Core Lesson Plan
HDC Grade 4 features a deeper analysis of the nature of human dignity as students are introduced to its main characteristics of being universal, intrinsic, and inalienable. Students will also revisit familiar concepts in a new light. Concepts like emotions are taught in relation to being automatic and temporary and how understanding this will allow a better use of one’s powers to think and choose. As students become more socially active and aware at this stage, the power of culture and art are tackled in HDC Grade 4. Freedom for excellence, defined as the ability to choose what is good in the long run, is an essential lesson in this module as it ties in succeeding classes on solidarity, friendship, and love.
Lesson 1
The Human Person: Human Dignity
The purpose of this lesson is to introduce human dignity as our special value as human persons.
Lesson 2
All Living Beings: The Hierarchy
The purpose of this lesson is to establish the hierarchy of living beings.
Lesson 3A
Animals & Humans: Power to Use Internal Senses
The purpose of this lesson is to distinguish animals and humans from plants with their power to use internal senses.
Lesson 3B
Animals & Humans: Power to Feel Emotions
The purpose of this lesson is to distinguish animals and humans from plants because of their power to feel emotions.
Lesson 4A
Humans: Power of Culture
The purpose of this lesson is to teach the value of art as not only a means of expression but a manifestation of culture.
Lesson 4B
Humans: Power to Think
The purpose of this lesson is to distinguish humans from other living beings with their power to think.
Lesson 4C
Humans: Freedom & Power to Choose
The purpose of this lesson is to distinguish humans from other living beings with their power to choose.
Lesson 5A
Me: Choosing for Myself
The purpose of this lesson is to prepare students to make excellent decisions regarding their whole person.
Lesson 5B
Me: Choosing for My Body
The purpose of this lesson is to prepare students to make excellent decisions regarding their body.
Lesson 6A
Me & Others: Self-Gift in Solidarity
The purpose of this lesson is to highlight that there is an intrinsic social element to our humanity.
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Lesson 6B
Me & Others: Choices in Friendship & at School
The purpose of this lesson is to highlight how friendships can aid in our quest for human excellence.
Lesson 6C
Me & Others: Love
The purpose of this lesson is to highlight love as the gift of a self to another in accordance with their dignity.
Lesson 7A
Humans: Heroes
To place students on the path of aspiring toward heroic excellence.