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🎁 Week 12: Giving Through Making

Lesson Overview
Grade Level Grades 3-4
Duration 40 minutes
STREAM Focus E (Engineering), A (Art), R (Religion)

Week 12: Giving Through Making

🎯 Learning Objectives

STEM Objectives

Students will be able to: 1. Design with a specific user in mind 2. Create a functional gift item 3. Apply craftsmanship and attention to detail 4. Write clear instructions or cards for their gift

Faith Integration Objectives

Students will be able to: 1. Connect gift-giving to God's generosity 2. Understand the Magi's gifts and their meaning 3. Practice self-giving through handmade creation

Week 12: Giving Through Making

🙏 Faith-Reason Integration

Catholic Teaching Connection

Gift of Self — Handmade gifts represent the gift of our time, creativity, and love. The best gifts come from the heart. God gave us the ultimate gift — Jesus — and we are called to be generous givers too.

Scripture Connection

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son." — John 3:16

Saint Connection

The Magi — They brought gifts that had meaning: gold for a king, frankincense for God, myrrh for one who would die. Their gifts showed thought and intention. Our gifts can carry meaning too.

📚 Materials Needed

  • Craft supplies (paper, cardboard, fabric scraps)

  • Tools (scissors, tape, glue, rulers)

  • Gift project templates/options

  • Decoration supplies

  • Gift card materials

  • "Gift Planning" worksheets

📝 Lesson Procedure (40 minutes)

Opening Prayer & Introduction (5 min)

Advent Prayer: "Generous God, You gave us the greatest gift — Your Son, Jesus. Help us be generous givers too. As we make gifts today, may our love shine through. Amen."

Discuss:

  • "Why do we give gifts?"

  • "What makes a gift meaningful?"

  • "Why might a handmade gift be special?"

Magi connection:

  • "The Wise Men brought meaningful gifts"

  • "Their gifts showed they thought about who Jesus was"

  • "Our gifts can show we've thought about the person receiving them"

Gift Options Introduction (5 min)

Gift project options:

Option A: Perpetual Calendar

  • Wooden or paper calendar with movable pieces

  • Practical gift for desk or kitchen

Option B: Bookmark with Message

  • Laminated or decorated bookmark

  • Include meaningful quote or prayer

Option C: Desk Organizer

  • Made from cardboard or recycled materials

  • Customize for recipient's needs

Option D: Photo Frame

  • Decorated frame for special photo

  • Personalized with designs or messages

Option E: Student Design

  • Create your own gift idea

  • Must be functional and thoughtful

Planning Phase (5 min)

Gift Planning worksheet: 1. Who is this gift for? 2. What do they like/need? 3. Which project will you make? 4. How will you personalize it? 5. What will your card say?

Design emphasis:

  • "Think about the PERSON, not just the project"

  • "How can this gift be special for THEM?"

Creation Time (20 min)

Students create their gifts.

Teacher circulates:

  • "Tell me about who this is for"

  • "How does this show you were thinking about them?"

  • "What will make this special?"

Quality encouragement:

  • Take your time

  • Measure twice, cut once

  • Details show care

  • It doesn't have to be perfect to be meaningful

Card creation: Students also create gift card explaining their gift and expressing their love.

Sharing & Closing (5 min)

Quick share: Students show gifts and explain who they're for.

Reflection:

  • "How did thinking about the person change how you made the gift?"

  • "How does it feel to create something for someone else?"

Faith Connection: "God thought about US when He sent Jesus. He knew exactly what we needed. When you made your gift, you thought about someone else's needs and wants. That's living out God's generous love!"

Closing Prayer: "Thank You, God, for the joy of giving. Bless these gifts and the hands that made them. May they bring joy to those who receive them. Help us be generous givers all year long. Amen."

✅ Assessment

  • Designed gift with specific recipient in mind

  • Created functional, well-crafted gift

  • Wrote thoughtful gift card

  • Demonstrated understanding of meaningful giving

📎 Home Connection

"We made meaningful gifts today! Your child created something special for someone. Ask them: 'Who is your gift for?' 'Why did you choose this?' 'What does your card say?' Talk about how the best gifts show thoughtfulness. Consider making gifts together as a family this holiday season!"

Lesson Version: 1.0 | **