Introduction
Educating children about historical figures like Martin Luther and significant events like the Reformation is essential to help them develop an understanding of how the world has evolved. Martin Luther, a German theology professor and monk, played an integral role in initiating the Protestant Reformation in 1517. By teaching students about his life and the Reformation at a young age, we provide them with a foundation for appreciating the importance of religious freedom and diversity.
Background on Martin Luther
Martin Luther was born in Eisleben, Germany on November 10th, 1483. He studied at the University of Erfurt before choosing to become a monk in 1505. As he progressed through his religious studies, he became more concerned about abuses within the Catholic Church known as indulgences, which were payments made in exchange for forgiveness of sins.
In 1517, Luther wrote a document called the Ninety-five Theses that contained points criticizing the Catholic Church’s approach to indulgences. This seminal work outlined what would later become central tenets of the Protestant Reformation.
Lesson Plan Ideas for Kids
Watch an engaging video: Introduce your students to Martin Luther by showing a short educational video detailing his life and the Reformation. This will give them a basic understanding of who he was and why he is historically significant.
Interactive timeline: Create an interactive timeline of events during Martin Luther’s life and the Reformation period. Have students contribute to the timeline by researching key events or people connected to this historical time.
Role Play: Encourage students to re-create scenes from Martin Luther’s life, such as hiding from authorities, posting the Ninety-five Theses on a church door or discussing new ideas at theological debates.
Art and creativity: After learning about Martin Luther, ask your students to illustrate or create art related to the Reformation, Luther’s life, or other significant events of that period.
Field trip: If possible, take your students on a field trip to a local museum or historical site related to the Reformation.
Compare and contrast: Help kids identify the differences between Catholicism and Protestantism by comparing their beliefs, practices, and history. Provide an opportunity for your students to discuss religious tolerance and freedom.
Storytime: Read books or excerpts about Martin Luther, his life events, or the Reformation period to your students. This will engage them in reading as well as provide additional context to the events being discussed.
Conclusion
By incorporating a diverse set of activities into lessons about Martin Luther and the Reformation, teachers can encourage their students to think more deeply about this period and appreciate its significance in shaping modern society. Understanding historical figures like Martin Luther and their impact can foster critical thinking skills and create a more informed generation of young people.
