top of page

Middle School Lesson Plan

​

Learning Objectives

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

  • Analyze key events in the life of Father Edward J. Flanagan and their historical and social context.

  • Explain how Father Flanagan’s actions reflect Catholic social teaching, particularly the dignity of the human person and the call to serve the poor and vulnerable.

  • Evaluate the challenges Father Flanagan faced and how his faith influenced his decisions.

  • Connect themes from the film to modern-day examples of Christian service.

  • Demonstrate comprehension of the film’s main ideas through discussion, reflection, and an assessment quiz.

Documentary: Heart of a Servant - The Father Flanagan Story  |  Grade Level: 6-8th 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

film-button.png
eUgAdlp3W3.png
SmbUvvuxd0.png
Wgbg5WXuPB.png

Documentary

Study Guide

Review Slides

Assessment

Day 1: Introduction & Viewing (Part 1)

Opening (10 minutes)

  • Begin with a discussion:

    • What does it mean to live out your faith through action?

    • How are Christians called to respond to injustice or poverty?

  • Introduce Father Edward J. Flanagan, providing brief historical context for his work and the founding of Boys Town.

  • Explain expectations for viewing the film and completing the study guide, emphasizing thoughtful and complete responses.

Activity: Film Viewing (30–35 minutes)

  • Distribute the film study guide.

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

  • Pause at key points to:

    • Clarify historical or theological ideas

    • Allow students to answer study guide questions

    • Engage in short, guided discussions

Closing (5 minutes)

  • Ask students to write a brief exit response:

    • What motivated Father Flanagan to serve others?​

​

​

Day 2: Viewing & Thematic Discussion (Part 2)

Opening (5 minutes)

  • Review key events from the previous class.

  • Invite students to share insights from their study guide responses.

Activity: Film Viewing (30–35 minutes)

  • Continue watching the remainder of the film.

  • Pause as needed to:

    • Discuss moral dilemmas and leadership decisions

    • Highlight connections to Catholic social teaching

    • Complete remaining study guide questions

Guided Discussion (10 minutes)

  • Discuss questions such as:

    • What risks did Father Flanagan take to stand up for vulnerable children?

    • How did society respond to his work, both positively and negatively?

    • In what ways did Father Flanagan model Christian leadership?

Closing (5 minutes)

  • Ask students to reflect:

    • How does Father Flanagan challenge us to live our faith today?

​

​

Day 3: Recap, Discussion Activities & Assessment

Opening (5 minutes)

  • Review the major themes of the film, including:

    • Faith in action

    • Social responsibility

    • Respect for human dignity

Activity: Slide Presentation & Discussion (20–25 minutes)

  • Use the slide presentation to recap:

    • Key moments in Father Flanagan’s life

    • Core themes and moral lessons

  • Facilitate the discussion activities included in the slides, encouraging students to:

    • Support their responses with examples from the film

    • Make connections to Scripture or Church teaching

Assessment Activity (15–20 minutes)

  • Have students complete the assessment quiz individually or as a class.

  • Remind students to use what they learned from:

    • The documentary

    • Study guide

    • Class discussions

Closing Reflection (5 minutes)

  • End with a short written reflection or prayer:

    • What were some of the virtues that Father Flanagan demonstrated that you found most admirable? What virtues would you like to grow in?

bottom of page