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The Religion Teacher | Catholic Religious Education

Ash Wednesday Lesson Plan

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This Ash Wednesday lesson plan is a part of The Religion Teacher’s Lenten Activity Pack, which includes lesson plans, a Lenten video series for kids, 20+ worksheets, prayers, and other activity ideas to help students encounter the love of Christ during Lent. Want a preview? Check out the Lenten Video Series that is used in conjunction with these resources.  

Ash Wednesday Lesson PlanAsh Wednesday Lesson Plan Objectives and Assessments

  • Students will be able to (SWBAT) explain that ashes were used as a sign of repentance in the Old Testament.
  • SWBAT explain why we wear ashes on Ash Wednesday.
  • SWBAT make connections between what they decide to give up for Lent and the meaning of ashes on Ash Wednesday.
  • Students will feel (SWF) determined to live out their Lenten commitments.

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. Hook: 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. Present: Video: The Meaning of Ash Wednesday. Have students fill out the video graphic organizer while they watch.

5. Practice: 

Ash Wednesday Worksheets

Ash Wednesday Worksheet: From Ash 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.

Bonus Video to Begin Lent:

Share this video to encourage kids to give up something good for Lent rather than a sinful habit they should avoid all of the time. The goal of this video is to help your students see Lent as an opportunity to build up resistance to the temptations to sin, not just turning away from sin.

7. Proof: 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

Jared Dees is the creator of The Religion Teacher and the author of 31 Days to Becoming a Better Religious Educator, Beatitales, Christ in the Classroom, and The Gospel According to Video Games.

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Comments

  1. CKia

    Thank you very much for you time and your generiousity to continue share the gifts and blessings you have…God bless

  8. Karen Blair

    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!

  11. Dianne

    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!

  12. Ma. Goretti

    I like your lesson plan. It is simple, yet objectives and assessments are very practical.

    • Jared Dees

      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?”

  13. Michelle Pool

    Where can I download the lenten-activity-pack for free. Next Wednesday is the beginning of lent and I want to teach my pupils about Ash Wednesday and lent . So please help me.

  15. Anita

    Dear Jared,
    Thank you very much for putting out this Lenten package.I found it very useful as an adjuant to our regular lessons.

  16. Missy

    Thank you for putting together and sharing all of these wonderful lesson plans and activities! This is my first year as a catechist and the lay out of your page and information makes so much sense and is saving me so much time in my planning.

  18. Tara

    Saw this in my email this morning and my kids are on Feb vacation so over breakfast we did this and made a commitment as a family. Thanks for putting this together.

  20. Paul

    In your Ash Wednesday quiz worksheet it is stated that “In the early Church the Order of _____________
    wore ashes as a sign of their penance. What is the answer to that statment.
    Please respond.
    Thanks,
    Paul

  21. Ruthie Rivera

    Thank You so much for sharing all the lesson plans and activities. May the good Lord Bless you always.

  22. Sr. Cecil Villamil, LGC

    Thank you so much for sharing your expertise! You are a gift to us, Religion teachers.. continue to be a gift to others

  25. Francisca Main

    Dear Jared,

    Thank you very much for sharing your faith and knowledge with us. It is truly a great help for me as a religion teacher. I really appreciate it! God bless you always.

  27. Sr.Maria

    Thank you ,I am a religious nun and I joined just want to say thank you and may the good Lord bless you always. …..lots of love and prayers