Create a lesson plan based on Use the following or a similar format: Lesson Plan Title:

Grade Level:

Estimated Time:

Theme:

I. Learning Objectives

II. Materials Needed

III. Key Vocabulary

IV. Lesson Procedure

A. Introduction: The Big Game Excitement (10 Minutes)

Hook:

Discussion:

Anticipated answers:

Transition:

B. Direct Instruction: The Story of Big Al and Fr. Joe (15 Minutes)

Use the infographic as your visual aid during this section.

Set the Scene (Top Half of Infographic):

The Conflict:

The Question:

The Shift (Bottom Half of Infographic):

The Main Point:

Examples:

The Resolution:

C. Guided Activity: Temporary vs. Lasting Sort (10 Minutes)

D. Application Activity: Goodness Cheerleaders (15 Minutes)

V. Closing Prayer (5 Minutes)

Lesson Plan: Big Al & Fr. Joe
The Game of Life

Grade Level: Elementary (K-5)

Estimated Time: 45 Minutes

Theme: Sportsmanship, Participation, Making Good Choices, Helping Others

I. Learning Objectives:

• Students will be able to distinguish between temporary activities (like a game) and lasting values (like kindness and helping others).
• Students will understand the importance of getting involved and helping others in "the game of life."

II. Materials Needed:

• Infographic: "Big Al & Fr. Joe: Should Big Al Try Out for the Team?" (Printed or projected)
• Chart paper or whiteboard
• Markers
• Pictures or words representing temporary things (e.g., a trophy, a toy, a game) and lasting things (e.g., a hug, a helping hand, a kind word)
• Pom-poms or small flags (optional, for the cheerleading activity)

III. Key Vocabulary:

• Tryout: A test to see if you are good enough to be on a team.
• Vertical: How high you can jump.
• Involved: To take part in something.

IV. Lesson Procedure:

A. Introduction: The Big Game Excitement (10 Minutes)

• Hook: Ask the students if they have ever tried out for a team or participated in a big game or event. Share a brief personal story about a time you tried out for something (even if you didn't make it!).
• Discussion: Ask the students:
  • What feels important about a big game or tryout?
  • What happens if you don't make the team or win the game?
• Anticipated answers: It's exciting, you want to win, it's sad if you don't make it, you can try again next time.
• Transition: Explain that today they will hear a story about Big Al, who is deciding whether to try out for a soccer team, and the advice Fr. Joe gives him.

B. Direct Instruction: The Story of Big Al and Fr. Joe (15 Minutes)

• Use the infographic as your visual aid during this section.
• Set the Scene (Top Half of Infographic): Point to the top half of the infographic. Introduce Big Al and Fr. Joe. Explain that Big Al is thinking about trying out for the soccer team again.
• The Conflict: Point to the thought bubble above Big Al. Explain that Big Al is not sure if he wants to try out because he didn't make the team last year and he doesn't have a very good "vertical" (jump).
• The Question: Ask the students what they think Big Al should do. Should he try out again?
• The Shift (Bottom Half of Infographic): Point to the bottom half of the infographic. Explain that Fr. Joe gives Big Al some important advice. He tells Big Al that it's okay if he doesn't try out for the soccer team. It's okay if he tries out and doesn't make it.
• The Main Point: Point to the text "The Game of Life (Mandatory: Get Involved!)". Explain that Fr. Joe says that while soccer is optional, the "game of life" is not. In the game of life, you have to get involved.
• Examples: Point to the examples on the infographic. Ask the students:
  • What does Fr. Joe mean by "getting involved" in the game of life?
  • What are some examples of getting involved? (Helping someone who is being picked on, spending time with family instead of just watching video games).
• The Resolution: Point to the final thought at the bottom of the infographic. Read it aloud: "When it comes to the GAME OF LIFE, don't stay on the sidelines. GET INVOLVED! May God help each of us do just that."

C. Guided Activity: Temporary vs. Lasting Sort (10 Minutes)

• Draw a line down the middle of the chart paper or whiteboard. Label one side "Temporary (Like a Game)" and the other side "Lasting (The Game of Life)".
• Show the students the pictures or words representing temporary and lasting things.
• Ask volunteers to come up and place each item on the correct side of the chart.
• Discuss why each item belongs on that side. For example:
  • A trophy is temporary because it can break or get lost, and the feeling of winning doesn't last forever.
  • A kind word is lasting because it can make someone feel good for a long time and can help build a friendship.

D. Application Activity: Goodness Cheerleaders (15 Minutes)

• Divide the students into small groups.
• Give each group pom-poms or small flags (optional).
• Ask each group to come up with a cheer about getting involved in the game of life. The cheer should encourage people to be kind, helpful, and involved.
• Allow each group to perform their cheer for the class.

V. Closing Prayer (5 Minutes)

Example prayer: "Dear God, thank you for the game of life. Help us to get involved and to play our part. Help us to be kind, helpful, and caring to everyone we meet. Amen."

Gather the students in a circle.

Pray together, asking God to help them get involved in the game of life and to be kind and helpful to others.