Planning Ahead For CCD

Another year of CCD is behind us and now is the time to think about what you will do next year. Preparation is necessary prior to CCD starting and during the summer it is the right time for the catechist to begin. With thorough planning before hand, the catechist will have an easier time and the students will learn to their fullest potential.





Time To Think- Since CCD is over for most it is time to think of what will be needed for the next school year. What will you be doing? What will you need? What worked, what didn’t? Did you learn from your mistakes? These questions and more will inundate the catechist the next few weeks. Before you know it, classes will be starting again and you need to be prepared. This overwhelming task is examined and planning should be done way before so you can be ready and prepared.


CCD Program Parent/Student Handbook- To establish what the responsibilities are for the CCD student and the parent(s) it is a good idea to have a CCD Program Parent/Student Handbook. The handbook can specify the rules and regulations that the students and parent(s) must follow so there will be no misunderstandings. Having a handbook allows the CCD program to run smoothly and without any problems. It can also inform how the CCD program plans to educate your child and answer many questions that the parents might have.


CCD Registration Form- Before a student can attend CCD, the parents must fill out a registration form. The form differs from parish to parish, but most are relatively the same. Posted are what registration forms may consist of as well as some tips and suggestions.


CCD Volunteer Form- Before a person can volunteer to help in the religious education at your parish, they must fill out and sign a Volunteer Form. By having prospective volunteers fill out this form it will let them know what help is needed and what the responsibilities are for that particular job. It can also inform them what is required to be able volunteer at the parish. Tips and suggestions of what can be included in this form are posted.


Catechist Handbook- It is a good idea to have a Catechist Handbook to acquaint volunteer catechists with the policies and procedures in the Religious Formation Program. The Catechist Handbook will clearly define what the responsibilities are for the catechist and the procedures that they are to follow.


Catechist Training- Most dioceses and/or parishes require some kind of catechist training before they can teach a class each year. By providing assistance and training to all catechists before CCD starts it will prepare the catechist so they can be an effective teacher. Certified catechist should also participate in the training because no catechist can know everything and they could also benefit from new ideas and activities. Suggestions of what can be in the catechist training is posted.


CCD Open House- Before CCD starts it is a good idea to have an Open House. The ideas posted should be helpful and allow you to have a great CCD Open House.


Parent Volunteers in Your Classroom- Volunteers in your CCD 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.


Classroom Newsletters- Classroom newsletters are an excellent way to keep in touch with parents and help them be a part of their child's education. Parent’s love to know what is going on in their child’s classroom and frequent and regular class newsletters enable parents to sense the feeling and momentum of the class and gain insight into what their child is learning.


Parent Involvement in CCD- Since parents and guardians are the primary teachers of the Faith their involvement in CCD is vital. Without it the child will not learn to their fullest potential. Tips are posted on how to get parents involved in CCD.


Classroom Assignment Sheets- An organized student stays current on assignments and will achieve success in CCD. Assignment Sheets help students develop sound organization skills that will teach them a successful lifelong journey through school and CCD. Parents and students like having assignments written down so they can keep track of them and a good way of doing it is having a Classroom Assignment Sheet.


What should a catechist do when they are absent?- From time to time a catechist must be absent for various reasons. When this happens a substitute must take over your classroom and be able to teach your students. Here are some tips and suggestions that every catechist should do if they are absent so your class can run smoothly and your students will learn to their fullest potential.


What makes a good catechist?- Tips on how to be a good catechist.


What do students like to do in CCD?- The key to being a good catechist is knowing what your students like to do in CCD. Here are some tips and suggestions for activities to do in the classroom that are age appropriate.


Teacher Tools- A teacher’s time is limited and to be an effective teacher you must be prepared for any situation. Here are some of my favorite free teacher tools that just might come in handy in your classroom.

What do students like to do in CCD?

What to do with the students in your CCD classroom depends upon their age. Coming up with activities that excite your students and invites them to learn about our faith can sometimes be overwhelming. Keeping students involved and engaged in activities that have them moving, working in groups, and discovering information for themselves allows students to become excited about their learning and they are motivated to come to class. Having engaging and fun activities for your students to do each week can also keep absenteeism down to a minimum. The students will know they will do something fun in the class and want to be there.

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

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



So what do students like to do in CCD?


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

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

You just completed a chapter with your class and you need to review it to make sure your students understand it and/or get them ready for a test. What should you do? How can you make it interesting and fun and the students will learn? Try to incorporate a game to review the material in your classroom. Reading Comprehension & Assessment Activities and How To Review Material.

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


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

hubbardscupboard.org- lessons for ages 2 - 6

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

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

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

sermons4kids.com- Index of Coloring Pages

The Catholic Toolbox- FREE Religious Coloring Pages

walzingm.com- Coloring Pages.

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

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

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

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



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






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

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


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

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

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

missionarlington.org- Sort lessons by Scripture

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

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

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

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

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

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



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





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






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

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

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

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

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




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




What do your students like to do in CCD class?

Classroom Newsletters

Classroom newsletters are an excellent way to keep in touch with parents and help them be a part of their child's education. Parent’s love to know what is going on in their child’s classroom. Frequent and regular class newsletters enable parents to sense the feeling and momentum of the class and gain insight into what their child is learning.

A weekly or monthly newsletter is a great way of keeping parents informed and it strengthens parent/teacher communication. Put together a newsletter for your students to take home to their parents. Include in it what you have covered in class in the previous few weeks, what’s coming up, and your contact information. You can also post student’s birthdays, important reminders, list of things that are needed for class projects, perfect attendance, volunteer information, missing assignments, Student of the Week/Month, homework assignments, individual student behavior, samples of student's work, classroom pictures, etc., whatever you feel that needs to be in your newsletter. Try to get the students involved in making the newsletter by having them write articles, draw pictures, etc. and be a reporter for the classroom. You could also ask the students to tell you one fun thing they did in CCD each time you prepare to write new newsletters. It's a great way to incorporate kids' opinions while at the same time sharing with parents the many fabulous things you do in the classroom that their child may not be telling about at home. You can even include a place at the bottom of the newsletter for the parents to sign saying they read the newsletter - they tear that off and return it to the teacher.

During CCD Open House ask the parents if they are interested in having the Classroom Newsletter emailed to them. Have a Class Contact List at the door for the parents to sign their name and their contact information (email address). Most parents prefer the Classroom Newsletter emailed to them. The most common comment from parents is usually "Most of the time, Johnny doesn't even get home with the newsletters!”


Tips:

corkboardconnections.blogspot.com- Why No One Reads Your Classroom Newsletter

scholastic.com- Teaching Tip: Newsletters Made Easy



Make your own newsletter template or use the ones below:

kellyskindergarten.com- Each newsletter document is designed as a template so that you can easily modify it for your classroom. Simply type your information in the boxes. You can change the "headlines" by highlighting them and then typing your own headlines. Two newsletter documents are provided for each month. You can choose to use one or both depending on how long you want your newsletters to be. The graphics used for each month coordinate so that you can use both formats together.

educationworld.com- 2 regular newsletter templates as well as a back to school, and monthly templates with themes.

readingrockets.org- Editable weekly newsletter template

k6edu.com- Monthly newsletter with: Teacher, Student's Name (to make each newsletter personal), This Month’s News, Looking Ahead, Reminders, Something Special, and Behavior Box (Respect, Effort, Attitude, Preparation. A rating scale is provided as well.)

preschoolprintables.com- Using the menu on the left you can chose between monthly, weekly and blank classroom news. We have classroom news for several holidays and seasons.

coloringcolorado.org- Create your own classroom newsletter by having the students do it. Suggestions and links provided.

worddraw.com- Editable Preschool Newsletter Template (2 provided)

2care2teach4kids.com- Several preschool templates are posted

brighthub.com- Ten Places to Find Great Microsoft Word Church Templates

amazingclassroom.com- Create your own custom classroom newsletter

templatform.com- Classroom Newsletter Template

teacherspayteachers.com- This is a set of free editable newsletter templates for use in your classroom. All documents were created with Microsoft Word and include Microsoft Office clip art.

worddraw.com- Free class newsletter templates that teachers download and use to create a classroom newsletter in micro soft word format.

doctemplates.net- Free newsletter templates

teacherspayteachers.com- FREE Editable Newsletter Templates

inewslettertemplates.com- School Templates

abcteach.com- Newsletter Forms

sampletemplates.com- 7 Sample Classroom Newsletter Templates to Download

My Monthly Newsletter- Here is my simple newsletter for my 1st grade students that I send home every month.

Reading Comprehension & Assessment Activities

You gave your students a reading activity from the class textbook, but how do you know they understood the material? How do you assess your students to see if they learned the information taught in class? Most teachers give various worksheets or written tests asking questions about what they read or learned, but that can become repetitious and boring for students. So what can a catechist do to make sure their students understand the material?


Here are a few suggestions for your students to do that might come in handy:


1. Draw a picture of a character in the story. List the traits of the character on the back of the paper. Collect the pictures and have the students play “Who am I?” guessing game using the pictures.

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

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

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

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

6. Use a Venn diagram to compare characters/topics. The catechist can even do this on the board with the class.

7. Break the students into groups and have them make a worksheet or puzzle to demonstrate their understanding of what you are teaching.

8. Play games to promote vocabulary building.

Hangman- Give the students a clue about the word and have them fill in the blanks to determine the word.

Vocab Dart Board- Use a real dart board or magnetic dart board. List the vocabulary words on the chalk/dry erase board. Assign each vocabulary word a number from the dart board and write the number beside the word. Break the students into teams and have one student from each team take turns and throw a dart at the dart board. The student must give the definition of the word that corresponds to that number they hit on the dart board. If they give the correct definition of the word, they get the number of points that word is worth. The team with the most points at the end of the game is the winner.

Password- Put the vocabulary words on individual cards in a pile face down. To begin, one player is chosen to be "it". That player draws a vocabulary card from the pile. Then "it" gives all other players a one-word hint. The hint must not include, or be a variant of, the target word. (For instance, if the target word was "doghouse", hints such as "houses" or "doggy" would be illegal, but "puppy" would be legal.) Incriminating hand gestures, clues which consist of two or more words, and hyphenated words were also considered off-limits. Each other player in turn attempts to guess the target word. If no player guesses correctly, "it" continues giving one-word hints until a player says the target word. That player becomes "it" for the next round.

9. Play a game that reviews previously learned material. These activities make the Bible stories and aspects of the Catholic Church more concrete and easier for the students to understand and also a lot of fun.

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


What do you do with your students for reading comprehension and assessing what they have learned?

What Makes A Good Catechist?

When you volunteer to be a catechist you must take it seriously, it is not a job to be taken lightly. By becoming a catechist you have made a commitment to teach students the best you can and that doesn't mean being a slacker and only doing a mediocre job. When you volunteer to be a catechist at your parish it says you will be responsible for that class for the year. That means you need to have lesson plans and activities ready each time your class meets. That also means a catechist will be on time and will know the material. All too frequently some take a nonchalant attitude about being a catechist. Remember you volunteered to be a catechist and they are counting on you to be there and do your job well.



What makes a good catechist?


• When a catechist needs to be absent you follow the procedure for being absent that is written in the catechist handbook that you signed to verify that you understood what your responsibilities are and the rules that you must follow. Contact the appropriate personnel when you find out when you will be absent ASAP. When you are absent and you do not notify others this causes disruption and poor learning with the students. When you notify the DRE and co-teacher prior to being absent it allows them to make other arrangements. Nothing is worse than not having a teacher show up and a lesson has not been planned. Other volunteers who are supposed to be doing something else and not your job will have to scramble and try to come up with a lesson and teach your class. Utter chaos will result and your students will suffer the consequences from your inconsiderate actions. The catechist should also have all necessary items and suggestions (lesson plan, Substitute Teacher Packet, tips, etc.) ready for the substitute so they can do their job efficiently and effectively.


• Always arrive at least 30 minutes before your class starts. To enhance your students learning prepare your classroom. A well organized catechist and classroom is a must. Without it, your students will not learn to their fullest potential.


• Use a wide variety of engaging activities that enable all your students to be actively involved in the class. Do imaginative and creative activities that add excitement to your lessons. Make sure the activity fits your students and emphasize the lesson and the objectives of what you want your students to learn. When you complete 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? How To Review Material- Try to incorporate a game to review the material in your classroom. There are lots of ways to review. Here are some games I use quite frequently since the students enjoy them so much and they really help to review what we have been doing in class.


• Use the textbook as a resource, not as the sole source of learning. No curriculum is perfect and teachers need to 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.


• Engage in efforts to deepen your knowledge of the faith and grow spiritually. No catechist can know everything and by going to workshops, retreats, classes, studying Catholic literature, etc. can help broaden your understanding and learn new ways of teaching.


• Be prepared and know the material. Know your subject. Read, study, and learn. A good lesson depends on how well the catechist understands the material.


• Have prepared and well planned lesson plans. Before you do anything you must plan and prepare. Having a well planned and prepared CCD class is essential. Without this your students cannot learn to their fullest potential. A well planned and prepared lesson plan will also help to avoid possible behavior problems that could arise in your class as well. A thorough and thought out lesson plan should include various elements to promote good learning.


• Consistently model the behavior you expect of your students. If you want your students to be good Catholics, you must act accordingly. By modeling and living the Catholic way of life it will reinforce proper behavior for your students.


• Teach what you are supposed to teach. The subjects should include the Church’s liturgical and sacramental life and moral teachings. You should also cover the topics that are in your curriculum so your lessons will flow accordingly with next year’s class activities.


• Have Class Rules and keep disruptive behavior down to a minimum. Go over your Class Rules thoroughly with your students so they will understand them. Every classroom needs rules so that the class can run smoothly and effectively. Having a well behaved classroom is critical for proper learning. For the students to learn to their fullest potential they need an environment that is quiet, without distractions, and organized. To achieve this is to keep disruptive behavior down to a minimum. And always have classroom behavior expectations and go over them with your students the first day and post them where the students can see them.


• Be fair. Never show favoritism. Treat each student the same.


• Work well with others. That includes the priest, DRE, teachers, helpers, parents, students, etc.


• Obtain information from parents and have training for all personnel if you are having a special needs child in your classroom. When a special needs child is assigned to your classroom, be sure to gather information from the parents about their child before they come to class to help with the transition of their child into the classroom. Seeking the advice and assistance of the child's family is the most important factor in learning how to teach a child with special needs. A training session of all personnel that comes in contact with the child should be conducted before the student starts CCD to focus on identifying supports the student needs and how to implement them.


• Assess students regularly. Test according to their abilities and how they work best. Use various ways to assess what they have learned. Be sure to review all material prior to testing.


• Get parents involved in CCD. Without parent involvement in CCD their child will not learn to their fullest potential.


• Assign homework that reviews previously learned material and is relevant to the objectives of the lesson. Homework should not be busy work, it should reinforce the lesson. Have assignment sheets and grade sheets to help keep students organized and parents up to date. Or use an Agenda Book/Student Planner to help students develop sound organization skills that will teach them a successful lifelong journey through school.


• Explain what you want your students to learn in ways that they understand the material. Take into account the unique needs of your students or how they learn best to make your lesson as effective as possible.


• Use technology in your classroom that enhances the lesson and learning of your students. What is effective and needed for your classroom depends upon your students and what is available for the catechist to use. Whatever equipment you are using it must achieve your learning objectives for your lesson. Always have the equipment ready before class and know how to use it.


• Catechists keep all information confidential. Anything you know and hear that is personal about anyone, including the students is kept confidential.


• Catechists follow and sign the guidelines and rules set forth by the diocese and/or DRE. If there are not any, the DRE should write up some guidelines for the catechists to sign to verify that they understood what their responsibilities are and the rules that they must follow. Be sure include in it an absenteeism policy and what they are supposed to do when they are absent.

It is a good idea to have a Catechist Handbook to acquaint volunteer catechists with the policies and procedures in the Religious Formation Program. The Catechist Handbook will clearly define what the responsibilities are for the catechist and the procedures that they are to follow.



What kind of catechist are you?

Parent Volunteers in Your Classrooms

Research has demonstrated that parent involvement in the educational process impacts positively on the attitude and conduct of children in school. One significant vehicle for parent involvement is a structured volunteer program.

Volunteers in your CCD 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.


So what should be done to have a good volunteer program in your classroom?



Parent Volunteer Tips:


• Have a Volunteer Sign Up Sheet. Have one available on the first day of class, or better yet for CCD Open House.

vertex42.com- Use this volunteer sign up form to collect contact information from people interested in helping. You'll probably want to customize it a bit, but starting with the template should save you quite a bit of time. (Scroll down to this.)

templates.services.openoffice.org- This Volunteer Sign Up sheet help you collect contact information from people interested in helping in your organization or service activity. This template is pretty easy to customize and lets the person indicate what job or activity they are interested in, as well as what day or time they will be available.

tidyform.com- Volunteer Sign-Up Sheet (scroll down for this)

free-power-point-templates.com- Volunteer Sign Up Sheet Template For Word

Use the information that you gathered (what the parents would like to do, when it is convenient for them to help, etc.) to make up a schedule that works with these times. Create a list of what you want the parent to do in the classroom. Be thorough and exact so they know what to do and when to do it.


• Have a Parent Volunteer Night. Have a short orientation meeting for parents who want to help in the classroom. At this meeting remind parents to please remember that your priority is to use parents to enhance the program for the students and to assist the teacher with daily tasks so that you can focus on the instruction of the students. This means that helpers may be asked to do something that will seem very repetitious to them. For example, parents may be doing the same activity for the whole time they are in the classroom with different groups of students; or they may have the same routine for volunteering each time they come. Also, at the meeting give the parents various handouts that will be helpful to a volunteer, discuss proper praise, how to read with children, some simple tutoring techniques, basic do's and don'ts, class rules and discipline, etc.


• Volunteers must be accountable and dependable. Emphasize to your volunteers that if they plan to be absent to contact you well in advance so you can find a replacement for that day or time. Frequent absenteeism can be frustrating and cannot be tolerated. Classroom schedules must run smoothly to promote good learning for the students. Volunteers who are absent repeatedly cause unwanted disorder in the classroom making it hard for the teacher to conduct class properly. Let the volunteers know that you need someone to be there when they are scheduled and ready to help.


• Volunteers need to be trained. Show them exactly how you want them to do something. You should also teach them how to run the copier machine, where to find various activities and supplies, etc. Be very clear and specific in your expectations.


• Volunteers must keep all information confidential. Emphasize to the volunteers if they overhear anything personal about a student, keep it to yourself. What you hear in the classroom should stay there. After all, you wouldn't want your child gossiped about, would you?


• Volunteers need to be flexible. Be prepared to do what the teacher needs when you arrive. Sometimes something urgent comes up and must be addressed right then. You might have been told you would help with reading, but cutting paper stars is more of an immediate necessity at the moment. Keep a perspective: Your role is to help free up the teacher's time so she can teach.


• Volunteers must be positive and in a good mood. Negativity reflects poorly in a classroom and disrupts the flow of good learning.


• Volunteers need to be patient. Volunteers need to be patient when working with students because when they are having difficulty with a subject, they do not need additional pressure.


• Volunteers need to be consistent. Be consistent with the teacher’s rules for the classroom schedules and behavior.


• Volunteers praise and encourage others. Volunteers do not: berate or belittle, criticize students or teachers, lose control and say something that is inappropriate or might be regretted, acts in a cold or indifferent manner, get physical with others, compare students within the classroom, etc.


• Volunteers use their voice correctly. Use a tone of voice that will encourage students and make them feel confident.


• Volunteers are role models. Let students observe you as a model for appropriate behavior (sharing, showing respect, talking quietly, taking turns, etc.).


• Volunteers encourage students to learn. Let students participate in activities as frequently as possible. Ask students questions that may lead them to the correct answer instead of telling them directly. Let students explore and discover by themselves. Encourage students to feel, smell, taste, and listen, as well as look at objects. Let students try new methods of doing things even though you already know an easier way. Let students sort and combine according to their own ideas.


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

What should a catechist do when they are absent?

From time to time a catechist must be absent for various reasons. When this happens a substitute must take over your classroom and be able to teach your students.


What should a catechist do when they are absent?

• Follow the procedure for being absent that is written in the catechist handbook that you signed to verify that you understood what your responsibilities are and the rules that you must follow. Contact the appropriate personnel when you find out when you will be absent. The sooner the better to allow the substitute time to make arrangements to come to your class and review your lesson plan.

• Have a complete lesson plan written up.

• Write up the normal procedures you do in the class in the order that you do them (attendance, homework, handouts, dismissal, etc.). Include the daily schedule (times, activity, etc.) accommodations for various students, rules for the classroom, discipline procedures, class reward system, how to communicate with parents, information concerning any special needs students in your classroom, seating chart, emergency information, list of students with behavior problems (give tips and suggestions for behavior), fill in activities (when the students have finished with all their activities and there are a few more minutes until class is over), feedback form, etc.

• Any suggestions or tips that can enhance the learning of the students.

• Create a substitute teacher packet. This can be put in a folder or binder to give to substitutes. (Put the above information in it for the substitute so they can do their job efficiently and effectively.)

pinterest.com- Sub Folder Ideas

scholastic.com- Your Substitute Teacher Folder Checklist

k6educators.about.com- Substitute Folders

teachjunkie.com- How To Create A Sub Plan, Sub Binder, and Emergency Sub Plans

pinterest.com- Substitute Teacher Binder


• Email or deliver the lesson plan and the substitute teacher packet to the DRE and/or substitute as soon as possible. This allows the substitute time to go over all the information and ask any questions if needed. You can also have a copy of the substitute teacher packet in your classroom or give one to the DRE so it can be found easily and given to the substitute.

Classroom Assignment Sheets

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

Parents and students like having assignments written down so they can keep track of them and a good way of doing it is having a Classroom Assignment Sheet. This can be posted in the classroom, on the door, or even emailed to the parents and students. This will help keep students organized and lets parents know whether their child is turning in their homework. You can also give a blank sheet to each student so they can write down when assignments are due to become more independent with their CCD homework assignments.



Here are a few that might come in handy in your classroom.


educationworld.com- Look under Classroom Organizers for various assignment sheets.

timesaversforteachers.com- Homework Record

teachingtoday.glencoe.com- Homework Grade Sheet

CCD Open House

Before CCD starts it is a good idea to have an Open House. Why is that important? Nothing is better than starting CCD off on the right foot and the best way to do that is to have an Open House prior to classes starting. Having a CCD Open House allows parents and students to meet the catechists, pick up class information, tour the classrooms, and ask questions. This gives the catechist a chance to greet each family individually and to collect requested items and information. By having a CCD Open House it will alleviate any worries and questions parents may have and it will give the family reassurance and encouragement of what the CCD program is all about. Students and parents will understandably feel more confident when they know exactly where they are going and what to expect the first day, and everyone will be reassured enough to get a good night’s sleep before CCD starts.

*We have a parent meeting at our church prior to the start of the CCD Open House in the Fellowship Hall. This allows parents to meet the DRE and it gives our priest and DRE the opportunity to express how much parent involvement is needed for their child’s faith education and to answer any questions that they may have. The CCD Open House is right after the meeting so that the parents and children can meet the catechist, see the classroom, and find out what they will be doing for the year. After the Open House we have a Church Potluck luncheon in the Fellowship Hall for everyone who would like to come.

Print out flyers letting parents know when and where the Open House will be and other information that parents will find pertinent. Have the flyer be colorful and enticing to grab anyone’s attention and make them want to come to this wonderful event. Be sure to have the church, priest, and Religious Program Director’s names on the flyer and the contact phone number if they have any questions. Put the flyers in the church bulletin; post them in various places around the church, the church website, advertize in the local paper, etc. way in advance so parents can make arrangements to come.

Meeting parents can be quite daunting, but if you remember to be yourself, it will make it a whole lot easier. The parents are nervous too and want to make a good impression as well. Maybe the following ideas will help keep the jitters at bay and allow you to have a great CCD Open House.


What should the catechist do during Open House?

Welcome everyone that comes into your class during Open House. Smile, introduce yourself, and give parents an introductory letter. The catechist can provide the parents at the CCD Open House with information of what is expected in the classroom and what the children will be doing during the year. They 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.



What should the catechist provide to the parents during Open House?

• Welcome parents to the open house and tell them how pleased you are to meet them.

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

• Describe the goals you hope to accomplish this year.

• The timing of report cards and progress reports.

• Emergency procedures for bad weather and other events.

• Go over class 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.

• 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.

• Give detailed information how parents can get involved in their child’s faith education and how they can volunteer at CCD. Provide Volunteer Sign Up Sheets for parents interested in helping at CCD. Have a Class Contact List for the parents to fill out to obtain information that can help aid the catechist in better understanding their child and how to contact them.

• Answer questions from parents and students.

• Provide copies of all information to give to parents.

• Have the classroom prepared and set up like it is a normal day in CCD. Students and parent enjoy seeing what the classroom will be like and it will also disperse any apprehension.

• Introduce the curriculum that will be used in the classroom and the supplemental activities that will enhance the lessons so the parents and students will be familiar with them and know what to expect. Show the students and parents some activities, crafts, games, etc. that will be done during the year in class. This is a great way to introduce how you make the aspects of what you teach more concrete and easier for the students to understand and how much fun they will have in CCD as well. Place these items on a large table to allow students and parents time to look through them at their own convenience.

• Be sure to thank the families for coming during the Open House. I would also send a thank you note to the families ASAP after the Open House. A card or email will reinforce communication and how much you as a catechist appreciate the parents enthusiasm for promoting their child’s faith education.



Other Ideas:


• Marilyn Western has a few creative ideas for Open House that are fun and educational too: You can put together a formal program or you could have a simple "Scavenger Hunt" in which the child and family can become familiar with his/her new room (parents can read the items to pre-readers). Make a list of items that are easily located in the room that will be useful for the students to know where they are (clock, bathroom, Kleenex, bulletin board, chalk board, cubbies, Prayer Chart, Homework Chart, their desk with their name on it, etc.) Include yourself as the last item to be found. This gives you an opportunity to talk once again with your new student. This is also a great time to take a photo of the student with their family (this really helps put a name to a face later at conferences).

• Marilyn also has a great idea for helping children recognize their teacher: With primary children, it's also helpful to wear something bright at Open House. If you wear the same outfit for the first day of CCD, younger children will be able to easily recognize you on the playground, or at the door, or wherever you collect your group.




*Problems can and do arise during Open House, but here are a few suggestions that might come in handy:

brighthub.com- Problems & Solutions for Middle School Open Houses (these are great ideas that can used for CCD as well)




Are you having a CCD Open House prior to classes starting?

CCD Program Parent/Student Handbook

To establish what the responsibilities are for the CCD student and the parent(s) it is a good idea to have a CCD Program Parent/Student Handbook. The handbook can specify the rules and regulations that the students and parent(s) must follow so there will be no misunderstandings. Having a handbook allows the CCD program to run smoothly and without any problems. It can also inform how the CCD program plans to educate your child and answer many questions that the parents might have.


Examples:


St. Vincent De Paul School of Religion CCD and RCIC Parent-Student Handbook

St.Albert the Great CCD Program Handbook

Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church

Our Ladies of Victories- CCD Program Handbook

St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Parish- CCD Religion Education Handbook

St. Veronica Catholic Church- Religious Education Parent Handbook

St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish- Faith Formation CCD Parent/Student Handbook



A CCD Program Parent/Student Handbook may consist of:


Mission Statement- Is a brief description of the overall purpose of the CCD program.


Philosophy- Why the CCD program exists, how the program will meet the needs of the students, the objectives, methods, and the results of the CCD program.


Statement of Goals- How the CCD program will accomplish and improve student performance.


Contact Information/Telephone Numbers- Office, DRE, etc. and their hours.


CCD Class Schedule- Days and times of all student classes, schedule of CCD classes for the year, etc.


Curriculum- What curriculum the CCD program uses and for what grades/classes.


Policies- Admission, Arrival/Dismissal, Attendance, Class Assignment, Class Size, Communications w/ Parents & Catechists, Confirmation, Discipline, Dress Code, Early Dismissal, Emergency Procedures, Field Trips, First Communion, First Reconciliation/Penance, Food & Drinks, Grading, Homework, Inclement Weather, Lost Book, Participation at Sunday Mass, Records & Privacy, Registration, Report Cards/Progress Reports, RCIA for Children, Sacramental Preparation, Students with Special Needs, Tardiness, Tests, Visitors, etc.



*In the back of the handbook, on a separate piece of paper that is to be given to the DRE:


Before your child can attend the CCD program this must be signed and dated by the parent(s) and child and returned to the DRE.

Signature of Parent(s) and child with date- I have read the information contained in the CCD Parent/Student Handbook and I agree to abide by its contents.





*What else could be in the CCD Program Parent/Student Handbook? Please leave a comment and add to the list.

Time To Think

Since CCD is over for most it is time to think of what will be needed for the next school year. What will you be doing? What will you need? What worked, what didn’t? Did you learn from your mistakes? These questions and more will inundate the catechist the next few weeks. Before you know it, classes will be starting again and you need to be prepared.

This overwhelming task can be examined and planning should be done way before so you can be ready and prepared.


• Get a whole calendar year from your DRE as soon as possible or make a preliminary one.

• Write down what you hope to accomplish and do for the year. Example

• Make sure each lesson can build off the previous one and lay the foundation for the next.

• Prepare your lessons. Having a well planned and prepared CCD class is essential. Without this your students cannot learn to their fullest potential. A well planned and prepared lesson plan will also help to avoid possible behavior problems that could arise in your class as well. Later on be sure to write up more detailed lesson plans and include what is essential to be an effective teacher.

• Organize your materials. Knowing where your activities are and keeping them organized is critical for a CCD teacher. Having all of the materials you need for each particular lesson in a well organize and an accessible place makes it easier for you to find it quickly so you can use it with your students within a moments notice. This will also cut down stressful times for you while you look for a certain activity and allow you to plan your lesson the way you want it to be.

• Write up an introductory letter to the parents. It is a great idea to take the opportunity to introduce yourself by welcoming the child and the parents in a letter the first day of CCD. It provides the parents with information of what is expected in the classroom and what the children 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.

• Have classroom rules. Having a well behaved classroom is critical for proper learning. For the students to learn to their fullest potential they need an environment that is quiet, without distractions, and organized. Catechists must also keep disruptive behavior down to the minimum. If your church does not have classroom rules you need to write up some for your class and have them approved by the DRE. Be sure to have classroom behavior expectations for your class before CCD starts.

• Find out if you will be having any special needs students in your classroom. When a special needs child is assigned to your classroom, be sure to gather information from the parents about their child before they come to class to help with the transition of their child into the classroom. A training session should be planned and conducted before the special needs student starts CCD to focus on identifying supports the student needs and how to implement them.

• Prepare your classroom to enhance your student’s learning.

Parent Involvement in CCD

Since parents and guardians are the primary teachers of the Faith their involvement in CCD is vital. Without it the child will not learn to their fullest potential. Getting parents involved with CCD is extremely hard because of today’s hectic schedule that most lead. The catechist therefore, must somehow reach out and let the parents know how much their help is needed to foster the foundations of our Faith with their child.

Since classroom time is limited, parent participation is essential and critical to the Faith formation of each child at CCD. The catechesis will not become part of the child’s life without the parent’s daily example and re-enforcement. Parent’s need to support their child and they must teach their child the importance of the Faith and the Church by their example. The parent's good example continues by helping their child get to class on time, attend regularly, participate in class, maintain respectful and proper behavior, and complete the homework that is assigned.


How can we obtain parent involvement in CCD?


• Have a parent meeting prior to the start of CCD. This will allow parents to meet the DRE and it gives your priest and DRE the opportunity to express how much parent involvement is needed for their child’s faith education.


• Have a CCD Open House. A great time to have it is right after the parent meeting so that the parents and child can meet the catechist, see the classroom, and find out what they will be doing for the year. The catechist will have the opportune time to introduce themselves and give the parents an introductory letter. The catechist can provide the parents at the CCD Open House with information of what is expected in the classroom and what the children will be doing during the year. They 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. Teachers can also ask if parents are interested in volunteering and if they have any information that can help aid them in better understanding their child and how to contact them. By having a CCD Open House it will alleviate any worries and questions parents may have and it will give the family reassurance and encouragement of what the CCD program is all about. *Be sure to have a Class Contact List at the door for the parents to sign their name and their contact information. You can also have a Volunteer Sign Up Sheet available as well.


• Have a Classroom Newsletter. Classroom newsletters are an excellent way to keep in touch with parents and help them be a part of their child's education. Parent’s love to know what is going on in their child’s classroom and frequent and regular class newsletters enable parents to sense the feeling and momentum of the class and gain insight into what their child is learning.


• Ask for parent volunteers. Parents can be involved in your CCD program by volunteering to help as teachers, teachers’ aides, office clerks, hallway and outside monitors or by offering to assist a teacher on an occasional basis. Ask parents frequently so that they know their help is needed and that they are welcome.


• Homework assignments. Homework helps reinforce what the students have learned and lets parents know what their children are doing in class. By helping their child with homework it allows parents to interact with their child and helps them be a part of their child’s education.



What do you do at your parish to promote parent involvement in CCD?

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

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


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


After conducting a poll on this subject the results were:

Discipline: 4 %

Students frequently absent: 36 %

Students not turning in their homework: 0 %

No classroom to conduct class in: 0 %

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

Student’s not paying attention: 13 %

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

Lack of parent involvement: 0 %

Poor curriculum: 13 %

Lack of enthusiasm from students: 4 %

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

Teacher burn-out: 3 %

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





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


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

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

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


Discipline in the Classroom- what every catechist should do

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

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

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

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




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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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




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

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


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

edutopia.org- How To Keep Kids Engaged In Class

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

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

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

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




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

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


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




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

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

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


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

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




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

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

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

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


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

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

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




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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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




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

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


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

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

edutopia.org- 10 Steps for Avoiding Teacher Burnout