Grade 1 - Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States

Sunday School Curriculum Grade 1
INTRODUCTION
This grade 1 Sunday school curriculum has been modified by substituting 28 lessons from the
previous curriculum published by the Youth Service Committee of the Coptic Orthodox
Patriatchate with new lessons that are suitable for the children in America. The order of the
lessons has also been changed to follow the major events in the church. This resulted in the
following order assuming the starting date is the first week after the Coptic New Year
celebration (El Nayrooz) on September 11:
- 3 lessons for the month of September
- 4 lessons for each of the months of October through January
- Variable number of filler lessons for the period between the beginning of
February and Jonah’s fast.
- 2 lessons, one before and one after Jonah’s fast
- 7 lessons during the Great Fast
- 7 lessons for the period between Easter and the Feast of the Pentecost
- Variable number of filler lessons between the Feast of the Pentecost and the
Apostles’ Feast
- 3 lessons for the remainder of July after the Apostles’ Feast
- 4 lessons for August
- 1 lesson for the first week of September
Please note that filler lessons can also be used for the occasional fifth Sunday in any month.
These filler lessons are in the beginning of the book and it is preferable that they be used in
sequence for the sake of unity in all the churches.
The Lesson
Any course, however perfect it may be, and however well prepared it is, needs a good servant
to teach it. Every servant must prepare his lessons well. Do not underestimate the child in front
of you. They are very observant and learn a lot from what they see and hear from the servant.
Preparing audiovisual aids is the most important part of grade 1 lessons. Avoid teaching
any lesson without visual aids at this grade.
Give the children a chance to talk and participate with their questions and answers in an
organized manner
Involve the parents at home in spiritual activities for the children e.g. reading the Bible
and praying with them.
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