Our Virtue Lesson About Joyfulness
A Unit Study to Help Young Catholics Learn About Being Joyful
The Lesson
This lesson celebrates the virtue of joyfulness and is intended to help Catholic kids practice and live their faith in a real way. It is designed to be used daily, over the course of a month. With a weekly core lesson, daily reinforcement with scripture discussions, prayer, and the incentive progress sheets, children learn quickly how to recognize and begin practicing the virtue of joyfulness. Additional worksheets and activities extend the learning fun.
This unit focuses on topics such as joy as a fruit of Holy Spirit, the soul enables us to be joyful, and how to share joy and happiness with others.
Unit Summary
Grade Level: K-6
Age: 6-10
Focus: Virtue Lesson Unit Study
Theme: Joy & Joyfulness
Step 1. Download the Lesson Packet
This small packet contains the teacher info as well as the main lesson and activity sheets needed for students.
Step 2. Download the Support Materials
With a goal of training young learners to develop habits to form and live virtuous lives, we focus on the virtue of joyfulness. This unit study helps to meet this goal by incorporating a variety of fun and engaging components. Each is listed below along with additional support materials to accompany and extend each lesson component.
Aesop’s Fables Materials
Aesop’s Fables provide simple but effective use of short stories to teach morality.
This unit study incorporates the use of moral tales. These short fables by Aesop highlight the work of Milo Winter, and they are used in weeks two and three of this unit study. This resource has over-sized text and a color image, which make it appealing to young readers. Excellent discussions can occur with such simple stories. Sometimes the stories selected can fit into other virtues as well as the one presented. Feel free to use them repeatedly.
Although most morals are relatively clear-cut, there are a few stories that require thought as to their selection and inclusion in this unit study. Sometimes it is because they provide a positive example of the highlighted virtue, other times it is because they are a negative or contrary example of the virtue. Having older learners come up with a reason for why the fable was selected is a great exercise and can even be turned into a simple writing assignment. Writing paper featuring the thematic image for this particular virtue is provided. For younger students, trace copywork reiterating the moral is offered in both print and cursive styles for reinforcement.
Download the Aesop Materials Below.

Enjoy a printable version of this timeless fable from Aesop designed to help teach lessons in virtuous behavior and morality. This resource has over-sized text and a color image, which make it appealing to young readers. Aesop's Fable: The Spendthrift...
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Focus on the moral truth from Aesop's Fable of the Spendthrift and the Swallow. Find two copywork sheets in this set. There is one to trace in cursive and the other in manuscript. Generous writing area has been provided as well as an image to accompany...
File Size | 159.00 KB |
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Set 11 of Aesop's Fables Montessori Cards Playing, reading and moral training don't usually go together, but they do in the case of our Aesop's Fables Montessori cards. Use these cards to help children explore, ponder, and remember all the great moral...
File Size | 2.98 MB |
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Enjoy a printable version of this timeless fable from Aesop designed to help teach lessons in virtuous behavior and morality. This resource has over-sized text and a color image, which make it appealing to young readers. Aesop's Fable: The Stag and...
File Size | 337.57 KB |
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Focus on the moral truth from Aesop's Fable of the Stag and His Reflection. Find two copywork sheets in this set. There is one to trace in cursive and the other in manuscript. Generous writing area has been provided as well as an image to accompany...
File Size | 131.33 KB |
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Set 7 of Aesop's Fables Montessori Cards Playing, reading and moral training don't usually go together, but they do in the case of our Aesop's Fables Montessori cards. Use these cards to help children explore, ponder, and remember all the great moral...
File Size | 2.75 MB |
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Scripture Suggestions for the Virtue of Joyfulness
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, rejoice.” – Philippians 4:4
“Always rejoice. Pray without ceasing. In all things give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you all.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye just, and glory, all ye right of heart.” – Psalms 31:11
“A wise teacher makes learning a joy; a rebellious teacher spouts foolishness.” – Proverbs 15:2
Additional Passages:
Psalm 19:8
Romans 12:15
Psalm 97:6
James 1:2-3
Psalm 47:1
Romans 15:13
Luke 15:7
Hebrews 12:2
The quotes and references provided above are taken from the Douay-Rheims version of the Holy Bible.
Ideas for Studying Scripture Using This Unit Study
Choose a favorite scripture passage about joyfulness from your own collection or the selection above to discuss with students. You may wish to use a passage for copywork or handwriting practice. Writing Paper is provided featuring the thematic image for this particular virtue.
Alternately, students may be encouraged to study about the virtue of joyfulness with a fun, hands-on activity F3 (Flip, Flap, Fold) Tab Booklet. Learners cut out tabbed pieces, arrange them in order, and staple to finish construction. Students can then write in the book. The scripture notation is written on the tabbed edge, and the body of the text is written on the piece. Children may copy a Bible verse presented by the teacher featuring this virtue, or they may give a narration of a favorite verse they may have studied previously.
This tabbed F3 piece can accommodate up to five different scripture passages. Versions are provided in black-and-white as well as color and feature the thematic image used throughout the unit study. Finished books can be glued into a notebook or blank F3 Folder.
Read our article with pictures on How to Assemble an F3 Bible Verse Piece.

Make Scripture Study About the Virtue of Joyfulness a Hands-On Activity with Our Bible Verse F3 Piece. This little F3 (Flip, Flap, Fold) Piece encourages Bible study about joyfulness. Learners cut out tabbed pieces, arrange them in order, and staple...
File Size | 381.35 KB |
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Writing Sheet Prompts Thoughts About Joyfulness. This writing sheet has just the right amount of cuteness to draw young writers to share their thoughts about joyfulness and being happy. This printable includes a black-and-white and color version...
File Size | 465.79 KB |
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Reading Activities and The Book List
Select a book from the list below to read to or with your students to help them see some examples of this virtue in action. Each title incorporates or focuses on the virtue of joyfulness in some way – either in the theme, plot or through a specific character. Some characters will provide a positive example of the virtue while other characters seem to lack the virtue at times.
Don’t forget that picture books are great for any age group and present ideas very clearly. Children can use the “Reading Log Bookmark” included in this unit to help them keep track of their reading.
Use the “Dr. Virtue’s Discussion Questions” cards to help learners make connections between the stories and the virtue being studied. Older learners may enjoy being led in a book discussion using the question cards as prompts. Alternately, cards may be dispensed to students to answer on their own as a writing assignment or proof of learning.
Some learners may enjoy doing a book report or review about a specific book. Use one of our fun templates below to guide young readers or new writers.
Look through the selection of reading suggestions below. Feel free to use other titles as well.
Picture Books That Can Teach About Joyfulness
The Little Fir Tree by Margaret Wise Brown
The Little Brute Family by Russell Hoban
The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
How Full Is Your Bucket? For Kids by Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer
The Best Nest by P.D. Eastman
My Little Golden Book About God by Jane Werner Watson and Eloise Wilkin
I Wish I Had Freckles Like Abby by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook
I Wish I Was Tall Like Willie by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook
I Wish I Was Strong Like Manuel by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook
I Wish I Had Glasses Like Rosa by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook
It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny by Marilyn Sadler
Easier Chapter Books That Can Teach About Joyfulness
Freckle Juice by Judy Blume
James Herriot’s Treasury for Children by James Herriot
The Adventures of Grandfather Frog by Thornton W. Burgess
Chapter Books That Can Teach About Joyfulness
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graham
The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden
The King of the Golden City by Mother Mary Loyola
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater
Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter
Download the Additional Reading Aids Below.

Help Young Catholics to Learn About Joyfulness as They Track Their Reading Progress. Young readers can easily keep track of the books they read with this fun bookmark that reinforces the virtue of joyfulness. With each completed book or story,...
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Simple Book Review Helps Children Explore Reading and Sharing Their Opinions with Others Do you have a learner who likes giving their opinions about anything and everything? You could easily use that to your advantage with this simple book review. Using...
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Book Report Brings Smiles and Fun and Is a Fun Alternative to a Traditional Book Report Do you have a child who likes to cook? Are looking for something completely different to use to pick apart your child's favorite read? Look no further. This cool little...
File Size | 536.14 KB |
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This Six-Page Resource Is Ready Fun for Beginning Readers and Writers Many times when we think of book reports, we think of something cut and dry; perhaps something full of research, or something, dare I say, boring. Yikes!! You won't find anything...
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Extend the Fun of Freckle Juice by Judy Blume This fun book report was one of my very first creations years ago and has recently been re-edited. It focuses on the plot of the book and the characters as well. Opportunities for grammar practice, virtue...
File Size | 844.68 KB |
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Saint Study
Saint study is important. This is why we have incorporated it into this unit study. Every saint uniquely encounters Christ. From living simply to doing pious works, shepherding the Church to evangelizing to the nations, the saints followed a path to our Lord. We, too, can follow a path to Christ by studying their lives. When kids learn about the holy heroes of the Faith, they can feel encouraged to grow in a variety of virtues, including joyfulness.
Help children to better understand the virtue of joyfulness by learning about St. Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians. The What Can St. Cecilia Teach Me About Joyfulness Worksheet is included in the lesson packet to help guide students on a simple study of this saint.
Below are some fun and creative ways to incorporate the study of St. Cecilia into this virtue lesson.

Saint Cecilia Double-Sided Saint Trading Card
Celebrate the Patron of Musicians with Our Saint Cecilia Double-Sided Saint Trading Card. This...
St. Cecilia Cupcake Topper
Celebrate St. Cecilia! Create a simple, quick cupcake topper to celebrate the life and sainthood...
Heavenly Musical Notes Game
Be Inspired by St. Cecilia with This Fun, Musical Group Game! Saints help us to become stronger in our...
Saints and Symbols Match-Up Game (Female Saints)
Encourage Children to Learn About the Saints. Help children learn some of the symbols of popular female...
St. Cecilia Saint Trading Card
Help Young Catholics to Learn About St. Cecilia. Help children learn about this young female martyr...
St. Cecilia Saint Party Pack
Create a booth with Our St. Cecilia Saint Party Pack for an All Saints’ Day party. Our St. Cecilia...
Poster of St. Cecilia
Introduce Young Catholics to St. Cecilia. Decorate your learning area with a poster of St. Cecilia, patron...
What Can St. Cecilia Teach Us About Joyfulness Notebooking Sheet
Discover the Virtue of Joyfulness by Studying About St. Cecilia. Use this notebooking sheet to guide...
Works of the Artist Raphael Mini-Book
Help learners explore the art of Raphael. This little eight-page mini-book can teach children about the...
St. Cecilia Saint Profile Sheet
Help Catholics Get to Know St. Cecilia This Saint Profile sheet is filled with noteworthy details about...
Saint Mini-Book Unit Study
Let's Learn About Some Great Saints Learn about some of the greatest heroes that ever lived with a project...
Virtue Lesson on Joyfulness
Help Kids Learn About Joyfulness This lesson celebrates the virtue of joyfulness and is intended to...
St. Cecilia Notebooking Sheet
Explore the Life of Saint Cecilia, the Patron Saint of Musicians Introduce your child or Religious Education...
St. Cecilia Saint Biography Card
Encourage Young Catholics to Explore the Life of St. Cecilia With a unique image that gives some traditional...
St. Cecilia Mini-Book
Focus on Learning About St. Cecilia This printable book is prompted and requires learners to research...
Saintly Symbols of St. Cecilia Coloring Sheet
Help Children Learn the Symbols Associated with St. Cecilia This simple coloring sheet can help children...
Build Your Faith Bingo Game
Play to Learn the Basics of the Catholic Faith with the Build Your Faith Bingo Game. This Build Your...
Know-N-Go Game Featuring the Saints
How Well Can You Identify the Saints? This fun game gets learners up and moving as they answer simple...See All of Our Resources About Joyfulness
Browse our entire collection of materials that incorporate the virtue of joyfulness in some way. See individual materials from this virtue lesson as well as additional activities not found in the lesson.
Jesus Makes Me Joyful Display Activity
Create a Bulletin Board Lesson Using the Jesus Makes Me Joyful Display Activity.
Need a unique...
Jesus Makes Me Joyful Poster Set
Celebrate Christian Joy and the Visitation with the Jesus Makes Me Joyful Poster Set.
Decorate...
A-Z Quest for the Virtue of Joyfulness
Our A-Z Quest for the Virtue of Joyfulness Can Help Kids Reflect on Being Happy and Joyful.
Invite...
Our Virtue Lesson About Joyfulness Unit Study
Teach Young Catholics About Joy with Our Virtue Lesson About Joyfulness Unit Study.
Our Virtue...
Virtue of Joyfulness Chart Set
Help Children Learn to be Joyful and Happy.
Use this progress incentive chart set featuring the...
Virtue of Joyfulness Keytag Set
Encourage and Recognize the Joyful Behavior of Your Students.
Consider using these Virtue of Joyfulness...
Virtue of Joyfulness Word Search Worksheet
Use Word Fun to Reinforce the Virtue of Joyfulness.
Help young Catholics to better understand...
Dig Deeper into the Virtue of Joyfulness Worksheet
Prompt Young Catholics to Think About and Discuss the Virtue of Joyfulness.
Help children recall...
Grow in the Virtue of Joyfulness Prayer Worksheet
Remind Young Catholics of Ways to Live Out the Virtue of Joyfulness.
Help children to learn easy...
Picture It - The Virtue of Joyfulness Worksheet
Encourage Young Catholics to Explore the Virtue of Joyfulness by Using Their Drawing Skills.
Help...
I Can Be Joyful Cut-N-Paste Virtue Lesson Sheet
Introduce Young Catholics to the Virtue of Joyfulness.
Help children learn a simple, working definition...
Mini-Book to Focus on the Virtue of Joyfulness
Assist Young Catholics in Learning About the Virtue of Joyfulness by Creating a Mini-Book.
This...
Set the Scene Worksheet for the Virtue of Joyfulness
Encourage Children to Creatively Express Their Understanding of the Virtue of Joyfulness.
This...
Rejoice For Jesus Has Risen Paper Medallion
Encourage Catholic Children to Celebrate Easter, the Resurrection of the Lord.
Help young children...
That Weekly Liturgy Lesson for Kids - Easter Sunday (Cycle A)
That Weekly Liturgy Lesson for Kids - Easter Sunday (Cycle A) Focuses on the Resurrection of the Lord.
Use...
Be Joyful Wristband
Encourage Children to Be Joyful As They Prepare for Advent!
By using these colorful paper wristbands,...
Virtue of Joyfulness Achievement Certificate
Acknowledge When Young Catholics Have Learned About the Virtue of Joyfulness.
Give young students...
The Face of Joy Game
Be Inspired by Mother Teresa with This Fun Matching Game!
Saints lead by example and help us to...
St. Teresa of Calcutta Saint Party Pack
Create a booth for an All Saints’ Day party that features Mother Teresa.
Saint Poster
Saint Profile...
That Weekly Liturgy Lesson for Kids – 3rd Sunday of Advent (Cycle A)
Focus on the Sunday Gospel for Gaudete Sunday with That Weekly Liturgy Lesson for Kids – 3rd Sunday...
Prayer Card for the Virtue of Joyfulness
Pray for the Virtue of Joyfulness.
Help children develop the very useful habit of daily prayer as they...
Virtue of Joyfulness Reading Log Bookmark
Help Young Catholics to Learn About Joyfulness as They Track Their Reading Progress.
Young readers...
F3 Tab Booklet - Bible Verses About Joyfulness
Make Scripture Study About the Virtue of Joyfulness a Hands-On Activity with Our Bible Verse F3 Piece.
This...
I Jump for Joy Coloring Sheet
Help Young Catholics Learn About Joyfulness.
This coloring sheet features a modern font and a...
Jump for Joy Poster
Help Reinforce the Virtue of Joyfulness.
Decorate your classroom or teaching area with this poster...
Virtue of Joyfulness Writing Paper
Writing Sheet Prompts Thoughts About Joyfulness.
This writing sheet has just the right amount...
4 Cool Facts About the Virtue of Joyfulness
Help Young Catholics Learn About the Virtue of Joyfulness.
Ask children to share any four facts...
How Can You Practice Joyfulness Graphic Organizer
Help Children Recall How to Be Joyful.
Use this graphic organizer worksheet to encourage children...
Activities to Build Joyfulness Worksheet
Focus on Developing the Virtue of Joyfulness in Children.
Use this check-off style worksheet to...
What Can St. Cecilia Teach Us About Joyfulness Notebooking Sheet
Discover the Virtue of Joyfulness by Studying About St. Cecilia.
Use this notebooking sheet to guide...
Weekly Liturgy Lesson - 3rd Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday (Cycle C)
Our Weekly Liturgy Lesson - 3rd Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday (Cycle C) Can Help Kids to Understand...
A Good Catholic Match-Up Game
Teach Kids About How to Be Living Examples of the Catholic Faith with A Good Catholic Match-Up Game.
Help...
Guadete Sunday FIll-In the Faces Worksheet
Teach, Review, or Discuss Gaudete Sunday.
Nine statements are presented to recall the uniqueness...
That Weekly Liturgy Lesson for Kids - 3rd Sunday of Advent (Cycle B)
That Weekly Liturgy Lesson for Kids - 3rd Sunday of Advent (Cycle B) Helps Celebrate Gaudete Sunday.
Use...
Acrostic Poem on Joyfulness
Acrostic Poem on Joyfulness
Use the letters in the word joyfulness to help children think about things...
A-Z of Joyfulness Worksheet
How Do You Like to Show Joy?
Invite children to examine different ways to practice being joyful with...

Jesus Makes Me Joyful Display Activity
Create a Bulletin Board Lesson Using the Jesus Makes Me Joyful Display Activity. Need a unique...
Jesus Makes Me Joyful Poster Set
Celebrate Christian Joy and the Visitation with the Jesus Makes Me Joyful Poster Set. Decorate...
A-Z Quest for the Virtue of Joyfulness
Our A-Z Quest for the Virtue of Joyfulness Can Help Kids Reflect on Being Happy and Joyful. Invite...
Our Virtue Lesson About Joyfulness Unit Study
Teach Young Catholics About Joy with Our Virtue Lesson About Joyfulness Unit Study. Our Virtue...
Virtue of Joyfulness Chart Set
Help Children Learn to be Joyful and Happy. Use this progress incentive chart set featuring the...
Virtue of Joyfulness Keytag Set
Encourage and Recognize the Joyful Behavior of Your Students. Consider using these Virtue of Joyfulness...
Virtue of Joyfulness Word Search Worksheet
Use Word Fun to Reinforce the Virtue of Joyfulness. Help young Catholics to better understand...
Dig Deeper into the Virtue of Joyfulness Worksheet
Prompt Young Catholics to Think About and Discuss the Virtue of Joyfulness. Help children recall...
Grow in the Virtue of Joyfulness Prayer Worksheet
Remind Young Catholics of Ways to Live Out the Virtue of Joyfulness. Help children to learn easy...
Picture It - The Virtue of Joyfulness Worksheet
Encourage Young Catholics to Explore the Virtue of Joyfulness by Using Their Drawing Skills. Help...
I Can Be Joyful Cut-N-Paste Virtue Lesson Sheet
Introduce Young Catholics to the Virtue of Joyfulness. Help children learn a simple, working definition...
Mini-Book to Focus on the Virtue of Joyfulness
Assist Young Catholics in Learning About the Virtue of Joyfulness by Creating a Mini-Book. This...
Set the Scene Worksheet for the Virtue of Joyfulness
Encourage Children to Creatively Express Their Understanding of the Virtue of Joyfulness. This...
Rejoice For Jesus Has Risen Paper Medallion
Encourage Catholic Children to Celebrate Easter, the Resurrection of the Lord. Help young children...
That Weekly Liturgy Lesson for Kids - Easter Sunday (Cycle A)
That Weekly Liturgy Lesson for Kids - Easter Sunday (Cycle A) Focuses on the Resurrection of the Lord. Use...
Be Joyful Wristband
Encourage Children to Be Joyful As They Prepare for Advent! By using these colorful paper wristbands,...
Virtue of Joyfulness Achievement Certificate
Acknowledge When Young Catholics Have Learned About the Virtue of Joyfulness. Give young students...
The Face of Joy Game
Be Inspired by Mother Teresa with This Fun Matching Game! Saints lead by example and help us to...
St. Teresa of Calcutta Saint Party Pack
Create a booth for an All Saints’ Day party that features Mother Teresa. Saint Poster Saint Profile...
That Weekly Liturgy Lesson for Kids – 3rd Sunday of Advent (Cycle A)
Focus on the Sunday Gospel for Gaudete Sunday with That Weekly Liturgy Lesson for Kids – 3rd Sunday...
Prayer Card for the Virtue of Joyfulness
Pray for the Virtue of Joyfulness. Help children develop the very useful habit of daily prayer as they...
Virtue of Joyfulness Reading Log Bookmark
Help Young Catholics to Learn About Joyfulness as They Track Their Reading Progress. Young readers...
F3 Tab Booklet - Bible Verses About Joyfulness
Make Scripture Study About the Virtue of Joyfulness a Hands-On Activity with Our Bible Verse F3 Piece. This...
I Jump for Joy Coloring Sheet
Help Young Catholics Learn About Joyfulness. This coloring sheet features a modern font and a...
Jump for Joy Poster
Help Reinforce the Virtue of Joyfulness. Decorate your classroom or teaching area with this poster...
Virtue of Joyfulness Writing Paper
Writing Sheet Prompts Thoughts About Joyfulness. This writing sheet has just the right amount...
4 Cool Facts About the Virtue of Joyfulness
Help Young Catholics Learn About the Virtue of Joyfulness. Ask children to share any four facts...
How Can You Practice Joyfulness Graphic Organizer
Help Children Recall How to Be Joyful. Use this graphic organizer worksheet to encourage children...
Activities to Build Joyfulness Worksheet
Focus on Developing the Virtue of Joyfulness in Children. Use this check-off style worksheet to...
What Can St. Cecilia Teach Us About Joyfulness Notebooking Sheet
Discover the Virtue of Joyfulness by Studying About St. Cecilia. Use this notebooking sheet to guide...
Weekly Liturgy Lesson - 3rd Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday (Cycle C)
Our Weekly Liturgy Lesson - 3rd Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday (Cycle C) Can Help Kids to Understand...
A Good Catholic Match-Up Game
Teach Kids About How to Be Living Examples of the Catholic Faith with A Good Catholic Match-Up Game. Help...
Guadete Sunday FIll-In the Faces Worksheet
Teach, Review, or Discuss Gaudete Sunday. Nine statements are presented to recall the uniqueness...
That Weekly Liturgy Lesson for Kids - 3rd Sunday of Advent (Cycle B)
That Weekly Liturgy Lesson for Kids - 3rd Sunday of Advent (Cycle B) Helps Celebrate Gaudete Sunday. Use...
Acrostic Poem on Joyfulness
Acrostic Poem on Joyfulness Use the letters in the word joyfulness to help children think about things...