The year begins with Unit 1, “I’m On Your Team,” a unit about encouraging and supporting others in our classrooms, teams, and communities. Two key verses, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 and Hebrews 10:24, anchor students’ learning in scripture. When we work together, we grow together and we can’t do either without the support of our teammates. This unit gives students unique opportunities to develop responsible decision-making and relationship skills, all while building their classroom community and equipping them to practice biblical principles.
Students will be introduced to the Catchphrase “I’m On Your Team” through engaging activities and discussion. To begin, students are challenged to work in teams to flip over a blanket that all students are standing on–no stepping off allowed! Next, they will work in small groups creating a web organizer of supportive words and actions. In the last portion of the lesson, students will complete a Friendzy Journal page.
In this object lesson, students will examine the parts of a piano that work together to create music. Students will make the connection between their team and piano parts, all working together and supporting one another to make something better.
In Group Questions, students will participate in a Gallery Walk, responding to posted questions around the classroom. This low-vulnerability discussion activity allows students to share and participate in writing, rather than out loud. The lesson opens with a Friendzy Warm Welcome activity and closes with a reflective Journal page.
Students will create posters with encouraging messages connected to upcoming events in their school or community (team game, upcoming test, or special event).
Students will practice collaboration as they work in teams to create music together. Each team will be assigned an emotion that their song should represent. Students can use real instruments (if available) or classroom objects as substitutes.
The Even More lesson introduces a new passage, 1 Corinthians 12:14-20, which is an extension of one of the Key Verses. Students will begin with a gratitude-themed Warm Welcome activity, writing what they’re grateful for about their team on a sticky note, and then creating a class graph. Afterward, students will unpack 1 Corinthians 12:14-20 with a partner by answering questions and considering how it relates to their lives. The lesson closes with students completing the “Closing Commitment” journal page.
