Friday, August 31, 2018

FREE Lessons Online






Need some ideas or activities for a certain lesson? Here are a few of my favorite links to find lesson plans for all ages.


sonseekers.com- Pre School through Upper Primary

hubbardscupboard.org- lessons for ages 2 - 6

dltk-bible.com- Old and New Testament lesson for preschool through 3rd grade. Lessons include memory verse, teacher's guide, puzzles, take home sheet, coloring pages, crafts and activities, etc.

clclutheran.org- lessons for preschool through 8th grade (click on Lessons on the left side and then click on Old or New Testament Lessons)

missionarlington.org- lessons for preschool through adult

rfour.org- Free Sunday School Lessons & Resources

freesundayschoolcurriculum.weebly.com- Old and New Testament Lessons, Bible Verse Activities, Bible Story Review Games and Sheets, etc.

calvarycurriculum.com- Old Testament lessons with memory verses, circle the correct words, true or false, fill in the blanks, puzzles, and color sheets.

calvarycurriculum.com- New Testament lessons with memory verses, circle the correct words, true or false, fill in the blanks, puzzles, and color sheets.

thereligionteacher.com- Scroll down for pages of lesson plans

engagingfaith.blogspot.com- Great lesson plans for older students that really get them involved and allows them to learn through activities that reinforce teachings of the Catholic Church.

The Catholic Toolbox- Pre K through K lesson plans. Each lesson plan consists of: Objectives, Word Wall, Bible Story with questions, Songs and/or Finger Plays, Activities, Crafts, Games, Snacks, Coloring/Puzzles, etc.

The Catholic Toolbox- Lesson Plans: First Grade on Up. Each lesson plan consists of: Objectives, Review, Vocabulary Words, Bible Story with questions, Activities, Crafts, Games, Snacks, Puzzles/Mazes/Worksheets, etc.



Do you have some favorite links to share to find lesson plans online?





Thursday, August 16, 2018

First Communion Activities





Need ideas or activities to help your students for First Communion? Here are some activities that might be helpful.


Resources & Activities:

catholicculture.org- Catholic Activity: Preparing for First Holy Communion

pinterest.com- First Communion Ideas

reallifeathome.com- First Communion Resources

thereligionteacher.com- First Communion Activities

catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com- Preparing for First Holy Communion

foreverforalwaysnomatterwhat.com- First Holy Communion Resources

catholicicing.com- First Communion Resources for Kids
Preparing, journal/notebook activities, crafts, ideas for the big day, ideas for first reconciliation, etc.

catholicicing.com- First Communion Ideas

catholicicing.com- How to Start a First Holy Communion Journal / Notebook

saintanneshelper.com- First Communion Resources

books.google.com- 100 Activities Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church: For Grades 1 to 8 by Elle Rossini, page 21 & 22
Receiving Holy Communion: A Practice Session

pinterest.com- First Communion Prep
First Communion Preparation, Patterns, Worksheets, and Activities eBook Bundle

reallifeathome.com- First Communion Preparation, Patterns, Worksheets, and Activities eBook Bundle

reallifeathome.com- Holy Communion and Reconciliation Worksheet and Activity Packet

The Catholic Toolbox- The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist
Resources, lessons, coloring, crafts, games, puzzles, worksheet

thereligionteacher.com- Catholic Mass Activities

The Catholic Toolbox- Catholic Mass Activities (parts of Mass, what we do during Mass, etc.)

The Catholic Toolbox- Celebrating the Mass Lesson Plans
The celebration of Mass is a hard concept for younger students to understand and here are various lessons to help students learn the parts of the Mass. The lessons will provide catechists, teachers, or parents with activities, crafts, games, puzzles, worksheets, etc. to use with their students or child to learn what goes on during Mass and what they should do. These lessons are geared for students first grade on up.



Coloring:

edupics.com- First Communion

apples4theteacher.com- Body and Blood

apples4thteacher.com- Holy Communion

supercoloring.com- Communion coloring pages (scroll down for these)

stanneshelper.com- First Communion Coloring Pages

coloringhome.com- First Holy Communion Coloring Pages

stushieart.com- First Communion

twistynoodle.com- My First Holy Communion



Crafts:

familyatthefootofthecross.blogspot.com- Corpus Christi Mosaic Craft
Beautiful chalice craft

A Framed Picture- Making a sparkling picture of communion will be a reminder of the special time we put aside to remember Jesus. (Bible Crafts on a Shoestring Budget: Paper Plates & Cups, page 12 & 13).

Do This In Memory of Me (craft)- An easy craft that students can make emphasizing “Do this in memory of me.”

Jesus in the Holy Eucharist Craft- Neat activity for the Holy Eucharist. A template is also provided for the craft.

catholicinspired.com- Jesus in the Eucharist ~ Art Project

catholicicing.com- Host and Chalice Craft for Catholic Kids

catholicicing.blogspot.com- Craft a Monstrance with a Gold Doily

catholicicing.com- True Presence In The Eucharist- Printable Craft For Catholic Kids

catholicicing.com- Craft A Mass Kit for Kids

catholicteacherresources.com- My First Communion Frame

triparishfaithformation- First Communion Plate Craft

orientaltrading.com- First Communion Crafts

funexpress.com- First Communion Cross Sign Craft Kit

catholicinspired.design- First Communion and First Reconciliation Crafts

pinterest.com- First Communion Bulletin Board Ideas



Make a Holy Communion Banner:

reallifeathome.com- How to Make a First Communion Banner

catholicicing.com- First Communion Craft – Make a First Communion Banner

catholicinspired.design- First communion banner #1

catholicinspired.design- First communion banner #2

catholicinspired.design- First communion banner #3

orientaltrading.com- Holy Communion Banner Craft Kit
You can buy this or get ideas from it to make your own.

reallifeathome.com- First Communion Banner Resources for Catholic Kids



Games:

thereligionteacher.com- Interactive Catholic Mass Parts Powerpoint Game

The Catholic Toolbox- Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist (file folder game)
Students collect the most tokens by answering questions correctly about the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

The Catholic Toolbox- Holy Eucharist Bingo
Students play regular bingo, but they answer questions about the Holy Eucharist.

The Catholic Toolbox- Act of Contrition Board Game
The idea is to answer questions about the Act of Contrition so players can roll the dice and move their pieces up and down the road attempting to capture their opponent’s pieces.

The Catholic Toolbox- Reconciliation File Folder Game
The objective of the game is to identify which one of the Ten Commandments the sin broke.



Lessons:

saintanneshelper.com- First Communion Catechism
First Communion Catechism questions and answers (scroll down for this)

sdc.me.uk- RE Resources: First Holy Communion
The table below provides links to our resources for a FIRST COMMUNION and RECONCILIATION program. The program is made up of 16 sessions. For each unit there are session plans for catechists, a worksheet for children as well as other resources such as flashcards, images and also PowerPoint presentations.

The Catholic Toolbox- Celebrating the Mass Lesson- Holy Communion

flickr.com- 2nd Grade CCD First Communion Preparation Lesson Plans

The Catholic Toolbox- Sacrament of Reconciliation lesson

thereligionteacher.com- The Liturgy of the Eucharist Lesson Plan

storage.cloversites.com- Holy Eucharist Lesson Plans



Puzzles & Worksheets:

4catholiceducators.com- Holy Communion - Wordsearch Puzzles

reallifeathome.com- Holy Communion Word Search Printable {Perfect for First Communion Students}

mycatholicsource.com- Holy Eucharist (word search)

reallifeathome.com- Holy Communion Crossword Puzzle

saintagnescatholicchurch.files.wordpress.com- Holy Communion Crossword Puzzle

catholicicing.com- First Communion Countdown Calendar (Printable!)

printableworksheets.in- First Communion worksheets

stleothegreat.com- My First Holy Communion Worksheet (click on picture to print)

reallifeathome.com- Holy Communion and Reconciliation Worksheet and Activity Packet

sdc.me.uk- RE Resources: First Holy Communion Worksheets (scroll down to these)

saintanneshelper.com- Catholic First Communion Worksheets (Catholic Catechism Handwriting Practice)

thereligionteacher.com- The Body and Blood of Christ Worksheet

thereligionteacher.com- The Religion Teacher’s Catholic Mass Worksheets


This worksheet 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.

Eucharist worksheet- Follow the directions and fill in the blanks to find out what the message says below.



These puzzles below are free, however they can only to be used for classroom and personal use. They may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. All graphics/images/clipart etc. used on these puzzles are not my own and are from various internet sources.


Holy Communion- (word scramble)

Holy Communion- (crossword)
For younger students you can do this together on the board.



Retreat Ideas:

pastoralplanning.com- Get Ready! Get Set! The final retreat and rehearsal for parents and their children before first holy communion

catechesisinthethirdmillennium.wordpress.com- Forgiveness Day – 2nd Grade Retreat

usccb.org- First Communion Retreat: Embracing Jesus’ Loving Sacrifice Present in the Eucharist

amazingcatechists.com- First Communion Retreat

catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com- Come to the Table: A First Communion Retreat (Part 1 of 2)

catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com- Come to the Table: A First Communion Retreat (Part 2 of 2)

weconnect.com- First Communion Retreat

teacherspayteachers.com- First Communion Retreat - Eucharist knowledge
A retreat day for your class or your own children that combines church vocabulary, knowledge about the mass, a Bible story play, matching game, bingo game cards, and a cooking activity with the special sacrament of Eucharist in mind. Spend the day with your children preparing for Communion.



Monday, August 13, 2018

Gospel for the Mass: 9/2/18- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23








*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.




Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23



Activities

catholicmom.com- 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.

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

4catholiceducatiors.com- Resources on the Sunday Readings

sermons4kids.com- True Worship object lesson with coloring page

sermons4kids.com- Skin Deep or From the Heart object lesson with coloring pages, group activities, puzzles, quiz, maze, etc.

sermons4kids.com- Clean or Unclean object lesson with group activities, coloring page, puzzles, quiz, worship bulletin, etc.

sundayschoollessons.com- Jesus’ Disciples Eat Without Washing Their Hands lesson

ministry-to-children.com- “Wash Up – What Makes You Clean?” Sunday School Lesson from Mark 7

sundayschoollessons.com- What Is Clean in the Sight of God lesson

ministry-to-children.com- Preschool Bible Lesson: What Defiles a Person

intervarsity.org- Mark 7:1-23: Tradition! (Bible Study with questions)

sermonnotebook.org- Mark 7:1-23 sermon that can easily be made into a lesson

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- Mark 7:6b

sermons4kids.com- Let’s praise Jesus!

sermons4kids.com- Clean or Unclean?

4catholiceducators.com- From Within Comes Evil Thoughts clipart

mscperu.org- Mark 7:1-23 clipart



Crafts

sermons4kids.com- Skin Deep group activities (crafts)

sermons4kids.com- Clean or Unclean group activities (crafts)

reflectionary.org- A Bright Heart (craft)



Games

sermons4kids.com- Skin Deep group activities (games)

sermons4kids.com- Clean or Unclean group activities (games)



Puzzles & Worksheets

sermons4kids.com- Maze

sermons4kids.com- Word Search

sermons4kids.com- Word Search

web.archive.org- Word Search

sermons4kids.com- Word Shape

sermons4kids.com- Word Jumble

sermons4kids.com- Decoder

sermons4kids.com- Crossword

sermons4kids.com- Crossword

4catholiceducators.com- Crossword

web.archive.org- Crossword

docs.google.com- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Worksheet



Quizzes

sermons4kids.com- Multiple Choice

sermons4kids.com- Fill in the Blanks

sermons4kids.com- Fill in the Blanks





Thursday, August 9, 2018

Decorating & Organizing Your Classroom: Considerations For Children With Sensory Processing Disorders




Every teacher wants a beautiful classroom which stimulates their students to want to learn. Having colorful and stimulating classrooms seems to be the norm today, but is it the right thing?

Teachers need to take in mind that some students would find their classroom sensory alluring, but others with sensory processing challenges would find it a bit too much and could not handle your classroom. Behavior problems would result and children in your classroom would not be learning to their fullest potential.

Some children process sensory stimulation (sounds, taste, smells, touch, and what they see) differently than others. Some over react while others seem oblivious to the goings on around them. As a parent of a special needs child, teachers need to take into consideration all the senses and structure the classroom to meet children’s sensory needs.

For many students sensory overload is one of the most detrimental and critical problems in the classroom. An over-stimulating environment can cause some students to shut down, become excited, inappropriate behavioral problems can arise and may escalate which could lead to major meltdowns. Examples of an over sensory environment is: buzzing and flickering lights, clutter, decorations that are vivid in color and different kinds of patterns, loud sudden noises (fire alarm, timers, bells, etc.), students too close or brushing up against you, loud and noisy surroundings, various smells (certain foods, dry erase board markers, cleaning supplies, carpet, mold, etc.), crowded and chaotic classrooms, etc.

When designing children’s environments, it is important to consider the needs of children with sensory processing disorders and to think through the space as an experience. What will the children possibly see, hear, smell, taste, and feel? Are there things that could be designed differently in critical areas so as not to interfere with a child’s ability to learn?


Considerations for the Classroom:

slideshare.net- Sensory Considerations When Teaching And Setting Up The Classroom

sensory-processing-discorder.com- Problem Behavior In The Classroom: Dealing With Children And Sensory Processing Disorders At School

brighthubeducation.com- Activities for Hypersensitive Tactile Teens in the Classroom

sensorysmarts.com- Working with Schools from Raising a Sensory Smart Child



Wednesday, August 1, 2018

What do students like to do in CCD?





What to do with the students in your CCD classroom depends upon their age. Coming up with activities that excite your students and invites them to learn about our faith can sometimes be overwhelming. 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 engaging and fun 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.

The key to being a good catechist is to have your students anticipate activities that are fun and challenging so they will want to come to CCD each and every week. A good way to accomplish this is before you dismiss your students give them a little teaser of what they will do in class next week. Make it sound fun and exciting.

Example: “Why do problems come into our lives? People face problems each and every day. Some are harder than others. There are many choices that the person can have to solve his/her problem, but which one is the best? Next week we will play a game to see if you can choose the right thing to do.”



So what do students like to do in CCD?


Pre K – K students like singing and doing finger plays, coloring, making simple crafts, and playing games. The more movement the better so that the catechist can burn up some of their never ending pent up energy. Changing activities about every 15 minutes is also a good idea since their attention spans are extremely short. Interest Centers are important for any Preschool or Kindergarten classroom. These center activities: Art, Block, Book, Creation, Home Living, Manipulative, etc. gives the students a chance to “Learn by Doing”.

Having a God’s Helping Hands Chart encourages teamwork and self-esteem as students take responsibility for their classroom. This also builds community and dependability and it could also get the children to help more around the house as well. By assigning students various tasks to do will keep them busy and they will not get bored. It will also cut down on behavior problems because they will be moving and not sitting so much.

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? Try to incorporate a game to review the material in your classroom. Reading Comprehension & Assessment Activities and How To Review Material.

Play a game that reviews previously learned material. These activities make the Bible stories and aspects of the Catholic Church more concrete and easier for the students to understand and also a lot of fun. (There are several games posted here that can be used for younger students.)


Pre K – K lesson plans- with: Objectives, Word Wall, Bible Story with questions, Songs and/or Finger Plays, Activities, Crafts, Games, Snacks, Coloring/Puzzles

hubbardscupboard.org- lessons for ages 2 - 6

dltk-bible.com- Old and New Testament lesson for preschool posted. Lessons include memory verse, teacher's guide, puzzles, take home sheet, coloring pages, crafts and activities, etc.

clclutheran.org- lessons for preschool (click on Old or New Testament Lessons)

missionarlington.org- Sort by Scripture. Each lesson has a preschool lesson

sermons4kids.com- Index of Coloring Pages

The Catholic Toolbox- FREE Religious Coloring Pages

walzingm.com- Coloring Pages.

paperdali.blogspot.com- Paper Dali has tons of free printables for your nonprofit, personal use.

Bible Story Mini Books- Bible Story Mini Books are a great way to review a Bible story or concept with young students. Here are some online for free to print out for the students to take home. Students can read these to their parents or the parents can read them to their child.

FREE One Page Printable Bible Stories- Short on paper and need some printable Bible stories? You can print these out in color or black and white, whichever you prefer. Great for review and for your children to read.

Interactive Crafts for Bible Stories- Children love to make interactive crafts for Bible stories. It makes the Bible story come alive and they can reenact the story over and over again.



Bible Wheels To Make and Enjoy by Carmen Sorvillo- Bible Wheels are Bible stories on wheels that help reinforce Bible stories. Children ages 4 to 7 can make the Bible Wheels easily by cutting them out, coloring, and assembling. Each wheel is made from two reproducible patterns that you can print out on cardstock and are secured with a brass fastener. A window in the wheel reveals what happens in the Bible story and the children can turn the wheel dial to retell the Bible story they just learned over and over again. Bible Wheels are a great way to supplement your Bible stories and help your students to remember the lesson. Children are fascinated by how they work and the Bible Wheels in this book will surely keep the children’s attention and spark their imagination. The book contains 30 (14 Old and 16 New Testament) Bible Wheels that have limited text with the title of the story, the Bible reference and pictures telling the Bible story on each one. Cutting is simple but for younger students you might want to cut out all or some of the craft prior to class. Bible Wheels are a great take home activity for children to do with their parents and they are an excellent way to help the children remember the Bible story.

Click here to see some of the book then click on Excerpt.






Elementary age students enjoy crafts, games, and creative puzzles such as hidden pictures, word shape, word jumble decoder, spiral, etc. Usually boys at this age absolutely despise coloring and as soon as you whip out a coloring sheet for them to do, discipline problems immediately erupt. Students at this age like object lessons and activities that involve movement and learning. Nothing is more fun than doing activities that use all the students’ senses and challenges them.

Play a game that reviews previously learned material. These activities make the Bible stories and aspects of the Catholic Church more concrete and easier for the students to understand and also a lot of fun. Reading Comprehension & Assessment Activities and How To Review Material.


Lesson Plans for 1st Grade On Up- with: Objectives, Review, Vocabulary Words, Bible Story with questions, Activities, Crafts, Games, Snacks, Puzzles/Mazes/Worksheets

dltk-bible.com- Old and New Testament lesson for preschool through 3rd grade. Lessons include memory verse, teacher's guide, puzzles, take home sheet, coloring pages, crafts and activities, etc.

clclutheran.org- lessons for 1st through 8th grade on Old or New Testament Lessons (scroll down for grade level)

missionarlington.org- Sort lessons by Scripture

sermons4kids.com- find various kinds of puzzles for your students to do that are posted in alphabetical order

sermons4kids.com- Click on Sermons to find the subject or sermon you want. Tons of object lessons for you to choose from.

Bible Story Mini Books- Bible Story Mini Books are a great way to review a Bible story or concept with young students. Here are some online for free to print out for the students to take home. Give these to your students every week so they can read these to their parents.

FREE One Page Printable Bible Stories- Short on paper and need some printable Bible stories? You can print these out in color or black and white, whichever you prefer. Great for review and for your children to read.

catholicicing.com- Embrace your amazing Catholic Culture by "icing" your Catholic Cake with all of these yummy "extras"! This is a place to find Catholic Arts and Crafts, Fun Food, Feast Day Celebration ideas, and much, much more!

thereligionteacher.com- Scroll down for: Feast of the Epiphany in the Modern Day- Lesson Plan Activities, Catholic Thanksgiving Day Lesson Plans on the Eucharist as “Thanksgiving”, Teaching the Mysteries of the Rosary to Elementary Students, etc.



Hidden Pictures Explore Hidden Treasures in God’s Word: Grade 1 - 3 (Fun Faith-Builders) by Linda Standke- Children will absolutely love the fun and creative Bible story based hidden picture puzzles in this book! My students are just wild about hidden picture puzzles and ask for them every week at CCD. The students start these puzzles by looking up the scripture reference to answer the question about each story. Then they find and circle the story related items hidden in the picture. Each puzzle has a list of 8 items to find. To make it easier for the students, drawings of the 8 items are next to each word and these look exactly like the ones in the puzzle. The book has 27 (13 Old and 14 New Testament) hidden picture puzzles and also an answer key for each. These hidden puzzles are a fantastic fill in activity for CCD or great to do just before the parents come to pick up their children.

Click here to see some of the book then click on Sample.





The Encyclopedia Of Bible Games For Children's Ministry by Group Publishing- This book is a collection of 175 creative and entertaining games that will add fun and enhance your lessons for your class, vacation Bible school, retreats, etc. The games get students involved and allows them to learn through activities that will help reinforce Bible stories or various Bible subjects. The activities are broken down into 9 categories: Bible Story Games (75), Jesus Is… Games (10) that connect your students to Christ, The Bible Is… Games (10) to teach the truths, Holiday Games (10), Wild ‘n’ Wacky Games (10) to get your students up and moving, Total Silence Games (10), Travel Games (10) to try when you are going from here to there, Icebreaker Games (20), and Group Builder Games (20). Each game specifies the scripture, the Bible theme, energy level with complete directions, supply list, what to say, and post game discussions. All supplies that are needed for each game are found easily around the home or church. You can also search the indexes by type of game, Bible point or passage, and energy level. The games can be easily adapted for all ages, class size, indoor or outdoor, etc. and a suggestion page is in the book to help you with any situation so all children can enjoy playing the games. This is must have in any youth ministry!

Limited preview- To see some of the book.






Older students enjoy discussions and a variety of activities that lets them manipulate the information physically and mentally. They like breaking off into small groups to work together for a common goal and present it later to the class. Group projects are a hit as well as field trips to places they have previously studied about. They also like playing games that involves the whole class reviewing previously learned material that is fun and educational too.

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

Catholic Lesson Plans For Teens- FREE Catholic lesson plans for small group study or classroom covering a variety of issues for today's teens.

Play a game show that quizzes your students about the subject. Make it fun and exciting by using a game that is created on PowerPoint. Download the template and modify the game to fit your curriculum needs.

Play a game that reviews previously learned material. These activities make the Bible stories and aspects of the Catholic Church more concrete and easier for the students to understand and also a lot of fun. Reading Comprehension & Assessment Activities and How To Review Material.




Faith Facts for Young Catholics: Drills, Games and Activities for Middle School Students by Kieran Sawyer- This is an incredible activity book of drills, games and activities for middle school students that all will enjoy. The 25 activities include: Sacraments, Ten Commandments, Parts of the Mass, Review Games, Seven Gifts, Scriptures, Gospel Trivia, etc. There are pages and pages of review cards, key word cards, flash cards, Gospel trivia cards, Scripture passage cards, etc. to go with all the activities in the book with answers included. Teachers need to from time to time supplement their curriculum with activities to help teach their students and review material and by using the creative activities in this book it will help enhance the lessons and allow the students to understand more and have a lot of fun in the process. The games will also be great in a variety of religious education settings such as religion class in school, CCD, youth group meetings and youth retreats. (*This book is spiral bound to make copying easier.)



What do your students like to do in CCD class?