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Elementary Lesson Plan

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

  • Identify key moments in the life of Father Edward J. Flanagan.

  • Explain how Father Flanagan lived out Jesus’ call to love and serve others.

  • Describe ways Catholic values such as prayer & worship, compassion, dignity of the human person, and service to the poor are shown in the documentary.

  • Reflect on how they can practice service and kindness in their own lives.

  • Demonstrate understanding of the documentary's main themes through discussion and an assessment quiz.

Documentary: Heart of a Servant - The Father Flanagan Story  |  Grade Level: 4-5th Grade  |  Length: 3 class periods

Materials Needed

  • The following links to the documentary, study guide, slides, and assessment

  • Printed copy of the Study Guide for students to complete as they watch the documentary

  • ANSWER KEYS: Study Guide, Assessment

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Documentary

Study Guide

Review Slides

Assessment

Day 1: Introduction & Viewing (Part 1)

Opening (5–10 minutes)

  • Begin with a brief discussion:

    • What does it mean to be a servant of others?

    • How did Jesus show care for people in need?

  • Introduce Father Edward J. Flanagan and explain that the class will watch a film about his life and mission.
     

Activity: Documentary Viewing (30–40 minutes)

  • Distribute the documentary study guide to each student.

  • Begin watching Heart of a Servant: The Father Flanagan Story.

  • Pause at key moments to:

    • Clarify important events

    • Allow students to answer questions on the study guide

    • Facilitate brief class discussions as needed
       

Closing (5 minutes)

  • Ask students to share one thing that stood out to them from the documentary so far.

  • Remind students to keep their study guides for the next class.​

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Day 2: Viewing & Discussion (Part 2)

Opening (5 minutes)

  • Review what has happened so far in the documentary.

  • Invite students to recall one example of how Father Flanagan helped others.
     

Activity: Documentary Viewing (30–40 minutes)

  • Continue watching the remainder of the documentary.

  • Pause periodically to:

    • Complete remaining study guide questions

    • Discuss important themes such as service, perseverance, and faith in action
       

Closing (5 minutes)

  • Ask students to reflect quietly or share:

    • How did Father Flanagan show love the way Jesus teaches us to love?

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Day 3: Recap, Discussion Activities & Assessment

Opening (5 minutes)

  • Review key themes from the film:

    • Service to others

    • Respect for every person

    • Trust in God
       

Activity: Slide Presentation (15–20 minutes)

  • Use the slide presentation to recap:

    • Major events from Father Flanagan’s life

    • Important lessons and Catholic values shown in the documentary

  • Work through the discussion activities included in the slides as a class, encouraging student participation and reflection.

  • Potential discussion questions:

    • Why was Father Flanagan’s work important?

    • How did his faith guide his choices?

    • ​What did Fr. Flanagan want for his boys besides a home, food, care?

    • What challenges did he face, and how did he respond?

Assessment Activity (15–20 minutes)

  • Have students complete the assessment quiz individually.

  • Remind students to use what they learned from:

    • The documentary

    • Study guide

    • Class discussions
       

Closing Reflection (5 minutes)

  • Conclude with a short reflection or prayer:

    • Ask students to think about one way they can serve others this week, inspired by Father Flanagan’s example.

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