Crafty Crafters: Noah's Ark Craft

So how crafty are you?

What is your favorite religious craft you make for the Bible story “Noah’s Ark”?



Here is a craft you can make using paper plates:


Introduce craft: Who built the ark? Noah. What happened in the story?




Noah’s Ark Craft- directions and pictures

To show the 40 days and 40 nights of rain, have the wheel with the rain showing. Turn the wheel again to see the sign that God did that promised that He would never flood the whole Earth again.


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

What You Should Do The First Day of Classes?

The Boy Scout moto: “Always be prepared!” is also essential for any catechist or religion education teacher. The infamous question “What should you do?” the first day of classes nags in the back of your mind and you cringe every time just thinking about it. Fear not, there is hope and you can have a great beginning to the start of the year if you utilize the following ideas:


This is what I plan to do the first day of classes with my first grade students:

Welcome- Greet each student and parent. Introduce yourself and welcome them to class. Ask the students to find a seat at the table. While they are doing so give each parent an Introductory Letter to Parents to provide them with information of what is expected in the classroom and what the children will be doing during the year. Tell parents that they are welcome to stay and join our classroom.



Class Contact List- 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.



Names- Have name tags where each student is going to sit and help students find their seats. After all students have found their seats have them introduce themselves to the class. Introduce game: How well do you know everyone in class? Directions: I will stand behind a student’s chair and say, “Who am I?” and the class must name that student. Stand behind a student and say, “Who am I?



Attendance- Fill out the CCD Attendance Sheet and place in classroom tray for DRE. Fill out the classroom attendance sheet that is in my binder.



Classroom Activities- Go over classroom activities with students so they will know what they will be doing for the year.

• We Know Our Prayers- My students are given 5 prayers (Sign of the Cross, Grace Before Meals, Glory Be, Hail Mary, and Our Father) to do by the end of the school year. Each prayer the student completes, they will be able to pick a prize from the prize bag (show prize bag).

• Take Home Sheets- At the end of every class each student will be given a Take Home Sheet for their parents to go over with them to review what we did 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.

• Take Home Tests- We also have 4 take home tests during the year. Parents will need to help their child study, fill out the test, and return it to class. Students that bring back their completed test will be able to play HOMEWORKOPOLY.

• Homeworkopoly- (Hold up game and show students) In order for a student to play HOMEWORKOPOLY, he or she must complete their homework and hand it in to the teacher on time. This is how the student moves around the game board and win prizes from the prize bag. If the student does not have their homework finished, they do not get their chance to roll the dice and move for the day.



Classroom Behavior Expectations- Go over the Classroom Behavior Expectations and post the classroom rules after we have gone over them in a place where all students can see them.


*Ask students if they have any questions. Then start today's lesson.





More Ideas:

The Catholic Toolbox- What Every Catechist Needs To Know

thereligionteacher.com- Classroom Procedures and the First Weeks of School

thereligionteacher.com- 6 Classroom Management Strategies for the First Weeks of School

lumenchristiparish.org- Ten Ideas for a Great First Day

voices.yahoo.com- 18 Things Teachers Need to Do the First Day of Class

voices.yahoo.com- Tips for Teachers on the First Day of School

Gospel for the Mass: 9/2/12- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

*Be sure to check out Gospel for the Mass Year B page right below the header for other days that you need Gospel for the Mass activities.


Disclaimer: The posts below contain links to other websites and the content of these sites are evaluated before they are included. These websites can change without warning making links inactive and/or the content altered. We have no control over other websites and we are not responsible for the content that they post.



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

The Tradition of the Elders



Activities

catholicmom.com- Click on the month. Scroll down to the date for Coloring Page, Mass Worksheet, Crossword Puzzle, Word Search, etc.

Theresa at catholickidsbulletin.blogspot.com will post a link to an activity sheet that coordinates with the Catholic Mass. 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.

sadlierreligion.com- Scroll down to Gospel Reflection, Discussion Questions for the Gospel, and Proclaiming Faith Activities

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

4catholiceducatiors.com- Resources on the Sunday Readings

sermons4kids.com- True Worship object lesson with coloring page

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

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

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

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

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



Coloring

sermons4kids.com- Mark 7:6b

sermons4kids.com- Let’s praise Jesus!

sermons4kids.com- Clean or Unclean?



Crafts

sermons4kids.com- Skin Deep group activities (crafts)

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



Games

sermons4kids.com- Skin Deep group activities (games)

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



Puzzles

sermons4kids.com- Maze

sermons4kids.com- Word Search

sermons4kids.com- Word Search

joanyedwards.com- Word Search

sermons4kids.com- Word Shape

sermons4kids.com- Word Jumble

sermons4kids.com- Decoder

sermons4kids.com- Crossword

sermons4kids.com- Crossword

joanyedwards.com- Crossword



Quizzes

sermons4kids.com- Multiple Choice

sermons4kids.com- Fill in the Blanks

sermons4kids.com- Fill in the Blanks

Church Potluck Recipe: Onion Bread

This sounds funny, but it is so good and soooooooooo easy. My grandmother made it, my mom made it, and now I do. Great with roast, boiled shrimp, etc. almost anything. Great to take for Church Potluck!

Onion Bread

Ingredients:

1 envelope Lipton Onion Soup Mix
1 stick of butter or margarine
1 long loaf of French or Italian bread


Directions:

Melt butter in sauce pan. Mix onion soup in melted butter. Slice almost through (do not cut all the way through) bread loaf (each slice at least 1 inch thick). Brush butter and onion soup mixture on both sides of the bread slices. Wrap bread in foil and put in a 375 degree oven for 20 minutes.

CCD and Religious Education Starting Soon

Since CCD and religious education is starting soon, I will start posting lots of activities and ideas pertaining to this starting in August. I hope this will help you get ready for the year ahead.


Things I Will Post:

• Gospel for the Mass (Year B)- I will post the Gospel for the Mass Year B by date and scripture. A link will take you directly to the post on my blog for that Gospel reading. I hope it will make it easier for you to find what you need. I plan on doing a Year C and a Year A page as well so everyone can find activities whenever they need them.

• Church Potluck Recipes- A few of my favorite dishes that I like to bring that might come in handy for you.

• Student Folders/Binders- To cut down on lost papers and to be better organized.

• Top Things That MUST Be Done Before Every Class- What are the top things that must be done before every class? Well, everyone is different as well as their needs, but maybe sharing what we found that has to be done before class so it can run smoothly and efficiently will help others.

• Crafty Crafters- Neat and educational crafts for Bible stories and religious topics.

• Special Events for the Month- Each month I will post special events for that month. I will have links to activities, coloring, crafts, games, puzzles, worksheets, quizzes, etc. that can help you with your classroom or at home.

• My Top Ten Must Have Items For CCD- To have a safe and educational classroom here is a list of My Top Ten Must Have Items For CCD.

• What You Should Do The First Day of Classes?- The Boy Scout moto: “Always be prepared!” is also essential for any catechist or religion education teacher. The infamous question “What should you do?” the first day of classes nags in the back of your mind and you cringe every time just thinking about it. Fear not, there is hope and you can have a great beginning to the start of the year if you utilize the following ideas.

• What will you do in your classroom or home?- I will post what I will be doing in my classroom each week. Please comment so I can add the link to your blog to the post. We would love to see what you do!

Church Potluck Recipe: Rice Pilaf

Here is a great alternative to potatoes that is so tasty and oh, so good! My mom has cooked it for years and every time I come home I request this rice dish. She used to travel in an RV with my Dad all over the country and they would bring this dish to the potluck dinners and everyone always wanted the recipe.



Rice Pilaf

¼ cup butter
¼ teaspoon curry powder
½ cup finely chopped onion
1 ½ cups raw long grain white rice
1 ½ teaspoon Lawyr’s Seasoned Salt
2 ½ cups chicken broth
½ cup white wine


Melt butter in heavy saucepan. Add curry powder and onion, cook until golden. Stir in rice. Cook, stirring until rice begins to take on color (about 5 minutes). Add salt, broth, and wine. Bring to simmering. Cover and cook over low heat until liquid is absorbed (about 20 minutes). Fluff rice with fork and serve.

Church Potluck Recipe: Brownies

Too tired to make anything for the potluck at church? When I’m bushed or pressed for time, I always make 2 boxes of these brownies and they are always gone in no time.

Betty Crocker Fudge Brownies

They are the BEST and taste homemade!

Gospel for the Mass- Year B

CCD and Religious Education has ended for most folks and homeschooling as well so I am going to take a much needed break from posting Gospel for the Mass activities. I will start this feature on this blog in August and post activities for the month of September.

*I plan on doing something different for the Gospel of the Mass in August. I will have a new page:

Gospel for the Mass- Year B

There I will post the Gospel for the Mass Year B by date and scripture. A link will take you directly to the post on my blog for that Gospel reading. I hope it will make it easier for you to find what you need. I plan on doing a Year C and a Year A page as well so everyone can find activities whenever they need them.



For those who need Gospel for the Mass activities during the summer, here is a list of my favorite websites:


catholicmom.com- Click on the month. Scroll down to the date for Coloring Page, Mass Worksheet, Crossword Puzzle, Word Search, etc.

sadlierreligion.com- Reflections and discussion questions on the readings for each Sunday and holy day liturgy. Activities for young people are included. Some materials for younger children can be printed out.

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

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

sermons4kids.com- Click on Sermons Index and scroll down for the sermon (object lesson) that you want. Also click on Coloring Pages for English and Spanish coloring pages. Scroll down under Coloring Pages for Puzzles and Worksheets.

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

Theresa at catholickidsbulletin.blogspot.com will post a link to an activity sheet that coordinates with the Catholic Mass. 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.

joanyedwards.com- Devotionals, skits, word searches, crosswords, recourses for Cycle A, B, or C Gospel for the Mass.

pflaum.com- Click on Seasonal Family Pages. Register for free. Inside you'll find features on Saints of the Season, Feasts of the Season, Catholic Culture, and Family Prayer - plus reproducible activities for preschool through junior high. New pages are posted four times a year.

pflaum.com- Pflaum Gospel Weeklies: The Pflaum Gospel Weeklies are lectionary-based periodicals published in five editions for preschool through junior high. Lessons reinforce the Sunday gospel message with age-appropriate stories, plays, activities and games. Each level nurtures the concept of Christian service, from "how can I help" activities for the youngest children to community project ideas for the older ones. They are published in a hand-out format − four pages for younger children, eight pages for the older ones − lessons are designed to be used in a group setting and then taken home to encourage family interaction. Free teaching guides are provided. *Sample pages are posted.

Living Faith Kids- Features daily devotions based on the daily Scripture readings from the Catholic Mass. Each quarterly issue helps children 8-12 develop the habit of daily prayer and build their relationship with Jesus and the Church. Living Faith Kids is the daily Scripture-based prayer companion for Catholic children and an invaluable resource for parishes, families and schools. (You can buy these in bulk or orders of 5 copies or fewer.) *Sample pages are provided at website.

Crafty Crafters: Pentecost Windsock

So how crafty are you?

What is your favorite religious craft you make for Pentecost?



Here is a craft you can make using ribbon:




tenkidsandadog.blogspot.com- Pentecost Craft



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

DIY Mass Bag

.

Do you have problems getting your kids to behave during Mass? Well, Alicia at through-my-is.blogspot.com came up with a great idea for this problem that might help you.

Check it out! She has lots of ideas and links to help you make your own Mass Bag for your children.

Church Potluck Recipe: Caramel Cake

This is my grandmother’s famous recipe for caramel cake. She would make this for us on our birthdays and I still crave them to this day. This is also great to bring to any church potluck.

Caramel Cake

Ingredients-

4 eggs, separated
1 ½ sticks butter
1 ¼ c sugar
2 c cake flour
3 t baking powder
1 t vanilla
1 c milk

Cream butter. Mix sugar in well. Add beaten egg yolks. Add flour and mild alternately. Add baking powder. Last fold in stiffly beaten egg whites. Pour into a pan. Bake 325 – 350 degree for about 45 minutes.


Icing:

2 c sugar
1 ½ c butter
¾ c milk 1 t vanilla
½ chopped pecans


Cook until softball, stir constantly. Cool 110 degrees. Add vanilla. Beat well like fudge. Hardens fast- add nuts and ice quickly.

*Melt icing in microwave if too hard in a 2 c glass.

Church Potluck Recipe: Enchiladas

Enchiladas are easy to make and great for Church Potluck.

Enchiladas

1 can refried beans
8 medium flour tortillas
1 envelope of Taco Bell taco mix
1 lb. hamburger
2 c shredded taco cheese
Salsa
Sour cream

Brown hamburger, drain. Combine hamburger and taco mix with ¾ cup of water in frying pan and bring to a boil. Simmer about 10 minutes. Spoon hamburger mixture and refried beans down the center of tortillas. Roll and place seam side down in a 13 x 9 inch dish (put a little refried bean on the outer layer edge of the tortilla to “glue” the tortilla closed). Put some salsa on top, cover and bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese and bake uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Serve with salsa and sour cream.

Freezes well!

Serves: 8

FREE Catholic Bingo Games Online

thatresourcesite.com- This game reinforces the basics of the Catholic faith using such calling categories as The Bible, Church Tour, Saints, Parts of the Mass, and Fruits of the Holy Spirit. It's a fun game and easy to play for all ages. Little reading is required. If bingo cards are laminated, a crayon can be used to mark the squares rather than chips or markers. Simply wipe clean after each game. Up to 15 players.

thatresourcesite.com- Syllable Symphony of Saints Game
Play a simple Bingo style game with a twist to help children learn about the saints and syllables at the same time.

Introduce or review the concept of syllable sounds with children as they learn to say and spell the names of various saints. Children practice counting the syllables in the names of some fairly popular saints including Joseph, Luke, Anthony, Peter, Mary, Joan, Elizabeth and others. Names contain 1-5 syllables.

There are 8 game boards and any age can play this game. Reading is not a requirement as parents could read the names to players and children need simply match up the number of syllables in the names to the number of notes on the game board. Download includes all playing pieces and instructions. You need only provide card markers such as buttons, rocks, macaroni or coins.


catholicmom.com- Saint Bingo




bingocardcreator.com

Catholic Prayers and Devotions- These cards are about Catholic Prayers and Devotions. These are some of the names of well-known prayers of the Catholic faith. These include words like 23rd Psalm, Footprints, Healing Prayer, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Sign of the Cross.

Roman Catholic Saints- These cards are about Roman Catholic Saints. The Catholic Church recognizes several hundred saints individually. These include words like St. Agatha, St. Clare, St. Francis of Assisi, St. John Chrysostom, and St. Maximilian.

Names For God-These cards are about Names For God. They were made using such words as Abba, Cornerstone, Elohim, Lord, and Shield.

Children’s Bible Stories- These cards are about Children's Bible Stories. Taken from the Bible, these true accounts are condensed and simplified for young children to understand. These include words like A Net Full of Fish, David and Goliath, Jonah and the Whale, Samson and Delilah, and The Good Samaritan.

Easter Liturgy- These cards are about Easter Liturgy. Holy Week is the celebration of the events culminating in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These include words like Christ, Mary, cross, holy, and redemption.

Kings Of The Bible- These cards are about Kings Of The Bible. They were made using such words as Abijah, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Jotham, and Saul.

Men Of The Bible- These cards are about Men Of The Bible. They were made using such words as Abel, David, Jesus, Judas, and Peter.

New Testament Books These cards are about New Testament Books. They were made using such words as 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, 3 john, Hebrews, and Mark.

Popes from 750 to 999- These cards are about Popes from 750 to 999. The Catholic Church had 53 popes between 750 and 999. These include words like Adrian I, Benedict III, Boniface VI, John IX, O.S.B., and John XIII.

Roman Catholic Saints- These cards are about Roman Catholic Saints. The Catholic Church recognizes several hundred saints individually. These include words like St. Agatha, St. Clare, St. Francis of Assisi, St. John Chrysostom, and St. Maximilian.

Prophets From The Bible- These cards are about Prophets From The Bible. They were made using such words as Aaron, Eli, Isaiah, Joshua, and Noah.

Women Of The Bible- These cards are about Women Of The Bible. They were made using such words as Abigail, Esther, Leah, Mary Magdalene, and Rebekah.

Biblical Geography- These cards are about Biblical Geography. They were made using such words as Ashdod, Bethlehem, Egypt, Israel, and Mount Sinai.

Biblical Heroes- These cards are about Biblical Heroes. They were made using such words as Abednego, Jabez, John the Baptist, Meshach, and Rizpah.

Foods Of The Bible- These cards are about Foods Of The Bible. They were made using such words as barley, goat, leeks, olives, and unleavened bread.

Christian Symbolism- These cards are about Christian Symbolism. These are some of the symbols within the different denominations of Christianity. These include words like Alpha, butterfly, crucifix, ichthus, and palm branches.

Crafty Crafters: Holy Communion

So how crafty are you?

What is your favorite religious craft you make for Holy Communion?

Introduce craft: How can we remember the reason we celebrate Holy Communion?



Jesus in the Holy Eucharist Craft

*This is an adaptation of catholiccollector.blogspot.com craft. This blog and craft have been removed.

1. Print out host template. Cut out and fold host so that it opens like a door with the picture of Jesus inside.

2. Print out template of chalice. Cut out template. Fold a yellow piece of construction paper in half and put the flat side of the chalice template on the folded edge. Trace around template and cut out. When you open it you will have a complete chalice. Be sure to draw in the top part of the chalice.

3. Glue chalice to your background paper and let your child decorate it with crayons, markers, glitter, plastic jewels, sequins, etc.

4. Glue host above the chalice making sure the door opens the correct way. You can also draw a cross on the outside of the host.


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

Host Template

Chalice Template



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


Here are some other crafts that are fun to make:

catholicinspired.com- Jesus in the Eucharist ~ Art Project

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

Crafty Crafters: Easter

So how crafty are you?

What is your favorite religious craft you make for Easter?



Here is a craft you can make using a tissue box:

catholicicing.com- Make an empty tomb craft (scroll down for this)



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



Here is what Jennifer is doing: crafolic.com- The Symbol of the Easter Egg ~ Craft

Crafty Crafters: Last Supper (chalice)

So how crafty are you?

What is your favorite religious craft you make for The Last Supper?



Here is a craft I make with my students using a plastic wine glass:

Introduce craft: During the Last Supper, Jesus said this to his disciples, “Take this, all of you, and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my blood.” What do we drink the Blood of Christ out of? (A chalice.)


familyatthefootofthecross.blogspot.com- Corpus Christi Mosaic Craft

Materials:

Plastic wine glasses
Tissue paper cut in 1 inch squares
Modge Podge (I put ½ water and ½ Modge Podge in a plastic bowl)
Sponge brush



Directions:

Paint on the Modge Podge and place the tissue paper in a mosaic pattern. After it dries, paint on a coat of the Modge Podge to seal it.

*You can also decorate the chalices with rhinestones using a hot glue gun.



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



familiacatolica-org.blogspot.com- Precious Blood of Christ Coloring Pages

familiacatolica-org.blogspot.com- Craft to pray the Prayer of Reparation to the Precious Blood of Christ Family

Crafty Crafters: Holy Thursday/Last Supper Craft

So how crafty are you?

What is your favorite religious craft you make for the Last Supper?



Here is a craft that all children will love to make:


Introduce craft: Who sat with Jesus during the Last Supper? (The disciples.)



Holy Thursday/Last Supper Craft by catholicicing.com- an easy craft based on the famous Leonardo da Vinci Last Supper painting.



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

crafolic.com- Agony in the Garden ~Craft / Diorama

Free Bible Clip Art

As you well know, good religious clipart/graphics are hard to find. One of my favorite FREE places is:


phillipmartin.com- Check out his Home page!

The Bible- alphabetical listing


*Be sure to read his clip art restrictions on the bottom of the page.

Organizational Skills

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

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.


Butterfly- (this website has been removed)


Need:

• Toilet-paper tube
• Tongue depressor or ice-cream pop stick
• Heavy paper
• 6" (150 mm) piece of pipe cleaner, folded in half
• Markers or crayons
• Scissors and glue


Directions:

1. Cut out and color a butterfly from the heavy paper. Use any colors, but make both halves look the same. Put a small hole at the top of the butterfly's head.
2. Color the toilet paper tube to look like a chrysalis
3. Take a piece of pipe cleaner and shape it like the letter "V". Put one point through the little hole in the butterfly's head and then twist it to look like antennae. Butterflies use these "feelers" to learn about their environment.
4. Glue the butterfly to one end of the tongue depressor or ice-cream pop stick. Let the glue dry.
5. Curl the butterfly's wings and slide it into the chrysalis.
6. 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!