Elementary Lesson Plan
Documentary: Heart of a Servant – The Father Flanagan Story
Grade Level: 4-5th Grade | Length: 3 class period
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Learning ObjectivesBy the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
Materials NeededThe 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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Daily Lesson Plans
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Day One
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 Two
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 Three
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.
