The Catholic Toolbox

Organizational Skills

2012-02-14T09:02:00.000-05:00

Too often students have problems with organizational skills. Lack of organizational strategies often prevent students from demonstrating their full competence. Procrastination, tardiness, dawdling, distractibility, disorganization, and messiness often become problems for students. For instance, they may

- forget what they have for homework

- lose or misplace things

- leave needed books at school

- waste time hunting for supplies

- wait until the last minute to start projects

- have a messy backpack, desk or room

- be late for many things.

As a teacher you can help students by making organization a daily routine in class by doing the following strategies:

• Make desk cleaning a part of the daily routine- A few minutes before dismissal the teacher can tell the students to clean out their desks. This will enable students to learn to clean out their desks and remember to bring home certain items.

• Make packing up a part of the daily routine- After the students clean out their desks the teacher can tell the students to pack up. This will enable students to systematically pack up what needs to go home.

• Present homework assignments orally to the students. Also post homework assignments visually on the board in the same place each time.

• Provide students with a homework sheet or agenda book/planner.

• Provide peer or teacher assistance in recording homework assignments.

• Provide students with the assignment in written format.

List of ways to help organizational skills:

1- Homework log/agenda/planning book- helps keep track of assignments and when they are due.

They usually consist of:

• calendar
• daily assignment log for each subject for homework, projects or assignments, etc.
• date due for assignment(s)
• space for teachers and parents to communicate
• teacher signature space for each subject
• parent signature space on bottom of page
• a designated place to check off when assignment is completed

2- Assignment Checklists or Timelines- break large tasks into manageable units and set deadlines for their completion.

3- Day planner- a tool to help persons organize a busy schedule and be more productive by keeping track of upcoming events, and maintaining a list of ongoing commitments or tasks that must be accomplished on a recurring basis.

4- “To do” lists- Teach the student how to develop a to-do list of what they need to do in the order they need to do them. Have them cross off completed items off the list.

5- Keep papers and assignments in a binder for organization.

6- Have a routine for packing up after class using a check list for what needs to go home.

7- Color tab dividers that are specifically labeled for CCD for keeping papers organized.

• Avery #11907 Tab Dividers. You can print your inserts on the computer by using the Avery perforated tab insert sheet that is provided in the packet to make it nice and neat.

You can label the pockets:

• Class Syllabus

• CCD Class Schedule

• Flyers/Announcements/Newsletters

• Assignment & Grade Sheets- sheets to write down assignments, when they are assigned, when they are due, grades, etc.

• Homework To Do

• Homework To Be Turned In

• Behavior -Behavior Contract & Behavior Chart, Behavior Report, etc.

• Parent/Teacher Communication

• Prayers- Prayer Booklet, Prayer Chart (prayers that the student has completed), etc.

• Graded Papers

• Etc.

8- Section in the binder for papers going home and papers that need to be returned to school.

9- Use a multi-compartment backpack. Have a separate section for school supplies, money, binder, etc.

10- Periodically help your child clean out their CCD folder/binder. It makes it hard to stay organized and know what is due when the folder/binder has too many unwanted papers in it.

11- Clean out backpack each evening.

12- Reload and organize backpack or CCD folder/binder as soon as homework is completed.

13- Designate a place at home for storing the backpack or CCD folder/binder.

14- Designate a certain place to do homework that is clean, uncluttered, quiet and there are no distractions. Have it stocked with all necessary supplies to complete homework.

15- Set aside the same time each weekday for your child to do homework. That way your son or daughter knows that time is set aside for homework.

Crafty Crafters: Lent

2012-02-11T10:06:00.001-05:00

So how crafty are you?

What is your favorite religious craft you make for Lent?

Here is a craft I make with my students using a toilet paper roll:

Introduce craft: What happens to a caterpillar? He changes into a butterfly. What are we supposed to do during Lent? We are to change. We are going to make something to show us how the caterpillar changed into a butterfly to remind us that we are to change during Lent and become more like Jesus.

hhmi.org- Butterfly

Curl the butterfly's wings and slide it into the chrysalis.

Pull the stick to make the beautiful butterfly come out of the chrysalis.

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

What will you do in your classroom or home? (Class #18)

2012-02-10T08:21:00.000-05:00

Mystery of Faith acclamation #2- Trace the acclamation we do at Mass

Lesson Plan-

Ash Wednesday & Lent and follow lesson.

Game- Introduce game: Do you know what praying, fasting, and almsgiving mean? Let’s find out.

Directions: Write each student’s name on the board (or divide class into teams). Ask each student a question below. If they are correct, they get a point. The person (or team) with the most points wins.)

After each situation, tell whether each child is praying, fasting or almsgiving.

1. Alex sings out at Sunday Mass. (Praying)

2. Mandy teaches her little sister how to play Candyland. (Almsgiving)

3. Lucy asks a new classmate to join her for lunch. (Almsgiving)

4. Mark learns the Apostles’ Creed by heart. (Almsgiving)

5. Ian kneels by his bed and asks God to bless his mom and dad and all the children he plays with. (Praying)

6. Melinda says, “No, thanks,” when Frances offers her a candy bar. (Fasting)

7. Cecilia orders a glass of milk when the rest of the team has ice cream cones after practice. (Fasting)

8. Chris donates part of his allowance to the food pantry during Lent. (Almsgiving)

9. Kayla and her friends help Mrs. Johnson clean up her yard. (Almsgiving)

10. Juan’s family say the Rosary together once a week during Lent. (Praying)

Activity-

The activity below is free, however it can 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.

Ash Wednesday (worksheet)- Put number one through seven on the board. Read each question and write the correct word by the number after the student has answered the question. Have the students fill in the blanks on their paper with the correct answer from the word bank.

Activity- Introduce activity: What are we supposed to do during Lent? (We are to change and become more like Jesus.)

Read the story “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle and ask questions from below.

What happened to the caterpillar? (He changed into a butterfly.)

Which life do you think is better, the caterpillar of the butterfly life? Why?

During Lent we are to try to “change”. (We need to be kind to others and improve our relationship with God.)

Craft- Introduce craft: What happens to a caterpillar? He changes into a butterfly. What are we supposed to do during Lent? We are to change. We are going to make something to show us how the caterpillar changed into a butterfly to remind us that we are to change during Lent and become more like Jesus.

hhmi.org- Caterpillar to Butterfly Craft

Mini Book-

Mini Book- All About Lent (coloring booklet)

Have students read the mini book out loud in class by taking turns (each read a page) and take home to read to their parents. Students can also color mini book.

Game- Introduce game: Introduce game: Today I will send home a Take Home Test. Let’s see how well you can answer the questions.

Review Game

The objective of the game is to be the first player to score 10 points. Have a player roll the die on the floor in front of the class. If the die lands on a blank space, they do not answer a question. If the die lands on “?”, they are asked a question by the teacher from the test. If the player answers correctly, they receive a point (you can use tokens, write it on the board, etc.). If they are not correct, they do not receive a point. The first player to score 10 points, is the winner. You can play this game individually or in teams. For an added challenge, you can also have “Lose 1 Point” and “Take 1 Point” on a side of the die. When a player rolls “Lose 1 Point”, they must lose 1 point. If a player rolls “Take 1 Point”, they may take a point from any player they choose.

Make a die out of a large juice carton and put a ? mark on some (at least 3) of the sides of the die. mssscrafts.com- directions to make die.

Cube Signs- Print, cut out, and glue on die.

Puzzles & Worksheets- While students are doing puzzles/worksheets, etc. they may say a prayer. Students are asked to recite 5 prayers by the end of the year. A “We Know Our Prayers” chart is on the bulletin board. If the student can recite the prayer correctly, write the date on the chart, and they get to pick a prize from the prize bag.

sadlierreligion.com- Lent (word search) Grade 2, Chapter 20 (Pick the grade, type of visitor, and click on Go To. Look under Printable Activities and click on Chapters).

Homework- Give each student a Test #3 for their parents to go over with them to review what we have done in class. Parents need to help their child fill this out and bring back to class the following week. Students that complete their homework and bring it back to class will be able to play Homeworkopoly. Each Sunday the students make a mini story book and/or story wheel in class. Students need to read these to their parents (or the parents read to them) the mini book and/or story wheel for homework.

What will you do in your classroom or home? Please comment so I can add the link to your blog to this post. We would love to see what you do!

Ash Wednesday & Lent

2012-02-07T08:29:00.005-05:00

Ash Wednesday & Lent

Ash Wednesday- activities, coloring, crafts, games, puzzles, quizzes, etc.

thereligionteacher.com- Ash Wednesday Lesson Plan which includes a full set of activities, worksheets, integration with the Ash Wednesday Video, and a short quiz to assess the students' progress.

Lent- activities, coloring, crafts, games, puzzles, quizzes, etc.

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

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

Lent Lapbooks- Make a Lent lapbook to celebrate the Lent season.

thatresourcesite.com- Stations of the Cross Cards
Use for review or order of recognition practice. Print a second set to play Memory or Go Fish

thatresoursesite.com- The Stations of the Cross Poster Set
Encourage daily prayer and meditation this Lenten season with this 14 page set of posters on the Stations of the Cross. (This is a larger file, so please be patient during your download.)

thatresourcesite.com- Let’s make a book about the Stations of the Cross.
Use this book activity to help children remember the passion of our Lord's death in the Stations of the Cross. This is a very gentle approach to this most important event. Young tender hearts often have trouble viewing our Lord in suffering. This project uses the wonderful book "The Stations of the Cross" by Fr. Lawrence Lovasik as it's base.

catholicicing.com- Lenten Activities

Stations of the Cross- activities, coloring, crafts, games, puzzles, worksheets, etc.

Stations of the Cross Bingo- Students play regular bingo, but they answer questions about the Stations of the Cross. The teacher asks one student at a time a question about the Stations of the Cross. The student answers the question and the class looks for the word on their bingo card. The first student who gets three in a row (up, down, across, or diagonal) on their bingo card first, wins.

Stations of the Cross File Folder Game: The objective of the game is to go through all 14 Stations of the Cross by answering questions about each station.

Agenda Book/Planner

2012-02-05T13:55:00.000-05:00

An organized student stays current on assignments and will achieve success in school. Agenda books help students develop sound organization skills that will teach them a successful lifelong journey through school.

My son used to have an extremely hard time keeping his homework assignments organized and turning them in on time. We have found that an agenda book that is kept in his binder helps tremendously.

His agenda book consisted of the following:

1. calendar
2. daily assignment log for each subject for homework, projects or assignments, etc.
3. date due for assignment(s)
4. space for teachers and parents to communicate
5. teacher signature space for each subject
6. parent signature space on bottom of page

*When my son was in middle school the teachers would at the end of class check each and every student’s agenda book to see if they had written correctly their assignment(s). The teacher would initial it (or use a stamp) to confirm that it was correct. I thought this was a fantastic idea and it also made sure that the students had their assignments written down correctly and they would know when to turn them in on time. Parents also had to sign the agenda book daily to verify that they had read the above and understood what their child was supposed to do.

*I think it would be a wonderful idea to utilize agenda books for CCD. By providing all students with an agenda book for CCD it will allow students to learn to become independent and turn their homework in on time. If your CCD does not do agenda books, you could ask your child’s CCD teacher if they would be willing to do this with your child. The teacher will more likely agree to this accommodation if the student has problems with turning in their homework and if the parents provide the agenda book. It should also be understood by everyone involved that it will be the student’s responsibility to obtain their teacher’s signature on their agenda book to confirm that the student had it filled it out correctly.

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.

Agenda Book/Planner Page- Here is a printable Agenda Book page that I made that you can print out and use with your students or child.

Directions on how to fill out Agenda Book page:

The small blank red calendar clipart is where you write the date.

The white rectangle with lines is the area for assignments.

Due date: When the assignment is due.

Done: A place to put a check mark when homework is completed.

Teacher Initials: Teacher approves agenda book is correctly filled out.

Parent Initials: Parent approves the child’s homework.

Parent/Teacher Notes: An area for parents and teachers to communicate.

Friendship

2012-02-04T09:33:00.004-05:00

Linda is looking for ideas to help teach her 13 & 14 year old students about friendship and how we choose good friends, what qualities we look for, etc. Does anyone have any ideas that could help her?

Here are some ideas:

Google: Making and Keeping Friends
Lots of ideas and activities to use with your students.

Be sure to check out:

liguori.org- Making and Keeping Good Friends (lesson)

store.samhsa.gov- Making and Keeping Friends: A Self Help Guide

christianteens.about.com- Advice for Christian Teens

books.google.com- Help Students Make and Keep Friends (lesson plans)

glencoe.mcgraw-hill.com- Making and Keeping Friends Lesson

specialed.about.com- Recipe for Making Friends (worksheet)

wvde.state.ws.us- Scroll down to Lesson 14: Making and Keeping Friends

advocatesforyouth.org- Making Friends (lesson)

Games

Make your own game like this one:

therapeutricresources.com- Making and Keeping Friends Cards

This deck of cards focuses on real-life situations that help teens reflect on their own friendship skills and their personal values as they make and keep friends.

Full Description: The High School version presents more complex and sophisticated questions that are appropriate for teens and reflect the complex issues they are faced with every day.

You could also use these games to help teach your students about making the right decisions or just use some of the cards to play the game above.

WWJD & Morals Dilemmas Card Game

What will you do in your classroom or home? (Class #17)

2012-02-03T10:04:00.001-05:00

What are you doing in your classroom or home? I think it would be great to see what others are doing to exchange some ideas. I am constantly looking for new activities to do and I know others are too.

This is what I plan on doing with my first grade CCD class:

Review-

• Review - Sign of the Cross, Grace Before Meals, Glory Be, Our Father (Lord’s Prayer)

• Review- Fishers of Men Take Home Sheet

• Review- People at Mass using People at Church Cards.

• Review- Liturgical Objects at Mass (pew, stoup, altar, chalice, ciborium, Body of Christ, Blood of Christ, tabernacle, bells, lectern, ambo, Lectionary, missal, Book of the Gospels, Processional Cross, cruets, Presider’s/Celebrant’s Chair) using Liturgical Objects Used at Mass Cards.

• Review- Liturgical Objects at Mass by playing Memory (use two copies of cards)

Celebrating the Mass Lesson-

Consecration

There are a number of Eucharistic Prayers that can be used by the priest at Mass. They all have a common form so that although they vary somewhat, there are key parts you will always recognize.

*Review with the students the Eucharistic Prayer that we use at our church.

As the priest recites the words and actions of Jesus at the Last Supper (this is when he shared bread and wine with his friends), we kneel and pray silently.

While you are kneeling, you should make a solemn bow during the consecration of the bread and wine. This is an act of adoration to our Lord who is now present under these forms. The consecration (write this on the board) is when the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. Transubstantiation (write this on the board) is the change of the entire substance of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ at the Consecration of the Mass. The consecration happens when the priest recites the words of Jesus over them.

Bell Ringing - The bells should be rung by an altar server at specific times during the Mass as is the local custom in your parish. Typical times for ringing the bell are:

• Once, when the priest makes the Sign of the Cross over the gifts and calls on the Holy Spirit to come upon the gifts.
• Once when the Consecrated Host is raised up into the air.
• Once when the Consecrated Wine is raised up into the air.

Questions:

What do our gifts of bread and wine become? (The Body and Blood of Christ.)

What happens during the consecration? (It is the moment when the bread and wine become The Body and Blood of Christ.)

What is the change of the entire substance of the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ called? (Transubstantiation)

What do we call the special meal in which Jesus shared bread and wine with his friends? (The Last Supper.)

Celebrating the Mass Activities-

The activity below is free, however it can 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.

Do This In Memory of Me Craft- directions and template

Lesson Plan-

The Good Samaritan and go over vocabulary words with students. Read story: “The Good Samaritan” The Usborne Children's Bible by Heather Amery and ask questions from Take Home Sheet that will be sent home today. Note: When I read the story to the students I usually sit in the chair in the corner by the board and have the students sit on the floor in front of me. After the students have answered the questions about the story, I have them go back to their seats to continue with what is on the lesson plan (activity, craft, game, puzzles/worksheets, etc.).

Movie-

Veggie Tales: Accepting and Helping- Are You My Neighbor? The Story of Flibber-o-loo (The Good Samaritan) and ask questions from lesson

Craft- Introduce craft: Jesus said to “Love your neighbor as yourself”. What does that mean? (Treat others like we like to be treated.) Does that mean we must be kind to our enemies? (Yes) Lets’ make a craft to remind us to “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

mssscrafts.com- Laced Bookmark: Greatest Commandment (Mark 12:30-31)
Directions and template are posted.

Tip: Glue the heart sections together first and then lace the rest of the book mark.

Mini Book-

lambsongs.co.nz- “The Kind Man From Samaria” by Jill Kemp

Have students read the mini book out loud in class by taking turns (each read a page) and take home to read to their parents. Students can also color mini book.

Games- Introduce games: How are we to treat others?

Chutes & Ladders (board game)
When the students land on a ladder have them identify the good deed and the reward. When the students land on the slide have them identify the bad behavior and what the consequence was.

Puzzles & Worksheets- While students are doing puzzles/worksheets, etc. they may say a prayer. Students are asked to recite 5 prayers by the end of the year. A “We Know Our Prayers” chart is on the bulletin board. If the student can recite the prayer correctly, write the date on the chart, and they get to pick a prize from the prize bag.

The Merciful Samaritan- Hidden Pictures: Explore Hidden Treasures in God’s Word Grade 1-3 by Linda Standke, page 24

Homework- Give each student a Good Samaritan Take Home Sheet for their parents to go over with them to review what we have done in class. Parents need to help their child fill this out and bring back to class the following week. Students that complete their homework and bring it back to class will be able to play Homeworkopoly. Each Sunday the students make a mini story book and/or story wheel in class. Students need to read these to their parents (or the parents read to them) the mini book and/or story wheel for homework.

What will you do in your classroom or home? Please comment so I can add the link to your blog to this post. We would love to see what you do!

Church Potluck Recipe: Dove Love Cookies

2012-01-31T09:09:00.001-05:00

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and anyone would appreciate these sweet little cookies.

“Dove” Love Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup natural peanut butter
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup flour
1 1/2 cup pastry wheat flour
1/2 cup ground golden flax seed
1 package Dove heart shaped chocolate pieces

Directions:

Step 1: Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Cream softened butter and sugars together. Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.

Step 2: Add peanut butter to butter mixture and mix well.

Step 3: Add pastry wheat flour, flax and all purpose flour, salt and baking soda and slowly mix until all combined.

Step 4: Using a cookie scoop put cookie dough 2 inches a part or 12 balls to a cookie sheet. Pat the center of each ball down with the back of the scooper, sprinkle with sugar if you’d like and bake for about 11 min. at 350 degrees.

Step 5: While cookies are baking un-wrap the chocolate. When the cookies are done immediately put chocolate hearts in the middle of each cookie and gently press down. Cool on cookie sheet 5-10 min. then transfer to a cooling rack. Be careful to let the chocolate hearts harden before storing cookies otherwise the chocolate will get smeared.

Special Events for February

2012-01-28T11:17:00.002-05:00

Please check out Gospel for the Mass for the month of February on its own page under the header. I have links to activities, coloring, crafts, games, puzzles, worksheets, quizzes, etc. that can help you with your classroom or at home.

*This month’s special event is: St. Valentine and St. Valentine’s Day

References:

catholic.org- St. Valentine

americancatholic.org- St. Valentine’s Day

newadvent.org- St. Valentine and St. Valentine’s Day

history.com- History

churchyear.net- All About Saint Valentine’s Day

catholicfaitheducation.blogspot.com- Articles and lesson plans

catholicmom.com- Valentine’s Day at catholicmom.com

Coloring:

St. Valentine coloring page- by tiredtwang.blogspot.com

goodshepherdonline.com- with short story

Crafts:

catholicicing.blogspot.com- Valentine Countdown Chain
1 Love Bible Verse a day {Free to Print!}

catholicicing.blogspot.com- Catholic St. Valentine Craft

paperdali.blogspot.com- Saint Valentine Matchbox

education.preschoolrock.com- ASL I Love You Craft
This fun craft uses a cut out of a child’s hand to create the ASL sign (American Sign Language) for I-Love-You. Children will love using their imagination to decorate the paper heart that they will glue their hand sign on.

catholicicing.blogspot.com- Catholic St. Valentine’s Day Crafts

catholicicing.blogspot.com- St. Valentine Craft and Card

catholicicing.blogspot.com- John 3:16 Valentine Craft

catholicicing.blogspot.com- Christian Bible Verse Valentines

catholicicing.blogspot.com- Spiritual Bouquet Craft for St. Valentine’s Day

catholicicing.blogspot.com- Religious St. Valentine Ideas for You

christianpreschoolprintables.com- 5 pages of Jesus Loves Me (Valentine’s Day) crafts and activities

Games:

christianpreschoolprintables.com- 5 pages of games

Jesus Loves Me Bible Bingo- This is a Bible Bingo game depicting Jesus from birth to adult. This is a great game to use around Valentine's Day or anytime to share with children God's love for us!

Bible File Folder Games John 3:16 Hearts- Match the hearts to different outlines and read the different values of Love. Based on 1 Corinthians13, and includes places to practice handwriting.

Jesus Loves Me Heart Sequence- This is a Size sequence in which children arrange the hearts in order of smallest to largest. Once in order it will spell out the words to the song "Jesus Loves Me". Sing the song with your child when it's completed.

Jesus Loves Me Tic-Tac-Toe- This is a fun printable game for playing Tic-Tac-Toe. Children choose either red hearts or blue hearts and win when they get three in a row.

Jesus Loves Me Heart Match- This is a set of simple Heart puzzles that says “Jesus Loves Me”. Children play the game by matching up the different sides of the hearts.

theholidayzone.com- Valentine Alphabet Memory Game

abcteach.com- Dominoes with Hearts
Print these on card stock and cut out.

filefolderfun.com- 3 file folder games

Patterns of Love Pattern Matching Game-
This is a pattern matching game for children to decide what color heart comes next. Store the pattern strips in the Memory Pocket, and simply print up an extra sheet and cut out the hearts for playing pieces.

Alphabet Hearts File Folder Game-
This is an alphabet file folder game with hearts. Children match the upper and lowercase versions of the letters.

The Color of Love File Folder Game-
This is a heart file folder game where children can match the different colors of hearts to each other.

St. Valentine Game

Introduction to game: What do you know about St. Valentine and St. Valentine’s Day?

Materials- large die, egg timer, questions about St. Valentine and St. Valentine’s Day

Make a die out of a large juice carton mssscrafts.com and put a ? mark on some (at least 3) of the sides of the die.

Cube Signs for St. Valentine Game- Print, cut out, and glue on die to play game.

Directions- The objective of the game is to get the most points by answering questions about St. Valentine and St. Valentine’s Day. After studying and discussing this subject, divide the class into teams and have the students come up with questions. Set an egg timer for a specified time. Have a player roll the die on the floor in front of the class. If the die lands on a blank space, they do not answer a question. If the die lands on “?”, they are asked a question by the other player or team. If the player answers correctly, they receive a point (you can use tokens, write it on the board, etc.). If they are not correct, they do not receive a point. Players must collect as many points as they can. The game is over when the egg timer goes off. Whoever has the most points, wins. You can play this game individually or in teams. For an added challenge, you can also have “Lose 1 Point” and “Take 1 Point” on one or a couple of the sides of the die. When a player rolls “Lose 1 Point”, they must lose 1 point. If a player rolls “Take 1 Point”, they may take a point from any player they choose.

Sacrament of Matrimony (file folder game)- Answer different kinds of questions (multiple choice, True or False, Fill in the Blank, or Puzzles) about the Sacrament of Matrimony as you move around the board.

Introduction to game: For Catholics, the sacrament of marriage is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: The loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God's values.

Puzzles:

christianpreschoolprintables.com- Jesus Loves Bible Puzzle

teachervision.fen.com- Children cut apart pieces of a heart puzzle and then reassemble it in this Valentine's Day printable.

papertangrams.com- Print this heart-shaped tangram puzzle on white or colored cardstock or regular paper. Use markers or crayons to color the tangram, if desired, then cut out the tans (pieces) with scissors.

aimsedu.org- Heart Puzzle
Carefully cut out the pieces of the heart puzzle. Use all nine pieces to make as many interesting shapes as you can. (The pieces must be placed edge to edge and can't overlap.) Make a record of your shapes by drawing their outlines on a separate sheet of paper.

Challenges:

1. Reassemble the heart.
2. Make the two shapes shown at bottom right.

internetfamilyfun.com- Heart maze

showerofroses.blogspot.com- Saint Valentine Crossword & Word Search

What will you do in your classroom or home? (Class #16)

2012-01-27T07:57:00.000-05:00

Holy (worksheet)- Have the students fill out the worksheet. Go over worksheet with students. Try playing the game below and allow students to place their worksheets in front of them to use when needed.

Game- Have students sit in a circle. Say the first 3 words of Sanctus (English or Latin version that you use at your church) and toss a small ball to one student. That student must fill in the next 3 words (they can look on the board or their worksheet). Then they toss the ball to any student. Continue game until the students have learned Sanctus.

Lesson Plan-

The Fishers of Men and go over vocabulary words with students. Read story: “Jesus and his Disciples” The Usborne Children's Bible by Heather Amery and ask questions from Take Home Sheet that will be sent home today. Note: When I read the story to the students I usually sit in the chair in the corner by the board and have the students sit on the floor in front of me. After the students have answered the questions about the story, I have them go back to their seats to continue with what is on the lesson plan (activity, craft, game, puzzles/worksheets, etc.).

Craft- Introduce craft: Who said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”? What does that mean?

The students make this easy craft then play Gone Fishing from a bucket. (Decorate fish with sequins, glitter, etc.)

crafts.kaboose.com- Gone Fishing Game

Mini Book-

lambsongs.co.nz- “Come Follow Me” by Jill Kemp

Have students read the mini book out loud in class by taking turns (each read a page) and take home to read to their parents. Students can also color mini book.

Game- Introduce game: Who are the apostles? What are their names?

Disciples Memory Game or Go Fish Game- A fun way to review the names of the disciples.

Puzzles & Worksheets- While students are doing puzzles/worksheets, etc. they may say a prayer. Students are asked to recite 5 prayers by the end of the year. A “We Know Our Prayers” chart is on the bulletin board. If the student can recite the prayer correctly, write the date on the chart, and they get to pick a prize from the prize bag.

The Apostles- (word search)

Homework- Give each student a Fishers of Men Take Home Sheet for their parents to go over with them to review what we have done in class. Parents need to help their child fill this out and bring back to class the following week. Students that complete their homework and bring it back to class will be able to play Homeworkopoly. Each Sunday the students make a mini story book and/or story wheel in class. Students need to read these to their parents (or the parents read to them) the mini book and/or story wheel for homework.

What will you do in your classroom or home? Please comment so I can add the link to your blog to this post. We would love to see what you do!

Crafty Crafters: Valentine’s Day

2012-01-24T08:52:00.001-05:00

So how crafty are you?

What is your favorite craft you make for Valentine’s Day?

Here is a craft you can make with your students using their handprint:

education.preschoolrock.com- ASL I Love You Craft
This fun craft uses a cut out of a child’s hand to create the ASL sign (American Sign Language) for I-Love-You. Children will love using their imagination to decorate the paper heart that they will glue their hand sign on.

Please leave a comment so others can get ideas for crafts.

Report Card Comments

2012-01-21T09:15:00.000-05:00

It’s that time again teachers detest and dread as must as the students. It is report card time and teachers have the overwhelming task of writing constructive, insightful, and original comments on a classroom full of students.

Report cards give parents essential information about their child’s progress and the teacher comments can indicate how a child is performing in different areas. These written comments should highlight the student’s strengths and offer ways the child could improve his or her academic work and/or classroom behavior. These comments can also indicate a need for improvement by turning the words around a bit by making them into a goal for the child to work on.

Parents love to hear about how their child is doing in class and enjoy comments on their child’s report card. It is a good idea for catechists to write something positive about each student to help the child’s self esteem. If only negative statements are written, the parent may feel overwhelmed and thus be unable to help their child. Parents are more willing to cooperate if a comment concerning their child’s weakness follows a positive one. Therefore it is more productive to state a student’s strength first, then follow it with your concern – but make sure that is written in a constructive way.

Positive comments on a report card can inspire students to live up to their teacher’s observations. For example, if the teacher wrote that the child excels in “Being dependable” or “Shows outstanding sportsmanship,” these statements could become part of the student’s self-image. It is important for teachers to remember that their written words can motivate and challenge their students to be their best.

Words that promote positive view of the student:

• thorough
• caring
• shows commitment
• improved tremendously
• has a good grasp of

Examples of definitive words that should be avoided are:

• the child will never;
• the child will not or won’t;
• the child cannot;
• the child will always
• the child is unable

Since your comments need to be as specific as possible, avoid using ambiguous words alone such as wonderful, good or great. Focus on the student’s strengths and give encouraging comments when students are making some progress.

Well written comments can give parents and students guidance on how to make improvements in specific academic or social areas. When concerns are evident, teachers must be precise and give examples of what the student needs help in. You can also give suggestions on how they as parents can help as well.

Words and Phrases to use to convey that a child needs help:

• could profit by
• requires
• finds it difficult at times to
• needs reinforcement in
• has trouble with

For example: Tommy listens and comprehends new information quickly. He answers questions correctly in class and enjoys participating in activities. Tommy is capable of doing his homework, but has difficulty turning it in on time. Tommy requires help with organizational skills and could benefit from using an Agenda/Planner Book and binder with color tab dividers that are specifically labeled for CCD for keeping papers organized. Tommy also needs encouragement and this will help reinforce him to complete his work and turn it in on time.

Here are a couple of sites that have some good report card comments:

educationworld.com- 100 Report Card Comments

kellybear.com- Teacher Comments on Report Cards

What will you do in your classroom or home? (Class #15)

2012-01-20T08:41:00.001-05:00

Preface Dialogue Matchup (worksheet)- Match what the priest says (the blue cards) to what the people say (green cards). Glue the cards next to each other in the proper order onto construction paper.

Lesson Plan-

The Temptation of Jesus and go over vocabulary words with students.

Read story: “The Temptation of Jesus”

Luke 4:1-13

After Jesus was baptized, he was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness and for forty days. He stayed in the wilderness to pray and He got very hungry. He had not eaten anything because He was spending time talking to God. His stomach must have growled a lot!

Suddenly, the devil came and told Jesus to turn a stone into bread so He would not be hungry. Jesus did not listen to the devil. He knew that the devil was trying to get Him to do something wrong. Instead, Jesus said a Bible verse. He told the devil it was more important to do what God says.

Again, the devil tried to get Jesus to do wrong. Next, Satan took Jesus up on a high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in just a moment. Then he told Jesus that he had been given the power to give those kingdoms to anyone he wished. Satan told Jesus that if he would worship him, he would give him all those kingdoms. Jesus knew that the devil was lying. God rules in the kingdoms of men and it is He who gives power to the people He wants to have that power. Jesus told the devil that we are to worship God and do only what He says.

Satan tries a third time. He brought Jesus to Jerusalem and took him up to the highest part of the temple (church) and told him to jump off. He said that angels would come and lift him up so that he wouldn't be hurt. But Jesus told the devil that God did not want us to test Him. So, Jesus did not do wrong.

The devil tried three times to get Jesus to sin. Did He? NO! Jesus did the right thing each time. He used Bible verses to fight the devil.

After Satan left, angels came and helped Jesus.

*Ask questions from Take Home Sheet that will be sent home today. Note: When I read the story to the students I usually sit in the chair in the corner by the board and have the students sit on the floor in front of me. After the students have answered the questions about the story, I have them go back to their seats to continue with what is on the lesson plan (activity, craft, game, puzzles/worksheets, etc.). Follow lesson plan and discuss ‘What does baptize mean?’ with the class.

Craft- Introduce craft: We are tempted every day. How can we make to help remind ourselves to do the right thing?

Beaded Cross Necklace or Colors of Christ Cross

christiancrafters.com- The Colors of Christ Cross

crafts.kaboose.com- change the colors of the beads to make this 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.”

Mini Book-

The Temptation of Jesus (coloring booklet)

Have students read the mini book out loud in class by taking turns (each read a page) and take home to read to their parents. Students can also color mini book.

Game- Introduce game: How did Satan tempt Jesus? Told him to turn stones into bread. He told him that he would give him the kingdoms of the world. He told him to jump off the roof of a temple and the angels would come and lift him up so that he wouldn't be hurt.

Can you resist temptation? Let’s find out!

“Win or Lose by How You Choose” by Judge Judy Sheindlin

Directions- Show the children the picture and read the situation. With each situation there are a series of answers for the children to choose from. Ask the children what they would do. Do not tell the children the right answer. Explore and evaluate the different choices together with the children.

Puzzles & Worksheets- While students are doing puzzles/worksheets, etc. they may say a prayer. Students are asked to recite 5 prayers by the end of the year. A “We Know Our Prayers” chart is on the bulletin board. If the student can recite the prayer correctly, write the date on the chart, and they get to pick a prize from the prize bag.

Jesus was Tempted by Satan (spot the difference- More 365 Activities for Kids on August 18

Homework- Give each student a Temptation of Jesus Take Home Sheet for their parents to go over with them to review what we have done in class. Parents need to help their child fill this out and bring back to class the following week. Students that complete their homework and bring it back to class will be able to play Homeworkopoly. Each Sunday the students make a mini story book and/or story wheel in class. Students need to read these to their parents (or the parents read to them) the mini book and/or story wheel for homework.

What will you do in your classroom or home? Please comment so I can add the link to your blog to this post. We would love to see what you do!

Penitential Rite File Folder Game

2012-01-16T13:06:00.002-05:00

This game 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.

Penitential Rite file folder game is based on Alquerque which originated in the Middle East as the game Quirkat. Alquerque boards are carved into the stone slabs which form the roof of the great temple at Kurna, Egypt. The Arabic author Abu al-Faraj al-Isfahani mentioned Quirkat in his 24 volume work Kitab al-Aghani ("Book of Songs") c. 950 AD. Alquergue migrated to Europe when the Moors invaded Spain. It was named Alquerque (the Spanish form of El-Quirkat) in the Alfonso X Manuscript which was written between 1251 - 1282 at the command of Alfonso X, King of Leon and Castile. This game is the ancestor of modern day checkers (Draughts in the UK) when it evolved to being played on a chess board instead of the standard Alqerque board. The Madagascan game Fanorama may have evolved from Quirkat.

Penitential Rite File Folder Game: For 2 Players or 2 Teams

The idea is to answer questions about the Penitential Rite so you can remove one or more of your opponent’s pieces. The goal of the game is to remove all the opponent’s pieces.

*This game is in accordance with the new Roman Missal that was implemented on November 27, 2011.

Directions- Print out Directions, cut it out, and put inside file folder for safe keeping.

Game Board- Print out Game Board, trim, and glue on the inside of the file folder. Laminate or cover with clear contact paper to make it last.

Game Cards- (Use these cards or make your own.) Print Game Cards out on card stock. Cut out Game Cards. Laminate or cover with clear contact paper to make them last. Use only the cards that reflect your student’s abilities.

Game Pieces- (Use these Game Pieces or make your own.) Print out Game Pieces on very thick card stock. Cut out.

*You can also use a large circle hole puncher and make your own game pieces using card stock, craft foam, etc.

Gospel for the Mass- February

2012-01-14T08:53:00.003-05:00

*Be sure to click on each scripture reading for activities, coloring, crafts, games, puzzles, worksheets, quizzes, etc.

*Each Sunday, Theresa at istherezucchiniinthis.blogspot.com will post a link to an activity sheet that coordinates with the Catholic Mass for the NEXT weekend. 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.

*catholickidsbulletin.blogspot.com- Theresa’s new blog to post her bulletins starting 2/12/12.

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.

2/5/12

Mark 1:29-39

2/12/12

Mark 1:40-45

2/19/12

Mark 2:1-12

2/26/12

Mark 1:12-15

Bible Story Graphics

2012-01-12T12:57:00.000-05:00

Need some cute Bible story graphics for various crafts, games, activities, and what-not? Here are tons of Bible story graphics that are FREE! All the graphics are done by Richard Gunther and there are NO copyright restrictions.

All from lambsongs.co.nz

Bible Story Graphics

* Note that any pictures from the books can be captured and used as well.

Old Testament

New Testament

Christmas

Easter

Nicene Creed File Folder Game

2012-01-09T11:48:00.004-05:00

This game 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.

The Nicene Creed File Folder Game: This game can be played individually or in teams.

The objective is to be the first player to get all four of his or her color pawns from his or her START location to his or her HOME space. Players must do this by answering questions about the Nicene Creed and rolling the die.

*This game is in accordance with the new Roman Missal that was implemented on November 27, 2011.

Set Up: Print game board on legal size paper (8.5” x 14”). This game can be played individually or in teams. Each player gets 4 pawns of the same color. Players put all 4 of their pawns off of the game board near their START space. Next, shuffle the deck and place it face down in a small basket near the game board. Put an empty basket nearby for the discards. Players choose who will go first and then game play goes counterclockwise. Players can roll the die and have the person with the highest number go first.

How To Play: Each player has his or her own "'START" location and "HOME" location. Players choose a color and put their corresponding pawns off of the board near their START square and take turns answering questions (the first person to their right reads the card) and rolling the die. Players must answer a question correctly to roll the die. Players must roll a 1 or a 6 to place their pawn on their corresponding START color. If a 1 is rolled, the player moves out and sits in their START space until it is his turn again. If a player rolls a 6, then she gets another turn to roll. Players move their pawns counterclockwise around the game board until they reach HOME. An exact number must be rolled on the die to enter home. If a player cannot roll the exact number and has no other moves, play passes to the next person. During game play, you can jump over another player but if you land on another player's space, you must BUMP that player and they must put their pawn off the game board near their START space. Players can not BUMP their own pawns off the game board. If the only way to complete a move would result in a player bumping himself, the pawns remains in place and the player loses his or her turn.

If someone happens to be on your START space if you roll 1 or 6, BUMP that player. If a player lands at the start of a slide (except those of its own color), they immediately move to the last square of the slide. All pawns anywhere on the slide (including pawns on the "end spots" of the slide) are BUMPED. If you land on a slide of your own color, do not slide, just stay put on that square. HOME are the "safety zones" and access is limited to only that player of the same color. Pawns inside the zone are safe from being BUMPED. The first player around the game board and brings all their pawns to HOME wins.

Directions- Print out Directions, cut it out, and glue on front of legal size file folder.

Game Board- Print out Game Board on legal size paper (8.5” x 14”), trim, and glue on the inside of the file folder. Make sure the directions are on the front of the file folder. Laminate or cover file folder with clear contact paper to make it last.

Game Cards- (Use these cards or make your own.) Print Game Cards out on card stock. Cut out Game Cards. Laminate or cover with clear contact paper to make them last. Use only the cards that reflect your student’s abilities.

*Pawns can be coins, colored buttons, game pieces from other games, fish rocks for the bottom of aquariums, craft foam cut into shapes, etc. You can paint small objects such as rocks, small plastic tops or caps, etc. You can also buy pawns at game stores.

Church Potluck Recipe: Cajun 15 Bean Soup

2012-01-07T08:17:00.002-05:00

At home we LOVE this soup on a cold winter day and since we started a new Pot Luck activity at our church I thought I would bring it. After CCD we have a Pot Luck Luncheon once a month featuring our priest who enlightens us with his wit and wisdom about the history, mystery and majesty of the Catholic Church.

This is what I fixed to warm us up and to share with the congregation along with some hot buttered corn bread (Jiffy corn muffin mix).

Cajun 15 Bean Soup

*I make this the day before and in the morning I warm it up in the microwave and put it in my crock pot on LOW to keep it warm. I take the crock pot with us and plug it in my CCD classroom and go to Mass. After CCD I just take it down to the Fellowship Hall and plug it in there. I warm the cornbread up in a microwave and place it on the table next to the crock pot.

Ingredients

• Hurt’s HamBeens Cajun 15 Bean Soup (dry beans and flavor packet in a bag)
• 1-2 lbs. of regular or mild Italian sausage (I use Jimmy Dean HOT roll sausage)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 15 oz. can stewed or diced tomatoes
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Directions

Soaking: Place beans in a large pot, cover with 2 quarts of water. Allow beans to soak overnight, or at least 8 hours.

1. After soaking, drain water, add 2 quarts of water. Bring beans to boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 2 ½ hours.
2. In a skillet, sauté onion, garlic and sausage until sausage is browned.
3. Drain excess grease and add contents to beans along with tomatoes, lemon juice and Cajun flavor packet.
4. Simmer another 30 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste.

Servings: 16 (1/2 cup cooked)

What will you do in your classroom or home? (Class #14)

2012-01-05T09:48:00.003-05:00

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).

Mini Book-

lambsongs.co.nz- “John the Baptist” by Jill Kemp

Have students read the mini book out loud in class by taking turns (each read a page) and take home to read to their parents. Students can also color mini book.

Game- Introduce game: Who was baptized by his cousin? (Jesus)

Jesus Basketball

Need: Trashcan and 2 balled up pieces of paper for balls.

Directions: 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 spell Jesus. The first team that spells JESUS wins.

Puzzles & Worksheets- While students are doing puzzles/worksheets, etc. they may say a prayer. Students are asked to recite 5 prayers by the end of the year. A “We Know Our Prayers” chart is on the bulletin board. If the student can recite the prayer correctly, write the date on the chart, and they get to pick a prize from the prize bag.

Jesus is Baptized- Hidden Pictures: Explore Hidden Treasures in God’s Word Grade 1-3 by Linda Standke, page 18

Homework- Give each student a Jesus is Baptized Take Home Sheet for their parents to go over with them to review what we have done in class. Parents need to help their child fill this out and bring back to class the following week. Students that complete their homework and bring it back to class will be able to play Homeworkopoly. Each Sunday the students make a mini story book and/or story wheel in class. Students need to read these to their parents (or the parents read to them) the mini book and/or story wheel for homework.

What will you do in your classroom or home? Please comment so I can add the link to your blog to this post. We would love to see what you do!

New Students

2012-01-02T16:15:00.000-05:00

From time to time teachers will acquire new students during the year. It is an awkward situation for the new student and teachers must help the student feel welcome and comfortable in the classroom. How can you make the transition smooth for all your students? You might want to pair the new student with a student in the classroom that is welcoming, warm, and friendly. You can also have each student in the classroom introduce themselves and later play some Ice Breaker Games to help make the new student feel welcome and become familiar with the class.

You should also have a welcome packet prepared in advance. It is imperative that catechists be prepared and have all the necessary print outs readily available and stashed for quick retrieval at all times. This packet should include all the information/handouts you passed out during the first day of CCD.

Things to have handy:

1. Have an Introduction Letter to Parents. It is a great idea to take the opportunity to introduce yourself by welcoming the students and the parents in a letter their first day of CCD. It provides the parents with information of what is expected in the classroom and what the students will be doing during the year. It can also inform parents of the expectations and rules of the class that will help in making the classroom productive, creative, and enjoyable year for all (this can be a separate page that parents must sign and return to you). Teachers can also ask if parents are interested in volunteering and for any information that can help aid them in better understanding their child and their needs.

2. Provide Volunteer Sign Up Sheets for parents interested in helping at CCD. Volunteers in the classroom can be a blessing IF done correctly and IF it is planned ahead. Nothing is worse than having a volunteer not know what to do or be in the way. Here are tips that should be done to have a good volunteer program in your classroom.

3. Have the parents fill out a Class Contact List to obtain information that can help aid the catechist to understand their child’s needs and how to contact them.

4. Provide a calendar of the CCD schedule (days and times CCD meets), upcoming events, such as class field trips and future parent-teacher meetings, etc. and the policies concerning them.

5. Go over the classroom rules and requirements with the new student. It would be a great review for the whole class to be involved in this. You can make it into a game by asking the students various questions about the classroom. (You could also play these games the first day of class to review the classroom rules and requirements.)

ehow.com- Classroom Jeopardy

Free PowerPoint Games- Make your own PowerPoint game (Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?, Password, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, Twenty Questions, Guess The Covered Word, variations of the game Hollywood Squares, Weakest Link, Concentration, etc.) to review classroom rules and requirements with your students.

iteslj.org- Classroom Rules: Must and Mustn’t

educationworld.com- Reviving Reviews: Refreshing Ideas Students Can’t Resist/Review Games (adapt these games to fit your needs)

sporcle.com- Can you name the classroom rules? (adapt this game to fit your needs)

teachnet.com- “Who Wants To Be A Winner” game
Download these PowerPoint presentations for use in your classroom. These games can be modified with your own questions to create an interactive review for your students.

Also from teachnet.com- An alternative way to play the game above not using PowerPoint presentations.

Type the questions on a piece of paper. Cut the questions apart and put them in a small box. Divide the class into two teams. Each team gets three options, each of which can only be used once during the game. Write the three options on the board. When the team uses an option, it is erased. The options which the team can use are: Pass, Ask a Friend on their team or Ask the Whole Class.

To start the game, pick a number. The team which chooses the number closest starts first. The first player on the team chooses a question from the box without looking at the question. The player then reads the question and decides if s/he knows the answer. If the player does not know the answer, s/he may pick an option. If the child passes, the player whose turn it is next can have a chance at answering the question. If the pass option is used, it is then erased and cannot be used again by that team.

When all the options are used by a team, the players must try to answer their own question even if they don’t know it. When all the questions are gone, the game is over. The teams get one point for each question and the team with the most points win. Of course you must ask the player, “Is that your final answer?” The kids love this game!

Things to review:

• Basic classroom rules.

• Classroom attendance and tardiness guidelines. Make-up work policy.

• Classroom grading policy.

• Amount of homework and homework policy.

• Policy for addressing academic and behavioral problems.

• The CCD program’s discipline policy, including procedures regarding absence and tardiness.

• The timing of report cards and progress reports.

• Emergency procedures for bad weather and other events.

• How to contact the teacher.

• Etc.

*Be sure to ask the parents and new student if they have any questions that they may have.

Crafty Crafters: Baptism of Jesus

2011-12-31T14:54:00.001-05:00

So how crafty are you?

What is your favorite religious craft you make for the Baptism of Jesus?

Here is a craft I make with my students for the Baptism of Jesus:

Introduce craft: What hovered over Jesus’ head after he was baptized? (A white dove.)

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).

*Every craft in this book is illustrated with materials listed and patterns provided. Very easy step by step directions that even a 1st grader can read and follow and make the craft by himself.

Please leave a comment so others can get ideas for crafts.

Special Events for January

2011-12-19T10:29:00.000-05:00

Please check out Gospel for the Mass for the month of January on its own page under the header. I have links to activities, coloring, crafts, games, puzzles, worksheets, quizzes, etc. that can help you with your classroom or at home.

*This month’s special events are:

Mary, Mother of God Octave Day of Christmas

churchyear.net- Mary Mother of God History, Information, Prayers, Resources, Traditions, & More

wf-f.org- history, hymns, readings for the day, etc.

tiredtwang.blogspot.com- Mary, Mother of God coloring

fcpeace.com- Memory game on the feast of Mary

thatresourcesite.com- What is your favorite title for Mary? Our Holy Mother Mary is known by many titles. Many of them correspond to her apparitions around the world at various times in our history. Introduce young Catholics to Our Lady with this matching game using titles and classic images of our Holy Mother.

The Epiphany of the Lord

thereligionteacher.blogspot.com- Feast of the Epiphany in the Modern Day- Lesson Plan Activities

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

Baptism of the Lord

Baptism of Jesus File Folder Game- The object of the game is to get to the Baptism of Jesus first by answering questions and following directions on the spaces along the way.

Baptism of Jesus- Pre K – K lesson plan with: Objectives, Word Wall, Bible Story with questions, Songs and/or Finger Plays, Activities, Crafts, Games, Snacks, Coloring/Puzzles, Handwriting Sheets, Mini Books, etc.

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

National Sanctity To Life Day

Pro Life Activities- Stumped for activities concerning Pro Life ? Here are a few that your students might enjoy.

4 pages of dominos

Look Who’s Growing Dominos- A fun way to educate young students that babies grow into adults to help promote Pro Life.

Look Who’s Growing- This game provides an entertaining way to educate students about pregnancy and fetal development to help promote Pro Life.

What will you do in your classroom or home? (Class #13)

2011-12-16T09:21:00.001-05:00

Lord, hear our prayer (activity sheet)- Have the students trace the letters. Inside the heart the students will draw the needs they see around us in our community or their own personal desires.

Lesson Plan-

Jesus in the Temple and go over vocabulary words with students. Read story: “Jesus in the Temple” The Usborne Children's Bible by Heather Amery and ask questions from Take Home Sheet that will be sent home today. Note: When I read the story to the students I usually sit in the chair in the corner by the board and have the students sit on the floor in front of me. After the students have answered the questions about the story, I have them go back to their seats to continue with what is on the lesson plan (activity, craft, game, puzzles/worksheets, etc.).

Activity-

kidssundayschool.com- Jesus and Me
How does a child's life today compare to when Jesus was born? An activity to help kids relate to Jesus.

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

Need: laundry detergent lid/cup, twine, large bead

Make a hole using a drill near the top of the rim. Cut twine to about 2 feet long. Tie one end of the twine to the lid. 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.

Mini Book-

lambsongs.co.nz- “Jesus Gets Lost” by Jill Kemp

Have students read the mini book out loud in class by taking turns (each read a page) and take home to read to their parents. Students can also color mini book.

Game- Introduce game: When Jesus was twelve years old, he went to Jerusalem with his parents. The journey took four days and when they arrived the great city was crowded with visitors. Jesus saw many things in Jerusalem and was amazed at what he saw.

What did Jesus see in Jerusalem?

This is a memory game. Have the players seated in a circle. The first player begins by saying, "Jesus went to Jerusalem and he saw many things. He saw a ..........." He can say anything he likes, for example an orange, a pair of shoes, a camel, or a pet dog. The next player in line begins the same way but adds a second object after repeating the first. The third player also begins, “Jesus went to Jerusalem and he saw many things. He saw a ..........." He must repeat the first two objects and then add a third. So it goes on, but if a player can’t repeat or mixes up the order of the objects then he is out.

If you haven't got many players, the same children can keep adding more items. The game continues until one player remains or until time is up. Some lists get very long and are remembered for years by the players. A variation is to decide that the objects chosen must start with the letters of the alphabet in order, for example "apple, bat, cake...zebra." This makes it a little easier to remember. (You could also help the player if necessary so everyone can play).

Puzzles & Worksheets- While students are doing puzzles/worksheets, etc. they may say a prayer. Students are asked to recite 5 prayers by the end of the year. A “We Know Our Prayers” chart is on the bulletin board. If the student can recite the prayer correctly, write the date on the chart, and they get to pick a prize from the prize bag.

365 Activities for Kids- Find the 10 scrolls on July 26th

Homework- Give each student a Jesus in the Temple Take Home Sheet for their parents to go over with them to review what we have done in class. Parents need to help their child fill this out and bring back to class the following week. Students that complete their homework and bring it back to class will be able to play Homeworkopoly. Each Sunday the students make a mini story book and/or story wheel in class. Students need to read these to their parents (or the parents read to them) the mini book and/or story wheel for homework.

What will you do in your classroom or home? Please comment so I can add the link to your blog to this post. We would love to see what you do!

Interactive Crafts for Bible Stories

2011-12-14T10:47:00.002-05:00

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.

lambsongs.co.nz- lots of crafts posted!
Scroll down and just click on Activity 1, Activity 2, etc. for printables. Click on Instructions for directions on how to do craft (sometimes directions are posted on one of the activity sheets).

Peter Walks on Water- Glue Peter on a popsicle stick and have him reenact the Bible story.

Crafty Crafters: Christmas

2011-12-09T12:24:00.005-05:00

So how crafty are you?

What is your favorite religious craft you make for Christmas?

Here is a craft I make with my students using a tin can:

heartkeepercommonroom.blogspot.com- Punched Tin Candle Holder

*Tip: Have the students draw a simple design on paper such as a star, cross, dove, fish, angel, etc. and attach to the can using rubber bands or tape. Remove paper after you punch holes into the can.

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

What will you do in your classroom or home? (Class #12)

2011-12-08T08:09:00.000-05:00

crafts.kaboose.com- Popsicle Stick Star of David

Movie-

“The King is Born” (25 min.)

Mini Book-

The Wise Men (coloring booklet)

Have students read the mini book out loud in class by taking turns (each read a page) and take home to read to their parents. Students can also color mini book.

Game- Introduce game: Today I will send home a Take Home Test. Let’s see how well you can answer the questions.

Review Game

The objective of the game is to be the first player to score 10 points. Have a player roll the die on the floor in front of the class. If the die lands on a blank space, they do not answer a question. If the die lands on “?”, they are asked a question by the teacher from the test. If the player answers correctly, they receive a point (you can use tokens, write it on the board, etc.). If they are not correct, they do not receive a point. The first player to score 10 points, is the winner. You can play this game individually or in teams. For an added challenge, you can also have “Lose 1 Point” and “Take 1 Point” on a side of the die. When a player rolls “Lose 1 Point”, they must lose 1 point. If a player rolls “Take 1 Point”, they may take a point from any player they choose.

Make a die out of a large juice carton and put a ? mark on some (at least 3) of the sides of the die.

mssscrafts.com- directions to make die.

Cube Signs- Print, cut out, and glue on die.

Puzzles & Worksheets- While students are doing puzzles/worksheets, etc. they may say a prayer. Students are asked to recite 5 prayers by the end of the year. A “We Know Our Prayers” chart is on the bulletin board. If the student can recite the prayer correctly, write the date on the chart, and they get to pick a prize from the prize bag.

More 365 Activities for Kids- Wise Men (spot the difference) on August 6.

Homework- Give each student a Wise Men Take Home Sheet for their parents to go over with them to review what we have done in class. Parents need to help their child fill this out and bring back to class the following week. Students that complete their homework and bring it back to class will be able to play Homeworkopoly. Each Sunday the students make a mini story book and/or story wheel in class. Students need to read these to their parents (or the parents read to them) the mini book and/or story wheel for homework.

Take Home Test #2

What will you do in your classroom or home? Please comment so I can add the link to your blog to this post. We would love to see what you do!

How To Review Material

2011-12-04T16:32:00.000-05:00

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. There are lots of ways to review. Here is a game I use quite frequently since the students enjoy it so much and it really helps to review what we have been doing in class.

Review Game

The objective of the game is to be the first player to score 10 points. Have a player roll the die on the floor in front of the class. If the die lands on a blank space, they do not answer a question. If the die lands on “?”, they are asked a question by the teacher. If the player answers correctly, they receive a point (you can use tokens, write it on the board, etc.). If they are not correct, they do not receive a point. The first player to score 10 points is the winner. You can play this game individually or in teams. For an added challenge, you can also have “Lose 1 Point” and “Take 1 Point” on a side of the die. When a player rolls “Lose 1 Point”, they must lose 1 point. If a player rolls “Take 1 Point”, they may take a point from any player they choose.

Make a die out of a large juice carton and put a ? mark on some (at least 3) of the sides of the die.

mssscrafts.com- Directions to make die.

Cube Signs- Print, cut out, and glue on die.

Here are some other games that you might find useful:

Baseball

Divide the class into two teams. Establish in the classroom, a first base, second base, third base, and home. Determine in advance how many innings will be played. Team #1 is up at bat first and line up along the chalkboard. The first player is asked a question from the teacher, if they are correct, they advance to first base. If they are incorrect, they go to the end of the line and it counts as an out. The second batter is then asked a different question. Each correct answer allows the batter to advance one base. The game continues like baseball until there are three outs. After three outs, Team #2 has their turn at bat. Whichever team has the most runs, wins.

Basketball

Need: one small ball (or two balled up pieces of paper), two chairs, one trashcan.

Directions: Put a trashcan against a wall. Divide the class into two teams. Have students line up in two teams behind a chair (to keep them from getting too close to basket). Ask the first person in Team #1 a question. If they are correct, they get to try to make a basket. If they make a basket, their team gets a point. If they do not get a basket, their team does not receive a point. After the first player has his turn, he then goes to the end of Team #1’s line. It is now Team #2’s turn. The team with the most points wins.

Tic Tac Toe

This game is for 2 players or you can divide your class into 2 teams. Draw a large tic tac toe grid on the chalk board. Establish which team will be X and which team will be O. Ask Team #1 a question. If they are correct, they get to put an “X” or an “O” on the tic tac toe grid. If a team is unable to answer a question, the other team may have an opportunity to answer it and score an "X" or "O". If no one is able to answer the question, play continues as before. The first player or team to get three in a row wins!

Last Man Standing

All students stand at their desk. Start at the first row and work your way around the room and ask a question to the students. If they answer the question correctly, they remain standing. If they are not correct, they sit down. If they miss the question, anyone from the class can guess. The “Last Man Standing” wins.

Are You Smarter Than A CCD Teacher?

Need: 2 pieces of paper, 2 pencils, coin, chalk board, chalk

Directions: Name a topic/subject that both the CCD Teacher and students are familiar with (this game would be great for a review of a lesson). Give a piece of paper and a pencil to the CCD Teacher and to the students. The students and the teacher will write down 10 questions with answers on their paper about the subject. Flip a coin to find out who goes first. Whoever wins the toss reads a question to the other(s). If they answer correctly, they get the point and someone keeps score on the board. If they are not correct, who ever asked the question gets the point. Continue until all questions have been asked and answered. Whoever has the most points wins.

True or False

Need: 2 containers, one marked T and the other marked F

Ask each student a True or False question. Have the student carry an object and put it into the correct container to answer the question. They can use a large spoon, two chopsticks, salad tongs, an object between their knees and walk with it to the containers and drop it inside, balance it on their nose or on top of their head and drop it into the container, etc.

Bingo- Just Google “Make Your Own Bingo Cards” and find tons of sites to create your own Bingo game.

Life Size Game Boards- The next time you play a game using a game board, do something totally different, try doing a life size game board. You can do them in your classroom, gym, parking lot, field, wherever you have room. It is a great way to review what you do in class!

Free PowerPoint Games- Make your own PowerPoint game (Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?, Password, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, Twenty Questions, Guess The Covered Word, variations of the game Hollywood Squares, Weakest Link, Concentration, etc.) to review material and play it with your students.

The following games are from teachersnetwork.org

Bounce Back

Bounce Back is a game that my student teacher, Russ Deets, and I created one day in desperation, when we decided that our students needed something new and exciting to do. Here is how it works: We divided the class into two groups. The students organized their groups so that each student had a number. Then we asked a question of the first student in group A. That student could answer for 5 points or he/she could bounce the question back to student 1 in group B. The student in Group B (student 1) would either answer for 5 points or bounce it back to student 1 in group A. If student 1 got it right they would get 10 points.

Then the challenge went to the 2nd student in each group – but group B got to start the next time. The kids love the game because they get to take chances, trying to earn more points by “bouncing” the questions back.

Bluff

This is a great game that is also played by many departments in my school. Again the class is divided into two groups. The teacher takes turns giving each group a question. When the teacher gives a question to group A, all the students who think they know the answer stand up. Then, the students in group B get to decide which of the students in group A should answer the question. If the selected student can answer the question, that group gets as many points as the number of people who stood up, but if the student cannot answer the question, then group B gets to answer (any student in that group can answer) and group B will get the same number of points. The fun part of this game is that student try and bluff the other team into thinking that they know the answer so they can push their points up! The teacher then alternates the teams who get to answer the question first.

How do you review material in your classroom? Share your best games that you use to review or drill material. Please comment and I will add it to the post.

What will you do in your classroom or home? (Class #11)

2011-12-01T12:12:00.001-05:00

Nicene Creed Tracing Handwriting Sheet- Students write their name on the top line. Students then trace the handwriting sheet and follow directions above.

Lesson Plan-

Birth of Jesus and go over vocabulary words with students. Read story: “The Birth of Jesus” The Usborne Children's Bible by Heather Amery and ask questions from Take Home Sheet that will be sent home today. Note: When I read the story to the students I usually sit in the chair in the corner by the board and have the students sit on the floor in front of me. After the students have answered the questions about the story, I have them go back to their seats to continue with what is on the lesson plan (activity, craft, game, puzzles/worksheets, etc.).

Craft- Introduce craft: Where was Jesus born? (In a stable.)

Directions: Print out Christmas Nativity and stable background for students. Have students cut out Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, and the lamb and color. Glue characters on stable background.

billybear4kids.com- Christmas Nativity
Scroll down to Christmas Nativity (Paper Doll Cut Outs)

mssscrafts.com- Stable background

Mini Book-

The Birth of Jesus (coloring booklet)

Have students read the mini book out loud in class by taking turns (each read a page) and take home to read to their parents. Students can also color mini book.

Game- Introduce game: What town was Jesus born in? (Bethlehem)

Birth of Jesus (file folder game)- Super Bible Game Book by Linda Standke, page 56 - 57

Puzzles & Worksheets- While students are doing puzzles/worksheets, etc. they may say a prayer. Students are asked to recite 5 prayers by the end of the year. A “We Know Our Prayers” chart is on the bulletin board. If the student can recite the prayer correctly, write the date on the chart, and they get to pick a prize from the prize bag.

Shepherds Find the Baby- Hidden Pictures: Explore Hidden Treasures in God’s Word PK - K by Linda Standke, page 17

Homework- Give each student a The Birth of Jesus Take Home Sheet for their parents to go over with them to review what we have done in class. Parents need to help their child fill this out and bring back to class the following week. Students that complete their homework and bring it back to class will be able to play Homeworkopoly. Each Sunday the students make a mini story book and/or story wheel in class. Students need to read these to their parents (or the parents read to them) the mini book and/or story wheel for homework.

What will you do in your classroom or home? Please comment so I can add the link to your blog to this post. We would love to see what you do!

diary-of-a-sower.blogspot.com- Advent Meditation with Children: Isaiah 9:1 (plus a craft idea and template!)

Church Potluck Recipe: Rocky Road Fudge Bars

2011-11-27T10:18:00.000-05:00

This is the BEST fudge in the whole world. My family has been making it for years and everyone just loves it. Great for church potluck or any occasion. I even make these and give them as gifts during Christmas!

Rocky Road Fudge Bars

Ingredients-

Bar:

1/2 cup margarine or butter
1 square (1 oz.) unsweetened chocolate or 1 envelope pre-melted unsweetened baking chocolate flavor
1 cup sugar
1 cup All Purpose or Unbleached Flour
1/2 to 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs

Filling:

8 -oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened (reserve 2 oz. for Frosting)
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 cup margarine or butter, softened
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup chopped nuts
6 -oz. pkg. (1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips, if desired

Frosting:

2 cups miniature marshmallows
1/4 cup margarine or butter
1 square (1 oz.) unsweetened chocolate or 1 envelope pre-melted unsweetened baking chocolate flavor
2 -oz. reserved cream cheese
1/4 cup milk
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour 13” X 9” pan. In large saucepan over low heat, melt margarine and 1 square of chocolate. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup and level off.
Add remaining bar ingredient and mix well. Spread in prepared pan.
In small bowl, combine 6 ounces of cream cheese with next 5 ingredients. Beat 1 minute on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, and then stir in nuts. Spread over chocolate mixture.
Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Bake at 350° for 25-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Remove from oven and sprinkle on marshmallows. Bake 2 more minutes.

In large saucepan over low heat, melt 1/4 cup margarine and 1 square chocolate, remaining 2 ounces cream cheese and milk. Stir in powered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Immediately pour over marshmallows and swirl together, Cool; cut into bars. Store in refrigerator.

Yield: 3-4 dozen.

Bible Alphabet Handwriting Books

2011-11-21T10:24:00.000-05:00

I am trying to compile a list of Bible Alphabet Handwriting Books. I was wondering if anyone knew of any books that have any Bible alphabet handwriting activities using lines for the children to write on. Here are a couple of books that I found that will give you an idea of what I am looking for.

Bible Alphabet Handwriting Books (has lines for the children to write on)-

Bible Stories from A to Z by Mary Murray- Each of the 26 mini-units features a letter of the alphabet and includes a Bible story with questions, an activity page, a craft, a prayer, snack, take home story, and a handwriting sheet. Click here for another view of the book.

A Bible Alphabet by Alison Brown- Each Bible story provides a coloring/writing page that corresponds to each letter of the alphabet. Children have the opportunity to color the scene given with the Bible story and to write the word using the letter being emphasized. The sheets are perforated making them easy to remove from the book.

Do you know of any Bible Alphabet Handwriting books that have handwriting activities using lines for the children to write on? Please comment and I will add the book to the list.

Crafty Crafters: Laundry Detergent Cap

2011-11-19T10:16:00.001-05:00

So how crafty are you?

What is your favorite religious craft you make using a laundry detergent cap?

Here is a craft your students can make for the Bible story “Jesus in the Temple”.

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 to play with.

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.

Please leave a comment so others can get ideas for crafts.

Behavior Contracts & Behavior Charts

2011-11-17T08:25:00.001-05:00

When behaviors become a problem in a classroom an effective strategy is to implement a behavior contract. A behavior contract is a clear, written statement of what behaviors a student agrees to exhibit and the positive consequences (rewards) that will result from fulfillment of the contract. Behavior contracts also state who will deliver those rewards as well. Often the negative consequences of not fulfilling the contract are also specified. Contracts can be a positive way to provide a role for families in improving classroom behavior. Before implementing the behavior contract it should be discussed thoroughly and all involved persons must agree to it and sign it. Anyone can deliver the rewards (the teacher, parent, DRE, etc.), but it must be the same person each time as stated in the behavior contract. Remember to be consistent and praise the child for good behavior choices. When the child does not make a good behavior choice, do not be apologetic; if needed, pull out the contract and review the terms that were agreed upon with the child. Emphasize the positives that come along with good behavior choices and help the child to get used to new habits of good behavior.

The behavior contract should be revised when it is not producing satisfactory results. Therefore your contract should be open to renegotiations at any time. If needed, a new contract replacing the previous one would be written up and signed.

Steps for Developing, Implementing, and Monitoring a Behavior Contract

1. Meet with concerned parties- Everyone who will be supporting the contract need to meet to discuss one target behavior.

2. Determine conditions- The parties determine when, where, and under what specific conditions the behavior occurs. The contract will be written to address these conditions.

3. Determine who will use the contract and where it will be used- All persons who will be responsible for contract implementation must know their responsibilities.

4. Determine reinforcement- Students should be allowed to participate in developing a set of choices of reinforcers (rewards). Reinforcers should be manageable but powerful enough to evoke the desired response (behavior). The list of rewards should be rotated often to make sure that the student motivation remains high.

5. Determine whether negative consequences will be used- Contracts are written in a positive way to increase behaviors. Negative reinforcers may not be necessary or even desirable if the positive reinforcers are motivating for the student.

6. Take baseline data- Determine the frequency in which the behavior occurs. Data should be taken over at least 3 to 5 days to make certain that the behavior is typical for the student.

7. Determine reinforcement schedule- Everyone who is involved should determine how often the student is to receive reinforcers (rewards). The contract should be structured so that the student has a successful experience; this will prompt the student to further work toward the contract goals.

8. Determine goals- Everyone who is involved should determine the criteria for successful completion of the contract. Realistic and reasonable goals should be set, even if those goals do not represent the final level of expectation for the student. When the student consistently reaches the goals, the contract can be modified to target a higher goal.

9. Write the contract- The contract should be written in terms that specify task and time demands, criteria for accuracy, and available reinforcers.

10. Discuss and sign the contract- Everyone that is involved should discuss the contract to ensure understanding. It might be necessary to supplement a discussion with drawings or icons for some students. All concerned parties should receive a copy of the contract.

11. Monitor the contract- Everyone that is involved with the contract should set up a plan to evaluate and modify the contract if needed. All concerned parties should remain in constant contact with each other to ensure that student progress across setting is monitored. If the contract is unsuccessful, the parties need to address task appropriateness, time allotment, and student or environmental factors that could have impeded student progress (Smith, 1998).

Example: John has been erratic in turning in his homework for CCD. Sometimes John completes his homework and turns in it in on time. Other times John does not turn in his homework and acts defensive and is very irritable when questioned about it. In a written, dated, and signed contract, the parents agreed to take John to his favorite restaurant for dinner if John turns in his homework on time for the next 4 weeks. If John does not turn in his homework assignments, he will lose some of his video game privileges, according to the severity of his lapses (how many assignments missed equals how much video game time is taken away which is stated in the contract).

*Families can be a strong support for CCD. Just ask for their help and you will be surprised on how much they will do.

How To Do Behavior Contracts and Samples

k6educators.about.com- How To Create Behavior Contracts

specialed.about.com- A Behavior Contract and Behavior Monitoring Tools

interventeioncentral.org- Steps in Implementing This Intervention, How to Deal With Common Problems in Using Behavior Contracts

worksheetplace.com- Behavior Contracts and Tracking Sheets

teachervision.fen.com- Behavior Contracts
Blank Behavior Contract, Sample Behavior Contract #1 & #2, Student Contract Form

Behavior Charts

Behavior Charts are a good way of keeping track of behavior. Here are a few online that might help.

freeprintablebehaviorcharts.com- Check out the left side bar for several different kinds of behavior charts to print out.

latitudes.org- Behavior Modification Charts for Home and School

goalforit.com- Behavior Charts for all ages.

child-behavior-guide.com- Behavior Charts for Kids

teachervision.fen.com- Charting Behavior (3 charts to choose from)

chartjungle.com- Scroll down for lots of different kinds of behavior charts.

empoweringparents.com- These customizable behavior charts are available for free. Each chart includes detailed instructions on how to use them.

Special Events for December

2011-11-16T08:39:00.000-05:00

Please check out Gospel for the Mass for the month of December on its own page under the header. I have links to activities, coloring, crafts, games, puzzles, worksheets, quizzes, etc. that can help you with your classroom or at home.

*This month’s special events are: Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary and Christmas and I have quite a number of activities for you to check out.

Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary

Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary - references, activities, coloring, crafts, games, lessons, puzzles, quizzes, songs, worksheets

Christmas

Jesse Tree- Neat Jesse Tree to make.

Christmas Lapbooks- Here are some lapbooks that celebrate the meaning of Christmas. Download them for free and use what you want to make your own Christmas Lapbook.

12 Days of Christmas Lapbook- Here are the directions from various resources on how to do the lapbook. These can give you lots of great ideas to make your own.

12 Days of Christmas Memory Game- Print out 2 copies to play Memory.

Christmas- activities, coloring, crafts, games, puzzles, etc.

Gifts for the Baby Jesus file folder game- The object of this game is to be the first to collect gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

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

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

What will you do in your classroom or home? (Class #10)

2011-11-14T15:24:00.009-05:00

catholicmom.com- Advent Wreath Craft (Do not cut out a hole in the center of the paper plate so you can glue a white construction paper candle in the middle.)

Mini Book-

Advent (coloring booklet)

Have students read the mini book out loud in class by taking turns (each read a page) and take home to read to their parents. Students can also color mini book.

Game- Introduce game: What do you know about Advent? Let’s find out.

Advent Wreath- (file folder game) Place 2 small baskets or boxes on the table to put cards in. Put the cards in one basket (the other basket will be for discards). Give each player a copy of the “Advent Wreath Coloring Sheet”. Place your markers on START. Roll the die and move that many spaces. Follow the directions on the space you land on. If the player lands on a “?”, they draw a card and they can color one of their candles on their Advent Wreath Coloring Sheet the correct color. If they do not need that color on their wreath, they do nothing. If a player lands on a space with the leaves, they may color some of the greenery on their wreath. When a player has completely colored their Advent Wreath Coloring Sheet correctly, he/she is the winner. Play continues until all players have colored their sheets.

Lesson Plan-

Mary and the Angel and go over vocabulary words with students. Read story: “Mary and the Angel” The Usborne Children's Bible by Heather Amery and ask questions from Mary and the Angel Take Home Sheet. Note: When I read the story to the students I usually sit in the chair in the corner by the board and have the students sit on the floor in front of me. After the students have answered the questions about the story, I have them go back to their seats to continue with what is on the lesson plan (activity, craft, game, puzzles/worksheets, etc.).

Craft- Introduce craft: Who told Mary that she was going to have a baby and he was going to be the son of God? (The angel Gabriel.)

books.google.com- Crafts from Your Favorite Bible Stories by Kathy Ross, pages 16 & 17

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.

*To make it easier for young children just have them fold one white cupcake liner in half (like pictured above) and attach with glue.

Prior to class I cut out the little head. It is so small that my first graders have a hard time cutting it out. I also use a paper plate to show the students how to fold the cupcake liners.

Puzzles & Worksheets- While students are doing puzzles/worksheets, etc. they may say a prayer. Students are asked to recite 5 prayers by the end of the year. A “We Know Our Prayers” chart is on the bulletin board. If the student can recite the prayer correctly, write the date on the chart, and they get to pick a prize from the prize bag.

Advent- (word search)

Homework- Give each student a Advent Take Home Sheet for their parents to go over with them to review what we have done in class. Parents need to help their child fill this out and bring back to class the following week. Students that complete their homework and bring it back to class will be able to play Homeworkopoly. Each Sunday the students make a mini story book and/or story wheel in class. Students need to read these to their parents (or the parents read to them) the mini book and/or story wheel for homework.

What will you do in your classroom or home? Please comment so I can add the link to your blog to this post. We would love to see what you do!

Download Your Mass Response Card for Advent

2011-11-13T12:14:00.005-05:00

On November 27, the First Sunday of Advent, the Roman Missal, Third Edition will be implemented in Mass across the United States. As our gift to you, we have developed a Mass card with the new prayer and response translations to assist you in this transition.

*Download comes in a bright four color version, and a simple one color version.

sadlier.com- Download Your Mass Response Card for Advent

New Mass Responses Booklet for Kids – Free to Print!

2011-11-11T12:52:00.000-05:00

At catholicicing.com Lacy has made a child missal to go with the new mass missal that is going into effect on Sunday, November 27, 2011. This is not a complete child’s new mass missal- it just has the parts of the mass that have changed, and it’s based on cycle B since that’s the year we’re moving into. You’re all welcome to print it for free!

catholicicing.com- New Mass Responses Booklet for Kids – Free to Print!

Bible Alphabet Handwriting Sheets

2011-11-10T10:01:00.001-05:00

Below is a list of FREE Bible alphabet handwriting sheets you can print out for your classroom or home.

christianpreschoolprintables.com- Bible ABC’s
A collection of the Bible ABC's and each topic starts with a different letter. There are Bible ABC coloring pages, handwriting worksheet, and bible verse cards. These would make a great resource if your child is learning their letters or even learning to print.

biblestoryprintables.com- For children who can already write their letters, here is a set of cursive ABC's for children who are ready to write in cursive.

first-school.ws- Bible Alphabet Coloring Pages & Handwriting Tracers
From A for Angels to Z for Zacchaeus (D'Nealian and Standard block). Includes links to Bible reference scripture links, additional printable resources: coloring pages and crafts

preschoolpost.com- Free Printable Bible Coloring Pages for children to learn their ABC's. Each page has the letter for the children to color in, and for older students, there is a place to trace the letter and begin to write it on their own. These make great Bible Handwriting Worksheets to send home with children, or make their own Bible ABC Coloring Book.

The Catholic Toolbox- A to Z Pre K – K Bible Story Lesson Plans
Every lesson plan has a handwriting sheet for each letter of the alphabet.

Bell Work

2011-11-08T08:33:00.004-05:00

Bell Work is class work that students are doing when the bell rings. It is always the first task the students do. Many teachers use Bell Work to keep students busy and occupied when they first come into the classroom. It can also be used when students have finished their regular work a little early. It will help these students not to rush through their work when they have a challenging activity.

Rules of Bell Work:

• Keep Bell Work simple.

• Make sure it serves a purpose in getting the day's instruction started. Use it as a warm-up activity.

• You should not have to write more than a simple instruction on the board to have the students get busy.

• Bell Work is done every day. When you describe Bell Work to your students on the first day of class, instruct them never to ask you whether there is Bell Work today. There is Bell Work every day.

• Bell Work will always be posted in the same place in the classroom.

What To Do For Bell Work:

• Review previously learned material. (Use questions, worksheets, quizzes, puzzles, etc.)

• Review today’s Gospel Reading (Use questions, worksheets, quizzes, puzzles, etc. You can get ideas from:

catholicmom.com- Sunday Gospel for the Mass activities- Mass worksheets (ages 7 – 10 and 11 – 14), coloring, puzzles, crafts, games, quizzes, lessons, etc.

istherezucchiniinthis.blogspot.com- Each Sunday, Theresa at will post a link to an activity sheet that coordinates with the Catholic Mass for the NEXT weekend. 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.

discoveryeducation.com- Make your own puzzle to go with today’s Gospel Reading (word searches, crossword, double puzzles, fallen phrases, math squares, mazes, letter tiles, cryptograms, number blocks, hidden message).

• Journal Writing

• Mass Journals

• Silent reading.

• Word games or mind benders.

• Give them a situation and ask them “What would Jesus do?”

• Have a passage reference that relates to today’s lesson on the board. Students must summarize the passage in their own words.

• Have the students write the connection between the First Reading and the Gospel Reading from today’s Mass.

• thereligionteacher.com- Bell Work Activities

*Early in the year, your students may not be able to read, but you can point them to an activity as they enter the classroom.

• Activity Tubs: Have tubs of any kind of material for them to sort. Let each student decide if they are sorting by color, by shape, etc. They can work as individuals or in groups.

• Coloring Tubs: Coloring sheets or students can “Draw a picture of _______” (make it specific).

• Activity areas: Most Pre K and Kindergarten teachers have activity areas such as a block areas, fine motor, book, etc. or a play kitchen that you already use for activities, letting the children chose the area they want to explore. Use these same areas and activities for Bell Work.

• Handwriting Sheets/Copy Work: Have the students do manuscript handwriting sheets pertaining to today’s lesson or review previously learned material. Here is a list of Bible Alphabet Handwriting Sheets you can print out for FREE for your classroom or home. To learn various prayers, liturgical objects used in Mass, and other church activities, having the students write it down is a good way for them to remember. Here are a few of my favorite Handwriting/Copy Work Worksheet Makers that are FREE so you can make personalized handwriting worksheets for your students.

What kind of Bell Work do you do in your classroom?

How To Grade Journal Writing

2011-11-04T08:10:00.000-04:00

Before assigning any kind of journal writing the teacher must explain to the students all the expectations that are required to completing and grading the journal. By identifying all the expectations before writing the journals this will prevent some confusion for the students and it will also facilitate good teacher and student communication.

What the Teacher Needs to Explain Fully to the Students:

What is the purpose of the journal?

What format is to be used for the journal?

What will the students write about?

How much writing is required?

When will the journals be due? Where do the students turn them in?

How will the students be given feedback?

When and where will the students pick up their journals?

How will the students be graded?

Who will read the journals?

Journal Grading:

The teacher needs to state what percentage of the student’s grade will be affected by their journal writing and how they will be graded. A syllabus or an introduction letter about the class is a good way to notify the students and parents what is expected. Teachers must also go over the syllabus/introduction letter thoroughly with the class to avoid any confusion and allow students to ask questions. Studies show if the instructor chooses to incorporate journal writing into their class, unless the journals have an effect on the grades, students will put very little effort into their writing (Hahnemann, 1986). Grading journals therefore gives them value and shows their importance. How much the journal writing should count as part of the student’s grade is up to the teacher. Usually it is 10% (Hahnemann, 1986) to 20% (Tryssenaar, 1995) to make sure that the students feel the journal writing assignments matter and are important. When completing some journal assignments it is imperative to remember that if the focus is on the thought process, then grammar and punctuation should not be a part of the evaluation of the journal. If the focus of the journal is to reflect, then the journal should be an environment where students can write and not worry about punctuation, grammar, and spelling (Walker, 2006). Teachers need to convey that content is more important than word count and sincere reflection on the topic is key.

*You can also use these rubrics below to assess students' abilities to complete the journal activities assigned. Share the assessment with students prior to completing the journal writing lesson so they will understand how they will be assessed. You can also use the rubric as a basis for discussion and feedback with each student.

sites4teachers.com- Journal Response and Comprehension Rubric

gsu.edu- Several rubrics posted to use.

marine.stillwater.k12.mn.us- Scoring Rubric for Journal Writing

catholic-forum.com- Rubric for Reflection Journal Activities

saskschools.ca- This form is designed to help you evaluate student work in journal writing.

Journal Feedback:

Teachers must give feedback to the students about their journal writing before the second writing assignment is given. Judgment and criticism should not be noted on the journal writing. Instead, the attempt to write on the student's part is more important than the success of the attempt (Hahnemann, 1986). One to two comments about the entry is more than enough (Brown & Sorrell, 1993). If more comments are stated by the teacher the students usually lose their sense of purpose and meaning of the writing. The students will worry about grammar and sentence structure instead of what they are trying to say (Holmes, 1997).

What will you do in your classroom or home? (Class #9)

2011-11-03T08:23:00.001-04:00

What are you doing in your classroom or home? I think it would be great to see what others are doing to exchange some ideas. I am constantly looking for new activities to do and I know others are too.

This is what I plan on doing with my first grade CCD class:

Review-

• Review - Sign of the Cross, Grace Before Meals, Glory Be

• Review- Moses and the Laws of God Take Home Sheet

• Review- People at Mass using People at Church Cards.

• Review- Liturgical Objects at Mass (pew, stoup, altar, chalice, ciborium, Body of Christ, Blood of Christ, tabernacle, bells, lectern, ambo, Lectionary, missal) using Liturgical Objects Used at Mass Cards.

• Introduce- new object using card (Book of the Gospels)

• Review- Liturgical Objects at Mass (only objects done thus far) by playing Memory using cards.

Celebrating the Mass Lesson-

The Gospel

Gospel means “good news” (write this on the board) and the reading is taken from the New Testament. What is the New Testament about? (It is about how Jesus lived, taught, and how God loves us. It also is about the spread of Christianity around the world.) During the Gospel we stand and listen to the priest read from the Book of the Gospels.

The Priest stands at the ambo and says: The Lord be with you.

People: And with your spirit.

Priest: A reading from the holy Gospel according to N.

*At the same time, the priest makes the Sign of the Cross on the book and on his forehead, lips, and breast. The people make a fist with their right hand and with our thumb we make a small Sign of the Cross on our forehead, on our lips and over our heart and silently pray, “God be in my mind, on my lips, and in my heart.” (Have the students do this and practice.)

People: Glory to you, O Lord.

Then the priest reads the Gospel.

At the end of the Gospel the Priest, says: The Gospel of the Lord.

All reply: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Then he kisses the book, saying quietly: Through the words of the Gospel may our sins be wiped away.

Then follows the homily, which is to be preached by a priest or deacon.. During the homily the people sit. This is when the priest shares special thoughts and ideas with us to help us connect the gospel to our own life experiences.

After the homily a brief period of silence is observed.

*Then ask students questions from the lesson.

Celebrating the Mass Activity-

Stand Up, Sit Down Game

Lesson Plan-

David & Goliath and go over vocabulary words with students. Read story: “David and Goliath” The Usborne Children's Bible by Heather Amery and ask questions from Take Home Sheet that will be sent home today. Note: When I read the story to the students I usually sit in the chair in the corner by the board and have the students sit on the floor in front of me. After the students have answered the questions about the story, I have them go back to their seats to continue with what is on the lesson plan (activity, craft, game, puzzles/worksheets, etc.).

Movie- Introduce movie: Who did David kill with just a stone and a sling?

Veggie Tales: Dave and The Giant Pickle (25 min.) and ask questions from below.

Where did Dave live? In Israel.

What was Dave? A shepherd.

Who was attacking the Israelites? The Philistines.

Who are the Philistines? They were people who hated the Israelites. They wanted to take their land and make the Israelites their slaves.

Who put an army together to save Israel? King Saul.

Who was the Philistine’s strongest man? Goliath.

What did Dave bring to the battlefield? Food.

Who would fight Goliath? Dave.

Who were God’s chosen people? The Israelites.

King Saul gave something to Dave. What was it? His armor.

What was wrong with it? His armor was too big for Dave.

How many stones did Dave get? 5 smooth stones.

How did Dave kill Goliath? His sling and a rock that hit him in the middle of his forehead.

Who did Dave trust to help him? God.

Mini Book-

lambsongs.co.nz- “David is Brave” by Jill Kemp

Have students read the mini book out loud in class by taking turns (each read a page) and take home to read to their parents. Students can also color mini book.

Game- Introduce game: What was the name of the giant that David killed?

christiancrafters.com- Copy and paste the Goliath picture on a piece of paper. Have the children color Goliath and cut out. Have each child glue Goliath on a 2 liter soda bottle and roll a small ball at it like bowling.

Puzzles & Worksheets- While students are doing puzzles/worksheets, etc. they may say a prayer. Students are asked to recite 5 prayers by the end of the year. A “We Know Our Prayers” chart is on the bulletin board. If the student can recite the prayer correctly, write the date on the chart, and they get to pick a prize from the prize bag.

David & Goliath No Contest- Hidden Pictures: Explore Hidden Treasures in God’s Word Grace 1 - 3 by Linda Standke, page 10

Homework- Give each student a David & Goliath Take Home Sheet for their parents to go over with them to review what we have done in class. Parents need to help their child fill this out and bring back to class the following week. Students that complete their homework and bring it back to class will be able to play Homeworkopoly. Each Sunday the students make a mini story book and/or story wheel in class. Students need to read these to their parents (or the parents read to them) the mini book and/or story wheel for homework.

What will you do in your classroom or home? Please comment so I can add the link to your blog to this post. We would love to see what you do!

Journal Writing

2011-11-01T10:47:00.000-04:00

Coming up with ideas for journal writing in the classroom or home can sometimes be hard. Here are a few ideas I found online that might be useful.

ehow.com- Catholic, Christian and Spiritual Journal Writing Ideas

books.google.com- The Catholic Youth Prayer Book by Mary Shrader, page 102 & 103. Different techniques you can use for journaling.

associatedcontent.com- Keeping a Devotional Journal: 15 Prompts for Christians

thatresourcesite.com- Faith Notebooking Pages
Encourage learning about the Catholic Faith with these inviting notebooking sheets. These are perfect for CCD classes or home catechesis as well. Topics include the Sacred Heart of Jesus, The Mass, The Gospels, Our Lady, and more. These sheets come in sets and are perfect for written reports, copywork use, or narration. Created especially for Catholic learners, our notebooking pages are perfect for any learner whether they learn at home or are in a CCD Religious Education class. Each notebooking set generally includes four different line spacing options for writers of all levels and comes with both a picture or a blank space for a drawing. Sheets are contained in PDF sets for your convenience. Pages can be used for learners of all ages

thereligionteacher.com- Rosary Journals for Meditation on the Mysteries of the Rosary

loyolapress.com- Confirmed in the Spirit Student Reflection Journal
With samples

Universal Publishing- These 80-page workbooks present grade-level (K through 8th grade) Catholic curriculum in a way that encourages students to think more deeply about their faith. Students read about the lesson; talk about the lesson using discussion prompts; answer a question to connect the lesson to their home, school, or parish; and complete a journaling activity with the help of a pre-writing section. Ideal for parish CCD/REC or in conjunction with any Catholic-school religion program. Includes FREE online teacher’s manual! Each grade level workbook has samples posted.

usccbpublishing.org- Reader's Journal for the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
This easy-to-use journal is the perfect companion to the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults. The reflections in the journal support and further expand on the topics in each chapter of the USCCA, helping the reader deepen their encounter with the living Christ. Use the journal with catechumens as part of their preparation for the Easter sacraments. Sample chapter provided.

Mass Journals- Here are several activities online that may help.

Do you have any other suggestions? Please comment and I will add it to the list.

Church Potluck Recipe: Tortellini Salad

2011-10-31T10:25:00.000-04:00

I wish I had a picture of this tasty dish. Here is an easy tortellini salad recipe that my friend makes that everyone enjoys!

Tortellini Salad

1 lb. tortellini cooked (cheese or meat stuffed)
Cubed cheddar cheese,
Green pepper, diced
Green onions
Black olives
Green olives
Cherry tomatoes, halved

Mix the above together in a large bowl. Then add the following and mix well. Chill overnight.

Dressing:

¾ c. oil
¼ c wine vinegar
2 t Grey Poupon Mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

What will you do in your classroom or home? (Class #8)

2011-10-27T07:30:00.006-04:00

This is what I plan on doing with my first grade CCD class:

Review & Introduce-

• Review - Sign of the Cross, Grace Before Meals, Glory Be

• Review- Moses in the Desert Take Home Sheet

• Review- People at Mass using People at Church Cards

• Review- Liturgical Objects at Mass (pew, stoup, altar, chalice, ciborium, Body of Christ, Blood of Christ, tabernacle, bells) using Liturgical Objects Used at Mass Cards

• Introduce- new objects using cards (lectern, ambo, Lectionary, missal)

Celebrating the Mass Lesson-

Celebrating the Mass Lesson- Liturgy of the Word Sequence

There is a specific order to the readings done at Mass. The people sit and the Lector stands at the ambo and reads the first reading from the Lectionary. The Lector can either be a man or woman. Sometimes teens are Lectors. The first reading is from the Old Testament (except during the Easter Season) which was written before Jesus was born and relates to the Gospel Reading of the day.

To indicate the end of the reading, the Lector says: “The Word of the Lord.”

All reply: “Thanks be to God.”

Next, we sing or say a response to a prayer from the book of Psalms which is also from the Old Testament. Then the Lector reads the second reading. The second reading is from the New Testament which is about Jesus.

To indicate the end of the reading, the Lector says: “The Word of the Lord.”

All reply: “Thanks be to God.”

This is followed by the Gospel Acclamation (Alleluia) which is usually sung. We stand during the Gospel Acclamation. During the Lenten season the Alleluia is not sung or said. As we stand and sing the priest carries the Book of the Gospels to the ambo. After the Alleluia we continue to stand for the Gospel.

*Then ask students questions from the lesson.

Celebrating the Mass Activity-

Liturgy of the Word Sequence Card Game- For 2 to 4 players print out on card stock at least 2 copies of each page (for more players print more copies). Shuffle cards and the Dealer deals out 4 cards to each player. Dealer puts cards down in the middle of the table, turns over the top card, and places it beside the deck. From the cards in his hand the Dealer must place the next card in the sequence of the Liturgy of the Word on top of the card facing up. If he does not have the proper card, he must draw a card from the deck. Play moves clockwise. If the deck runs out, play moves to the next player clockwise and game continues. The first player to run out of cards wins.

Lesson Plan-

Moses and the Laws of God and go over vocabulary words with students. Read story: “Moses and the Laws of God” The Usborne Children's Bible by Heather Amery and ask questions from Take Home Sheet that will be sent home today. Note: When I read the story to the students I usually sit in the chair in the corner by the board and have the students sit on the floor in front of me. After the students have answered the questions about the story, I have them go back to their seats to continue with what is on the lesson plan (activity, craft, game, puzzles/worksheets, etc.).

Movie-

“The Prince of Egypt” (Disney)- (30 min. from plagues to end)

Mini Book-

Ten Commandments coloring booklet- (This book is in MS Word and can be changed to anything you want. Just click on the area you want to change and type in what you want.)

Have students read the mini book out loud in class by taking turns (each read a page) and take home to read to their parents. Students can also color mini book.

Game- Introduce game: What mountain did Moses climb?

Climb Mount Sinai- (file folder game)

Puzzles & Worksheets- While students are doing puzzles/worksheets, etc. they may say a prayer. Students are asked to recite 5 prayers by the end of the year. A “We Know Our Prayers” chart is on the bulletin board. If the student can recite the prayer correctly, write the date on the chart, and they get to pick a prize from the prize bag.

Mountain Climbing Moses- Hidden Pictures: Explore Hidden Treasures in God’s Word PK - K by Linda Standke, page 9

Homework- Give each student a Moses and the Laws of God Take Home Sheet for their parents to go over with them to review what we have done in class. Parents need to help their child fill this out and bring back to class the following week. Students that complete their homework and bring it back to class will be able to play Homeworkopoly. Each Sunday the students make a mini story book and/or story wheel in class. Students need to read these to their parents (or the parents read to them) the mini book and/or story wheel for homework.

What will you do in your classroom or home? Please comment so I can add the link to your blog to this post. We would love to see what you do!

What will you do in your classroom or home? (Class #7)

2011-10-20T08:03:00.001-04:00

This is what I plan on doing with my first grade CCD class:

Review-

• Review - Sign of the Cross, Grace Before Meals, Glory Be

• Review- Moses Leads his People out of Egypt Take Home Sheet

• Review- People at Mass using People at Church Cards.

• Review- Liturgical Objects at Mass (pew, stoup, altar, chalice, ciborium, Body of Christ, Blood of Christ, tabernacle, bells) using Liturgical Objects Used at Mass Cards.

Celebrating the Mass Lesson- Gloria

Celebrating the Mass Activity-

Introduce craft: Who died on the cross so our sins would be forgiven?

catholicicing.blogspot.com- Printable Resurrection Set
Cut out Jesus prior to class so it will be easier for the students. Students color and cut out craft. Be sure to have students cut out the cross on the dotted lines so the cross will stick out. Glue cross to toilet paper roll making sure the cross is sticking out. Glue Jesus to the cross.

Lesson Plan-

Moses in the Desert and go over vocabulary words with students. Read story: “Moses in the Desert” The Usborne Children's Bible by Heather Amery and ask questions from Take Home Sheet that will be sent home today. Note: When I read the story to the students I usually sit in the chair in the corner by the board and have the students sit on the floor in front of me. After the students have answered the questions about the story, I have them go back to their seats to continue with what is on the lesson plan (activity, craft, game, puzzles/worksheets, etc.).

Craft- Introduce craft: What did God give the people to eat at night?

daniellesplace.com- Paper Bag Quail Puppet

Mini Book-

Moses in the Desert (mini book)

Have students read the mini book out loud in class by taking turns (each read a page) and take home to read to their parents. Students can also color mini book.

Game- Introduce game: Did the people listen and do what Moses said? Do you think that is easy? Can you can follow directions?

Following Directions

Need: Bop It, Ballzerko, Simon, etc.

Directions: Divide the class into groups. Have one group play one game and the other plays another, etc. Students must do what the toy tells them to do. Change games after all students get a chance to play.

Puzzles & Worksheets- While students are doing puzzles/worksheets, etc. they may say a prayer. Students are asked to recite 5 prayers by the end of the year. A “We Know Our Prayers” chart is on the bulletin board. If the student can recite the prayer correctly, write the date on the chart, and they get to pick a prize from the prize bag.

The Great Bible Big Fun Activity Book: From the Old and New Testaments by Toni Lind
Follow the Dots to find what the Israelites found in the desert. (quail)

Moses in the Desert (word search)

Homework- Give each student a Moses in the Desert Take Home Sheet for their parents to go over with them to review what we have done in class. Parents need to help their child fill this out and bring back to class the following week. Students that complete their homework and bring it back to class will be able to play Homeworkopoly. Each Sunday the students make a mini story book and/or story wheel in class. Students need to read these to their parents (or the parents read to them) the mini book and/or story wheel for homework.

What will you do in your classroom or home? Please comment so I can add the link to your blog to this post. We would love to see what you do!

Life Size Game Boards

2011-10-18T10:56:00.001-04:00

Lifesize Monopoly at Brownsburg Public Library

The next time you play a game using a game board, do something totally different, try doing a life size game board. You can do them in your classroom, gym, parking lot, field, wherever you have room. It is a great way to review what you do in class! You can even get the students involved and help you make the game board. The possibilities are endless! It is an enlightening experience that your students will enjoy and never forget.

How to do life size board games:

recreationguy.com- How To Put Together A Life Size Candy Land Game
*Great ideas that you can use to make any kind of human size game board.

blog.craftzine.com- How To Make A Big As Life Board Game

thedaily23.blogspot.com- Life Sized Versions of Board Games

phillykidszone.com- Human Board Games

thereligionteacher.com- The Human Board Game to Review for Exams

ponyexpresscubs.blogspot.com- Human Size Board Games

afterschoolmath.org- Human Battleship (you can get great ideas from here to make your own human game board).

activitymom.blogspot.com- Board Game Human Size

Special Events for the Month- November

2011-10-17T09:00:00.002-04:00

Please check out Gospel for the Mass for the month of November on its own page under the header. I have links to activities, coloring, crafts, games, puzzles, worksheets, quizzes, etc. that can help you with your classroom or at home.

*This month’s special events are: All Saints Day/All Souls Day, Thanksgiving, Advent, and Liturgical Year and I have quite a number of activities for you to check out.

All Saints Day/All Souls Day

All Saint’s Day/Feasts/Saints- references, activities, coloring, crafts, games, lessons, puzzles, quizzes, songs, worksheets, etc.

pflaum.com- Click on Seasonal Family Pages. Register for FREE. Then click on the Age Appropriate At-Home Activities (Seeds, Promise, Good News, Venture, Visions) for All Saints Day activities and worksheets.

Thanksgiving

thereligionteacher.com- Catholic Thanksgiving Day Lesson Plans on the Eucharist as “Thanksgiving”

Thank You God: 10 Lepers- (Pre K – K) lesson plan with: Objectives, Word Wall, Bible Story with questions, Songs and/or Finger Plays, Activities, Crafts, Games, Snacks, Coloring/Puzzles

Advent

Jesse Tree- Neat Jesse Tree to make.

Advent Lapbooks- Make an Advent lapbook to celebrate the Advent season.

2011 Printable Advent Chain- Print out pattern on colored paper. Have students cut into strips. Build your paper chain stapling the strips with a stapler in the correct order. Each day you tear off a piece of the chain that corresponds to the date and do the activity. Before you know it, it will be Christmas day!

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

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

Advent Wreath file folder game- The object of the game is to color all of the Advent wreath correctly.

Liturgical Year

Sitting Duck!- Answer questions about the liturgical year as you make your way around the board. Be careful for the "Sitting Duck!" space or you might have to go all the way back to START.

You can play this game with 4 people or divide the group into 4 teams.) Place your marker on START. Determine who goes first and play moves clockwise. The player to your left draws a card. On most of the cards are questions about the liturgical year. If you answer the question correctly you get to roll the die and move the number indicated on the die. If you answer the question incorrectly, you stay where you are. If the card says “Go Back 2” etc. you must follow the directions. If you land on the picture of a target, you lose your next turn. If you land on a sitting duck, all players must say out loud “Sitting Duck!” Another player who happens to come by on the game board (they can land on the space or just be passing by on their roll) can BUMP you back to START. The first player to FINISH wins.

Act of Contrition Activities

2011-10-14T14:36:00.003-04:00

Activities:

kidzplace.org- More than 100 Missions Bible Memory Games and Other Activities

thatresourcecite.com- Learn the Act of Contrition, by cutting apart the lines and have children reorder them correctly.

loyolapress.com- Students review and learn the Act of Contrition in a group activity.

These activities 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.

Act of Contrition- Cut out strips and glue strips of the Act of Contrition in the proper order on a piece of construction paper. (For younger students you can do this together as a group activity.) You can also play this as a game by dividing the class into teams and give each team the strips of the Act of Contrition. See which team can put it in the proper order the fastest.

Puzzle:

Act of Contrition- (word search)

Worksheet:

Act of Contrition (worksheet)- Fill out the worksheet using the word bank.

Books I Use In My Classroom

2011-10-13T15:03:00.000-04:00

I have a few books I use in my first grade CCD classroom that I can’t live without. I have worn some of their book covers to nothing and the others are pretty dog-eared.

Books I Use In My Classroom- a short list of what I use

What books do you use in your classroom or home that you cannot live without? Please comment so I can add them to the list or the link to your blog to this post.

What will you do in your classroom or home? (Class #6)

2011-10-12T08:39:00.001-04:00

This is what I plan on doing with my first grade CCD class:

Review-

• Review - Sign of the Cross, Grace Before Meals, Glory Be

• Review- Moses in the Bulrushes Home Sheet

• Review- People at Mass using People at Church Cards

• Review- Liturgical Objects at Mass (pew, stoup, altar, chalice, ciborium, Body of Christ, Blood of Christ, tabernacle, bells) using Liturgical Objects Used at Mass Cards

Celebrating the Mass Lesson-

Celebrating the Mass Lesson- Lord, Have Mercy (Kyrie Eleison)

Long ago Greek and Latin was spoken. Mass was also said in Latin and part of it was also said in Greek. Now people do not speak Latin and Greek as much as they used to. We now usually celebrate Mass in our own language. Still, it is good to remember the early church and the beautiful Greek and Latin languages. Sometimes the “Lord, have mercy” is sung, sometimes it is said. Sometimes it is said in Greek, sometimes in English. How is it said at your Mass?

We are all standing (have students stand up) and each acclamation is usually repeated twice. During this time the priest will say or sing something and then we repeat what he just said.

(Write this below on the board before class. Write what is in English in one color. Write what is in Greek in another color. Stand in front of the Greek language so the students cannot see it at this time.)

Priest: Lord, have mercy. --------- Kyrie, eleison.

People: Lord, have mercy. -------- Kyrie, eleison.

Priest: Christ, have mercy. -------- Christe, eleison.

People: Christ, have mercy. ------- Christe, eleison.

Priest: Lord, have mercy. ---------- Kyrie, eleison.

People: Lord, have mercy. --------- Kyrie, eleison.

Say to the students and point to each line accordingly: We are all standing during the “Lord, have mercy”. The priest says, “Lord, have mercy.” What do we say, (“Lord, have mercy.”). Then the priest says, “Christ, have mercy.” What do we say? (“Christ, have mercy.”). Then the priest says, “Lord, have mercy.” What do we say? (“Lord, have mercy.”)

Say to the students: “Lord, have mercy” is in English. What would the priest say in Greek? (Move out of the way so the students can see what is on the board. Point to what the priest says and help the students pronounce each part correctly. Go through each line and help students pronounce the words in Greek.)

Say: I will now say what the priest would say in Greek and I want you to repeat what I say in Greek just like you would in Mass. (Point to what the students should say in Greek.)

*Then ask students questions from the lesson.

Celebrating the Mass Activity-

The activity below is free, however it can 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.

Lord, Have Mercy- Have the students trace the letters. When they have finished students read worksheet out loud in class by taking turns.

Lesson Plan-

Moses Leads his People out of Egypt and go over vocabulary words with students. Read story: “Moses Leads his People out of Egypt” The Usborne Children's Bible by Heather Amery and ask questions from Take Home Sheet that will be sent home today. Note: When I read the story to the students I usually sit in the chair in the corner by the board and have the students sit on the floor in front of me. After the students have answered the questions about the story, I have them go back to their seats to continue with what is on the lesson plan (activity, craft, game, puzzles/worksheets, etc.).

Craft- Introduce craft: What kinds of plagues happened when the Pharaoh (King) would not let the slaves go?

Frog

Need: Paper plates, white and red construction paper, crayons, glue

Directions: Pre cut tongue for students out of red construction paper. Have the tongue about one inch wide and twelve inches long. Have students color paper plate green on one side and fold plate in half. (Note: Be sure to have students use old crayons and peel the paper off of crayons and rub the side of the crayon on the paper plate instead of coloring it. This will be a lot faster and easier for the students). Students then cut out two eyes that are pre drawn on white construction paper (round circles that are at least three inches across) and color eyes. Glue on eyes on outside of frog (green side) on the top of the paper plate that is folded in half. Have the eyes halfway on and halfway hanging off the fold near the center. Glue tongue inside the frog’s mouth starting from the center of the fold and out the front of the mouth. Curl tongue with pencil and draw a bug on end of tongue if you wish.

Introduce craft: What did Moses do at the Red Sea so the Hebrews could escape from the Egyptians?

Crossing the Red Sea Story Wheel (Bible Wheels to Make and Enjoy by Carmen Sorvillo, page 19 & 20). Students are given the story wheel to color and put together. Then they turn their story wheel dial to retell the Bible story they learned over and over again. (There are 5 different views to this Story Wheel.)

Mini Book-

lambsongs.co.nz- “How Did Moses Cross the Red Sea?” by Jill Kemp

Have students read the mini book out loud in class by taking turns (each read a page) and take home to read to their parents. Students can also color mini book.

Game- Introduce game: What kinds of plagues happened when the Pharaoh (King) would not let the slaves go?

Leaping Frogs- (file folder game)

Puzzles & Worksheets- While students are doing puzzles/worksheets, etc. they may say a prayer. Students are asked to recite 5 prayers by the end of the year. A “We Know Our Prayers” chart is on the bulletin board. If the student can recite the prayer correctly, write the date on the chart, and they get to pick a prize from the prize bag.

Sea Crossing- Hidden Pictures: Explore Hidden Treasures in God’s Word Grade 1-3 by Linda Standke, page 7

Homework- Give each student a Moses Leads his People out of Egypt Take Home Sheet for their parents to go over with them to review what we have done in class. Parents need to help their child fill this out and bring back to class the following week. Students that complete their homework and bring it back to class will be able to play Homeworkopoly. Each Sunday the students make a mini story book and/or story wheel in class. Students need to read these to their parents (or the parents read to them) the mini book and/or story wheel for homework.

What will you do in your classroom or home? Please comment so I can add the link to your blog to this post. We would love to see what you do!

Progress Reports

2011-10-11T08:47:00.004-04:00

Keeping parents well informed is key for any teacher. Here are some Progress Reports that you can use in your classroom.

office.microsoft.com- Allows parents to keep a close watch out for student progress per class.

office.microsoft.com- Weekly Progress Report
The checklist format of this report form makes it easy to regularly keep parents up-to-date about their child's progress.

teachervision.fen.com- A ready-to-use form for assessment of students' class work and participation is a quick and easy way to keep your students' evaluations organized. New teachers will find this resource particularly valuable when preparing for parent-teacher conferences.

teach-nology.com- This generator creates a report that can be used to communicate a student's weekly progress with the parent/guardians. The student should be held accountable to make sure that all designated teachers sign or initial the report on a daily basis and then have it signed by a family member at the end of a week. This should save you many phone calls.

teach-nology.com- This generator can be used to create a progress report that can be sent home to parents. The document that you generate contains 20 common indicators of student performance.

teacherparentresources.com- This is a simple template for progress monitoring. It’s an excel file, so you can enter the specific categories according to grade and standard. Totally editable to what you want.

freeprintablebehaviorcharts.com- Progress Report (for younger student). You can type directly into this chart.

CCD Student Monthly Progress Report- Individual student monthly progress report that will let parents know exactly how well their child is doing in class (work habits, attendance, prayers completed, etc.). 2 pages and editable.

Assignment Sheets and Grade Sheets

2011-10-10T16:23:00.004-04:00

Keeping accurate records of student assignments is necessary for good parent/teacher communication. It also helps students be more organized and be able to turn assignments on time. Here are a few free assignment/grade sheets that might come in handy.

office.microsoft.com- Assignment Sheet with date and grade

office.microsoft.com- Use this education grade spreadsheet to keep track of homework, midterms, finals and project grades for twenty-five students or more simultaneously.

office.microsoft.com- Grade Book with Charts and Total Points
Enter assignments with a point value, and grades are automatically calculated. Displays charts and statistical data for analyzing how the class is doing overall. Designed to accept a midterm and final, as well as curved grades. Also adjusts for students who are exempt from an assignment. Has progress report and ineligibility report tabs that are formatted for quick printing. Instructional tab explains setup and use, as well as calculation method. Basic familiarity with Excel is recommended.

office.microsoft.com- Teacher’s Grade Book
This template computes student grade point averages and more. It computes a measure of consistency of student performance, measures of the characteristics of each class section and the student body, and measures of the suitability of the assignments given to the students.

smyrna.k12.de.us- Grade Sheets that calculates points

superteacherworksheets.com- Here's a terrific gradebook template designed specially for elementary classroom teachers. Download the gradebook and open it up on Microsoft Excel or OpenOffice Calc. Enter your student names and grades. The spreadsheet will calculate student averages for each subject. It's completely free from Super Teacher Worksheets!

vertex42.com- This free Gradebook Template for Excel started out as a very basic grade book spreadsheet, but it has evolved into something that is very useful, flexible, and powerful (and still free). The gradebook download includes 3 different types of grade books that can handle most of the major grading systems used in high school and colleges.

teachnology.com- This tool allows you to quickly create printable weekly assignments for your students.

teachnology.com- Enter the name of the subject that homework will be due for.

teachervision.fen.com

Homework Collection Sheet with Homework Pass- Print a worksheet that includes a sheet to monitor homework collection and a pass for a free homework assignment. This printable is customizable. Tailor the PDF to your teaching needs by typing in the highlighted fields before printing. (Grade K – 5)

Homework Sheet- Do you have a student who frequently forgets homework assignments? This printable homework sheet will help students organize their assignments and will remind them of due dates. (Grade 4 – 9)

Homework Collection Record & Student Restitution Sheet- Document disciplinary needs and actions in your classroom with time-saving, printable forms. A homework collection record will help you keep track of students who are missing their assignments, while a student restitution sheet should be filled out when students are caught cheating.

teachertools.org- 2 Assignment Sheets to download. Click on Forms and Letters. Look under Academic.

kent.k12.wa.us- Assignment Sheet
Use this form to keep a record of your assignments and your progress completing and turning them in. Use each row for separate assignments and also record reading and other non written assignments.

friendsofpr.com- Assignment Sheet

Assignment Sheet for Individual Student- Student Name, Date, Assignment, Turned In (2 pages) Editable

Assignment Sheet for Individual Student- Student Name, Date, Assignment, Turned In, Grade (2 pages) Editable

Lesson Plan Templates

2011-10-07T11:31:00.003-04:00

Lesson Plans come in all shapes and forms. What you should use depends upon your principal, DRE, etc. and what you need as a teacher. Teachers must also take into account inclusion of special needs students into their classroom. Keeping all the needs of everyone in mind while doing a lesson plan can sometimes be overwhelming.

Here is the lesson plan template I use and it is editable. (I got this from a class I took years ago at Johns Hopkins or Notre Dame.)

And here is an example of what it looks like all filled out.

Below are some lesson plan templates that I found online that might be helpful:

office.microsoft.com- Create a lesson plan with this template; outline the objectives, information, verification, activity and summary of the lesson for both the teacher and student.

thereligionteacher.com- Click on the links below to download your free copies of the lessons planning templates from The Religion Teacher’s Guide to Lesson Planning.

lessonplanspage.com- This lesson plan template was designed to make lesson plan writing easier to do while ensuring that all lesson plan components are met. Copy and paste below into your authoring program.

lessonplans4teachers.com- Every teacher has a unique way of completing lesson plans. Some are based on strict district guidelines, while others come out of years of experience and successful practices. The following is a list of generally accepted lesson planning templates. These are all Free Lesson Plan templates.

siopinstitute.net- SIOP Lesson Plan Templates (4 templates to choose from)

nwlink.com- Lesson Plan Template (rtf)
This template is intended to be the ultimate lesson plan. If you only use a quarter of the learning techniques within the template, you will still have a great lesson plan. This template uses Outlining to keep the numbers correctly sequenced. By pressing the [Enter] key within the outline or deleting an outline number, the numbers will automatically resequence themselves.

k6educators.about.com- Blank 8-Step Lesson Plan Template

personal.psu.edu- Lesson Plan Template

What kind of lesson plan do you use? Please comment so I can add the link to your blog to this post. We would love to see what you use!

Nicene Creed Activities

2011-10-06T08:35:00.007-04:00

Crafts:

catholicicing.blogspot.com- Nicene Creed Craft (Be sure to change this to say: I believe in one God, etc.)

Make Nicene Craft from catholicicing.blogspot.com according to directions. Have students trace the beginning of the Nicene Creed: "I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible." (Printed out on tracing handwriting sheet.) Glue prayer on a piece of construction paper. Glue the bottom part of the hand on the back of the prayer with the hand showing above prayer.

Nicene Creed Tracing Handwriting Sheet- Students write their name on the top line. Students then trace the handwriting sheet and follow directions above.

Games:

kidzplace.org- More than 100 Missions Bible Memory Games and Other Activities

(These activities below are in accordance with the new Roman Missal that is to be implemented on November 27, 2011.)

loyolapress.com- The Creed Game
Students help each other learn the Nicene Creed while playing a game.

This game 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.

The Nicene Creed: The objective is to be the first player to get all four of his or her color pawns from his or her START location to his or her HOME space. Players must do this by answering questions about the Nicene Creed and rolling the die.

Set Up: Print game board on legal size paper (8.5” x 14”). This game can be played individually or in teams. Each player gets 4 pawns of the same color. Players put all 4 of their pawns off of the game board near their START space. Next, shuffle the deck and place it face down in a small basket near the game board. Put an empty basket nearby for the discards. Players choose who will go first and then game play goes counterclockwise. Players can roll the die and have the person with the highest number go first.

How To Play: Each player has his or her own "'START" location and "HOME" location. Players choose a color and put their corresponding pawns off of the board near their START square and take turns answering questions (the first person to their right reads the card) and rolling the die. Players must answer a question correctly to roll the die. Players must roll a 1 or a 6 to place their pawn on their corresponding START color. If a 1 is rolled, the player moves out and sits in their START space until it is his turn again. If a player rolls a 6, then she gets another turn to roll. Players move their pawns counterclockwise around the game board until they reach HOME. An exact number must be rolled on the die to enter home. If a player cannot roll the exact number and has no other moves, play passes to the next person. During game play, you can jump over another player but if you land on another player's space, you must BUMP that player and they must put their pawn off the game board near their START space. Players can not BUMP their own pawns off the game board. If the only way to complete a move would result in a player bumping himself, the pawns remains in place and the player loses his or her turn.

If someone happens to be on your START space if you roll 1 or 6, BUMP that player. If a player lands at the start of a slide (except those of its own color), they immediately move to the last square of the slide. All pawns anywhere on the slide (including pawns on the "end spots" of the slide) are BUMPED. If you land on a slide of your own color, do not slide, just stay put on that square. HOME are the "safety zones" and access is limited to only that player of the same color. Pawns inside the zone are safe from being BUMPED. The first player around the game board and brings all their pawns to HOME wins.

Directions- Print out Directions, cut it out, and glue on front of legal size file folder.

Game Board- Print out Game Board on legal size paper (8.5” x 14”), trim, and glue on the inside of the file folder. Make sure the directions are on the front of the file folder. Laminate or cover file folder with clear contact paper to make it last.

Game Cards- (Use these cards or make your own.) Print Game Cards out on card stock. Cut out Game Cards. Laminate or cover with clear contact paper to make them last. Use only the cards that reflect your student’s abilities.

*Pawns can be coins, colored buttons, game pieces from other games, fish rocks for the bottom of aquariums, craft foam cut into shapes, etc. You can paint small objects such as rocks, small plastic tops or caps, etc. You can also buy pawns at game stores.

These activities 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.

Nicene Creed- Cut out strips and glue strips of the Nicene Creed in the proper order on a piece of construction paper. (For younger students you can do this together as a group activity.) You can also play this as a game by dividing the class into teams and give each team the strips of the Nicene Creed. See which team can put it in the proper order the fastest.

Lesson:

Celebrating the Mass Lesson- Profession of Faith Lesson, questions, and activities.

Puzzle:

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

What will you do in your classroom or home? (Class #5)

2011-10-05T08:06:00.002-04:00

This is what I plan on doing with my first grade CCD class:

Review-

• Review - Sign of the Cross, Grace Before Meals, Glory Be

• Review- Noah’s Ark Take Home Sheet and Test #1

• Review- People at Mass using People at Church Cards

• Review- Liturgical Objects at Mass (pew, stoup, altar, chalice, ciborium, Body of Christ, Blood of Christ, tabernacle, bells) using Liturgical Objects Used at Mass Cards

Celebrating the Mass Lesson- Penitential Rite

Celebrating the Mass Activity-

The activity below is free, however it can 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.

Penitential Act Puzzle- Print puzzle on card stock and have the students cut on the lines to make a puzzle. Have the students put the puzzle together to practice the Penitential Act. Put puzzle pieces in an envelope or Ziploc bag.

Lesson Plan- Moses and the Bulrushes and go over vocabulary words with students. Read story: “Moses in the Bulrushes” The Usborne Children's Bible by Heather Amery and ask questions from Take Home Sheet that will be sent home today. Note: When I read the story to the students I usually sit in the chair in the corner by the board and have the students sit on the floor in front of me. After the students have answered the questions about the story, I have them go back to their seats to continue with what is on the lesson plan (activity, craft, game, puzzles/worksheets, etc.).

Crafts- Introduce craft: What is in the Nile River that could have eaten baby Moses? A crocodile.

storyplace.org- Stand Up Crocodile

Introduce craft: Whose mother secretly hid them and later put him in a basket and floated him down the Nile River? Or- What did Moses’ mother put him in and floated him down the Nile River?

Baby Moses Story Wheel (Bible Wheels to Make and Enjoy by Carmen Sorvillo, page 17 & 18). Students are given the story wheel to color and put together. Then they turn their story wheel dial to retell the Bible story they learned over and over again. (There are 3 different views to this Story Wheel.)

Mini Book-

lambsongs.co.nz- “Baby Moses is Safe” by Jill Kemp

Have students read the mini book out loud in class by taking turns (each read a page) and take home to read to their parents. Students can also color mini book.

Game- Introduce game: What was the name of the baby that was put in a basket and sent down the Nile by his mother? Who found Moses?

Moses in the Bulrushes- (file folder game)

Puzzles & Worksheets- While students are doing puzzles/worksheets, etc. they may say a prayer. Students are asked to recite 5 prayers by the end of the year. A “We Know Our Prayers” chart is on the bulletin board. If the student can recite the prayer correctly, write the date on the chart, and they get to pick a prize from the prize bag.

A Baby in a Basket- Amazing Bible Mazes by Anita Reith Stohs, page 7. (Click on Sample and go to page 7.)

Homework- Give each student a Moses in the Bulrushes Home Sheet for their parents to go over with them to review what we have done in class. Parents need to help their child fill this out and bring back to class the following week. Students that complete their homework and bring it back to class will be able to play Homeworkopoly. Each Sunday the students make a mini story book and/or story wheel in class. Students need to read these to their parents (or the parents read to them) the mini book and/or story wheel for homework.

What will you do in your classroom or home? Please comment so I can add the link to your blog to this post. We would love to see what you do!

Church Potluck Recipe: Broccoli Salad

2011-10-04T08:13:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine gave me this recipe 20 years ago and I am crazy about it. There are many ways of fixing Broccoli Salad, but her simple version is always so good and everyone just loves it at any church potluck.

Broccoli Salad

1 bunch broccoli
½ red medium onion, chopped
½ c. mayo
¼ c. sugar
1 T vinegar
½ lb. bacon, fried and in pieces
1 pkg. shredded mozzarella

Cut up broccoli and onion. Blend together mayo, sugar, and vinegar for dressing. The day before serving pour dressing over broccoli and onion; cover. Stir in bacon and cheese just before serving.

2011 Printable Advent Chain

2011-10-01T11:12:00.002-04:00

2011 Printable Advent Chain

Print out pattern on colored paper. Have students cut into strips. Build your paper chain stapling the strips with a stapler in the correct order. Each day you tear off a piece of the chain that corresponds to the date and do the activity. Before you know it, it will be Christmas day!

Page 1- Print out on violet paper.

Page 2- Print out on rose paper.

Page 3- Print out on white paper.

More Games Added To Celebrating the Mass Lessons

2011-09-30T12:45:00.004-04:00

I added more games to help students learn the various prayers and acclamations for the new missal. I hope the students enjoy the new activities for Celebrating the Mass Lesson Plans.

Penitential Rite

Gloria

Profession of Faith

Holy, Holy, Holy

Mystery of Faith

The Lord’s Prayer

Catholic Prayers In Latin

2011-09-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

Below are some of the traditional catholic prayers in Latin and links to websites that have additional prayers that your children can learn. I also posted some games, songs, and worksheets that might help your child to learn the prayers in Latin.

Signum Crucis (The Sign of the Cross)

In nomine Patris, et Filii,
et Spiritus Sancti.
Amen.

Gloria Patri (Glory Be to the Father)

Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto.
Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper,
et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

Ave Maria (Hail Mary)

Ave Maria, gratia plena,
Dominus tecum.
Benedicta tu in mulieribus,
et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus.
Sancta Maria, Mater Dei,
ora pro nobis peccatoribus,
nunc, et in hora mortis nostrae.
Amen.

Pater Noster (Our Father)

Pater Noster,
qui es in caelis,
sanctificetur nomen tuum.
Adveniat regnum tuum.
Fiat voluntas tua,
sicut in caelo et in terra.
Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie,
et dimitte nobis debita nostra
sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris.
Et ne nos inducas in tentationem,
sed libera nos a malo.
Amen.

Links:

catholic.org- Prayers in Latin

fisheaters.com- Traditional Prayers, Creeds, and Ejaculations in English and Latin

ewtn.com- Prayers of the Rosary in Latin

traditionalromancatholicism.org- Catholic Prayers in English and Latin. Click on the prayer and scroll down and under the English version you will find the prayer in Latin.

Audio

boston-catholic-journal.com- Audio of Catholic prayers in Latin

Games:

thatresourcesite.blogspot.com- Put it in Order Hail Mary game in Latin. Available in both color and black and white.

thatresourcesite.blogspot.com- Cut out the cards and put order the English version of Our Father and the Latin version.

Songs:

youtube.com- Gloria Patri

youtube.com- Hail Mary in Latin (song) with English translation

youtube.com- Our Father in Latin (song) with English translation

Worksheets:

The 2 worksheets 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.

Sign of the Cross (Latin)- handwriting sheet in manuscript

Glory Be (Latin)- handwriting sheet in manuscript

thatresourcesite.blogspot.com- Hail Mary trace copywork in Latin. Manuscript and cursive versions to download.

thatresourcesite.com- Practice writing Our Father in Latin (page 6)

thatresourcesite.blogspot.com- Print this off and have your child practice writing in cursive Our Father in Latin.

*Or make your own personal cursive handwriting sheets for your classroom or home:

handwritingworksheets.com- Click on Paragraph Cursive Worksheets and make your own. Just type in sentences and make a beautiful cursive paragraph worksheet appear before your eyes.

worksheetworks.com- This generator lets you create handwriting practice sheets with the text you provide. Enter the words you want to practice with in the large text box below and practice writing words in cursive by tracing.

What will you do in your classroom or home? (Class #4)

2011-09-28T08:51:00.006-04:00

This is what I plan on doing with my first grade CCD class:

Review-

• Review - Sign of the Cross, Grace Before Meals, Glory Be

• Review- Adam & Eve Take Home Sheet

• Review- People at Mass using People at Church Cards

• Review- Liturgical Objects at Mass (pew, stoup, altar, chalice, ciborium, Body of Christ, Blood of Christ, tabernacle, bells) using Liturgical Objects Used at Mass Cards

Celebrating the Mass Lesson- Greeting

Celebrating the Mass Activity-

The activity below is free, however it can 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.

Greeting Handwriting Activity- Have the students trace the letters. Then have students cut out a heart from red construction paper and glue in the center of the paper.

Lesson Plan- Noah’s Ark and go over vocabulary words with students. Read story: “Noah and his Ark” The Usborne Children's Bible by Heather Amery and ask questions from Noah’s Ark Take Home Sheet. Note: When I read the story to the students I usually sit in the chair in the corner by the board and have the students sit on the floor in front of me. After the students have answered the questions about the story, I have them go back to their seats to continue with what is on the lesson plan (activity, craft, game, puzzles/worksheets, etc.).

Craft- Introduce craft: Who built the ark? What happened for 40 days and 40 nights? (Show students craft and turn the back plate so that the 40 days and nights of rain is shown.) What was the sign that God did that promised that He would never flood the whole Earth again? (Show students craft and turn the back plate so that the promise of not flooding the world again is shown.)

Noah’s Ark Craft

Mini Book-

dltk-bible.com- The Story of Noah’s Ark

Have students read the mini book out loud in class by taking turns (each read a page) and take home to read to their parents. Students can also color mini book.

Game- Introduce game: What was on the ark with Noah and his family? Can you find what animal is missing from the ark?

Noah’s Ark (What animal is missing)

Need: Cards with animal pictures on them.

Directions: Place a group of different animal cards on the chalk tray. Have the students name what animals that they see. Students hide their eyes while the teacher removes one animal card. Then the students look and guess which animal is missing. Who ever guesses right gets to remove an animal and have everyone guess "Who's Missing".

Or

Memory- Play Memory using the animal cards (must have two cards of each animal).

Introduce game: Today I will send home a Take Home Test. Let’s see how well you can answer the questions.

Review Game

The objective of the game is to be the first player to score 10 points. Have a player roll the die on the floor in front of the class. If the die lands on a blank space, they do not answer a question. If the die lands on “?”, they are asked a question by the teacher from the test. If the player answers correctly, they receive a point (you can use tokens, write it on the board, etc.). If they are not correct, they do not receive a point. The first player to score 10 points, is the winner. You can play this game individually or in teams. For an added challenge, you can also have “Lose 1 Point” and “Take 1 Point” on a side of the die. When a player rolls “Lose 1 Point”, they must lose 1 point. If a player rolls “Take 1 Point”, they may take a point from any player they choose.

Make a die out of a large juice carton and put a ? mark on some (at least 3) of the sides of the die. mssscrafts.com- directions to make die.

Cube Signs- Print, cut out, and glue on die.

Puzzles & Worksheets- While students are doing puzzles/worksheets, etc. they may say a prayer. Students are asked to recite 5 prayers by the end of the year. A “We Know Our Prayers” chart is on the bulletin board. If the student can recite the prayer correctly, write the date on the chart, and they get to pick a prize from the prize bag.

A Beautiful Sign- Hidden Pictures: Explore Hidden Treasures in God’s Word Grade 1-3 by Linda Standke, page 4

Homework- Give each student a Take Home Test #1 for their parents to go over with them to review what we have done in class. Parents need to help their child fill this out and bring back to class the following week. Students that complete their homework and bring it back to class will be able to play Homeworkopoly. Each Sunday the students make a mini story book and/or story wheel in class. Students need to read these to their parents (or the parents read to them) the mini book and/or story wheel for homework.

What will you do in your classroom or home? Please comment so I can add the link to your blog to this post. We would love to see what you do!

Mass Journals

2011-09-27T09:00:00.006-04:00

Anyone trying to come up with ideas for a Mass journal for your classroom? Well, believe it or not, there are several activities online for free that may help.

catholicmom.com- Sunday Gospel for the Mass activities- Mass worksheets (ages 7 – 10 and 11 – 14), coloring, puzzles, crafts, games, quizzes, lessons, etc.

istherezucchiniinthis.blogspot.com- Each Sunday, Theresa at will post a link to an activity sheet that coordinates with the Catholic Mass for the NEXT weekend. 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.

discoveryeducation.com- Make your own puzzle to go with today’s Mass (word searches, crossword, double puzzles, fallen phrases, math squares, mazes, letter tiles, cryptograms, number blocks, hidden message).

thatresourcesite.com- Free Notebooking Sheets for Catholic Homeschoolers and Educators Featuring the Holy Mass
Find and download free notebooking writing sheet sets that focus on the Holy Mass.

thatresourcesite.com- Faith Notebooking Pages
Encourage learning about the Catholic Faith with these inviting notebooking sheets. These are perfect for CCD classes or home catechesis as well. Topics include the Sacred Heart of Jesus, The Mass, The Gospels, Our Lady, and more. These sheets come in sets and are perfect for written reports, copywork use, or narration. Created especially for Catholic learners, our notebooking pages are perfect for any learner whether they learn at home or are in a CCD Religious Education class. Each notebooking set generally includes four different line spacing options for writers of all levels and comes with both a picture or a blank space for a drawing. Sheets are contained in PDF sets for your convenience. Pages can be used for learners of all ages

holyrcc.org- Mass Journal
Ideas that you can incorporate into your own Mass Journal sheets.

My Classroom Monthly Newsletter

2011-09-26T16:42:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I sent out via email my classroom’s newsletter for September. Many of you have asked what mine looks like and what it consists of. Well, I made up a simple newsletter since I teach first graders and I try to incorporate all my students names on it in a positive way.

Here is a DRAFT of my classroom’s newsletter for October-

What does your classroom newsletter look like? What does it consist of?

Our Father/Lord’s Prayer Activities

2011-09-22T07:54:00.004-04:00

Coloring:

fcpeace.com- Our Father (coloring booklet)

dltk-kids.com- The Lord’s Prayer (mini book)
Directions and template. (Catholic version posted.)

Crafts:

Our Father Magnet

Need: 8 Popsicle sticks, craft foam pieces, “Our Father” prayer printed on paper (size of print should be about 8 pt.), sticky magnet, index card, glue

Directions: Make Popsicle Stick Picture Fame from crafts.kaboose.com

Glue craft foam pieces on frame to decorate. Let frame dry. While frame is drying, go to next activity, then come back and finish frame. Cut out “Our Father” prayer that is printed on paper and glue to index card. Cut to fit on the back of the frame with “Our Father” prayer showing on the front of the frame. Attach sticky magnet to top of frame on back to make it into a magnet.

Games:

kidzplace.org- More than 100 Missions Bible Memory Games and Other Activities

thatresourcecite.com- Learn Our Father by cutting apart the lines and have children reorder them correctly.

This game below is free, however it can 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.

The Lord's Prayer File Folder Game: A fun way to practice and see how well you know the Lord’s Prayer. (Catholic version of Debbie's ffg)

Game Board & Directions- Print out Game Board, trim and glue on the inside of the file folder. Make sure the directions are on the front of the file folder. Laminate or cover file folder with clear contact paper to make it last.

Lessons:

Sermon on the Mount/Our Father- First grade on up lesson plan with: Objectives, Review, Vocabulary Words, Bible Story with questions, Activities, Crafts, Games, Snacks, Puzzles/Mazes/Worksheets

Celebrating the Mass Lesson: The Lord’s Prayer- Lesson includes questions, activities, crafts, games, puzzles, and worksheets.

Puzzles:

faithfirst.com- Cut out words and put the words in order. Paste the words in order on a piece of construction paper.

silk.net/RelEd/- 3 Lord’s Prayer (word searches)

blestarewe.com- About The Lord’s Prayer (crossword)

This puzzle below is free, however it can 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.

Our Father puzzle- All you need is some heavy paper and a copy machine. Copy the puzzle and have the children glue it on some heavy paper and color. Then have the children cut on the lines to make a puzzle. Have the children put the puzzle together to practice the Our Father. Put puzzle pieces in an envelope or ziplock bag. (Catholic version)

Worksheets:

These worksheets 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.

Lord’s Prayer worksheet- Fill out the worksheet with the students on the board.

The Lord’s Prayer (worksheet)- Answer the following questions about the meaning of The Lord’s Prayer.

What will you do in your classroom or home? (Class #3)

2011-09-20T14:41:00.004-04:00

This is what I plan on doing with my first grade CCD class:

Review & Introduce-

• Review - Sign of the Cross & Grace Before Meals

• Review- Creation Take Home Sheet

• Review- People at Mass using People at Church Cards

• Review- Liturgical Objects at Mass (pew, stoup, altar, chalice, ciborium, Body of Christ, Blood of Christ) using Liturgical Objects Used at Mass Cards

• Introduce- new objects using cards (tabernacle, bells)

Prayer Activity- Introduce prayer activity: Do you know the prayer Glory Be?

Teach the students how to do Glory Be. Practice. Then have students do Glory Be handwriting sheet to trace in manuscript.

Celebrating the Mass Lesson- Opening Procession

Mass begins with everyone standing and singing the opening hymn. At our church leading the Opening Procession we have the cross bearer holding the Processional Cross. If there are other altar servers, they follow the cross bearer. Next comes someone from the congregation who carries the Book of the Gospels up high for everyone to see. Last is the priest. When they all arrive at the sanctuary of the church, together they make a profound bow toward the altar. The Book of the Gospels is then placed on the altar. The priest will go to the altar and venerate (honor) it by kissing it. The priest then walks and stands in front of the celebrant’s or presider’s chair. During the whole procession we stand and sing the opening hymn.

Questions:

What does the cross bearer hold? (The Processional Cross.)

Who carries the Book of the Gospels? (Someone from the congregation.)

Who is last in the Procession? (The presider of the liturgy, a priest.)

What happens when they all arrive at the sanctuary of the church? (Together they make a profound bow toward the altar.)

What does the priest do when he goes to the altar? (He venerates {honors} the altar by kissing it.)

What does the priest do after he venerates (honors) the altar by kissing it? (He walks and stands in front of the celebrant’s or presider’s chair.)

What are we doing during the Opening Procession? (We stand and sing the opening hymn.)

Celebrating the Mass Activity-

The activity below is free, however it can 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.

Opening Procession- (worksheet for younger students) Cut out pictures and trim. With the pictures that are given, glue them in the proper order that they appear in the Opening Procession.

Lesson Plan- Adam & Eve and go over vocabulary words with students. Read story: “Adam & Eve” The Usborne Children's Bible by Heather Amery and ask questions from Take Home Sheet that will be sent home today. Note: When I read the story to the students I usually sit in the chair in the corner by the board and have the students sit on the floor in front of me. After the students have answered the questions about the story, I have them go back to their seats to continue with what is on the lesson plan (activity, craft, game, puzzles/worksheets, etc.).

Craft- Introduce craft: What did Eve eat from the Tree of Knowledge? Who told Eve to do this?

Apple

Need: Red poster board, brown pipe cleaners, green construction paper, tape

Directions: Pre cut a large apple from red poster board and cut out worm hole for finger to poke through from back. Have students cut out leaf drawn on green paper. Tape brown pipe cleaner (stem) and leaf on back of apple.

crafts.kaboose.com- Hanging Snake

Mini Book-

lambsongs.co.nz- “Adam & Eve Don’t Touch That Tree!” by Jill Kemp

Have students read the mini book out loud in class by taking turns (each read a page) and take home to read to their parents. Students can also color mini book.

Game- Introduce game: Who named all the animals? Adam. Let’s see if we can name some animals.

Name the Animals ABCs

Call on a student and ask them to name an animal that starts with the letter A. Go through each letter of the alphabet and have the students name an animal. To make it harder make it a memory game. Have the players seated in a circle. The first player begins by naming an animal that starts with the letter A. The next player says the animal that starts with A and adds an animal that starts with the letter B. It continues until the whole alphabet is said using animal names. (You can also help the player if necessary so anyone can play.)

Or

Introduce game: Who were the first man and woman?

Adam & Eve (file folder game)

Puzzles & Worksheets- While students are doing puzzles/worksheets, etc. they may say a prayer. Students are asked to recite 5 prayers by the end of the year. A “We Know Our Prayers” chart is on the bulletin board. If the student can recite the prayer correctly, write the date on the chart, and they get to pick a prize from the prize bag.

Did God Really Say- Hidden Pictures: Explore Hidden Treasures in God’s Word Grade 1-3 by Linda Standke, page 3

I Know Glory Be (worksheet)- Trace the words from the other page. Then cut them out and paste them where they belong in the prayer. Say this prayer every day. Click here for word page.

Homework- Give each student a Adam & Eve Take Home Sheet for their parents to go over with them to review what we have done in class. Parents need to help their child fill this out and bring back to class the following week. Students that complete their homework and bring it back to class will be able to play Homeworkopoly. Each Sunday the students make a mini story book and/or story wheel in class. Students need to read these to their parents (or the parents read to them) the mini book and/or story wheel for homework.

Objects Used in Mass handwriting sheet- chalice, ciborium, altar, stoup, pew

What will you do in your classroom or home? Please comment so I can add the link to your blog to this post. We would love to see what you do!

Road To Emmaus (file folder game)

2011-09-19T15:42:00.001-04:00

Road To Emmaus File Folder Game: Be the first one to Emmaus and back to Jerusalem and win the game!

Directions: Place your marker at the Upper Room in Jerusalem. Roll the dice and move that many spaces on the board. If you land on “Jesus is Alive” the teacher will ask you a question about the story “Road to Emmaus”. If you are correct, you stay where you are. If you are not correct, you go back where you were. If you land on the picture of a loaf of bread, you may move ahead 2 spaces. If you land on the picture of a cross you may change places with the leader. If you roll doubles, you may roll again. Work your way to Emmaus where Jesus broke the bread with the disciples. Then you must go back to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples in the Upper Room that you saw Jesus. The first person who gets back to the Upper Room first is the winner.

Note: You do not have to land on the picture of Jesus breaking the bread in Emmaus with the exact number, but you must stop there and continue playing from that position on your next turn.

Directions- Print out Directions, cut it out, and glue on front of file folder.

Game Board- Print out Game Board, trim, and glue on the inside of the file folder. Make sure the directions are on the front of the file folder. Laminate or cover file folder with clear contact paper to make it last.

Use your own questions or use the ones below:

1. How many of Jesus’ friends were walking along the road? (2, 3)

2. Where were the men walking to? (Emmaus, Jerusalem)

3. What were the men doing as they were walking? (Singing, Talking)

4. Soon _____ caught up with the disciples and walked along with them. They did not recognize him. (Judas, Jesus)

5. The disciples were sad because _____ was dead. (Jesus, Judas)

6. When they got to Emmaus, the disciples invited the stranger to stay and have _____ with them. (lunch, dinner)

7. When they sat down to eat, the stranger picked up a loaf of bread, said a prayer, _____ the bread into pieces and gave it to the two disciples. (cut, broke)

8. Then the disciples knew that the stranger was Jesus. They stared at him for a moment and then he was _____. (dead, gone)

7. The disciples ran all the way back to _____ and found the other disciples and some of Jesus’ other friends and told them what happened. (Jerusalem, Bethlehem)

8. At first, the disciples did not believe them, but one said, “It must be true; _____ has seen him.” (John, Peter)

9. The _____ they were in was locked because they were afraid of the Roman rulers and chief priests. (tomb, room)

10. Suddenly, Jesus appeared in the room with them and they thought he was a _____. (soldier, ghost)

11. Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid. Look at the wounds on my hands and _____.(feet, arms)

12. Jesus said, “Touch me and see that I am made of flesh and _____." (blood, bone)

13. Have you anything to _____?” asked Jesus. (eat, drink)

14. What did they give Jesus to eat? (Fish, Lamb)

15. Were the disciples finally convinced that Jesus was really alive? (Yes, No)

Special Events for October

2011-09-18T17:13:00.005-04:00

Please check out Gospel for the Mass for the month of October on its own page under the header. I have links to activities, coloring, crafts, games, puzzles, worksheets, quizzes, etc. that can help you with your classroom or at home.

*This month’s special events are: Respect Life Sunday, Our Lady of the Rosary and World Mission Sunday and I have quite a number of activities for you to check out.

Respect Life Sunday

Pro Life Activities- Stumped for activities concerning Pro Life? Here are a few that your students might enjoy.

Look Who’s Growing Dominos- A fun way to educate young students that babies grow into adults to help promote Pro Life.

4 pages of dominos

Look Who’s Growing- This game provides an entertaining way to educate students about pregnancy and fetal development to help promote Pro Life.

Our Lady of the Rosary

The celebration of this day invites all to mediate upon the mysteries of Christ, following the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary who was so singularly associated with the incarnation, passion and glorious resurrection of the Son of God.

americancatholic.org- Our Lady of the Rosary

wf-f.org- Our Lady of the Rosary

Rosary- references, activities, coloring, crafts, games, puzzles, worksheets

tiredtwang.blogspot.com- Our Lady of the Rosary (coloring)

catechist.com- Mary’s Many Titles- On October 7, 2009 we celebrate the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. We know, of course, that Our Lady of the Rosary is Mary, Our Blessed Mother. Mary is known by many other titles as well. Beneath each statement below, write the title of Mary to which the statement refers. Select the title from the column on the right. Correct answers are listed below. (This is the wrong date, but you can get ideas to make a worksheet.)

fcpeace.com- Memory game on the feast of Mary

thatresourcesite.com- What is your favorite title for Mary? Our Holy Mother Mary is known by many titles. Many of them correspond to her apparitions around the world at various times in our history. Introduce young Catholics to Our Lady with this matching game using titles and classic images of our Holy Mother.

World Mission Sunday

catholicculture.org- World Mission Day 2011: "As the Father Has Sent Me, So I Send You" by Pope Benedict XVI

archstl.org- World Mission Sunday

Supplementing the Curriculum

2011-09-17T10:20:00.001-04:00

No curriculum is perfect and CCD 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.

I teach first grade CCD and I use several books to supplement our curriculum. Below are some of the books and links that I use most.

The Usborne Children's Bible by Heather Amery- A collection of 44 favorite Bible stories, all very accurate retellings from Scripture that are easy for children to understand and enjoy. Very colorful and beautiful illustrations.

Limited preview- See some of the book.

The Great Bible Big Fun Activity Book by Toni Lind- Lots of great mazes, dot-to-dot, color by number, picture puzzles and more for children to do and learn about the Old and New Testament.

Hidden Pictures: Grades Grade 1 - 3 (Fun Faith-Builders) by Linda Standke- Fun and creative Bible story based hidden picture puzzles that the children love to do. A great fill in activity for CCD.

To see some of the book then click on Sample

Bible Wheels To Make and Enjoy by Carmen Sorvillo- A great way to supplement your Bible stories and help your students to remember the lesson. 14 Old Testament and 16 New Testament Bible Wheels that the children can make. Cutting is simple but for younger students you might want to cut out some of the craft prior to class.

To see some of the book then click on Excerpt.

More 365 Activities for Kids- 365 puzzles, mazes, dot-to-dot, spot the difference, put in the correct order, find the mistake, etc. of Bible stories activities from the Old and New Testaments. Tons of fun for the kids!

Limited preview- See some of the book.

Mini Bible Story Books: (children make and color)

christianpreschoolprintables- Several to choose from (3 pages).

dltk-bible.com- Adam & Eve, Creation, Life of Jesus, Lord’s Prayer, Men of the Bible, Noah and His Ark

psscentral.com- 20 Old and New Testament mini books

lambsongs.co.nz- Several Old and New Testament mini books. Click on black & white cover and booklet to print out for the children to color.

What do you supplement your curriculum with?

Bible Memory Verse Activities

2011-09-15T07:54:00.007-04:00

Trying to teach your students or your child Bible memory verses can be quite a challenge. Here are some activities that might make it easier and a lot more fun.

sundayschoolresources.com- Memory Verse Activities (games and handouts)

simplycharlottemason.com- Scripture Memory System

daniellesplace.com- Bible Verse Memory Games

daniellesplace.com- Bible Verse Memorization Using the Memory Cross & Bible Verse Hand Picture (scroll down to these)

kidzplace.org- More than 100 Missions Bible Memory Games and Other Activities

akidsheart.com- Bible Memory Verses
Here's a collection of resources to aid in Bible memory verses including online games and activities, puzzles, and coloring and activity pages, and writing exercises.

ehow.com- Bible Verse Memorization Games

kidssundayschool.com- Memory Work Suggestions
Here are several different ideas that you can use in your Sunday school classroom to help the children have fun while practicing their weekly Bible verses.

mssscrafts.com- Memory Verse Activities

hubbardscupboard.org- Bible Memorization
They have free, printable: Bible Verse Charts, Bible Verse Tune Charts, Bible Verse Copywork, and Bible Verse Strips. This scripture memory kit also has introductions and descriptions of each, suggestions for use, free printable Bible verse materials, etc.

books.google.com- Making Scripture Memory Fun by Group Publishing (preview)

books.google.com- Activities, Crafts and Ideas for Boys' Clubs by Robert Adams (preview)
Top 10 Ways To Memorize

books.google.com- 100 Creative Ways to Learn Memory Verses by Karen Holford (preview)

eliab.com- Puppets Help Teach A Memory Verse

akidsheart.com- Bible verse greeting cards

sundayschoolcrafts.com- Bible verses beginning with each letter of the alphabet

Printable Bible Verse Material

kidprintables.com- Scroll down to boy cards and girl cards

hubbardscupboard.org- Free Printable Bible Verse Materials

homeschoolwithindexcards.com- Various Bible verse cards that you can print out and memorize.

christianadhd.com- Scripture Memorization Cards

christianpreschoolprintables.com- Bible Verse Cards

akidsheart.com- Printable Bible Verse Cards (Matthew 5:3-10)
English or Spanish

awana.org- 59 Bible Verse Cards

heartofwisdom.com- Free Printable Bible Verse Cards

lambsongs.co.nz- Cute Bible Verses For Today’s Young Children

icanteachmychild.com- A B C Printable Scripture Cards

sundayschoolprintables.com- Bible Verse Memorization Card Maker (scroll down to this)
Make several different kinds of cards.

mcscott.org- Verse Card Maker

Crafts:

Memory Verse Crafts- crafts, banners, bookmarks and doorhangers, etc.

books.google.com- Bible Memory Verse Crafts by Teacher Created Resources, Mary Tucker (preview)

mssscrafts.com- Memory Verse Craft Ideas

Activities, Games, Coloring Sheets for Prayers:

Activities, Games, Coloring Sheets for Prayers

Memory Activities and Games for Prayers and Scripture

akidsheart.com- Bible Verses Coloring Pages

childrenschapel.org- Scripture Memory Coloring Sheets & Activities

Handwriting/Copy Work Worksheet Makers:

Handwriting/Copy Work Worksheet Makers- To learn various prayers, liturgical objects used in Mass, and other church activities, having the students write it down is a good way for them to remember. Here are a few of my favorite handwriting worksheet makers that are FREE so you can make personalized handwriting worksheets (print or cursive) for your students.