Supplementing the Curriculum

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 (5 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

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.


kidssundayschool.com- Assorted Ideas for Memorizing Verses (Part 1)

freesundayschoolcurriculum.weebly.com- Bible Verse Activities

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)

nashvilleras.com- More than 100 Missions Bible Memory Games and Other Activities

ehow.com- Bible Verse Memorization Games

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.

eliab.com- Puppets Help Teach A Memory Verse

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.

christianpreschoolprintables.com- 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

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.

Monthly Progress Reports

Last year I started sending home monthly classroom newsletters to keep in touch with parents and help them be a part of their child's education. This year I will also be sending home individual student monthly progress reports that will let parents know exactly how well their child is doing in class (work habits, attendance, prayers completed, etc.). I will also send home an Assignment Sheet each month to let parents know which assignments their child has turned in. Our parish sends out report cards 4 times a year, but I think parents need more frequent feedback to keep everyone well informed.


This activity 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. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted.

CCD Student Monthly Progress Report- (2 pages) Editable

Church Potluck Recipe: Pancit

A friend of mine makes this great dish for church potluck and it is such a hit that he makes a HUGE double batch for us to enjoy. Here is his recipe of Pancit that is a must for any church potluck!




Pancit Bihon Recipe

Estimated cooking and preparation time: 45 minutes


Ingredients:

1 (8 oz.) pack pancit bihon noodles
1 cooked chicken breast, shredded
2 cups of chicken broth or 2 chicken bouillon cubes dissolved in 2 cups of water
1/4 cabbage, sliced into strips
1 onion, pealed and sliced
3 cloves of garlic, crushed and minced
1/3 cup scallions, cut into pieces
1 carrot, sliced into strips
2 tablespoons of cooking oil
3/4 cup diced celery
3 tablespoons soy sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
5 pieces of calamansi or 1 lemon, sliced



Cooking Instructions:

Soak the pancit bihon noodles to soften for 10 minutes. Grease a large pan or wok with oil. Sauté garlic and onions. Add the chicken broth, the shredded chicken breast and all the vegetables until cooked. Mix in the pancit bihon noodles and add the soy sauce, cook for about 5 minutes or until the noodles are soft. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with sliced calamansi on the side.

Note: Calamansi or lemon is to be squeezed into the pancit bihon before eating.

How do you organize your lessons?

Over the years I have tried several different ways of organizing my lessons that I bring to class each week. Each time I think it is the way to go, but alas, it always falls short of what I consider efficient and effective. Last year I came up with this method and I plan on using it again this year. Now I finally have something I can use that keeps me from leaving things behind and I can find what I want when I need it.



How I organize my activities:




• Large 2 inch binder with a clear pocket on the front where I store this month’s lesson schedule and activities.








• 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.




I label the pockets:


• Daily Schedule

• Substitute Feedback Form

• Objects Used at Mass Cards

• People at Church Cards

• Celebrating the Mass (lesson)

• Celebrating the Mass (activity)

• Lesson Plan

• Activity

• Craft

• Mini Book or Story Wheel

• Game

• Puzzles/Worksheets

• Take Home Sheet (last week)

• Take Home Sheet (today’s)

• Class Contact List




How to you organize your CCD activities? Please leave a comment for others to get ideas.

Mass Lessons for the New Missal

The celebration of Mass is a hard concept for younger students to understand and with the new Roman Missal being implemented on the first Sunday of Advent, November 27, 2011 makes it even harder. I posted 22 lessons to help students learn the parts of the Mass. The lessons will provide catechists, teachers, or parents with activities, crafts, games, puzzles, worksheets, etc. to use with their students or child to learn what goes on during Mass and what they should do. This will be geared for students first grade on up.

Celebrating the Mass Lesson Plans- All 22 lessons

Catholic Blogs

Who has a Catholic blog? Please comment so I can add the link to your Catholic blog. We would love to see it!



southernfriedcatholics.blogspot.com- Faith, Family and Food of a Catholic family in the heat of the lowcountry

hfclassicalacademy.blogspot.com- Holy Family Classical Academy

happymomonlinecom.blogspot.com- I am a homeschooling mom who writes mainly about the day to day life of being a Catholic, pro-life, pro-marriage mother and wife.

catholicmumma.net- My blog is the musings of a Catholic Mumma.... :)

thatresourciste.com and thatresourcsite.blogspot.com- We have a catholic blog that offers fun free printable learning resources for catechists, homeschoolers, and other educators.

catequesekids.blogspot.com- I have a catholic blog but It´s in Portuguese, because I'm Brazilian. If you don't mind to visit me, there is a translator in the page!

momn3boys.blogspot.com- My blog is "Musings of a Catholic Mom”

thewholetroubleis.blogspot.com- For the Eastern Catholic variety :-)

dairy-of-a-sower.blogspot.com- I like to share hands-on ideas for teaching the faith to our kids (either at home or in a catechism class). I'm a trained catechist (Level I & II) for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, so I try to share some of the ideas I learned in CGS plus mix in some of my inspirations.

EquippingCatholicFamiles.com- We offer Catholic teaching tools and gifts, celebrating the Sacraments, Seasons and Feast Days with activities and crafts. Check out our books, craft kits, and cards!

IblogJesus.com- Talking to Jesus on his turf from the heart with both ears and the Holy Spirit.

ArmaDei.com- Our Catholic Family apostolate

familiacatolica-org.blogspot.com- My greatest wish is that this blog will help you find practical ideas to help you celebrate with your families our Catholic faith, following the major feasts of the liturgical calendar. (Use Google Translate if needed.)

catequesisguadalupana.blogpsot.com- Is a blogger who is starting with the collaboration of some friends who we hope will be helpful for the formation of the children in catechesis. (Use Google Translate if needed.)

educacionreligiosaperu.blogspot.com- Created to share teaching experiences with teachers of religious education.

granolacatholic.blogspot.com- Blogging about Faith, Food, Family, and all things Green

siguiendoachesterton.blogspot.com- I am dedicated to spreading the thought of GK Chesterton, defender of the Catholic faith. Try to focus on the situation that exists in Spain, especially aimed at the Catholic and the current crisis. (Use Google Translate if needed.)

laschicasdelibiza2decadasmastarde.blogspot.com- Personal blog, where it has experience of everyday life in relationship with God, with family and friends. (Use Google Translate if needed.)

pequesypecas.blogspot.com- Religious Education Blog: For kids in the house who want to know Jesus in a fun, learning things from him in relation to us. This blog is also for parents and catechists who can serve as a reference. (Use Google Translate if needed.)

lucyysublog.blogspot.com- My daughter Lucia is eight years old and also has her own blog. I try to create a constancy and responsibility for it at the time of sharing and blogging is a great way to share experiences and his link is Jesus Christ. (Use Google Translate if needed.)

homeschoolingcatolico.blogspot.com- I'm Silvia del Valle. I am a homeschooling mom and my blog is about Catholic homeschooling. (Use Google Translate if needed.)

clubcatolichavos.blogspot.com- Special children who like to study at home. Resources and materials to support your work. And with games that you'll love with which you can strengthen and reinforce your knowledge. (Use Google Translate if needed.)

unavidaenconstruccion.spruz.com- I have a Catholic social network where you can make friends, share photos, videos, comments, etc. We also have an agenda of activities for the day about our faith and ministries. (Use Google Translate if needed.)

mariauxivi.blogspot.com- My blog is about the presence and action of God in my life. Eventually I put the activities I use in the School of Religious Education classes with my students in preschool and Primary Grade 4. The blog is in Spanish. (Use Google Translate if needed.)

benotafraidnancy.blogspot.com- I am a Catholic Mommy Blogger

faithloveandjoy.wordpress.com- Catholic Mom raising her girls with faith, love, and joy.

profesoradoreligion.blogspot.com- Blog which contains all the news concerning the area of religion and its faculty, teaching and pastoral resources, relevant news of the ecclesiastical world, ICT resources, etc. . (Use Google Translate if needed.)

hapylittlehomemaker.com- Life in general, heavy on homeschool, books and homemaking.

thecatholiccouponer.com- I blog about couponing and my Catholic faith.

rosarymom.blogspot.com- Rosary Mom
I blog about my faith, family and what's happening in the world coming from a Catholic perspective.

lostlambs.net- Married and father of 4 children. Just started back up blogging after being gone for awhile.

empowernetwork.com- My wife and I have 8 children and I like to write about arguments I have with people about Catholic culture which is so juxtaposed to the prevalent culture in the USA.

canadiancatechist.com- I am trying to provide a blog site that is less geared towards another opinion, and more focused on what The Catholic Church truly teaches. I will provide short, but thorough catechesis on all subjects Catholic, starting with The Apostles Creed. Working through all twelve articles in a systematic, ordered way. All material is available for reprint, to be copied, forwarded or used in anyway to help advance The Truth of The Church, please just give a mention if doing so. I welcome questions and comments also.

Ideas To Decorate Your Catholic Classroom

Need FREE ideas to decorate your Catholic classroom? Well, here are a few links that might come in handy.


pinterest.com- Decorating Classroom Wall

Bulletin Boards- Religious Classroom Bulletin Boards

4catholiceducators.com- Daily Bible Poster
The posters change every day. Bookmark this page to return to it often. Click on the image to get the poster size version and print.

bibletimelines.org- 23 timelines to print out for your classroom

Free Kindergarten Worksheets

Need some worksheets for your comprehensive kindergarten classroom? Here are a few links to FREE kindergarten worksheets:


tlsbooks.com- Kindergarten worksheets for language arts, science, concepts and basic skills, thinking skills, fine motor, etc.

kidslearningstation.com- Collections of worksheets for learning the alphabet, numbers, shapes, colors, math, phonics, etc.

kidzone.ws- alphabet recognition and printing practice, math, reading, science, thematic units, etc.

lilbunnyhops.com- Free preschool and kindergarten worksheets and printables, coloring pages, activities, connect the dots, graphics and anything to help children learn their abc.

first-school.ws- alphabet, colors, handwriting practice, numbers, shapes, etc. worksheets

softschools.com- Kindergarten math and reading worksheets,

easyteacherworksheets.com- EasyTeacherWorksheets.com is a super helpful free resource website for teachers, parents, tutors, students, and homeschoolers. We have a HUGE library of printable worksheets for a many different class topics and grade levels.
worksheetuniverse.com- math, letters and reading, concepts, etc.

kindergartenworksheets.net- math, English, general learning, holiday, etc.

Free Preschool Worksheets

Need some worksheets for your comprehensive preschool classroom? Here are a few links to FREE preschool worksheets:

tlsbooks.com- Preschool Worksheets: colors, letters, concepts, numbers and pre math, fruits and vegetables, weather, fine motor, shapes (identify, label, draw shapes. and more), thinking skills (matching, find the difference, and more), etc.

kidslearningstation.com- Collections of worksheets for learning the alphabet, numbers, shapes, colors, math, phonics, etc.

freepreschool.blogspot.com- Free printable preschool worksheets and activities that includes teacher resources on math, counting number, writing skill, alphabet literacy, reading phonics, coloring, crafts, stories, dot-to-dot, cutting skill, shapes, song, and educational games.

kidzone.ws- Alphabet recognition, hidden letter worksheets, learning letter sounds, pre-printing practice, tracer pages, colors, scissor skills, shapes, math readiness, reading (Dolch words & reading readiness worksheets), etc.

lilbunnyhops.com- Free preschool and kindergarten worksheets and printables, coloring pages, activities, connect the dots, graphics and anything to help children learn their abc.

first-school.ws- alphabet, colors, handwriting practice, numbers, shapes, etc. worksheets

preschoolactivitybox.com- Fine motor skills, pre-writing activities, counting/number, letter recognition, etc.

morecoloringpages.com- Lots of different kinds to choose from!