SUBJECTS: Art, History and Religion
GRADE LEVELS: All

OBJECTIVES:
To show different images of Mary as illustrated by artists.
To develop understanding of Mary’s different roles.
To help students understand how artists honor Mary in different ways.

TIME: 1-3 class periods, depending on the number of images used.

MATERIALS:
Teacher Reference: Kids Explore America’s Catholic Heritage, page 39
Pictures of Mary
Can be found in old religious calendars and in religious Websites.
Volunteers with a devotion to Mary may be willing to come in and share their collection.
Pencils and Paper

ACTIVITIES:
Show and discuss the images of Mary
Ask what is she doing in each picture?
What is unique about this picture?
Compare how she looks, is dressed, her characteristics, etc.
Have each student choose one picture and write about it. The length of the writing activity will vary with the grade of the student.

EXTENSIONS:
Discuss shrines to Mary and where they are located.
Invite in a guest speaker from an organization that has a devotion to Mary such as the Legion of Mary.
Have students bring in photos of their favorite picture of Mary.

NOTE: This is a good time to emphasize that as Catholics we honor Mary because she is the Mother of Jesus and show this honor and devotion by having a statue or picture of her. We do not worship Mary. Just as you might have a picture of a loved one in your home, we have pictures of Mary. We do not worship our loved ones and we do not worship Mary. We pray to Mary because she gives our prayers directly to God.