**Lesson Plan: The Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus**
**Grade Level:** Nursery 1
**Subject:** Christian Religious Studies
**Duration:** 30 minutes
**Objective:**
- To introduce students to the story of the Annunciation.
- To help students understand that the Angel Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus to Mary.
- To encourage students to feel a sense of wonder and joy about the birth of Jesus.
**Materials Needed:**
- Children’s Bible or Storybook Bible with pictures.
- Angel and Mary puppets or dolls.
- Simple art supplies (crayons, markers, paper).
- Annunciation coloring pages.
- A soft rug or carpet for story time.
- Pre-recorded gentle background music (optional).
**Introduction (5 minutes):**
1. Gather the students on the rug and start with a short, gentle song to grab their attention.
Song suggestion: "This Little Light of Mine."
2. Use a friendly and cheerful tone to introduce today’s topic.
Example: "Today, we are going to hear a special story about a very important message delivered by an angel!"
**Story Time (10 minutes):**
1. Show students the children’s Bible with the picture of the Annunciation.
2. Using the Angel and Mary puppets, narrate the story of the Annunciation in simple words:
- Describe how Mary was quietly at home.
- Explain how the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary.
- Tell the children that Gabriel told Mary she would have a baby, and His name would be Jesus.
3. Ask simple questions to engage the students.
Example: "What did the angel tell Mary?" "What name did the angel say?"
**Activity (10 minutes):**
1. Distribute the Annunciation coloring pages to each student.
2. Provide crayons and markers and encourage the students to color their pages. Walk around to offer assistance and praise their work.
3. Engage the students by talking about the pictures as they color.
Example: "Look at the beautiful angel! How many wings does he have?"
**Conclusion (5 minutes):**
1. Gather the students back on the rug with their finished coloring pages.
2. Recap the story briefly.
Example: "Do you remember who came to visit Mary? Yes, it was Angel Gabriel! What was the message? That's right! Jesus will be born!"
3. Sing a short, gentle closing song.
Song suggestion: "Jesus Loves Me."
4. Close with a short prayer thanking God for Jesus and the joyful news the angel brought.
**Assessment:**
- Participation in the story discussion.
- Completion and engagement with the coloring activity.
- Responses to simple recap questions.
**Extensions (Optional):**
- Show a short video clip or animated story of the Annunciation.
- Create a simple craft related to the Annunciation, like an angel made from paper plates.
This lesson plan will help introduce nursery students to the joyful message of the Annunciation in a simple, engaging, and age-appropriate manner.