Journal Writing

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


saints365.blogspot.com- Catholic Journal Prompts: Holy Family Edition

saints365.blogspot.com- Catholic Monthly Journal Prompts: Love Edition

catholicsistas.com- Journal Writing in your {Catholic} Homeschool

gardenoftheheart.com- Prayer & Journaling Prompts

trinitytutors.com- Spiritual Journaling for Christian Youth (journaling prompts)

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

thecatholicscholar.blogspot.com- Prayer Journals (how to do one and what could be in it)

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



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

FREE Printable Christian Journal Sheets and Booklets- Need some journal sheets or booklets for your classroom? Well, believe it or not, there are several online for free.

The Catholic Toolbox- (links to FREE printables!)

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.


• 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.


• 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?

Gospel for the Mass: 9/3/17- Matthew 16:21-27

*Be sure to check out Gospel for the Mass Year A 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.




Matthew 16:21-27



Activities

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

catholickidsbulletin.blogspot.com- Download a FREE bulletin to help your kids learn more about our Catholic Mass. Each week's bulletin contains coloring pages for a saint and activities based on the Gospel. The coloring pages may also include a maze, dot-to-dot, find the picture, and many other activities.

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

4catholiceducatiors.com- Resources on the Sunday Readings

sermons4kids.com- Following Jesus object lesson with group activities, coloring page, puzzles, quizzes, worship bulletin

sermons4kids.com- The Whistle object lesson with group activities, coloring page, puzzles, quizzes, worship bulletin

sundayschoollessons.com- Jesus Tells the Disciples that He Must Suffer lesson with questions

The Catholic Toolbox- What Can Teens Do For Gospel For The Mass Activities?

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



Coloring

sermons4kids.com- I will follow Jesus, our leader.

sermons4kids.com- Take up your cross.



Crafts

sermons4kids.com- Following Jesus group activities (crafts)

sermons4kids.com- The Whistle group activities (crafts)



Games

sermons4kids.com- Following Jesus group activities (games)

sermons4kids.com- The Whistle group activities (games)



Puzzles

sermons4kids.com- Dot-to-dot

sermons4kids.com- Word Search

joanyedwards.com- Word Search

sermons4kids.com- Crossword

joanyedwards.com- Crossword



Quizzes

sermons4kids.com- Multiple Choice

sermons4kids.com- Fill in the blanks

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. The veteran catechist can also be informed of new CCD policies and rules that have been introduced as well as any other pertinent information regarding CCD.


Suggestions of what can be in the catechist training:


Guidelines for Catechists- Explain fully the guidelines for the catechist so they will know what they are supposed to do and when. This will help the catechist know what they should do for class management and how to handle certain situations and challenges with students and parents. Catechist should also know and understand what the appropriate behavior of a catechist is and how to address a variety of circumstances that, if not appropriately addressed, may create a risk of incidents, allegations, claims and/or lawsuits.

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.


CCD Policies- Review and explain the CCD Policies that are in the Parent/Student Handbook so the catechist will know what they are and what the parent and student must follow so there will be no misunderstandings. This will allow CCD to be able to run smoothly and without any problems.


Know Your Curriculum- To ensure consistent progress and development the catechist must read, study, and learn the curriculum. A good lesson depends on how well the catechist understands the material. Providing essential information about the curriculum will help the catechists build their lessons on a strong foundation. The training should provide a concise overview of the curriculum and how to use it properly so the catechist will know what to do.


Tips For Planning and Preparing 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. The catechist must write detailed lesson plans and include what is essential to be an effective teacher.

Select what activities you will be doing with your students. Find various activities (crafts, worksheets, games, coloring sheets, puzzles, etc.) that go with your lesson. Review the objectives of your lesson to determine if the activity is appropriate for your students. Remember that the activities must relate to the lesson. Only do crafts, games, and activities that emphasize the lesson and the objectives of what you want your students to learn. These activities make your lessons more concrete and easier for the students to understand and also a lot of fun. Keeping the students busy with relevant activities also helps eliminate discipline problems that might erupt due to the students being bored.

Adjust lesson plan to your students. Be sure to take into account that every year each group of students is different and can learn differently than previous classes. What activities worked one year might not work this year. Take into account the unique needs of your students or how they learn best to make your lesson as effective as possible. Example: If your students learn better when they are in small groups, make sure you have an activity planned for your students to break into a small group and work together.

Have alternative activities. Sometimes what you have planned for the class does not work out so have alternative activities to accomplish your objectives for the lesson.

Have extra activities. Sometimes what you have planned takes less time than expected. Be sure to have other activities to fill in if you have extra time in your lesson.


Discipline- 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. Discipline procedures must be fully discussed as well as classroom rules. Tips and suggestions on how to keep disruptive behavior down to a minimum should also be examined.


How to Access Student Progress- Since students learn in different ways, they must be tested in different ways to find out if they have learned the information taught in class. Assessment must include a variety of methods that will enable the catechist to determine how successfully your students are learning to live out their faith in their daily lives and in communion with the Church.


Be Prepared- Make sure you have enough materials for all students. Have enough books, pencils, craft supplies, worksheets, puzzles, etc. for each student. Have a few extra for any new students or if they bring a friend to class.

Have materials and classroom ready before class. Make sure you arrive early to set up your classroom and to make sure all the materials and equipment you need are there, easy to access, and ready to go.


Report Cards/Progress Reports- They are usually based on attendance, work, behavior and attitude. They allow the parents and student to know how well he/she understands the material being taught in class. If your CCD program has report cards/progress reports this must be explain fully so the catechist will understand how and when to do them.


Absenteeism- 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.


*What else could be in the catechist training? Please leave a comment and add to the list.





Books & Recordings for Catechists:




The Catechist’s Toolbox by Joe Paprocki- is an invaluable tool for catechists to use so that their students can learn to their fullest potential. The book allows the reader to dig deeper into the understanding of what makes a good catechist and what they should do.

Limited preview



Joe Paprocki has also provided recordings (videos on youtube.com) of The Catechist Toolbox Webinar that are quite informative. The recordings revolve around the theme of Getting Started as a Catechist. These Webinars, hosted by Joe Paprocki, will provide catechists, both those who are new and those who'd like to refresh their skills, with an introduction to the basic tools needed to effectively engage young people in faith formation. These videos are one part of a two week event. The videos are divided into chapters for easy viewing.


Part 1 Recording

Joe covers topics such as:

• Your Role as a Catechist
• Lesson Planning and Preparation
• Choosing Learning Activities
• Preparing the Learning Environment


Part 2 Recording

Joe covers topics such as:

• Leading Reflective Prayer
• Discipline
• Polishing Your Technique
• 10 Things You Can Do Right Now to Become a More Effective Catechist

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.

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.


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.

chartjungle.com- Free printables calendars and charts for baby, toddler, children, behavior, checklists, chores, Christmas, schedules, education, day care, school, holidays, homeschool, awards, business, car, computer, garden, health, holidays, home, internet, money, music, pets, safety, science, shopping, sports, teachers, travel, and webmasters.

educationalworld.com- TONS of forms to print out for free: Templates, Assessments, Award Certificates, Back To School, Bookmarks & Book Plates, Bulletin Board Resources, Calendars, Classroom Organizers, Election Templates, Flyer, Posters, Signs, Graphic Organizers, Holiday Gift Coupons, Holiday Work Sheets, Icebreakers, Newsletters, Parent-Teacher Communications, Setting Goals, Student Resources, Teacher Quote Notepads, Traffic Signs, etc.

teachertools.org- Free downloads of forms and letters for Discipline, Academic, Communication, etc. Tons of forms and letters provided. Just click on "Forms and Letters" on the left and it will take you right there.

teachervision.fet.com- These ready-to-use forms will help you keep your classroom, lesson plans, and paperwork organized. Get ready for the new school year with our printable passes, teacher stationary, and student information sheets. The forms below will help you keep track of attendance, homework assignments, and students' grades throughout the year. You'll also find great resources for parent-teacher conferences and group projects. Use charts to monitor behavior, and reward outstanding work with our many awards.

freeology.com- Dozens of free printable teacher forms for everything from record keeping to classroom management.

edhelper.com- Forms: Class attendance form (PDF Format) (set dates, use your classes, and more); Meeting Reminder; Parental Contact; Please Sign (w ... Failed Assignment; Homework Log; Bring to Class; Thank You (small); Behavior Contract; Behavior Contract Weekly; Behavior Report, etc.

teachervision.fen.com- Use these printable charts, forms, and contracts to monitor your students' behavior. Evaluate their ability to work as a team with forms on student productivity in group settings. In addition to student-teacher contracts that establish behavior expectations, you'll find a variety of behavior management forms to document discipline issues in your classroom. Encourage students to make better behavior choices with our decision making worksheets. Notes, awards, and certificates make great rewards for good behavior.

teachervision.fen.com- Assessment can be a tricky task. Our collection of ideas and forms will make it easier for you to evaluate and grade your students' work, no matter their grade level. There are as many variations of assessment as there are students. Look below to find ideas on assessment strategies, modifications, and enhancing your existing methods. These assessment forms and techniques will work across the curriculum, so use them for math, science, reading, language arts, social studies, and your other subjects.

jimwrightonline.com- Create personalized behavior forms for your students.

dotolearn.com- Providing the proper expectations, interventions, and supports can help individuals with special needs to succeed and learn the skills they need to lead productive lives. While this material is based on techniques that have proven effective for special needs, the tips may be of value for individuals with a range of other disorders that result in behavior, social, and learning problems. Topics include: Classroom Management, Learning Strategies, Education Resources, etc.

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?

Morality Lesson Plan for Middle and High School Students

Morality, in addition to raw academics, plays an important role in society. It raises an important question, “Who is responsible for teaching morality?” Is it society’s responsibility, including teachers, to pass on the virtues of civilized life to the next generation? Or is this strictly within parents’ purview to oversee? Who gets to decide which morals get attention and which don’t?

There’s little doubt that including some kind of character or moral education in addition to strict academics positively influences students. The question then is not if we should include discussion and education of morality in schools, but how.

Teach Positive Behaviors. One of the first ways that you, as an educator, bring moral education into your classroom is by directly speaking about positive behaviors. Sometimes we assume that students know the correct, moral thing to do in any given moment. But do not allow this assumption to cause you to overlook the opportunity to make “Teachable moments” out of situations in your classroom. Openly share with students what the “right” thing to do is, and engage them in a discussion that challenges them to evaluate for themselves what seems the most appropriate course of action.

Be a Role Model. It’s not just what you say; it’s what you do that counts. As one of the few adults in the life of a child, it’s important that you use your conduct to model for students what an ethical professional looks like. Make sure that you do the right thing and conduct yourself along the highest moral standards. Judge fairly, practice honesty and respect, share, demonstrate responsibility, and allow students to see how you embody these characteristics in and out of the classroom.

Connect It to Your Content. Sometimes learning certain content is straightforward learning. But look for those opportunities where aspects of your content raise the moral question or connect to character issues. Students enjoy being challenged to think critically about themselves, and connecting ethical discussions to your content both reinforces their content knowledge and their characters.

Talk with Parents. Your students are important to you, but you are not the sole adult interested in your students’ moral development. Share your aspirations of your students’ characters with parents, converse with parents about how students are doing academically and ethically, and always make sure you allow parents to remain in the driver’s seat of their children’s character development.

Source: teachhub.com



Other sources:

goodcharacter.com- Teaching Guides for K-12 Character Education & Social Emotional Learning

growingleaders.com- Building Value and Teaching Ethics to Teens



So how can we as teach morality in the CCD classroom? Here is a lesson plan I did for middle to high school students.

Morality Lesson Plan- Complete lesson plan for middle to high school students.