Subject: The New Testament
1. Topic-
The Beatitudes
 
2. Content-
Review biblical content in Matthew relevant to the Beatitudes such as the "Sermon on the Mount."� Next, explain to the students what the Beatitudes are and why they are important. Review the beatitudes as a whole and then go over each one individually, providing a detailed explanation about each one. Then, begin group interaction by pairing Beatitudes with specific gestures. Assess students' knowledge with open classroom discussion questions, and quiz students' on gestures.
 
3. Goals: Aims/Outcomes-
1. The students will be able to recite the Beatitudes from memory.
2. The students will understand the Beatitudes and the meaning behind each one
3. Students will be able to answer questions about the beatitudes and their origin meaning and importance
 
4. Materials and Aids-
Copy of the Beatitudes and Gestures for each student.
 
5. Procedures/Methods-

A. Introduction-

1. Read to the students "The Sermon on the Mount"
2. Go through each Beatitude and define what they mean.
3. Introduce and practice each Beatitude and there respective gesture.
 

B. Development-

1. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs."
- By poor God means the people who realize that they can never reach salvation on their own and instead they put their faith in Jesus Christ.
2. "Blessed are those who mourn, because they will be comforted."
-A person who mourns is someone who knows that he is a sinner before God, and if he confesses that then God will comfort him.
3."Blessed are the gentle, because they will inherit the Earth."
-A gentle person is a man/women of God whose strength is controlled by God.
4."Blessed are those who hunger, and thirst for righteousness."
-People who strive to be virtuous, noble, morally right, and ethical.
5."Blessed are the merciful, because they will be shown mercy."
-People who show love and compassion to others less fortunate will be shown mercy from God.
6."Blessed are the pure in heart, because they will see God."
-Those who's hearts follow the word of God are considered pure at heart.
7."Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called sons of God."
-Peacemakers are the children of God who not only have great love for him, but also have love for all of mankind, and they attempt to do everything possible for the advancement of peace everywhere.
8."Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs."
-Jesus blesses those who are persecuted for doing righteousness
 

C. Practice-

1. In one hand pretend to hold a cup and shake it like you are poor, while holding your other hand over your heart.
2. Act like you are crying
3. Act like you are gently rocking a baby.
4. Rub your stomach
5. Act like you are helping someone up.
6. Put both hands over your heart.
7. Hold up peace signs
8. Put feet together and hold arms straight out to side.
 

D. Independent Practice-

1. Break up students into groups and have them read and practice the gestures with each other
2. Teacher should be walking around and helping each group
3. Bring students back from groups into one large group and read each Beatitude while the students do the gestures. (make sure to help those students who are having trouble)
 

Checking for understanding-

1. Quiz students on gestures, and meaning of the Beatitudes
2. Make sure the students have a general understanding of why the Beatitudes are important
 

This Lesson Plan is available at (www.teacherjet.com)