, First Communion, Eucharist, Confession, Confirmation, Holy Orders, Marriage, Anointing of the Sick
• Male Saints: Saint Anthony, Siant John Bosco, Saint Martin de Porres, Saint Damian of Molokai, Saint Paul Miki, Saint Francis, Saint Charles Lwanga, Saint Maximilian Kolbe
• Female Saints: Saint Josephine Bakhita, Saint Anne, Saint Therese of Liseaux, Saint Katharine Drexel, Saint Kateri, Saint Felicity, Saint Francis of Rome, Saint Gianna Molla

Incorporating a debate graphic organizer into your classroom not only encourages critical thinking but also fosters collaboration among students. As they engage in discussions, students learn to articulate their thoughts clearly while considering opposing viewpoints. This approach helps them develop essential skills such as reasoning, persuasion, and respectful discourse, which are invaluable in both academic and real-world settings. By utilizing this graphic organizer, educators can create a dynamic learning environment that empowers students to explore diverse perspectives on various topics, including the lives of saints and significant events in the liturgical calendar.

This debate graphic organizer is designed to adapt seamlessly to different subjects and themes, making it a versatile tool for any classroom. Whether focusing on the Fruit of the Spirit or comparing the significance of various sacraments, students will find the brackets engaging and easy to use. This flexibility allows teachers to customize the prompts based on their lesson plans, ensuring that students remain interested and invested in the discussions. By allowing them to contribute their ideas and topics, you can enhance their connection to the material and encourage ownership of their learning experience.

Discussion starters are essential for igniting meaningful conversations in the classroom. The prompts included in this resource are designed to provoke thoughtful analysis and reflection on key concepts, such as the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. As students debate which gift resonates most with them or their favorite characters, they not only deepen their understanding of the gifts but also explore their personal values and beliefs. This connection between faith and learning is particularly beneficial in Catholic education, where discussions about saints and virtues can help students internalize their faith and grow spiritually.

Encouraging students to use the writing page included in the zip file allows them to reflect on their discussions in a more formalized way. Writing helps consolidate their thoughts and enhances their ability to communicate effectively in written form. This exercise complements the verbal debates and serves as an excellent opportunity for teachers to assess students' understanding and writing skills. By incorporating writing assignments alongside the graphic organizer, educators can create a holistic learning experience that encompasses multiple modes of learning and expression.

Finally, this debate graphic organizer serves as an excellent resource for integrating technology in the classroom. The accompanying PowerPoint file allows teachers to customize their lessons easily, making it a fantastic tool for remote learning or hybrid classrooms. With pre-made brackets and editable prompts, educators can tailor the content to suit their students' needs and interests. By embracing modern teaching methods, you can foster an engaging and interactive learning atmosphere that keeps students excited about exploring topics related to Catholic saints, liturgical seasons, and essential virtues.

What did Jesus look like? Discussing the race and ethnicity of Jesus can be a difficult topic, but this PowerPoint will open up a conversation with your class and help them see that Jesus could have looked very different from the traditional image. This would be a great lesson to go along with the FREE What Did Jesus Look Like poster.

I plan to use this as a minilesson at the beginning of the year and also print out a copy of this presentation & this poster to hang up as a bulletin board. After we have discussed as a minilesson, I will also have students draw and color this Jesus Pantocrator coloring page with their beliefs about Jesus' race and appearance.

•The objective of this presentation is to understand different historical and spiritual information about Jesus’ appearance on earth. This is a QUICK presentation that will introduce different ideas and topics and hopefully encourage your students to ask questions and discuss Jesus' appearance.

•Throughout the presentation, there are key points on each slide, as well as links to articles that connect to the presentation.

•This information is put together to open conversations and discussions…a primary answer to the question of Jesus’ appearance is that we don’t know, and after discussion, we still won’t know, but the discussion is important.

Includes information & Links about...

• Why Jesus' appearance matters
• Traditional Images
• Geography
• History & Archeology
• Clothing
• Shroud of Turin
• Saint Faustina's Vision

This download includes an 11 slide presentation in and Editable PowerPoint presentation and PDF. The preview shows a selection of slides.

Teach your students the story of Saint Philip & the Ethiopian from Acts of the Apostles in the Bible! Students will read short passages from Acts of the Apostles and write a summary. Then they'll fill in a graphic organizer analyzing quotes from the book of Isaiah and comparing them to Jesus' passion and death. This worksheet helps students to understand how the Old Testament is connected to the New Testament and how those connections helped lead to the conversation of the Ethiopian official in the bible.

***BEFORE YOU BUY...This is INCLUDED if you buy the Early Church: Acts of the Apostles Unit. If you're teaching about the Acts of the Apostles, check out the whole unit!***

If you like this...check out the Early Church: Acts of the Apostles Unit. This download is only ONE page, but you can get a whole unit of engaging worksheets. Details about the Acts of the Apostles Unit...

•This all-inclusive unit contains everything you need to teach about the Early Church. This packet includes vocabulary, Stephen’s martyrdom, Peter’s miracles and imprisonment, Philip and the Ethiopian, Paul’s conversion, and Paul’s writings. There are graphic organizers to help understand the content, there is also a map of Israel and the Mediterranean to help students picture the locations.

•The lesson plans include a printable and editable packet of work that can be completed independently, or collaboratively. Students will read the bible, summarize passages, answer comprehension questions, and complete graphic organizers about the information.

•Students will learn critical vocabulary and use problem-solving skills to think about examples and non-examples for devout, ordain, blaspheme, repent, and other words. Students will also reflect on and work to memorize Philippians 4:6.

Unit Includes…

•11-page Student Packet & Answer Key to Print OR distribute and complete in Google Slides! Perfect for distance learning!

•Memory Verse (Philippians 4:6) and a problem-solving activity where students analyze the verse in the Greek

•Vocabulary (Martyr, devout, lame, alms, witness, repent, blaspheme, persecute, ordain, deacon, supplication)

•Bible Summary, Comprehension Questions, and Graphic Organizers

•Graphic Novel Template for students to use artwork and humor to tell the stories

•Study Guide

•Answer Key—which is also a good resource for differentiation of instruction so students can receive completed notes if needed.

•Memory Verse Sorting Cards

•30 Question Test & Answer Key: TWO different test forms for easy differentiation! One test with 4 options in the multiple-choice questions, a second test with only two options and a word bank on the verse memorization. You could also use Quizizz for a Digital Test or review.

***All resources are included as PDFs and editable PowerPoint files.

Other Lesson Plan

Resurrection, Ascension, and Pentecost

Confiteor Prayer from the Catholic Mass

Teach your students an overview of Paul's Letters in the Bible! This is a worksheet to introduce students to the books of the bible written by Paul. Students will unscramble the names of the book, and then analyze a short statement about the topic of the book and the main audience. Students will look at the information and identify books that were written in prison, written to individuals, and books of advice and instruction.

The goal of this worksheet is to introduce Paul's letters and get kids thinking of all that this great Apostle did for the church. There is a 1 page worksheet and answer key.

Romans

1 Corinthians

2 Corinthians

Galatians

Ephesians

Philippians

Colossians

1 Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians

1 Timothy

2 Timothy

Titus

Philemon

***BEFORE YOU BUY...This is INCLUDED if you buy the Early Church: Acts of the Apostles Unit. If you're teaching about the Acts of the Apostles, check out the whole unit!***

If you like this...check out the Early Church: Acts of the Apostles Unit. This download is only ONE page, but you can get a whole unit of engaging worksheets. Details about the Acts of the Apostles Unit...

•This all-inclusive unit contains everything you need to teach about the Early Church. This packet includes vocabulary, Stephen’s martyrdom, Peter’s miracles and imprisonment, Philip and the Ethiopian, Paul’s conversion, and Paul’s writings. There are graphic organizers to help understand the content, there is also a map of Israel and the Mediterranean to help students picture the locations.

•The lesson plans include a printable and editable packet of work that can be completed independently, or collaboratively. Students will read the bible, summarize passages, answer comprehension questions, and complete graphic organizers about the information.

•Students will learn critical vocabulary and use problem-solving skills to think about examples and non-examples for devout, ordain, blaspheme, repent, and other words. Students will also reflect on and work to memorize Philippians 4:6.

Unit Includes…

•11-page Student Packet & Answer Key to Print OR distribute and complete in Google Slides! Perfect for distance learning!

•Memory Verse (Philippians 4:6) and a problem-solving activity where students analyze the verse in the Greek

•Vocabulary (Martyr, devout, lame, alms, witness, repent, blaspheme, persecute, ordain, deacon, supplication)

•Bible Summary, Comprehension Questions, and Graphic Organizers

•Graphic Novel Template for students to use artwork and humor to tell the stories

•Study Guide

•Answer Key—which is also a good resource for differentiation of instruction so students can receive completed notes if needed.

•Memory Verse Sorting Cards

•30 Question Test & Answer Key: TWO different test forms for easy differentiation! One test with 4 options in the multiple-choice questions, a second test with only two options and a word bank on the verse memorization. You could also use Quizizz for a Digital Test or review.

***All resources are included as PDFs and editable PowerPoint files.

Other Lesson Plan

Resurrection, Ascension, and Pentecost

Confiteor Prayer from the Catholic Mass

Teach your students about Acts of the Apostles! This is a worksheet about Saint Stephen. Students will read specific bible passages and summarize the information about Saint Stephen's story. they will answer comprehension questions and reflect on Saint Stephen the Martyr.

***BEFORE YOU BUY...This is INCLUDED if you buy the Early Church: Acts of the Apostles Unit. If you're teaching about the Acts of the Apostles, check out the whole unit!***

If you like this...check out the Early Church: Acts of the Apostles Unit. This download is only ONE page, but you can get a whole unit of engaging worksheets. Details about the Acts of the Apostles Unit...

•This all-inclusive unit contains everything you need to teach about the Early Church. This packet includes vocabulary, Stephen’s martyrdom, Peter’s miracles and imprisonment, Philip and the Ethiopian, Paul’s conversion, and Paul’s writings. There are graphic organizers to help understand the content, there is also a map of Israel and the Mediterranean to help students picture the locations.

•The lesson plans include a printable and editable packet of work that can be completed independently, or collaboratively. Students will read the bible, summarize passages, answer comprehension questions, and complete graphic organizers about the information.

•Students will learn critical vocabulary and use problem-solving skills to think about examples and non-examples for devout, ordain, blaspheme, repent, and other words. Students will also reflect on and work to memorize Philippians 4:6.

Unit Includes…

•11-page Student Packet & Answer Key to Print OR distribute and complete in Google Slides! Perfect for distance learning!

•Memory Verse (Philippians 4:6) and a problem-solving activity where students analyze the verse in the Greek

•Vocabulary (Martyr, devout, lame, alms, witness, repent, blaspheme, persecute, ordain, deacon, supplication)

•Bible Summary, Comprehension Questions, and Graphic Organizers

•Graphic Novel Template for students to use artwork and humor to tell the stories

•Study Guide

•Answer Key—which is also a good resource for differentiation of instruction so students can receive completed notes if needed.

•Memory Verse Sorting Cards

•30 Question Test & Answer Key: TWO different test forms for easy differentiation! One test with 4 options in the multiple-choice questions, a second test with only two options and a word bank on the verse memorization. You could also use Quizizz for a Digital Test or review.

***All resources are included as PDFs and editable PowerPoint files.

Other Lesson Plan

Resurrection, Ascension, and Pentecost

Confiteor Prayer from the Catholic Mass

Teach your students about Acts of the Apostles! This is a worksheet about with a simple MAP of the Holy Land. Students will identify locations from Acts of the Apostles and deepen their knowledge of ancient geography in the Middle East.

***BEFORE YOU BUY...This is INCLUDED if you buy the Early Church: Acts of the Apostles Unit. If you're teaching about the Acts of the Apostles, check out the whole unit!***

If you like this...check out the Early Church: Acts of the Apostles Unit. This download is only ONE page, but you can get a whole unit of engaging worksheets. Details about the Acts of the Apostles Unit...

•This all-inclusive unit contains everything you need to teach about the Early Church. This packet includes vocabulary, Stephen’s martyrdom, Peter’s miracles and imprisonment, Philip and the Ethiopian, Paul’s conversion, and Paul’s writings. There are graphic organizers to help understand the content, there is also a map of Israel and the Mediterranean to help students picture the locations.

•The lesson plans include a printable and editable packet of work that can be completed independently, or collaboratively. Students will read the bible, summarize passages, answer comprehension questions, and complete graphic organizers about the information.

•Students will learn critical vocabulary and use problem-solving skills to think about examples and non-examples for devout, ordain, blaspheme, repent, and other words. Students will also reflect on and work to memorize Philippians 4:6.

Unit Includes…

•11-page Student Packet & Answer Key to Print OR distribute and complete in Google Slides! Perfect for distance learning!

•Memory Verse (Philippians 4:6) and a problem-solving activity where students analyze the verse in the Greek

•Vocabulary (Martyr, devout, lame, alms, witness, repent, blaspheme, persecute, ordain, deacon, supplication)

•Bible Summary, Comprehension Questions, and Graphic Organizers

•Graphic Novel Template for students to use artwork and humor to tell the stories

•Study Guide

•Answer Key—which is also a good resource for differentiation of instruction so students can receive completed notes if needed.

•Memory Verse Sorting Cards

•30 Question Test & Answer Key: TWO different test forms for easy differentiation! One test with 4 options in the multiple-choice questions, a second test with only two options and a word bank on the verse memorization. You could also use Quizizz for a Digital Test or review.

***All resources are included as PDFs and editable PowerPoint files.

Other Lesson Plan

Resurrection, Ascension, and Pentecost

Confiteor Prayer from the Catholic Mass

This 4-page movie lesson plan packet is designed to guide students through the inspiring story of Saint John Bosco in the film Mission to Love.

Ideal for quiet movie days, faith-centered class activities, or sub plans, this packet introduces students to the life and mission of Saint John Bosco and his influential work with youth.

Saint John Bosco, often referred to as “Don Bosco,” was known for his compassion and dedication to educating young people, particularly those who were disadvantaged. Through his efforts, he founded the Salesian order, emphasizing a unique blend of faith, education, and charity.

Mission to Love brings to life his mission and the influence of his work, including his profound impact on Saint Dominic Savio, one of his young followers who became a saint due to his extraordinary faith and commitment to kindness.

This packet is perfect for helping students in grades 4-12 explore essential faith-based themes, including sainthood, charity, perseverance, and the power of faith in action.

The worksheets guide students through critical aspects of the movie, with vocabulary lists explaining terms like "saint," "bishop," "oratory," "priest," and "lay person," providing an accessible way for students to engage with important concepts. There’s also a character guide to support students in remembering the various historical figures introduced, many of whom have significant roles in Catholic history and are on the path to sainthood.

By watching the movie with these notes and comprehension questions, students deepen their understanding of the movie’s themes while practicing active listening and reflection. Whether used for regular classes, sub plans, or even religious education, this Mission to Love movie lesson plan packet helps students build their knowledge of Catholic saints, draw inspiration from Saint

John Bosco's dedication to young people, and see how faith in action can change lives. The packet's structured activities ensure that even on “quiet” movie days, students are actively engaged, learning, and thinking critically about faith, charity, and sainthood.

This packet can be a valuable resource for teachers looking to enrich their curriculum with meaningful Catholic content that resonates with students and fosters a lasting appreciation for the lives of the saints and the mission of Saint John Bosco. Mission to Love can be found for streaming or purchase here.

I've watched the movie with students in grades 4-12 and all of them come away with a love for Saint John Bosco and an understanding of his mission. You can find the movie here: https://amzn.to/3ZKPbEy

Teach your students an overview of Peter's Miracles in Acts of the Apostles in the Bible! Students will read short passages from Acts of the Apostles and write a summary. Then, they'll organize that information in a small graphic organizer comparing miracles and persecution in Acts. They're using the bible to read, understand, and organize information!

Students will read about Peter and John at the temple gates, Tabitha (Dorcas), Saint James' martyrdom by Herod, Peter's imprisonment and Angelic escape, and the embarrassing moment with Rhoda.

***BEFORE YOU BUY...This is INCLUDED if you buy the Early Church: Acts of the Apostles Unit. If you're teaching about the Acts of the Apostles, check out the whole unit!***

If you like this...check out the Early Church: Acts of the Apostles Unit. This download is only ONE page, but you can get a whole unit of engaging worksheets. Details about the Acts of the Apostles Unit...

•This all-inclusive unit contains everything you need to teach about the Early Church. This packet includes vocabulary, Stephen’s martyrdom, Peter’s miracles and imprisonment, Philip and the Ethiopian, Paul’s conversion, and Paul’s writings. There are graphic organizers to help understand the content, there is also a map of Israel and the Mediterranean to help students picture the locations.

•The lesson plans include a printable and editable packet of work that can be completed independently, or collaboratively. Students will read the bible, summarize passages, answer comprehension questions, and complete graphic organizers about the information.

•Students will learn critical vocabulary and use problem-solving skills to think about examples and non-examples for devout, ordain, blaspheme, repent, and other words. Students will also reflect on and work to memorize Philippians 4:6.

Unit Includes…

•11-page Student Packet & Answer Key to Print OR distribute and complete in Google Slides! Perfect for distance learning!

•Memory Verse (Philippians 4:6) and a problem-solving activity where students analyze the verse in the Greek

•Vocabulary (Martyr, devout, lame, alms, witness, repent, blaspheme, persecute, ordain, deacon, supplication)

•Bible Summary, Comprehension Questions, and Graphic Organizers

•Graphic Novel Template for students to use artwork and humor to tell the stories

•Study Guide

•Answer Key—which is also a good resource for differentiation of instruction so students can receive completed notes if needed.

•Memory Verse Sorting Cards

•30 Question Test & Answer Key: TWO different test forms for easy differentiation! One test with 4 options in the multiple-choice questions, a second test with only two options and a word bank on the verse memorization. You could also use Quizizz for a Digital Test or review.

***All resources are included as PDFs and editable PowerPoint files.

Other Lesson Plan

Resurrection, Ascension, and Pentecost

Confiteor Prayer from the Catholic Mass

This puzzle page about Philippians 4:6 gets students thinking about the meaning of the verse. Students will use Greek words and rewrite the prayer in Greek. They'll be thinking about the meaning, connecting languages, and analyzing various words. They'll also (hopefully) remember that Paul wrote in Greek!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

***BEFORE YOU BUY...This is INCLUDED if you buy the Early Church: Acts of the Apostles Unit. If you're teaching about the Acts of the Apostles, check out the whole unit!***

If you like this...check out the Early Church: Acts of the Apostles Unit. This download is only ONE page, but you can get a whole unit of engaging worksheets. Details about the Acts of the Apostles Unit...

•This all-inclusive unit contains everything you need to teach about the Early Church. This packet includes vocabulary, Stephen’s martyrdom, Peter’s miracles and imprisonment, Philip and the Ethiopian, Paul’s conversion, and Paul’s writings. There are graphic organizers to help understand the content, there is also a map of Israel and the Mediterranean to help students picture the locations.

•The lesson plans include a printable and editable packet of work that can be completed independently, or collaboratively. Students will read the bible, summarize passages, answer comprehension questions, and complete graphic organizers about the information.

•Students will learn critical vocabulary and use problem-solving skills to think about examples and non-examples for devout, ordain, blaspheme, repent, and other words. Students will also reflect on and work to memorize Philippians 4:6.

Unit Includes…

•11-page Student Packet & Answer Key to Print OR distribute and complete in Google Slides! Perfect for distance learning!

•Memory Verse (Philippians 4:6) and a problem-solving activity where students analyze the verse in the Greek

•Vocabulary (Martyr, devout, lame, alms, witness, repent, blaspheme, persecute, ordain, deacon, supplication)

•Bible Summary, Comprehension Questions, and Graphic Organizers

•Graphic Novel Template for students to use artwork and humor to tell the stories

•Study Guide

•Answer Key—which is also a good resource for differentiation of instruction so students can receive completed notes if needed.

•Memory Verse Sorting Cards

•30 Question Test & Answer Key: TWO different test forms for easy differentiation! One test with 4 options in the multiple-choice questions, a second test with only two options and a word bank on the verse memorization. You could also use Quizizz for a Digital Test or review.

***All resources are included as PDFs and editable PowerPoint files.

Other Lesson Plan

Resurrection, Ascension, and Pentecost

Confiteor Prayer from the Catholic Mass

This 4-page packet is perfect for students to complete while watching any movie. It's a great lesson plan for emergency sub situations, ensuring that kids stay engaged and continue learning even when you can't be there.

The worksheets are designed to keep students actively thinking about the movie.

Every 10 minutes, students will respond to the movie with a variety of activities:

• Summaries: Students will write a short summary of what happened in the last 10 minutes. This helps them pay attention to the plot and remember key events.
• Character Analysis: Students will choose a character and describe what the character is doing, how they are feeling, and why they are important to the story. This activity helps students understand character development and relationships.
• Reflective Questions: Students will answer questions that encourage them to think more deeply about the movie and connect it to their own lives. Some example questions include:
  • What events happened in this section? Have you experienced anything like that? This helps students make personal connections with the story.
  • Do you agree or disagree with the message of this section? This encourages students to think critically and form their own opinions.
  • What can you learn from this section, and how can you apply it to your life? This question prompts students to think about the lessons they can take away from the movie and how they can use them in real life.

The final page of the packet provides a creative space for students to express themselves. It's an open area where they can doodle, draw pictures, and write words about the theme of the movie. This encourages artistic expression and helps students process the movie in a fun and engaging way.

This versatile resource is designed to be used with any movie, making it adaptable for different subjects and grade levels. It's a simple yet effective tool to keep on hand for any emergency. With this packet, you can be confident that your students will remain challenged and engaged, even when you aren't there to guide them.

Whether you're dealing with an unexpected absence or planning for a substitute, this movie packet is a reliable solution to maintain a productive and educational classroom environment.

Here are some great religious movie ideas...

Bible Miniseries

Therese

The Nativity Story