Class: Primary 3
Term: Second Term
Week: 8
Age: 8 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Christian Religion Studies
Curriculum Theme: Christian Religion Studies
Previous Lesson: Jesus, the Bread of Life.
Topic: Why Jesus Is Called the Good Shepherd
Subject Matter: GOOD SHEPHERD John 10: 11 – 18 Psalm 23: 1

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Explain why Jesus Christ is referred to as the Good Shepherd.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate that Jesus is their shepherd and is always with them in any situation.

Psychomotor Domain:

Recite and memorize Psalm 23:1-2.

Participate actively in class discussions about Jesus as the Good Shepherd.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Christian Religious Studies for Primary 3 Textbook
The Holy Bible (John 10:11-18, Psalm 23:1)

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

The Holy Bible
Pictures of a shepherd with sheep
A chart showing Psalm 23:1-2

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the special relationship Jesus has with His followers, like a shepherd with his sheep. It enables them to find comfort and security in knowing that Jesus cares for them and guides them through all circumstances of life.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are familiar with the concept of a shepherd and sheep. They have also heard stories about Jesus Christ.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

WHY JESUS IS CALLED THE GOOD SHEPHERD

The Good Shepherd

A shepherd is someone who cares for sheep. A good shepherd protects his sheep from danger, leads them to green pastures and water, and knows each sheep by name. He is willing to do anything to keep his sheep safe and well.

Jesus is called the Good Shepherd because:

He cares for His followers (His sheep) just like a good shepherd cares for his flock.
He protects His followers from evil and danger.
He guides His followers to live good and righteous lives.
He knows each of us personally and loves us unconditionally.
He laid down His life for His sheep (John 10:11-18), showing the greatest love and sacrifice.

Memory Verse

Psalm 23:1 – “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Bible Reading

John 10:11-18
Psalm 23:1

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them what a shepherd does. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Why Jesus Is Called the Good Shepherd.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge about shepherds and are introduced to the lesson topic.

Step 2: Explanation of a Shepherd’s Role

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows pictures of a shepherd and his sheep. The teacher explains the duties of a good shepherd, such as guiding, protecting, and feeding the sheep.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the pictures and listen to the explanation, asking questions where necessary.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the role and responsibilities of a good shepherd.

Step 3: Jesus as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-18)

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Storytelling/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher reads John 10:11-18 from the Bible and explains how Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. The teacher highlights that Jesus protects, guides, and cares for His followers.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the Bible reading and the teacher’s explanation, participating in a brief discussion about Jesus’s role.
Learning Point: Pupils learn that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who sacrifices for and protects His people.

Step 4: Jesus’s Care for His Sheep

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher further explains that Jesus, as our Good Shepherd, is always with us in all situations, providing comfort, strength, and guidance. The teacher gives simple examples of how Jesus cares for us today.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and share their understanding of how Jesus cares for them.
Learning Point: Pupils understand that Jesus’s care for them is constant and applies to their daily lives.

Step 5: Bible Reading

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reading/Recitation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides the pupils to read John 10:11-18 and Psalm 23:1 aloud, ensuring correct pronunciation.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read the assigned Bible passages.
Learning Point: Pupils practice reading the Bible and become familiar with the key verses.

Step 6: Memorization of Psalm 23:1-2

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Repetition/Drill
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads the pupils in memorizing Psalm 23:1-2 using the chart. The teacher repeats the verses several times with the pupils.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils repeat the verses after the teacher and try to memorize them.
Learning Point: Pupils commit Psalm 23:1-2 to memory.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Who is Jesus called in our lesson today?
Give two reasons why Jesus is called the Good Shepherd.
What does Psalm 23:1 say?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson by reminding pupils that Jesus is their loving Good Shepherd who cares for them always. The teacher then assigns a take-home activity for pupils to write down Psalm 23:1-2.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the take-home activity.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and apply it through homework.

Home Task: Write three lessons learned about Why Jesus Is Called the Good Shepherd and one suitable way to apply the teaching responsibly.

Lesson Keywords

Shepherd – A person who tends, feeds, and guards sheep.
Sheep – Animals that are cared for by a shepherd.
Good Shepherd – A name for Jesus Christ, showing His care, protection, and guidance for His followers.
Protect – To keep safe from harm or injury.
Guide – To show the way to someone or something.

Differentiation

For fast learners, the teacher can ask them to explain more deeply what it means for Jesus to lay down His life for the sheep. For slow learners, the teacher will provide extra assistance in reciting the memory verse and simplify explanations.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage pupils to relate the lesson to their personal lives, emphasizing that Jesus’s care is real and relevant to them. Ensure that all pupils have access to a Bible or a copy of the relevant verses. Use visual aids effectively to make the concept of a shepherd and sheep clearer.