Class: Primary 6
Term: 1st Term
Week: 2
Age: 12 years
Duration: 40 minutes
Subject: Christian Religion Studies
Curriculum Theme:
Previous Lesson: Paul’s Early Life, Name, Nationality And Region
Topic: Paul’s Early Life: Place Of Birth
Content/Learning Area: Paul’s place of birth (Tarsus) (Acts 22:3), Son of a Pharisee (Acts 23:6)

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain: Identify the place Apostle Paul was born and describe his background.
Affective Domain: Show interest in Apostle Paul’s background and early life.
Psychomotor Domain: Locate Tarsus on a map and point it out correctly.
Social Domain: Discuss respectfully the importance of one’s background in shaping their character.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of work
NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
Online information from: bible hub – Topical Bible: Tarsus: Paul’s Birthplace
Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A Bible
Map of the Roman Empire during Bible times
A printed picture of Apostle Paul
Flashcards with keywords
Chart showing Paul’s life journey

Rationale for the Lesson

To help pupils understand the humble beginnings of Apostle Paul and how God can use anyone for great purposes regardless of their origin.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have previously learned about important Bible characters and have discussed how background influences one’s life.

Lesson Content

Paul’s Early Life: Place Of Birth

Apostle Paul is one of the most important figures in the Bible. He started life in a town called Tarsus.

Memory Verse: I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia… – Acts 22:3

Bible Readings

Acts 22:3
Acts 23:6

Paul’s Birthplace: Tarsus

Paul was born in a city called Tarsus, which is located in a place called Cilicia. Tarsus was an important city during the Roman Empire. It was known for education, business, and culture. Even though Paul was born outside Jerusalem, he was a full Jew by blood.

Paul’s Family Background

Paul was born into a Jewish family. His father was a Pharisee. Pharisees were religious leaders who followed the laws of Moses strictly. This means Paul grew up in a very religious home where he learned to love and respect God’s laws.

Lessons from Paul’s Early Life

We learn that where you are born does not limit what God can do with you. Paul was born far from Jerusalem, yet God chose him to do great work.

Teaching Methods

Discussion, Lecture, Storytelling, Explanation, Visual Aids, Group Work

Instructional Procedures

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 mins
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher tells a short story about Paul’s life and asks pupils where they were born.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and respond with their places of birth.
Learning Point: Activating prior knowledge

Step 2: Paul’s Birthplace

Time: 10 mins
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains Tarsus as Paul's place of birth using a map and visuals.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the map and repeat after the teacher.
Learning Point: Understanding Paul’s background

Step 3: Paul’s Family Background

Time: 10 mins
Teaching Skill: Storytelling
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher narrates Paul’s family life, emphasizing his Pharisee background.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask questions.
Learning Point: Learning about Paul’s religious upbringing

Step 4: Lessons from His Life

Time: 5 mins
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher discusses moral lessons from Paul’s background and how God uses anyone.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils share their thoughts on what they learned.
Learning Point: Drawing moral lessons from the story

Step 5: Note Taking

Time: 3 mins
Teaching Skill: Writing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher dictates the main points for pupils to copy into their notes.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils write the notes neatly.
Learning Point: Reinforcing lesson content

Step 6: Evaluation

Time: 5 mins
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher asks review questions from the lesson.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer the questions.
Learning Point: Assessing comprehension

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 2 mins
Teaching Skill: Instructional Closure
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the lesson and reminds pupils that God can use anyone for good.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and nod or respond as needed.
Learning Point: Reflecting on the key message

Home Task: Write three lessons learned about Paul’s Early Life: Place Of Birth and one suitable way to apply the teaching responsibly.

Lesson Keywords

Tarsus – The city where Apostle Paul was born
Cilicia – The region where Tarsus is located
Pharisee – A strict Jewish religious leader
Roman Citizen – A person with rights under Roman law
Apostle – A special messenger of Jesus

Lesson Evaluation

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

Where was Apostle Paul born?
Who were the Pharisees?
What do you know about Paul’s family?
Why is it important to know about Paul’s early life?
Mention one lesson you learned from Paul’s background.
Point at Tarsus on the map.

Differentiation

The teacher will support pupils with special needs by using visual aids and repeating explanations, while advanced learners will be asked to find other Bible figures with humble beginnings.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure pupils understand that background does not determine their future. Engage them using visuals and encourage active participation throughout the lesson.