Class: Primary 5

Term: 1st Term

Week: 8

Age: 11 years

Period:

Duration: 40 minutes

Date:

Subject: Christian Religion Studies

Curriculum Theme: GOD WANTS US TO DO WORK

Topic: Dignity of Labour

Content:

  • Dignity of Labour
  • God wants man to work.
  • Meaning of Work.
  • Reasons why we work

Specific Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

  • Define work.
  • List 3 reasons for working.
  • Give scriptural examples of God wanting man to work.
  • Recite the memory verse: 2 Thessalonians 3:10.
  • Provide real-life examples depicting God’s desire for man to work.

Reference Materials:

  • 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
  • Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of work
  • NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
  • Online Information
  • Revised Standard Version of the Holy Bible
  • Textbooks

Instructional Materials:

  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Bible passages (2 Thessalonians 3:10, 1 Timothy 5:8, Proverbs 6:6-11)
  • Charts with reasons for working
  • Pictures depicting people working
  • Worksheets

Rationale for the Lesson:

Understanding the value of work is crucial for leading responsible and fulfilling lives.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge:

Pupils should have a basic understanding of the concept of work.

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

Content Development: Dignity of Labour

StepTimeTeaching MethodTeacher’s Points/ActivitiesPupils’ Activities
1. Introduction5 minsDiscussion– The teacher introduces the topic “Dignity of Labour” and discusses what the term “work” means.– Pupils engage in a discussion on their understanding of work.
2. Reasons for Working8 minsExplanation– The teacher explains The event in Thessolonia where Paul admonished the Christians to work, the teacher also explains various reasons why people work, such as providing for their families, contributing to society, personal fulfillment, etc.– Pupils take notes and interact, sharing their thoughts on why people work.
3. Scriptural Examples7 minsBible Reading– The teacher reads and discusses Bible passages (2 Thessalonians 3:10, 1 Timothy 5:8, Proverbs 6:6-11) that show God’s desire for man to work.– Pupils listen attentively and make notes.
4. Real-life Examples7 minsDiscussion– The teacher presents real-life examples illustrating how God wants us to work by giving us strengths, abilities, wisdom, and talents.– Pupils engage in a discussion, sharing their thoughts on real-life examples of working.
5. Note Taking5 minsNote Taking– The teacher provides a structured note summarizing key points about work, reasons for working, scriptural and real-life examples of God wanting us to work.– Pupils copy the notes into their notebooks.
6. Evaluation5 minsQuestion and Answer– The teacher asks questions to assess pupils’ understanding of the topic and the memory verse.– Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions.
7. Conclusion3 minsRecap– The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of understanding the dignity of labor.– Pupils pay attention for the summary.

Note to Pupils:

Memory Verse: “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:10


Meaning of Dignity of Labour

“Dignity of labour” means respecting all kinds of decent or legitimate work. It emphasizes that all forms of work should be respected without anyone being seen as superior or inferior.

Significance of Paul’s Teaching

Paul’s teaching on the dignity of labour was linked to Jesus’s second coming to the church in Thessalonica. Some wrongly believed that Christ’s return was imminent, neglecting work and expecting the Christian community to provide for them.

Paul’s Advice:
Upon hearing this, Paul warned against this mistaken idea, condemning laziness. He encouraged believers to distance themselves from those refusing to work. He stressed the importance of working diligently and cited his own example of hard work during his time with them.

Significance:
Paul’s teaching signifies the condemnation of laziness among Christians. Laziness could lead to being a burden on family and others.

What is work?

Work is the effort or activity performed to achieve a purpose or earn a living, it can also be said to be what we do to provide us with an income.

God wants us to work.

God wants us to use our abilities, strengths, wisdom, and talents for meaningful work, earn an honest living and bring Him glory.

Reasons why we work.

We work to provide for ourselves and others, contribute to society, and find fulfillment.

Real-life examples that depict God’s desire for man to work.

Like the ants in Proverbs, we should work hard and wisely use our abilities.

Evaluation:

  1. What does work mean?
  2. Can you recite the memory verse (2 Thessalonians 3:10)?
  3. Give an example of how God wants us to work.
  4. Mention 3 things God has provided man with to enable him do work.

Note to Teachers:

Customize the lesson content, teaching methods, and pupil activities to suit your teaching style, curriculum, and available resources.