Choosing to do good
Year 5
Overview of the UnitThe Choosing to Do Good (CEOWA, n.d.) unit explores the major theme of Moral Choices. The unit is structured in such a way that students start with ‘wondering’ (Section A). They wonder about the institution of morality and how God, as the creator, who has the ability to choose what is right (A2 and A3, Teacher Background Material). It is crucial for students, at the begging stages of this unit, to identify and define the difference between what is right and what in wrong (A1, TBM). They must also understand the effective consequences that follow each of their choices. As students cognitive function develops they tend to have a better understanding of real consequences. It is therefore important to educate them on the effect that decisions can have.
The second part of the unit introduces Promise of Christian Salvation (Section B). This considers the theme of moral choice in the light of scripture regarding Jesus Christ. It identifies how Jesus is righteous and always makes good moral choices that are right (B1, TBM). It moves then to discuss what society would be like if everyone followed the example of Jesus. After wondering (A) and teaching (B) students about how Jesus makes the right choices, students will move onto exploring the Christian response (Section C) to this message. This part of the unit focus’ more on the application of what has been taught previously. Drawing from the Easter story and the time of lent (when this unit will be taught), the unit explores scripture and the image of Jesus as the perfect example of how Christians should make decisions (B2 and C2, TBM). It gets students to identify how Jesus has power over Satan, to conquer original sin. Students identify that through the power of the cross, they can share in the power of Jesus to overcome their sin through His grace (C1, TBM). This leads to asking Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, to aid individuals in making the right decisions (C3 and C4, TBM). This is a crucial understanding for Year 5 students, as in Year 6 they will undergo the Sacrament of Confirmation and so will need to understand what they are confirming to and the relative consequences of that choice. As seen morality is a focal point of this unit, drawing on Christian salvation through Christ conquering sin. |