**Lesson Plan: Christian Religious Studies - Junior Secondary 1**
**Topic: The Call to Repentance**
**Grade Level**: Junior Secondary 1
**Duration**: 60 minutes
**Objectives**:
1. Students will understand the concept of repentance in Christian teachings.
2. Students will identify examples of repentance from the Bible.
3. Students will recognize the importance of repentance in their personal lives.
4. Students will engage in meaningful discussion on how to apply the concept of repentance in their daily activities.
**Materials Needed**:
- Bibles (preferably with the New Testament)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Handouts with key Bible verses and reflection questions
- Notebooks and pens
- Projector (optional)
- Visual aids (optional)
**Lesson Outline**:
1. **Introduction (10 minutes)**:
- Begin with an opening prayer.
- Briefly introduce the topic for the day: "The Call to Repentance". Ask students what the word "repentance" means to them.
- Write down their responses on the whiteboard.
2. **Scripture Reading (15 minutes)**:
- Distribute handouts with the following key Bible passages:
- Luke 15:11-32 (The Parable of the Prodigal Son)
- Acts 2:38 (Peter's call to repentance)
- 1 John 1:9 (Confession and forgiveness)
- Have students read the passages aloud, either individually or in groups, and discuss the main ideas.
- Highlight the concepts of turning away from sin, seeking forgiveness, and the joy of reconciliation with God.
3. **Discussion (15 minutes)**:
- Facilitate a discussion using these guiding questions:
- What do you think it means to repent truly?
- Why do you think repentance is important for Christians?
- Can you share an example or story from your life where you or someone you know showed repentance?
- Write key points from their answers on the whiteboard.
4. **Activity (10 minutes)**:
- In pairs, students will come up with a modern-day scenario where someone needs to repent. This could be a story or a role-play.
- Each pair will share their scenario with the class. Discuss how the principles learned from the Bible passages apply to these scenarios.
5. **Reflection and Closing (10 minutes)**:
- Give students time to reflect individually by writing in their notebooks about an area in their life where they feel they need to repent.
- Encourage them to write a short prayer asking God for forgiveness and strength to turn away from any wrongdoings.
- Close the lesson with a united prayer, asking for God's guidance in living a repentant life.
6. **Homework**:
- Ask students to read the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) and write a short paragraph on how Zacchaeus demonstrated repentance.
**Assessment**:
- Participation in discussions and scenarios.
- Quality of reflection and written prayer in their notebooks.
- Homework assignment on the story of Zacchaeus.
**Notes for the Teacher**:
- Be sensitive to the fact that repentance can be a deeply personal subject.
- Encourage students to be respectful and supportive of each other’s sharing.
- Ensure that all discussions are kept positive and focused on growth and improvement.
**Conclusion**:
- Reinforce the idea that repentance is an ongoing process and a gift that brings us closer to God.
- Remind students that they are always welcomed back by God, no matter their past mistakes, as long as they are willing to repent.
This lesson plan aims to integrate biblical teachings with personal reflection, creating a holistic learning experience for Junior Secondary 1 students.