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.
Present Aesop's Fable: The Spendthrift and the Swallow. Enjoy a printable version of this timeless fable from Aesop designed to help teach lessons in virtuous behavior and morality. This resource has oversized text and a color image, which makes...
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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 Aesop Copywork Set for the Spendthrift and the Swallow. There is one to trace in cursive and the other in manuscript. A generous writing...
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Kids Can Have Fun Using the Aesop’s Fables Montessori Cards Set 11. Use these cards to help children explore, ponder, and remember all the great moral teachings from Aesop in The Aesop for Children, Illustrated by Milo Winter. Montessori cards...
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Present Aesop's Fable: The Stag and His Reflection. Enjoy a printable version of this timeless fable from Aesop designed to help teach lessons in virtuous behavior and morality. This resource has oversized text and a color image, which makes...
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Use the Aesop Copywork Set for the Stag and His Reflection to focus on moral truth. Find two copywork sheets in this Aesop Copywork Set for the Stag and His Reflection. There is one to trace in cursive and the other in manuscript. a generous writing...
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Kids Can Have Fun Using the Aesop’s Fables Montessori Cards Set 7 Use these cards to help children explore, ponder, and remember all the great moral teachings from Aesop in The Aesop for Children, Illustrated by Milo Winter. Montessori cards...
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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...
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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. The set includes a black-and-white and color version of the...
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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....
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This Recipe Book Report Brings Smiles and Fun to Literature Exploration. Do you have a child who likes to cook? Are you looking for something completely different to use to pick apart your child's favorite read? Look no further. This fun Recipe...
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This Six-Page Blank Detailed Book Report Is Ready Fun for Beginning Readers and Writers. Many times when we think of book reports, we think of something stale, cut and dry. Perhaps we envision something full of research, or something, dare I...
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Book Report for Freckle Juice Extends the Reading Fun. This fun Book Report for Freckle Juice focuses on the plot of the book and the characters as well. This fun reading activity also presents opportunities for grammar practice, virtue recognition,...
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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.
Add Fun to Saint Study with the Saints We Celebrate in November Word Search Puzzle. This worksheet,...
Keep Track of Events in the Month by Using the November 2022 Printable Liturgical Calendar Page. The...
Celebrate the Patron of Musicians with Our Saint Cecilia Double-Sided Saint Trading Card. This...
Teach Young Catholics About Joy with Our Virtue Lesson About Joyfulness Unit Study. Our Virtue...
Celebrate with the St. Cecilia Cupcake Topper. Create a simple, quick cupcake topper to celebrate...
Be Inspired by St. Cecilia with This Fun, Musical Group Game! Saints help us to become stronger in our...
Encourage Children to Learn About the Saints. Help children learn some of the symbols of popular...
Help Young Catholics to Learn About St. Cecilia. The St. Cecilia Saint Trading Card helps kids...
Create a booth with Our St. Cecilia Saint Party Pack for an All Saints’ Day party. Our St. Cecilia...
Introduce Young Catholics to the Saints with the Poster of St. Cecilia. Decorate your learning...
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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.
Get the Gospel Trading Card Ways to Show That Jesus Makes Me Joyful
Teach Using the Get the Gospel Trading Card Ways to Show That Jesus Makes Me Joyful.
Encourage...
Jesus Makes Me Joyful Door Hanger Activity
Teach Young Catholics About the Visitation with Jesus Makes Me Joyful Door Hanger Activity!
Help...
Christ Is Coming Sing for Joy Poster Set
Remind Kids to Celebrate Advent with the Christ Is Coming Sing for Joy Poster Set.
Use the Christ...
Rejoice Christ is Coming Door Hanger Activity
Teach Young Catholics About the Joy of Advent with the Rejoice Christ is Coming Door Hanger Activity.
Help...
Get the Gospel Trading Card on Ways to Show Joy at Christmas
Teach or Celebrate Gaudete Sunday with the Get the Gospel Trading Card on Ways to Show Joy at Christmas.
Show...
Our Virtue Lessons for Kids Check-Off Sheet
Teachers Can Track Series Progress with Our Virtue Lessons for Kids Check-Off Sheet.
Our Virtue Lessons...
4 Cool Facts About Laetare Sunday Worksheet
Young Catholics Can Show What They Know with Our 4 Cool Facts About Laetare Sunday Worksheet.
Our 4 Cool...
Jesus Makes Me Joyful Poster Set
Celebrate Christian Joy and the Visitation with the Jesus Makes Me Joyful Poster Set.
Decorate...
We Must Rejoice for Christ Is Coming Display Activity
Create a Bulletin Board Lesson Using the We Must Rejoice for Christ Is Coming Display Activity.
Need...
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...
Teach Using the Get the Gospel Trading Card Ways to Show That Jesus Makes Me Joyful. Encourage...
Teach Young Catholics About the Visitation with Jesus Makes Me Joyful Door Hanger Activity! Help...
Remind Kids to Celebrate Advent with the Christ Is Coming Sing for Joy Poster Set. Use the Christ...
Teach Young Catholics About the Joy of Advent with the Rejoice Christ is Coming Door Hanger Activity. Help...
Teach or Celebrate Gaudete Sunday with the Get the Gospel Trading Card on Ways to Show Joy at Christmas. Show...
Teachers Can Track Series Progress with Our Virtue Lessons for Kids Check-Off Sheet. Our Virtue Lessons...
Young Catholics Can Show What They Know with Our 4 Cool Facts About Laetare Sunday Worksheet. Our 4 Cool...
Celebrate Christian Joy and the Visitation with the Jesus Makes Me Joyful Poster Set. Decorate...
Create a Bulletin Board Lesson Using the We Must Rejoice for Christ Is Coming Display Activity. Need...
Our A-Z Quest for the Virtue of Joyfulness Can Help Kids Reflect on Being Happy and Joyful. Invite...