Grade 2 CRE The Early Life Of Jesus Christ – Joseph The Father Of Jesus Notes

Simple facts (for children)

• Joseph was the earthly father of Jesus. He cared for Jesus and Mary.
• God spoke to Joseph in a dream and told him to take Mary as his wife.
• Joseph protected Jesus and did what God asked. He was brave and obedient.
• He took Mary to Bethlehem where Jesus was born, and he worked as a carpenter.

Bible stories to read (short)

Matthew 1:18–25 (Joseph's dream) and Luke 2:1–7 (Jesus' birth in Bethlehem). Teacher may read a short child-friendly story version.

Specific learning outcomes (SLOs)

• By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to name Joseph and say one or two things he did for Jesus and Mary.
• Pupils will show understanding of obedience by saying how Joseph listened to God's message.
• Pupils will draw or act out Joseph caring for baby Jesus (showing practical understanding).

Suggested learning experiences (activities)

1. Telling the story: Teacher tells a short story about Joseph using a picture or nativity props. Keep sentences short and repeat key points.
2. Role play: Children act out the scene where Joseph takes Mary to Bethlehem or listens to the dream. Use simple costumes (shawl, staff).
3. Drawing time: Give each child paper and crayons. Ask them to draw Joseph with baby Jesus and one thing Joseph does (e.g., holding, protecting, or working).
4. Memory verse: Teach a short verse: "An angel told Joseph to name the child Jesus." (Matthew 1:21 — teacher can show the full verse in class.) Repeat and clap.
5. Discussion: Ask: "How can we be like Joseph? How can we care for others?" Let 2–3 children answer in turns.
6. Song and prayer: Sing a simple chorus about Jesus' birth (e.g., "Away in a Manger" or a short local praise). Close with a short thank-you prayer for fathers and caregivers.

Classroom resources (Kenyan context)

• Pictures or small nativity set (or hand-made figures from cardboard).
• Crayons, paper, and glue for drawing and craft.
• Simple costumes: shawls, a stick for a staff, basket as baby bed.
• Local song or hymnbook; use Kiswahili or English songs children know.

Assessment (short, friendly)

Use simple questions and activities:

• Ask each child: "Who is Joseph?" (expect: Mary’s husband / Jesus’ father)
• Ask: "What did Joseph do when God spoke to him?" (listen and obey)
• Check drawings: Can the child show Joseph protecting or caring for baby Jesus?

Simple closing prayer (teacher reads)

"Dear God, thank you for Joseph who loved and cared for Jesus. Help us to be kind and to listen to you. Amen."

Notes for the teacher

Keep the lesson short (20–30 minutes). Use local examples of caring fathers (e.g., a Kenyan dad going to work, protecting family) so children can relate. Encourage children to share about their own families.