This Ash Wednesday lesson plan is a part of The Religion Teacher’s Lenten Activity Pack that you can buy on this website. This digital product includes seven lesson plans, nearly 20 worksheets, prayer ideas, and handouts to help students effectively learn about the season of Lent. Want a preview? Check out the Lenten Video Series that is used in conjunction with these resources.
Ash Wednesday Lesson Plan Objectives and Asessments
SWBAT explain that ashes were used as a sign of repentance in the Old Testament. (Assessment: Class Discussion)
SWBAT explain why we wear ashes on Ash Wednesday. (Assessment: Ash Wednesday Quiz)
SWBAT make connections between what they decide to give up for Lent and the meaning of ashes on Ash Wednesday. (Assessment: Ash Wednesday Worksheet)
Ash Wednesday Learning Activities
1. Bell Work: Make a list of the things that you have in your life that you are thankful for (i.e. your iPod, your cell phone, your computer, your video game system, your new shoes, your favorite dress, etc.)
2. Prayer: Read the Ash Wednesday Psalm as a class. Announce the response, “Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned,” and read Psalm 51 from the USCCB website.
3. Reading: Read aloud the story of Jonah and the city of Nineveh (Jonah 3:1-10). Ask students, “What were the signs that the people of Nineveh used to show their repentance?”
4. Video: Ash Wednesday. Have students fill out the video graphic organizer while they watch.
5. Direct Instruction: Review the answers to the Ash Wednesday graphic organizer.
6. Ash Wednesday Worksheet: From Ashes Wednesday to Easter. Give students some time to write about what they have decided to give up for Lent this year. Remind them that we often desire things (even good things) that will one day become dust and ashes. We give things up for Lent to remember that all we have is a gift from God and that being with God and following his will should be our greatest desire.
7. Assessment: Ash Wednesday Quiz
Do you like this lesson plan and the resources to accompany it? Get instant access to dozens of other resources in The Religion Teacher’s Lenten Activity Pack.
About Jared Dees
Thank you very much for you time and your generiousity to continue share the gifts and blessings you have…God bless
It is a joy to do this. Thank you for the comment!
Catholicism is well-integrated with Scripture here.
Thanks Christian! Catholicism IS integrated well with Scripture!
This is exactly what I was searching for today on my day off!
What wonderful resources!
Thank you, Julie!
This is exactly what I was searching for today on my day off!
What wonderful resources!
Jared, this is excellent! I’m totally using this in my sixth grade catechism class tomorrow! Thank you so much!
Great Colleen! I hope it goes well.
One more thing…I just read your bio…my husband and I were Class 6 ACE graduates. Go Irish!
THANKS! THIS IS A GREAT HELP FOR US RELIGION TEACHERS. GOD BLESS!
Jared,
Thanks for putting the lent activity pack together. It has been very helpful in planning a cohesive Lent unit. It pulls in a lot of what we just studied in our history of our faith. My kids have enjoyed the lessons so far!
Thanks Karen, I really appreciate the feedback. I’m so glad to hear they are enjoying the lessons!
Wonderful ideas here Jared! Here’s another suggestion – especially for high school teachers and catechists – http://acyberpilgrim.org/2012/02/21/what-penance-for-lent/
Thanks, Jared – adapted this today for our weekly staff prayer!
Cool idea, Meghann, I hope it went well!
Hi,
What grade level(s) is the Religion Teacher’s Lenten Activity Pack geared towards? I am interested in purchasing it, but would like to know what classes I’d be able to use them for.
Thanks!
I like your lesson plan. It is simple, yet objectives and assessments are very practical.
Thank you so much. “Practical” is so important to me. I never publish anything on this website before asking myself, “Is this practical? Could a teacher or catechists easily use this in his or her classroom?”