Monday, August 17, 2015

FREE Printable Religious Certificates





Need some free printable religious certificates? Here are a few I found that you can print out. Some are even editable to make them exactly the way you want.


reallifeathome.com- Free Printable Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation Certificates

freeprintablecertificates.net- Free to download and print. Click any certificate design to see a larger version and download it.

hooverwebdesign.com- Free Religious Awards Certificates Printables

templatetrove.com- Several styles, colors and types including certificate of appreciation, certificate of completion as well as blank certificate borders and more. Prints on standard letter size paper (8 1/2" x 11").

mycertificatetemplates.com- Fillable and editable Baptismal Certificate Template

free-power-point-templates.com- If you have a special requirement for an event that requires an award or printable certificate then this free editable and printable certificate template for PowerPoint can be very useful for your particular occasion. You can customize this free certificate template and use it for classroom, company certification like the best year employee award or any other particular occasion.

sundayschoolprintables.com- Several to choose from. Just click on the image you like. Type over and fill in the fields and choose from the bottom drop down menu. Then click make it. Totally editable.

123certificates.com- Offers free certificates to print and free printable certificate templates for Word, free Microsoft word certificate templates with formal certificate borders to download and personalize.

documentic.com- Free editable certificates





Saturday, August 8, 2015

Catholic Prayer Book Printables for Kids





teacherspayteachers.com- Free Catholic Prayer Book Printable

catholicicing.com- Prayer Craft for Preschoolers

dltk-bible.com- Itsy Bitsy Prayer Book (scroll down to Catholic version)

123homeschool4me.com- FREE Printable Children’s Prayer Book for Kids

catholicallyear.com- The Prayer Books Are Back, Baby! (With free printables!) (scroll down for printable Sign of the Cross pages)

catholicsprouts.com- My Advent Prayers: Free Printable Booklet for Children

youngcatholicmums.com- Printable Lenten Prayer Book – For Kids

sourceoflightmonastery.tripod.com- A Catholic Prayer Book

catholicicing.com- Printable Catholic Prayer Prayers for Kids: Posters and Copywork (you can make this into a booklet)

crusaders-for-christ.com- Catholic Handwriting Books (print out the prayer copy sheets in print or cursive for your students to do and put into a booklet)

catholicicing.com- Printable Prayer Starters for Kids

holyheroes.net- Printable Best Loved Catholic Prayers & The Prayers of the Mass

catholicplayground.com- FREE Printable Stations of the Cross booklet (click the image to print the sheets)

sjtb.org- FREE Printable Stations of the Cross booklet (scroll down to this)

familyfeastandferia.com- Stations of the Cross in color or black and white booklets

teacherspayteachers.com- FREE Stations of the Cross Booklet for Children

how-to-pray-the-rosary-everyday.com- Rosary booklets of each set of Catholic Rosary mysteries



Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Catholic Homeschooling





Catholic Homeschooling is an overwhelming responsibility, but here are a few links that may help you educate your children at home.


ewtn.com- Getting Started, The Course of Studies, Obtaining Textbooks, Scheduling and Testing, Conclusion

catholichomeschool.org- This site provides information for Catholic families considering homeschooling or new to homeschooling. There are links for Catholic curriculum providers, Catholic resources and most importantly, contact information for LOCAL CATHOLIC SUPPORT GROUPS. This is a free site, published and maintained by a home schooling family.

homeschoolingcatholic.com- Offers a focal point for information about the Catholic Homeschool Movement

homeschoolingcatholic.com- List of Catholic home study programs and curriculum providers

catholic-homeschooling-resources.com- Catholic Homeschooling Help, Curriculum, Resources and More All In One Place

cathyduffyreviews.com- Catholic Homeschooling Resources for Parents

catholicsistas.com- 10 Steps To Start Catholic Homeschooling

catholicsistas.com- 10 Steps To Selecting A Catholic Homeschool Curriculum





Thursday, July 2, 2015

Crafts for Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary




When we say the rosary, we reflect on the life of Jesus Christ. We remember the stories of his life, or the mysteries of our Lord. These stories are called mysteries because every time we reflect upon them we learn more about the Lord, our world, and our selves. Additionally, we refer to them as mysteries because we can never fully understand all there is to know about his life. This is why it is so important to continue to reflect and pray on these stories.
The mysteries are divided into four parts of Jesus’ life. They are joyful mysteries, luminous mysteries, sorrowful mysteries, and the glorious mysteries.


General Crafts for Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary:

catholicicing.com- Make a rosary book. A fun way to help teach your children the rosary. Visuals to teach them about all the different mysteries of the rosary (you can just make the joyful mysteries of the rosary).

equippingcatholicfamilies.com- Revolving Rosary

catholicinspired.com- Rosary Prayer Sheets

mommyerin.blogspot.com- Mysteries of the Rosary Box



The joyous mysteries are five stories about the birth and young life of Jesus Christ.

Annunciation
Visitation
The Nativity
Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple
Finding the Child Jesus in the Temple


The Annunciation

catholicinspired.com- Annunciation Prayer Craft

sermons4kids.com- You Shall Call His Name Jesus activities (crafts)

sermons4kids.com- A Visit From an Angel group activities (crafts)

Christmas Angel- A cute craft of an angel that is made from using the child's handprints. (From The Hands Of A Child by Anthony Flores, page 25).

Doily Angel- A pretty angel made out of a paper doily. (The Kids Can Press Jumbo Book of Easy Crafts by Judy Ann Sadler, page 78 & 79).

books.google.com- Jacob’s Ladder
Just make the angel that is in this craft using cupcake liners and construction paper. You can also make the angel into a magnet by putting sticky-backed magnets on the back of the angel. (Crafts from Your Favorite Bible Stories by Kathy Ross, pages 16 & 17).

freesundayschoolcurriculum.weebly.com- Angel crafts with directions (page 5 – 7)

daniellesplace.com- Angel Crafts

buggyandbuddy.com- 30+ Angel Crafts for Kids

iheartcraftythings.com- Beautiful Christmas Angel Craft for Kids

pinterest.com- Angel Crafts

Christmas Angel- A cute craft of an angel that is made from using the child's handprints. (From The Hands Of A Child by Anthony Flores, page 25).

frugalupstate.com- Easy Children’s Christmas Craft: Paperclip Angels



The Visitation

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

sermons4kids.com- Mary Visits Elizabeth group activities (crafts)

jesus-without-language.net- Elizabeth & Mary (Luke 1) | Craft #1

jesus-without-language.net- Elizabeth & Mary (Luke 1) | Craft #2

The Catholic Toolbox- Hail Mary (scroll down to crafts)

The Catholic Toolbox- Rosary (scroll down to crafts)



The Nativity

Birth of Jesus Story Wheel- Children turn their story wheel dials to retell the Bible story they learned over and over again. (Preschool Christian Crafts by Linda Standke. Directions on page 37 - 39, craft template on page 40 & 44.)

Christmas- Bible Story Wheel (Bible Wheels to Make and Enjoy by Carmen Sorvillo, page 33 & 34.)

sermons4kids.com- A Promise Is A Promise group activities (crafts)

Holy Family crafts: If you have younger children, consider doing one of these crafts to celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family: Holy Family scrapbook; Holy Family tree; Holy Family nativity set; Holy Family puppets.

pinterest.com- Family Trees

pinterest.com- Simple Nativity Crafts for Kids

catholicicing.com- Feast of the Holy Family (crafts)

designdazzle.com- Printable Nativity Set

papergiftsforestefany- Nativity Crafts

catholicicing.com- Printable Nativity Set
This nativity craft was originally designed to be printed, colored, and glued around toilet paper tubes to make the pieces stand up. Since then, many readers have discovered that it’s just as good to print the pieces on card stock, and then use tape or staples to make them into a cylinder.

sarahanestudios.com- Nativity Puppet Theatre
To make and color with stage and background; free printable

lifeyourway.net- Popsicle Stick Nativity Puppets

hartofthemountain.blogspot.com- Printable Nativity Finger Puppets

hartofthemountain.blogspot.com- Printable Nativity Finger Puppets

papertoys.com- Printable Nativity Scene

madebyjoel.com- Made by Joel Nativity Scene (free printable)

Baby Jesus in a Manger- A little manger with baby Jesus is just right for little hands. Even though this comes from a preschool craft book, it is appropriate for older children to do. (Preschool Christian Crafts by Linda Standke, page 47 & 48).

web.archive.org- Paper Bag Manger Scene



Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple

catholicinspired.com- A List of Crafts for the Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple

connectible.nz- Simeon and Anna crafts (scroll down to these)

biblefunforkids.com- Simeon and Anna Foldable

jesus-without-language.net- Anna and baby Jesus


Have children create their own candle crafts to celebrate the presentation of Jesus in the temple. The candles symbolize that Christ is the light of the world, just as Simeon had said.

youtube.com- How to Make Rolled Beeswax Candles

abeautifulmess.com- Homemade Beeswax Candles

naturalsuburbia.com- Candlemas in the Southern Hemisphere

lonestarcandlesupply.com- How To Make Ice Candles

craftsbyamanda.com- Epson Salt Luminaries

hometalk.com- Create Your Own Etched Glass Candleholders (it's Easy!)

allthumbscrafts.blogspot.com- Faux Stained Glass Votive (scroll down to this)

happyhooligans.ca- Create the Look of Stained Glass with Sharpie Markers and a Jar

marthasteward.com- Stamped Glass Candleholders

upstateramblings.com- Stained Glass Votive Candle Holders



Finding the Child Jesus in the Temple

freesundayschoolcurriculum.weebly.com- Jesus in the Temple (scroll down to Craft/ Activity on page 5)

Young Jesus in the Temple (Story Wheel)- Bible Wheels to Make and Enjoy by Carmen Sorvillo, page 37 & 38.

sermons4kids.com- Losing Jesus group activities (crafts)

sermons4kids.com- In My Father’s House group activities (crafts)

sermons4kids.com- Left Behind group activities (crafts)

childrensbiblelessons.blogspot.com- Jesus In The Temple Craft

123homeschool4me.com- Mary and Joseph had to find their way to Jesus whom they accidentally left at the temple.

123homeschool4me.com- 12 Fun DIY Maze Activity Ideas for Kids (st

teachusthebible.com- Temple Craft (scroll down to this)

faithsprouts.blogspot.com- Find Jesus in the Temple Craft (scroll down to this)

jesus-without-language.net- Young Jesus (in the temple)

jesus-without-language.net- Young Jesus (this craft ties into the idea that this child is developing into the man who will one day fully claim the title of Christ)


Introduce craft: When Jesus was a little boy, where did he get his toys? (They made them). We are going to make us a toy(s) to play with.

Ring and Pin- Make a handheld "ring toss" toy. (The Picture Book of Kids' Crafts and Activities by Roxanne Henderson, page 98).

Stick and Ball Game
You can also make this with just a paper/plastic cup instead of a laundry scoop. Use a paper hole punch and make a hole in the cup near the rim to tie the string to.


Here is another version of the craft above using a plastic laundry detergent cap:



Make a hole near the top of the rim using a drill prior to class. Cut twine to about 2 feet long. Have students tie one end of the twine to the lid through the hole you just drilled. On the other end of the twine tie a large bead to it (2 beads if they are small).

To play- Hold the cup letting the string hang down. Swing the bead up and try to catch it inside the cup. For competitive play, whoever gets the most catches out of 10 or 20 tries wins.



Friday, April 17, 2015

Gospel for the Mass: 5/17/15- John 17:11B-19








*Be sure to check out Gospel for the Mass Year B 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 17:11B-19



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- Prayer lesson with tons of resources for illustrating the story, coloring pages/activity sheets, crafts, and songs.

sermons4kids.com- In the World, but Not of the World object lesson with coloring page, group activities, puzzles, quizzes, PowerPoint presentation, worship bulletin

daniellesplace.com- Scroll down to Object Lesson for About Prayer for Preschool Children (under Prayer about ¾ of the way down the page)

The Catholic Toolbox- What Can Teens Do For Gospel For The Mass Activities?

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



Coloring

sermons4kids.com- John 17:6-19

coloring-pages-kids.com- Children Praying coloring sheets

sundayschoolresources.com- Praying Hands



Crafts

sermons4kids.com- In the World, but Not of the World group activities (crafts)

biblekidsfunzone.com- Prayer Bear

daniellesplace.com- Scroll down to Prayer (about ¾ down the page) for prayer crafts

bibleschoolmaterials.blogspot.com- Praying Hands Craft

mssscrafts.com- Praying Hands Memory Verse Craft

In the World, but Not of the World
Introduction to craft: sermons4kids.com

Remove all blue crayons from the container. Have the students draw a picture of themselves using the remaining crayons (be sure to tell the students to press hard with the crayons while coloring). Next discuss how sometimes it is hard to be the person that God wants us to be (Example: What kind of person does God want us to be? How can we be that person? Etc.) Explain that God wants us to remain the person he made us to be. He does not want us to become stained by the world. Tell the students the blue water color represents being stained by what is happening in the world that is trying to change us from the person God wants us to be. Have the students paint over their picture with blue water color paint. (The wax in the crayons repels the water color paint allowing the picture to show through.) Tell the students that we remain the person God made us to be. We remain faithful because we ask Jesus to help us be separate from the world and the person that God’s wants us to be shines through.



Games

sermons4kids.com- In the World, but Not of the World group activities (games)

sundayschoolsources.com- Memory Activities you can use for prayer games

The Catholic ToolboxName- Name That Prayer File Folder Game Introduction to game- What was Jesus doing during this gospel reading? (Praying for his disciples.) How well do you know your prayers? Let’s find out!



Puzzles

kidssundayschool.com- Praying Hands connect the dots

sermons4kids.com- Word Search

joanyedwards.com- Word Search

sermons4kids.com- Crossword

joanyedwards.com- Crossword



Quizzes

sermons4kids.com- Multiple Choice

sermons4kids.com- Fill in the Blanks





Wednesday, April 15, 2015

End of the Year Activities





Need some activities for the end of the year? Well, here is a list that your students will surely enjoy!

everydaylife.globalpost.com- Catholic Children's Religion Class End of Year Activities

ehow.com- Catholic Children's Religion Class End of Year Activities

religionteacher.com- End of the School Year Ideas and Activities

catechist.com- End of Year Thank You Notes

You can also have a graduation party for your students.



Games:

teresklassen.wordpress.com- End of the Year Review Games

ministry-to-children.com- Sunday School Games

sundayschoolresources.com- Games

applesaucekids.com- Free Christian Fun, Games, and Activities

greatgroupgames.com- Sunday School Games

sundayschoolnetwork.com- Bible Games

sundayschoolsources.com- Review Activities

childrensministry.com- 10 Indoor Active Games

The Catholic Toolbox- Free Power Point Games (make your own review questions)





Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Crafty Crafters: Easter (Colors of Christ Cross)






So how crafty are you?

What is your favorite religious craft you make for Easter?



Here is a craft that I like to make with my students using pony beads:




christiancrafters.com- The Colors of Christ Cross

*Tip: Hot glue the blue, white, and red beads together.


Each of the bead colors are intended to remind us of Biblical truths:


Black = Sin
The black bead reminds us of our sin which separates us from God and dooms us to eternal darkness. Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (see also Ephesians 2:11-13)

Red = Christ’s blood
The red bead symbolizes Christ’s’ blood shed for you and me. Romans 5:8-9 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us...we have been justified by his blood...”

White = Prayer of Repentance For Cleansing
The white bead represents the cleansing that occurs when a sinner repents and turns to God. Psalm 51:1-2 “Have mercy on me, Oh God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”

Blue = Water/Spirit Baptism
The blue bead represents baptism. Ephesians 4:5 “...one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” We are baptized with water to identify ourselves with Jesus. The Holy Spirit baptizes those who trust in Jesus and takes up residence in the believers heart. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. Romans 8:9

Green = Christian Growth
The green bead represents growth in our faith. Colossians 1:10 “And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God...”

Gold = Eternal life
The gold bead represents eternal life with Jesus in Heaven. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”



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



Alicia made FiberOne Easter Egg Nests one year and discussed the new life of Easter- through-my-is.blogspot.com





Friday, March 13, 2015

Special Needs Ministry





As a special education teacher, I am always looking for new ideas and resources. Here are some that I found online that I thought I would share.

covchurch.org- Disability Resource Manual: A Practical Guide for Churches and Church Leaders

mintools.com- Special Needs & Disability Ministry Resources

specialneedsministry.com- Special Needs Ministry Handbook

oce.archindy.org- Resources and Materials for Inclusive Special Religious Education in all Parishes

lifeway.com- Special Needs Ministry
• Bible Studies for Special Needs Ministries
• FREE Special Needs Ministry Resources
• Adaptation Tips - Use these one-page articles to train your leaders and volunteers.

archkick.org- Religious Education for Children with Special Needs

loyolapress.com- Special Needs:
• Adaptive Finding God
• Adaptive Learning Kits
• Inclusive Faith Resources

fulleryouthinstitute.org- Refusing to Ignore Teenagers with Special Needs
Five Ideas for Inclusion

The Catholic Toolbox- Decorating & Organizing Your Classroom: Considerations For Children With Sensory Processing Disorders

The Catholic Toolbox- Inclusion of Special Needs Students in Your Classroom

The Catholic Toolbox- Special Needs Students: Information to Gather From Parents

The Catholic Toolbox- Staff Training for Special Needs Students

The Catholic Toolbox- Social Stories for Church

momsofspecialneedschildren1.blogspot.com- Visual Schedules
Children with ASD need predictability and therefore do not like change. Having a chart or visual schedule displayed of what they are going to do and activities in advance can provide security and keep inappropriate behavior down to a minimum. This technique can also be used to prepare for any change in the normal routine. Letting children that have ASD know of any schedule changes prior to the activity can prevent anxiety and reduce the likelihood of tantrums, rage, and meltdowns.



Special Needs Religious Products

loyolapress.com- Everyone has a right to catechesis, which is why Loyola Press has developed these kits for individuals with autism and other special needs.

comcenter.com- Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Program
Religious Education for Children and Adults with Special Needs



Saturday, March 7, 2015

How To Keep A Student On Task





When my son was in 6th grade, one of his teachers had a hard time keeping him on task. I then compiled a list from various sources and gave it to her which she found extremely helpful.

1. Since some students are visual learners, not auditory learners, consider using a model or picture of what you are talking about or what you want them to do exactly. Use graphic organizers (Venn Diagrams and the compare/contrast chart, semantic maps, etc.) to help student comprehend information necessary to complete a task.

2. Make the connections with previous skills or knowledge explicit.

3. Students often need to understand how or why concepts required for mastery are relevant. Teachers must tell the student (a) why the information is useful, (b) how the student can use it, and (c) where it fits in with the knowledge the student already possesses. Some students need to understand lesson rational before they can or will learn.

4. Show the student exactly what to do. The teacher demonstrates how to complete a worksheet, participate in a cooperative group activity, begin a project, and so forth. It is important for the teacher to demonstrate how to complete a task or assignment correctly, instead of telling the student what not to do. Many students know what they should not do but have no understanding of what is required of them.

5. Break down the information and present it in small increments. This type of instruction is active, with the teacher presenting information, asking questions, and providing corrective feedback.

6. Too much movement in the classroom. Try having the student work in a booth. You can make one out of corrugated cardboard.

7. Classroom over decorated and confusing. Minimize displays.

8. Do not give too much work to the students at once. Chunk/modify assignment as appropriate with frequent teacher checks for accuracy.

9. Give frequent feedback. Students often do not see what they are doing as they are doing it. Do not wait until he is almost done with a paper or activity and tell them that
they are not doing it correctly.

10. Prioritize what the students need to know. If it is not relevant, do not dwell on it. Highlight material that the student must know.

11. Ask the student what will help him. Students are often very intuitive. They can tell you how they can learn best, if you ask them. They are often too embarrassed to volunteer the information.

12. Teachers need to write down the directions of what they want the students to do. Give specific directions in small chunks (one at a time) and simplify them.

13. Since some students learn better visually than auditorily, teachers need to write down what they are saying on the board (key words might suffice), this can be most helpful. This kind of structuring glues the ideas in place.

14. Simplify choices.

15. A point system is a possibility as part of behavioral modification or a reward system for students. Students respond well to rewards and incentives. A daily self-control checklist that the teacher fills out daily to provide information about how well the child was able to focus is beneficial (example: paid attention in class, did not disturb other students, worked independently, completed assignments, handed work in on time, followed instructions, work was neat, work was complete, etc.). The child would be encouraged to aim for a minimum daily score. The target score can be raised as they develop more self-control and self-discipline. Another example: measure how long the student is on task and then reward when they are on task that long, and then reward when they are on task a bit longer, etc. Or tell the student to do a certain amount of problems in a certain amount of time and that you will be back to check. Reward if the student complies with the request. Make sure the rewards are meaningful to them (something that they like or want, etc.).

16. Provide more immediate feedback. Example: A chart with a happy face and sad face with columns is placed on the student’s desk. When the teacher notices that the child is paying attention and getting work done, she could put a check in the happy face column. When the student is distracted, the teacher could put a check in the sad face column. A reward for improvement should be established in school and at home (a minimum of ten happy face checks in one day can be used for an extra half hour of TV, etc. or have a menu of rewards that he can pick from). The target score should be realistic and the expectations reasonable. Never take away earned points for poor performance. Encourage student to raise the target score in small increments, and praise them for even small gains.

17. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Review last week’s lesson prior to today’s lesson.

18. Give cues to the student before an important point to be made (example: “This is a major point. This will be on the test.” Etc.).

19. Check that the student actually knows what to do. The student needs to be able to paraphrase instructions, not repeat them.

20. Student must be actively engaged throughout the instructional process. Students should be provided physical cues to attend to relevant stimuli and be asked frequent questions.

21. Make sure you have the student’s attention before giving a direction.

22. Have hands-on lessons to facilitate comprehension of word-object, word-action, and object-action associations, and to promote comprehension beyond the level of the simple object label.

23. Chunk/modify assignment as appropriate with frequent teacher checks for accuracy.

24. If you want the student to understand, remember, and follow directions, begin by writing them down. For example, provide student with step-by-step directions that tell him how to complete a specific task. To help student follow steps in order, provide small boxes by each step so he can check off each step as it is completed. Take care to write directions clearly, spacing them apart so each step is visually clear to the student.

25. Seat the student that is having problems staying on task at the front of the class and direct frequent questions to him/her to help them attend to the lesson.

26. Teachers could write instructions they give to the whole class on the chalkboard so that if a student is not paying attention for a moment or cannot process the verbal instructions quickly, they will have a record and reminder of what to do.

27. Teachers might also provide the student with individual instructions in the form of a written prompt or reminder on an index card that can be taped to his desk.

28. Show a model of the final goal or completed product. It is often easier to work toward the conclusion when the student can see what he is supposed to be doing than if the end product is abstract or otherwise intangible.





Thursday, March 5, 2015

Teaching Strategies for Catechists






How do you keep your students interested and engaged in learning? Here are some ideas that might help:


thereligionteacher.com- Teaching Strategies

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

catechist.com- Best Practices for Teaching Religion

archomaha.org- Tips For Catechists Who Teach Children With ADHD

The Catholic Toolbox- What Every Catechist Needs To Know

The Catholic Toolbox- What do students like to do in CCD?
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.

The Catholic Toolbox- Assessing Student Progress
How to test students can be a tricky matter. Since students learn in different ways, they must be tested in different ways to find out if they have learned the information taught in class. Assessment must include a variety of methods that will enable the catechist to determine how successfully your students are learning to live out their faith in their daily lives and in communion with the Church.





Monday, February 9, 2015

Sacramental Retreat Ideas & Activities





fargodiocese.org- Sacramental Preparation Retreats
Retreats in Preparation for the Reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Eucharist

teacherspayteachers.com- Reconciliation Retreat - A Day to Prepare for the Sacrament
This is a complete retreat day with everything you need for sacrament preparation for Reconciliation/Penance. It includes games, a play, activities, notes to parents, and prayers. Use this in your Catholic school classes, Religious Education, or Home School. (26 pages)

oscvurriculum.com- Children’s Reconciliation Retreat This is a half-day retreat for children. You should conduct it close to the time of the celebration of the Sacrament. If you have fewer than 15 children you may want to do the activities in consecutive order.

catechesisinthethirdmillennium.wordpress.com- Forgiveness Day – 2nd Grade Retreat
This past Saturday our parish had their annual “Forgiveness Day” for the students who are preparing to receive their First Reconciliation next week. It was from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Students rotated through 8 different stations each focusing about an aspect of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

catholiccincinnati.org- Youth Retreat Resource Manual
Practical tools, guidelines, principles and policies for youth retreat providers.

pastoralplanning.com- Get Ready! Get Set! The final retreat and rehearsal for parents and their children for First Holy Communion

slideshare.net- RCIA Reflection Retreat
A retreat for candidates and catechumens preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Community

loyolapress.com- Retreat and Spirit Day Activities

raceforheaven.com- A Confirmation Reader Retreat
This book is intended to supplement a young Catholic’s preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation by providing a basic doctrinal review of the sacrament as well as prayer experiences—a nine-day read-aloud retreat/novena.

ehow.com- Catholic Confirmation Retreat Activities

kimberleyrec.weebly.com- Confirmation Retreat Ideas
Scroll down for Confirmation Retreat booklet (teacher), Confirmation Retreat booklet (student), Confirmation retreat liturgy

faithfirst.com- Preparing for Confirmation
A Confirmation Retreat (page 29 – 35)





Sunday, February 8, 2015

What Can Teens Do For Gospel For The Mass Activities?








Here are a few suggestions for the older students.

1. Crossword puzzles at joanyedwards.com or 4catholiceducators.com (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John crossword puzzles).

2. Have each student write down some questions with answers about today’s gospel or anything that happened during Mass. Then break the students into teams and have each student from one team ask the other questions. The team with the most points wins. Maybe a prize for the team with the most points?

3. Journals
- Have each student write down what the gospel was about.
- Introduce a topic to get the students thinking about controversial or interesting ideas related to today’s gospel.
- Ask the students what words in the gospel captured their attention and why. Direct them to put themselves into the time of the reading, telling you everything they are experiencing. Next, ask them to imagine he/she is one of the people in the reading. What does he/she think and feel?

4. Break the students into groups and have them make a game for other students to play about the story/topic.

5. Break the students into groups and have them make a worksheet or puzzle to demonstrate their understanding of today's gospel. They can exchange what they did with the other group and do the activity.

6. Have the students make a time-line of what happened in the story using pictures or words. They can even make a comic strip.

7. Have the students come up with a skit about the story or topic. They can also use puppets and make them. They could even perform this for another class.

8. Have each student use a Venn diagram to compare characters/topics. The catechist can even do this on the board with the class.

9. Have the students come up with a craft or activity about the story/topic.

10. Make a worksheet, puzzle, quiz, etc. for the students to do. Worksheet, Puzzle, Quiz, Makers that are FREE and online.


Does anyone have other ideas that they can share?





Sunday, January 11, 2015

Websites for Religious Crafts



Need a craft for your religion class or for home? Here is a list of my favorite sites that have great crafts for your kids.



Puddle Jumping Frog- What plague hopped into all the Egyptian’s homes? I adapt this craft with my students to make it extra special. By taping a red party blower underneath the frog you can blow on it and watch the frog try to catch flies.



catholicicining.com- a fantastic catholic blog with fantastic crafts

catholicinspired.com- arts, crafts, and activities inspired by our faith

craftingthewordofgod- great ideas with templates

bibleclasscreations.blogspot.com- craft ideas to nurture children’s faith

dltk-bible.com- Bible crafts and resources for children

daniellesplace.com- Bible crafts for kids

kidssundayschool.com- Meaningful Christian Sunday school crafts for kids. Perfect for children's church, Sunday school classes, Bible study, or VBS!

christianpreschoolprintables.com- Free preschool Bible crafts

mssscraft.com- craft ideas

teacherhelp.org- Bible crafts for children

truthforkids.com- Bible crafts for kids (adjust a few of these activities to your faith teachings)