Objective

By the end of this lesson, the 1-year-old homeschool student will have an introduction to the concept of prayer and will have engaged in various activities related to prayer.

Materials and Prep

• Soft toys or stuffed animals
• Blanket or mat
• Colorful construction paper
• Washable markers or crayons
• Child-safe scissors
• Glue stick
• Child-friendly music or nursery rhymes
• Safe open space for movement activities

No specific prior knowledge is required for this lesson.

Activities

• Create a cozy prayer corner: Set up a small blanket or mat in a quiet corner of the room. Place soft toys or stuffed animals nearby to create a comforting atmosphere.
• Art activity: Provide colorful construction paper and washable markers or crayons. Encourage the student to draw or scribble freely on the paper while talking about prayer.
• Movement activity: Play child-friendly music or nursery rhymes and encourage the student to move their body in different ways, such as clapping, stomping, or spinning, while talking about prayer.
• Sensory activity: Cut out different shapes from construction paper and provide a glue stick. Help the student stick the shapes onto a larger piece of paper while discussing the shapes and their significance in prayer.

Talking Points

• Art: "Look at the pretty colors! Let's draw and make beautiful pictures while we talk about prayer."
• English: "We can use words like 'thank you,' 'please,' and 'help me' when we pray. Can you say those words with me?"
• History: "Prayer has been a part of people's lives for a very long time. People from different cultures and times have prayed in different ways."
• Math: "We can count how many toys we have in our prayer corner. How many do you see? One, two, three!"
• Music: "Let's sing a song about prayer. Sing along with me, 'Thank you for the world so sweet, thank you for the food we eat...'"
• Physical Education: "We can move our bodies while we pray. Let's jump up and down and say a prayer together!"
• Science: "Sometimes people pray to feel calm and peaceful. Taking deep breaths can help us feel calm too. Let's take a deep breath together."
• Social Studies: "Prayer can bring people together. Some people pray with their families or friends. Who do you pray with?"