Pope Francis has called us to go out with the joy of the Gospel, to encounter people where they are. Like Mother Teresa, we are called to serve the poor by looking people in the eye, respecting their dignity, and engaging in works of mercy.
PreK, TK and Kindergarten Lesson Plan
Students will learn why caring for the poor is at the center of Jesus’ life and mission. They will learn the importance of sharing with those in need.
Grades PK-K Thursday Caring for Those in Need Lesson Plan.pdf
Grades 1-3 Lesson Plan
Students will learn why caring for the poor is at the center of Jesus’ life and mission. They will learn the importance of sharing with those in need.
Grades 1-3 Thursday Caring for Those in Need Lesson Plan.pdf
Resources
Sing and dance along to this catchy tune.
Watch the story of a little boy who shares his lunch with Jesus.
Purchase book on Amazon or pick up from the library.
Sesame Street talks about the food poverty in the United States.
Watch story by Eve Bunting
Grades 4 – 6 Lesson Plan
Students will learn why caring for the poor is at the center of Jesus’ life and mission. They will learn the importance of sharing with those in need.
Grades 4-6-Thursday Caring for Those in Need Lesson Plan.pdf
Resources
Classic Bible story about feeding the multitude or Watch the film rendition
Kids respond to child hunger.
Watch kids discuss hunger in the United States.
Watch Fatima’s story from Mary’s Meal.
Encounter Kumba in Sierra Leone.
Have students participate in activity from Poverty USA.
Action Plan with ideas for every grade!
Decide on a way to help those who are living in poverty.
Resources to challenge your class to do something about poverty and hunger in your community.
Resources for local service projects.
Grades 7-9 Lesson Plan
Students will explore poverty. They will look at both extreme poverty, such as exists in developing parts of the world and practical poverty, as we have in the US in which even working families struggle to make ends meet. Like Mother Teresa, we are called to serve the poor by looking people in the eye, respecting their dignity, and engaging in works of mercy.
Grades 7-9 Thursday Caring for Those in Need Lesson Plan-pdf
Resources
Explaining the preferential option for the poor & vulnerable.
Take a virtual tour of the poverty in the USA.
What kind of food can you afford on $1 a day and what does it really mean to be malnourished?
Watch Fatima’s story from Mary’s Meal.
Interactive Poverty Experience
If students have access to computers or iPads, have them try budgeting at the poverty line.
Use these resources to challenge your class to do something about poverty and hunger in their community.
Grades 10-12 Student Handout
Students will explore poverty. They will look at both extreme poverty, such as exists in developing parts of the world and practical poverty, as we have in the US in which even working families struggle to make ends meet. Like Mother Teresa, we are called to serve the poor by looking people in the eye, respecting their dignity, and engaging in works of mercy.
Grades 10-12 – Caring for Those in Need.pdf
Resources
Catholic Social Teaching 101: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
4.5-minute video introduction to Christianity’s care for the poor
4-minute video explores what it is like to live at the poverty line
Mary’s Meals Stories (3-4 minutes)
Mary’s Meals Stories (3-4 minutes)
Mary’s Meals Stories (3-4 minutes)
Interactive game for learning to budget
7 Rules for Talking to Homeless People
Helps students feel comfortable saying hello or offering help
1-hour special — Follows several families living in serious poverty in the US
32-minute video follows international aid workers
Interactive Poverty Experience in the US
CCHD Poverty USA quiz and additional activities
An Interactive poverty experience from a developing country
After Foster Care: How Young Adults are Winding up on the Streets
Trials of living without the support of a permanent family
Homelessness in Southern California
12-part video series with powerful personal testimony.
Telfair Elementary in Pacoima has more homeless students than any other
A Ministry of Love in the Heart of the City
Young adult missionaries, Christ in the City, and their work with the homeless
Find service opportunities here!