Thursday, November 6, 2014

FREE Mass Booklet for Children



This activity is free; however it is only to be used for classroom and personal use. It may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted. All graphics/images/clipart etc. used on this activity are not my own and are from various internet sources.





FREE Mass Booklet for Children- Mass Booklet for you to print out. Make a cover or better yet, have your children make one to make it more personalized.



Friday, October 10, 2014

Gospel for the Mass: 11/9/14- John 2:13-22








*Be sure to check out Gospel for the Mass Year A page right below the header for other days that you need Gospel for the Mass activities.


Disclaimer: The posts below contain links to other websites and the content of these sites are evaluated before they are included. These websites can change without warning making links inactive and/or the content altered. We have no control over other websites and we are not responsible for the content that they post.




John 2:13-22



Activities

catholicmom.com- Click on the month. Scroll down to the date for Coloring Page, Mass Worksheet, Crossword Puzzle, Word Search, etc.

catholickidsbulletin.blogspot.com- Download a FREE bulletin to help your kids learn more about our Catholic Mass. Each week's bulletin contains coloring pages for a saint and activities based on the Gospel. The coloring pages may also include a maze, dot-to-dot, find the picture, and many other activities.

sadlierreligion.com- Scroll down to Gospel Reflection, Discussion Questions for the Gospel, and Proclaiming Faith Activities

loyolapress.com- Background on the Gospel and activities for groups and families

4catholiceducatiors.com- Resources on the Sunday Readings

msssbible.com- Jesus Cleanses the Temple with tons of resources for illustrating the story, coloring pages/activity sheets, and crafts

sermons4kids.com- Spring Cleaning object lesson with group activities, coloring, puzzles, quiz, worship bulletin

christiancrafters.com- Jesus Cleanses The Temple: "A lesson on dealing with anger"

sundayschoolsources.com- Jesus Cleans the Temple lesson with discussions, songs, crafts, games, questions, worksheets, memory work, etc.

calvarycurriculum.com- The Cleansing of the Temple lesson #177 with memory verses, circle the correct words, true or false, fill in the blanks, puzzles, and color sheets.

sundayschoollessons.com- Jesus Chases the Moneylenders Out of the Temple lesson

textweek.com- Lectionary, Scripture Study and Worship Links and Resources



Coloring

sermons4kids.com- Cleansing the Temple

sermons4kids.com- Jesus Cleansing the Temple

sermons4kids.com- Cleansing Temple

edupics.com- Cleansing the Temple

supercoloring.com- Jesus Cleansing the Temple



Crafts

sermons4kids.com- Spring Cleaning group activities (crafts)

kidscraftweekly.com- Pirate Money and Felt Pouch (scroll down to this)

Taking Flight- A bird that can be a dove that you make out of white paper and using the child's handprints. (From the Hands of a Child by Anthony Flores, page 41).

jas.familyfun.go.com- Paper Dove Craft

enchantedlearning.com- Peace Dove

first-school.ws- Bull, Cow, Ox crafts

dltk-kids.com- Ox or Bull Toilet Paper Roll Craft



Games

sermons4kids.com- Spring Cleaning group activities (crafts)

sugardoodle.net- Scroll down to Game


Introduce game: What were the people doing inside the temple that made Jesus so angry? People were buying and selling animals. What did Jesus do? He stormed through the temple overturning the tables and furniture and driving the sellers and the animals out of the temple.

books.google.com- Temple Bowling
This game will help children discover God wants his house to be a place of worship. (The Encyclopedia of Bible Games for Children’s Ministry, page 83). *You can also use empty 2 liter soda bottles.


Puzzles

sermons4kids.com- Word Search

sermons4kids.com- Word Search

joanyedwards.com- Word Search

sermons4kids.com- Word Jumble

sermons4kids.com- Crossword

sermons4kids.com- Crossword

silk.net/RelEd- Crossword

joanyedwards.com- Crossword



Quiz

sermons4kids.com- Multiple Choice





Friday, October 3, 2014

Gospel for the Mass: 11/2/14- John 6:37-40








*Be sure to check out Gospel for the Mass Year A page right below the header for other days that you need Gospel for the Mass activities.


Disclaimer: The posts below contain links to other websites and the content of these sites are evaluated before they are included. These websites can change without warning making links inactive and/or the content altered. We have no control over other websites and we are not responsible for the content that they post.




John 6:37-40



Activities

catholicmom.com- Click on the month. Scroll down to the date for Coloring Page, Mass Worksheet, Crossword Puzzle, Word Search, etc.

catholickidsbulletin.blogspot.com- Download a FREE bulletin to help your kids learn more about our Catholic Mass. Each week's bulletin contains coloring pages for a saint and activities based on the Gospel. The coloring pages may also include a maze, dot-to-dot, find the picture, and many other activities.

sadlierreligion.com- Scroll down to Gospel Reflection, Discussion Questions for the Gospel, and Proclaiming Faith Activities

loyolapress.com- Background on the Gospel and activities for groups and families

4catholiceducatiors.com- Resources on the Sunday Readings

raisinglittlesaints.blogspot.com- A Colossal Set of Resources and Activities on All Saints Day

The Catholic Toolbox- References, Activities, Coloring, Costumes, Crafts, Games, Lessons, Puzzles, Quizzes, Songs, Worksheets

theholidayspot.com- All Souls Day Activities

catholicculture.org- All Souls Day Ideas for the Family

catholicculture.org- Feast of All Souls with information, recipes, activities, prayers, and library

loyolapress.com- All Saints Day and All Souls Day Activities & BLMs

catholicmom.com- Halloween, All Saints Day and All Souls Day Activities

textweek.com- Lectionary, Scripture Study and Worship Links and Resources



Crafts

theholidayspot.com- All Souls Day Crafts

*See above in Activities for more Crafts



Puzzles

joanyedwards.com- Word Search

joanyedwards.com- Crossword



Recipes

theholidaysport.com- All Souls Day Recipes

catholichomeandgarden.com- Scroll down to: November 2: All Souls' Day

allrecipes.com- Ossi die Morti (Dead Bone Cookies)

mamalisa.com- Recipe for Italian “Beans of the Dead” Fave dei morti





Friday, September 5, 2014

Gospel for the Mass: 10/5/14- Matthew 21:33-43








*Be sure to check out Gospel for the Mass Year A page right below the header for other days that you need Gospel for the Mass activities.


Disclaimer: The posts below contain links to other websites and the content of these sites are evaluated before they are included. These websites can change without warning making links inactive and/or the content altered. We have no control over other websites and we are not responsible for the content that they post.




Matthew 21:33-43



Activities

catholicmom.com- Click on the month. Scroll down to the date for Coloring Page, Mass Worksheet, Crossword Puzzle, Word Search, etc.

catholickidsbulletin.blogspot.com- Download a FREE bulletin to help your kids learn more about our Catholic Mass. Each week's bulletin contains coloring pages for a saint and activities based on the Gospel. The coloring pages may also include a maze, dot-to-dot, find the picture, and many other activities.

http://www.sadlierreligion.com/webelieve/weeksliturgy.cfm?section=resource&id=250">sadlierreligion.com- Scroll down to Gospel Reflection, Discussion Questions for the Gospel, and Proclaiming Faith Activities

loyolapress.com- Background on the Gospel and activities for groups and families

4catholiceducatiors.com- Resources on the Sunday Readings

sermons4kids.com- Last of All, He Sent His Son object lesson

calvarycurriculum.com- The Parable of the Evil Vinedresser lesson #223 with memory verses, circle the correct words, true or false, fill in the blanks, puzzles, and color sheets.

sundayschoollessons.com- Wicked Tenants Steal from the Owner lesson

textweek.com- Lectionary, Scripture Study and Worship Links and Resources



Coloring

sermons4kids.com- The Parable of the Evil Vine Dressers

sermons4kids.com- Matthew 21:33-43

theclipartwizard.com- Parable of the Tenants coloring pages



Crafts

sermons4kids.com- Last of All, He Sent His Son (group activities) crafts


Make a banner proclaiming the Lord or your favorite verse from the Gospel today out of felt, construction paper or foam sheets.

jas.familyfun.go.com- Buddy Banner

crayola.com- Mosaic Mini Banner



Games

sermons4kids.com- Last of All, He Sent His Son (group activities) games


Throw Away Your Sins Game

Need: scrap paper, pencils, trashcan, 2 chairs

Introduction: When we do something wrong, we are sorry for what we have done. If we are truly sorry for our sins we ask God to forgive us. When God forgives us, he doesn’t remember what we have done. He throws all our sins away when we ask for him to forgive us.

Directions: Discuss with the students sins that they have done in the past. Did they ask God to forgive them? How did they feel after they asked God to forgive them? Have the students write past sins down on the scrap paper or draw pictures of their sins if they cannot write and ball up each piece of paper when they are finished. Divide the class into 2 teams. Put a trashcan against a wall. Have students line up in two teams behind a chair (to keep them from getting too close to basket). Students then play Horse Basketball, but spells FORGIVE. The first team that spells FORGIVE wins.



Puzzles

sermons4kids.com- Word Search

joanyedwards.com- Word Search

sermons4kids.com- Decoder

sermons4kids.com- Crossword

4catholiceducators.com- The Stone Rejected crossword

joanyedwards.com- Crossword



Quizzes

sermons4kids.com- Matching





Friday, August 15, 2014

Gospel for the Mass: 9/21/14- Matthew 20:1-16a








*Be sure to check out Gospel for the Mass Year A page right below the header for other days that you need Gospel for the Mass activities.


Disclaimer: The posts below contain links to other websites and the content of these sites are evaluated before they are included. These websites can change without warning making links inactive and/or the content altered. We have no control over other websites and we are not responsible for the content that they post.




Matthew 20:1-16a



Activities

catholicmom.com- Click on the month. Scroll down to the date for Coloring Page, Mass Worksheet, Crossword Puzzle, Word Search, etc.

catholickidsbulletin.blogspot.com- Download a FREE bulletin to help your kids learn more about our Catholic Mass. Each week's bulletin contains coloring pages for a saint and activities based on the Gospel. The coloring pages may also include a maze, dot-to-dot, find the picture, and many other activities.

sadlierreligion.com- Scroll down to Gospel Reflection, Discussion Questions for the Gospel, and Proclaiming Faith Activities

loyolapress.com- Background on the Gospel and activities for groups and families

4catholiceducatiors.com- Resources on the Sunday Readings

sermons4kids.com- That’s Not Fair! object lesson with group activities, coloring page, puzzles, worship bulletin

calvarycurriculum.com- Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard lesson #215 with memory verses, circle the correct words, true or false, fill in the blanks, puzzles, and color sheets.

missionarlington.org- The Vineyard Workers lesson with activities

sundayschoollessons.com- The Kingdom of Heaven is Like A Vineyard lesson

textweek.com- Lectionary, Scripture Study and Worship Links and Resources



Coloring

sermons4kids.com- Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:13-14a)

theclipartwizard.com- Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard coloring pages

4catholiceducators.com- Working One Hour clip art



Crafts

Plant some plants in plastic cups or pots to take home. Plant some plants around the church.

sermons4kids.com- That’s Not Fair! group activities (crafts)



Games

sermons4kids.com- That’s Not Fair! group activities (games)

christiancrafters.com- Vineyard Workers Game

books.google.com- Junior High Ministry: A Guide to Early Adolescence for Youth Workers by Wayne Rice
Graceland (page 109 & 110)


Puzzles

sermons4kids.com- Maze

sermons4kids.com- Word Search

joanyedwards.com- Word Search

sermons4kids.com Decoder

sermons4kids.com- Crossword

4catholiceducators.com- The Last Shall Be First (crossword)

joanyedwards.com- Crossword





Friday, August 8, 2014

Gospel for the Mass: 9/14/14- John 3:13-17








*Be sure to check out Gospel for the Mass Year A page right below the header for other days that you need Gospel for the Mass activities.


Disclaimer: The posts below contain links to other websites and the content of these sites are evaluated before they are included. These websites can change without warning making links inactive and/or the content altered. We have no control over other websites and we are not responsible for the content that they post.




John 3:13-17



Activities

catholicmom.com- Click on the month. Scroll down to the date for Coloring Page, Mass Worksheet, Crossword Puzzle, Word Search, etc.

catholickidsbulletin.blogspot.com- Download a FREE bulletin to help your kids learn more about our Catholic Mass. Each week's bulletin contains coloring pages for a saint and activities based on the Gospel. The coloring pages may also include a maze, dot-to-dot, find the picture, and many other activities.

sadlierreligion.com- Scroll down to Gospel Reflection, Discussion Questions for the Gospel, and Proclaiming Faith Activities

loyolapress.com- Background on the Gospel and activities for groups and families

4catholiceducatiors.com- Resources on the Sunday Readings

mssscrafts.com- Born Again
A New Creation which also includes Nicodemus with tons of resources for illustrating the story, coloring pages/activity sheets, and crafts.

sermons4kids.com- Measuring God’s Love object lesson with group activities, coloring, puzzles, worship bulletin

sermons4kids.com- The Life Savior object lesson with coloring page, word search, decoder and crossword puzzle

sermons4kids.com- The Greatest Gift of All object lesson with group activities, coloring page, puzzles, worship bulletin

sermons4kids.com- What’s on the Inside Counts object lesson

calvarycurriculum.com- Jesus and Nicodemus lesson #178 with memory verses, circle the correct words, true or false, fill in the blanks, puzzles, and color sheets.

sundayschoollessons.com- Nicodemus Visits Jesus at Night lesson

kidsclubs4jesus.com- Nicodemus lesson with puzzles, coloring sheet, Bible readings, questions, memory verses, key points, object lesson, drama, puppets, etc. (These files are set up and formatted so that they can be easily made into weekly booklets for your children's ministry, youth ministry, etc., with 4 sheets of legal paper and two staples).

gardenofpraise.com- Jesus and Nicodemus lesson with activities

sundayschoolsources.com- Nicodemus Comes to Jesus lesson with vocabulary, questions, activities, memory work, game, songs, etc.

textweek.com- Lectionary, Scripture Study and Worship Links and Resources



Coloring

christiananswers.net- Jesus talking with Nicodemus

sermons4kids.com- For God so Loved the World

sermons4kids.com- For God so Loved the World

sermons4kids.com- John 3:16

ministry-to-children.com- John 3:16

ministry-to-children.com- John 3:16


Crafts

sermons4kids.com- Measuring God’s Love group activities (crafts)

sermons4kids.com- The Greatest Gift of All group activities (crafts)

dltk-bible.com- Heart Lacing Project John 3:16

dltk-bible.com- Stuffed Heart Project John 3:16

brimfulcuriosities.com- John 3:16 craft

teacherhelp.org- This is a box that can be used to teach about the "gift of God". Cut and assemble the box. Talk about God's gift to us. Open the box and it is in the shape of a cross with John 3:16 NIV written on it.

mssscrafts.com- Butterfly

Butterfly- A butterfly is made from using the child's handprints. The butterfly represents how the caterpillar changed and became a butterfly and received new life. (From the Hands of a Child by Anthony Flores, page 40).

Plastic Bag Butterfly- A beautiful magnet butterfly to represent new life. (Crafts to make in the Spring by Kathy Ross, pages 52 & 53).



Games

sermons4kids.com- Measuring God’s Love group activities (games)

sermons4kids.com- The Greatest Gift of All group activities (games)

books.google.com- Whose Life Is It Anyway? (Encounter with Nicodemus)
As your children play a game about Nicodemus, they’ll discover that following God is a work of the heart, not just having the right kind of head knowledge. (The Encyclopedia of bible Games for Children’s Ministry, page 90 – 91).

books.google.com- Lifelines (Jesus is our Savior)
This game will help kids see Jesus is our rescuer and offers us a lifeline when we’re trapped in sin. (The Encyclopedia of bible Games for Children’s Ministry, page 124).

Believe It or Not- The Really Big Book of Bible Games, page 80.

The Catholic Toolbox- Jesus is our Savior (file folder game)
Jesus is our rescuer and offers us a lifeline when we’re trapped in sin. How can we solve the problems in our life? Jesus is our savior and if we follow him, he will show us the way.



Memory Verse

msssbible.com- John 3:16

sundayschoolsources.com- John 3:16 bookmark to color

christianpreschoolprintables.com- John 3:16 Bible Verse Printables

biblestoryprintables.com- Bible Verse Visuals



Puzzles

Nicodemus Secretly Visits Jesus- Look at this picture. Circle the new babies. There is one person who has been born again. Can you guess who it is? (Big Puzzles for Little Hands: Jesus’ Life and Lessons, by Carla Williams, page 54).

gardenofpraise.com- Jesus and Nicodemus word search

sermons4kids.com- Word Search

sermons4kids.com- Word Search

joanyedwards.com- Word Search

gardenofpraise.com- Nicodemus word scramble

sermons4kids.com- Decoder

sermons4kids.com- Decoder

gardenofpraise.com- Jesus and Nicodemus crossword

sermons4kids.com- Crossword

sermons4kids.com- Crossword

4catholiceducators.com- John 3:14-21 Crossword

joanyedwards.com- Crossword



Quizzes

gardenofpraise.com- John 3:16-17 fill in the blanks

gardenofpraise.com- Nicodemus fill in the blanks with word bank



Song

dltk-bible.com- John 3:16 song





Thursday, June 19, 2014

Special Events for July






July 3- St. Thomas

July 11- St. Benedict

July 25- St. James

July 26- Sts. Joachim and Anne

July 31- St. Ignatius of Loyola



Saints- references, activities, crafts, coloring, games, puzzles, worksheets, etc.





Monday, June 2, 2014

Crafty Crafters: Pentecost





So how crafty are you?

What is your favorite religious craft you make for Pentecost?



Here is a craft I make with my students using card stock:



Introduce craft- What flickered around the disciple’s heads, but didn’t burn them? (Fiery flames.)


Tongues of Fire Headbands Craft- Use card stock paper or cardboard to cut out flame shapes. Have the children paint them with water colors or glue red and orange pieces of tissue paper on it to make it look like flames. Use a strip of paper for the headband, fitting it to each child’s head and using a stapler to secure the headband. Attach the flames to the headband using the stapler as well.



Please comment so I can add the link to your blog to this post. We would love to see what you do!





Sunday, May 25, 2014

What seemed to be the most difficult problem in your CCD class this year?





Catechists can find themselves overwhelmed at times with numerous problems that they face in the classroom. It can change from year to year, but sometimes it is the same problem over and over again.


What seemed to be the most difficult problem in your CCD class this year?


After conducting a poll on this subject the results were:

Discipline: 4 %

Students frequently absent: 36 %

Students not turning in their homework: 0 %

No classroom to conduct class in: 0 %

Not enough materials for students (books, craft supplies, paper, etc.): 0 %

Student’s not paying attention: 13 %

Not enough help (co-teacher, helpers, etc.): 9 %

Lack of parent involvement: 0 %

Poor curriculum: 13 %

Lack of enthusiasm from students: 4 %

Co-teacher, helpers, etc. frequently absent: 4 %

Teacher burn-out: 3 %

No help and/or back-up from DRE: 0 %





So how do we address these problems? What should a catechist do?


Discipline- All catechists want calm and controlled behavior exhibited in their classroom. Having a well behaved classroom is critical for proper learning. For the students to learn to their fullest potential they need an environment that is quiet, without distractions, and organized.

*Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

*Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. Proverbs 12:1



Discipline in the Classroom- what every catechist should do

How To Keep Disruptive Behavior Down To A Minimum- tips & suggestions

Good Behavior Classroom Strategies & Games- is an approach to help manage classrooms behaviors with rewards to children for displaying appropriate on-task behaviors during instructional times.

Behavior Contracts & Behavior Charts- When behaviors become a problem in a classroom an effective strategy is to implement a behavior contract. Steps for Developing, Implementing, and Monitoring a Behavior Contract, Samples, etc. are posted.

Classroom Behavior Expectations- Every classroom needs rules so that everyone can learn to their fullest potential and the class can run smoothly and effectively.




Students frequently absent- When students are frequently absent they will fall behind and will not understand what is going on in class when they finally come to class. Missed classes mean missed information and the results are not being able to comprehend what they should know.

*Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day. Exodus 20:8

*We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:25

*Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up with the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4



Before CCD starts there should be a parent meeting with the priest and the DRE. This will allow parents to meet the DRE and it gives your priest and DRE the opportunity to express how much parent involvement is needed for their child’s faith education. They can also emphasize how important coming to CCD each week is for their child so they will be able to learn about our faith and understand it.

Have a classroom newsletter and in it have a section “Perfect Attendance” and list the students who have perfect attendance for the month. Also put a section in the newsletter of Upcoming Events and post what fun activities the class will be doing next month. You can even have a section for Favorite Activity where the students state what activities they liked best from the past month. Classroom Newsletters- It’s a great way to boost student enthusiasm for CCD while at the same time sharing with parents the many fabulous things you do in the classroom that their child may not be telling about at home.

Have a “Perfect Attendance Chart” posted in your room or on the outside of the classroom door and the students that have perfect attendance for the month get to pick a prize.

Have it made known in the church bulletin or in the announcements during Mass the students with perfect attendance in your class for the month.

Call the student’s home and speak with the parent. Tell them “We missed _____ in CCD today. We hope they will be there next week.” You could also say, “Is there anything we can do to help?”

Some parishes have an absenteeism policy requiring students to attend their CCD classes when scheduled unless sickness prevents them from doing so. Usually it states that only ___ absences are allowed per year or face consequences that may include appearing before an attendance committee to justify absences and/or repeating the year’s material (this is especially for sacramental classes). This policy is written up and signed by both the parent(s) and child before CCD starts. This could be part of the CCD Program Parent/Student Handbook that specifies the responsibilities of the CCD student and the parent(s) and the rules and regulations that they must follow. The handbook could also include when a student is absent, parents must call and notify the DRE. A note must also be brought to the next class explaining the reason for the absence and that it will be the responsibility of the student and the parents to make up class work. If the student does not notify the DRE prior to being absent or bring a note to the following class, the DRE will contact the parents to discuss the problem.

Keeping students involved and engaged in activities that have them moving, working in groups, and discovering information for themselves allows students to become excited about their learning and they are motivated to come to class. Having these fun and exciting activities for your students to do each week can also keep absenteeism down to a minimum. The students will know they will do something fun in the class and want to be there. What do students like to do in CCD?- The key to being a good catechist is to know what kind of activities your students like to do that are fun and challenging so they will want to come to CCD each and every week.




Students not paying attention- When students do not pay attention they are not learning and behavior problems could also result.

*My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. Proverbs 4:20-23


teach-esl-to-kids.com- How Can I Get My Students To Pay Attention?

edutopia.org- How To Keep Kids Engaged In Class

thereligionteacher.com- How To Get Students To Participate In Class Discussions

thereligionteacher.com- Effective Ed-Tech And No-Tech Teaching Strategies for Classroom Engagement

thereligionteacher.com- Using Inductive Teaching Strategies To Get Students’ Attention

catechistjourney.loyolapress.com- Reading from the Textbook: Breaking Up the Routine (Part 1 – 4)




Not enough help (co-teachers, helpers, etc.)- Catechists can be overwhelmed with conducting a class and help is sometimes be necessary to support instruction and improve students’ learning.

*So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, find; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:9-10


Ask for volunteers to help in your class. Ask teens, parents of students, etc. Have it posted in the church bulletin or have it in the announcements at Mass that you need help. Have a volunteer sign up sheet available on the first day of class, or better yet for CCD Open House. You might be surprised how much some want to help, but thought you didn’t need any.




Poor curriculum- No curriculum is perfect and teachers need to from time to time supplement with activities to help teach their students. Using various resources provides your students with a variety of activities that helps enhance the lesson and allows them to understand more and have a lot of fun in the process.

*Proverbs 22:6, the Bible says, "Train a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not swerve from it." Training a child involves multiple lessons in which a person teaches a child all about God.

*Deuteronomy 11:19, the Bible says to teach children about God's laws in numerous ways, such as talking about God's laws "speaking of them at home and abroad, whether you are busy or at rest." In Deuteronomy 11:20, the Bible even says to write God's laws "on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates."



Reading Comprehension & Assessment Activities- ideas to enhance lessons so students will learn

How To Review Material- You just completed a chapter with your class and you need to review it to make sure your students understand it and/or get them ready for a test. What should you do? How can you make it interesting and fun and the students will learn?




Lack of enthusiasm from students- Students tend to be bored when they have to engage in dull and repetitious activities in the classroom day in and day out. Discipline problems could also result if catechists do not break from their normal mundane routine. When teaching students, catechists must remember to do a variety of activities that lets students manipulate the information physically and mentally. Keeping students involved and engaged in activities that have them moving, working in groups, and discovering information for themselves allows students to become excited about their learning and they are motivated to pay attention in class.

*Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you realize that we will be judged more strictly for we all fall short in many respects. James 3:1-2

*Anything you can turn your hand to, do with what power you have. Ecclesiastes 9:10

*Whatever you do, do from the heart. Colossians 3:23



ezinearticles.com- Engaging Students in Learning - Tips and Ideas

thereligionteacher.com- How to Hold a Class Debate that Gets Kids Excited

What do students like to do in CCD?- Here are some tips and suggestions for activities to do in the classroom that are age appropriate.




Co-teachers, helpers, etc. frequently absent- Co-teachers and volunteers who are absent repeatedly cause unwanted disorder in the classroom making it hard for the teacher to conduct class properly.

*If a man vows a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth. Numbers 30:2

*Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the word of truth without deviation. 2 Timothy 2:15

*Let honesty and virtue preserve me. Psalms 25:21

*Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:31

*Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. Matthew 7:12



Have a training meeting for your co-teacher and volunteers that will help you in your classroom. Show them exactly what you want them to do in the classroom and how to do it. You should also teach them how to run the copier machine, where to find various activities and supplies, etc. Be very clear and specific in your expectations. During the meeting emphasize to them that when they volunteered it says they will be responsible for that class for the year and you and the students are counting on them to be there and do their job well. Communicate your concerns about absenteeism directly to the co-teachers and helpers. Tell them if they plan to be absent to contact you and the DRE well in advance so a replacement can be found for that day or time. Frequent absenteeism can be frustrating and cannot be tolerated. If absenteeism becomes a problem the DRE can let them know that their help is no longer needed and he/she will find someone to take their place that can be there when they are scheduled who is ready to help.

Teachers and volunteers need to follow and sign the guidelines and rules set forth by the diocese and/or DRE. If there are not any, the DRE should write up some guidelines for them to sign to verify that they understood what their responsibilities are and the rules that they must follow. Be sure to have in it an absenteeism policy and what they are supposed to do when they are absent. Include that frequent absenteeism cannot be tolerated and they can be dismissed if this becomes a problem.




Teacher burnout- is when a teacher cannot perform the day-to-day duties of teaching due to a sense of tiredness, frustration, exhaustion, and/or hopelessness. The teacher either leaves the situation or stays in the same position and, in general, is unsuccessful or ineffective as a teacher.

*For God gave us a spirit not of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7


Teaching can be a very stressful job which can sometimes lead to teacher burnout. What can a catechist do to combat teacher burnout?

prodigygame.com- 8 Proven Ways to Overcome Teacher Burnout and Love Teaching Again

edutopia.org- 10 Steps for Avoiding Teacher Burnout



Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Special Events for June






*This month’s special events are Pentecost Sunday, The Holy Trinity, The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary.



Pentecost Sunday

Pentecost Activities- activities, crafts, games, snacks, puzzles, worksheets, mazes, etc.

Holy Spirit- activities, coloring, crafts, games, puzzles, etc.

Holy Spirit/Pentecost- (Pre K – K) lesson plan with: Objectives, Word Wall, Bible Story with questions, Songs and/or Finger Plays, Activities, Crafts, Games, Snacks, Coloring/Puzzles

Pentecost- lesson plan for 1st grade on up with: Objectives, Review, Vocabulary Words, Bible Story with questions, Activities, Crafts, Games, Snacks, Puzzles/Mazes/Worksheets





The Holy Spirit File Folder Game- Work your way around the board and answer questions about the Holy Spirit. For 2nd grade on up. There are a lot of choices and possibilities for this game.








Fruits of the Holy Spirit (Catholic)- Spin the spinner and follow the directions. If you spin “Leader’s Space” you may change places with the leader and put his marker where you were. Make your way around the board answering questions about the fruits of the Holy Spirit. The first player to FINISH wins.







Fruit of the Holy Spirit Bean Bag Toss (Catholic)- Here is a fun way to learn the 12 fruits of the Holy Spirit from CCC1832.






The Holy Trinity

Holy Trinity- activities, coloring, crafts, games, puzzles, etc.



Holy Trinity File Folder Game- The objective of the game is to collect the most tokens by answering questions correctly about the Holy Trinity.


Game Board #1




Game Board #2





The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus


newadvent.org- Doctrinal explanations

fisheaters.com- Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, what it is, rituals involved, etc.

dailycatholic.org- Information and Mass

ewtn.com- The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (devotionals)

catholictradition.org- The Sacred Heart of Jesus (prayers, devotions, readings, etc.)

wf-f.org- information and activities

catholicmom.com- Sacred Heart of Jesus (lesson plan)



Coloring

benscoloringpages.com- Jesus sacred heart coloring page

littlejesusandme.blogspot.com- Sacred Heart of Jesus and Sacred Heart coloring pages



Crafts

wildflowersandmarbles.blogspot.com- Sacred Heart of Jesus Craft

thetuckerbunch.typepad.com- Sacred Heart of Jesus Craft

ponderedinmyheart.typepad.com- Solemnity of the Sacred Heart Craft
Prayer Cards (scroll down for download)

homeschoolingdownunder.blogspot.com- Sacred Heart Craft

ponderedinmyheart.typepad.com- Sacred Heart Wood Burning Craft (scroll down for this)

catholicicing.com- Sacred and Immaculate Heart Rosaries- A Fun Catholic Craft!

alice.typepad.com- Sacred and Immaculate Heart Dolls

catholicicing.com- Tie Dye Catholic Shirts- Sacred Heart, Immaculate Heart, & Divine Mercy







The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary


ewtn.com- The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary (devotionals)

newadvent.org- Nature and history of the devotion

wf-f.org- Information, readings, etc.



Coloring

littlejesusandme.blogspot.com- Immaculate Heart Stained Glass Color Page



Game

fcpeace.com- Memory game on the Feast of Mary





Thursday, May 15, 2014

Crafty Crafters: Ascension





So how crafty are you?

What is your favorite religious craft you make for Ascension?



Here is a craft you can make using a blue plastic solo cup:


Ascension of Jesus Craft from Oriental Trading Company.




catholicicing.com- Ascension of Jesus Craft for Kids

Lacy adapted this craft to suit her needs and also provides us with a printable Jesus to disappear into the clouds.

*I printed out Lacy's Jesus (I made it a little smaller so it would fit inside the cup) and glued it to cardboard. I then cut it out for the students and put a hole in the top to string yarn through prior to class. I also put a hole in the bottom of all the cups for the yarn to be pulled through. During class the students colored Jesus and glued cotton balls on the blue Solo cup for clouds. I attached Jesus to the yarn and helped the students string the yarn through the cup and tied a big knot on the end so it would not fall out.


Please comment so I can add the link to your blog to this post. We would love to see what you do!





Friday, January 31, 2014

Gospel for the Mass: 3/2/14- Matthew 6:24-34








*Be sure to check out Gospel for the Mass Year A page right below the header for other days that you need Gospel for the Mass activities.


Disclaimer: The posts below contain links to other websites and the content of these sites are evaluated before they are included. These websites can change without warning making links inactive and/or the content altered. We have no control over other websites and we are not responsible for the content that they post.




Matthew 6:24-34



Activities

catholicmom.com- Click on the month. Scroll down to the date for Coloring Page, Mass Worksheet, Crossword Puzzle, Word Search, etc.

Theresa at catholickidsbulletin.blogspot.com will post a link to an activity sheet that coordinates with the Catholic Mass. There will be pictures and activities each week to help little kids understand and appreciate the Mass. Most weeks, she will also highlight a Saint whose feast day falls within that week or a liturgical symbol they can watch for at Mass.

sadlierreligion.com- Scroll down to Gospel Reflection, Discussion Questions for the Gospel, and Proclaiming Faith Activities

loyolapress.com- Background on the Gospel and activities for groups and families

4catholiceducatiors.com- Resources on the Sunday Readings

sermons4kids.com- Lilies of the Field object lesson with power point presentation, coloring page, group activities, puzzles, quizzes, worship bulletin

thechildrenssermon.com- Waiting and Needing lesson

textweek.com- Lectionary, Scripture Study and Worship Links and Resources



Coloring

sermons4kids.com- Consider the Lilies of the Field



Crafts

sermons4kids.com- Lilies of the Field (group activities) crafts

catholicicing.com- One God Craft- You can change this craft to fit your needs.

daniellesplace.com- Don’t Worry God Takes Care Of Us Sunday School Lesson Ideas (scroll down to this for some crafts)
- Make a Flower Collage
- Make a Flower Puppet
- Make a Bird Puppet

teamrcia.com- Eco-friendly “God Cares” Box (page 8)



Games

sermons4kids.com- Lilies of the Field (group activities) games

The Catholic Toolbox- I Love God Above All Things (card game)



Puzzles

sermons4kids.com- Word Search

joanyedwards.com- Word Search

sermons4kids.com- Jumble

sermons4kids.com- Crossword

joanyedwards.com- Crossword



Quizzes

sermons4kids.com- Multiple Choice

sermons4kids.com- Fill in the Blanks