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FATHER BAKER'S LEGACY YEARS

 Grade Levels:                       Primary grades K-3

Scripture Focus:                   1 Peter 3:8

NYS Learning Standards:    Arts:                                         Standards 2, 4                                        

                                                English Language Arts:           Standards 1, 4

Performance Indicators:      Students will:

·         state ways Father Baker is still remembered today.

·         explain how Father Baker was able to pay for the Basilica.        

·         construct a “giving tree” to record acts of kindness.

Motivational Activity:            Begin the lesson by displaying pictures of the Basilica (see resource sheet for online sources).  Explain to the students that one of the things we remember about Father Baker is the beautiful church he built.

Instructional Steps:              1.   Help students recall facts from the stories they read or heard regarding why and how the Basilica was built.  Students will need to have a teacher-led discussion on how Father Baker wanted to honor the Blessed Mother and how he was able to pay for such a grand church. 

                                                2.   Display the words, “Jesus’ light shines through the stained glass windows, just as Father Baker’s faith, devotion, and work shines on.”  Ask students if they can explain what this means.  Explain to the students that much of Father Baker’s work still goes on today.  Show current pictures of Baker Victory Services.  Explain to students that the institutions still help all those in need.

3.      Brainstorm ways the students can carry on Father Baker’s way of life.  One way is to display the students’ responses on a “Giving Tree.”  Create a tree trunk out of brown construction paper.  The students, depending on ability level, can then illustrate and/or write about a giving act of kindness on a leaf made from construction paper.  Place the leaves on the tree trunk and display their leaves in a prominent location.  The title of this project could be “Our Giving Tree.”

                                                4.   Create a stained glass window with the patterns provided or make one of your own.  Follow the attached directions or just have the students color the pattern.  Display completed projects.

Follow-Up Activities:            1.  Take a class trip and have a guided tour of the Basilica.

                                                2.  Sing song about Father Baker.

Father Baker

Father Baker, Father Baker

He’s Our Friend, He’s Our Friend

He was so kind, He was so kind

Yes he was, yes he was!

                                                3.  Have students write poems about Father Baker.

                                                4.  Complete the attached puzzle of the Basilica.

Scripture Lesson 3

1 Peter 3:8    “Finally, all of you, be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, humble.”

Internet Resources

http://www.ourladyofvictory.org/FrBaker/Welcome.html OLV Main Site

http://www.ourladyofvictory.org/Frbstory/Welcome.html  The Father Baker Story

http://www.ourladyofvictory.org/Frbstory/Welcome.html  His Early Life 1841 - 1869

http://www.ourladyofvictory.org/Frbstory/making.html  Making of a Priest 1869 - 1882

http://www.ourladyofvictory.org/Frbstory/need.html  A Time of Need 1882 - 1891

http://www.ourladyofvictory.org/Frbstory/legacy.html  A Growing Legacy 1891 - 1921

http://www.ourladyofvictory.org/Frbstory/twilight.html  Twilight 1921 - 1936