Comments on: A Catechist in Need! http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2008/09/10/a-catechist-in-need/ Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:31:04 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Joe http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2008/09/10/a-catechist-in-need/comment-page-1/#comment-782 Joe Sun, 14 Sep 2008 03:22:53 +0000 http://www.catechistsjourney.org/?p=478#comment-782 Good insights, Roberta. Thanks! Good insights, Roberta. Thanks!

]]> By: Roberta http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2008/09/10/a-catechist-in-need/comment-page-1/#comment-781 Roberta Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:55:36 +0000 http://www.catechistsjourney.org/?p=478#comment-781 I agree we need many more details. But if you have K through Grade 6 together.......I would suggest that you play to the strengths present in the group. I would gather them into the multi-age group and not segregate according to age. Respect and treat the older students as "helpers" and they will live up to the role. The intergenerational mix will learn with and from each other. I do this with VBS and find that the older students really do learn along with the little ones. I have many fewer behavior problems as you are getting the older children to "own" the group along with you. I agree we need many more details. But if you have K through Grade 6 together…….I would suggest that you play to the strengths present in the group. I would gather them into the multi-age group and not segregate according to age. Respect and treat the older students as “helpers” and they will live up to the role. The intergenerational mix will learn with and from each other.

I do this with VBS and find that the older students really do learn along with the little ones. I have many fewer behavior problems as you are getting the older children to “own” the group along with you.

]]> By: Joe http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2008/09/10/a-catechist-in-need/comment-page-1/#comment-784 Joe Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:13:29 +0000 http://www.catechistsjourney.org/?p=478#comment-784 Maura,thanks for offering your advice and suggestions for Ross. Maura,thanks for offering your advice and suggestions for Ross.

]]> By: Maura Sweeney http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2008/09/10/a-catechist-in-need/comment-page-1/#comment-783 Maura Sweeney Thu, 11 Sep 2008 22:01:38 +0000 http://www.catechistsjourney.org/?p=478#comment-783 Joe & Ross At first discription this sounds to me like a children's liturgy of the word. in which case one wonders why children up to 6th grade are being dismissed. If it is not children's Liturgy of the word or RCIC, given the diversity of the class and it's size I would suggest that he find a few parents to share the burden. If Ross can begin with a Scripture Story and then sub divides the group he could do a few different "activity centers" with activities or discussions that were appropriate for different ages and learning styles and then wrap up with a prayer that included everyone. Ross you could use some of the older students to be helpers. The key it not to get so wrapped up in the activity that you can't be circulating and having age appropriate mini discussions with students at their activity centers. Several of my catechists use "activity centers" as a way of meeting the needs of diverse learning styles within their classrooms. Students can choose from a craftier idea or a puzzel, or if a child tends to race throught one activity there is something for them to do besides cause trouble while others work at a different speed. Don't forget to let one of the centers be a listening center or quiet area for more reflective kids. hope this helps a bit. Peace Maura Joe & Ross
At first discription this sounds to me like a children’s liturgy of the word. in which case one wonders why children up to 6th grade are being dismissed.
If it is not children’s Liturgy of the word or RCIC, given the diversity of the class and it’s size I would suggest that he find a few parents to share the burden. If Ross can begin with a Scripture Story and then sub divides the group he could do a few different “activity centers” with activities or discussions that were appropriate for different ages and learning styles and then wrap up with a prayer that included everyone. Ross you could use some of the older students to be helpers. The key it not to get so wrapped up in the activity that you can’t be circulating and having age appropriate mini discussions with students at their activity centers.
Several of my catechists use “activity centers” as a way of meeting the needs of diverse learning styles within their classrooms. Students can choose from a craftier idea or a puzzel, or if a child tends to race throught one activity there is something for them to do besides cause trouble while others work at a different speed. Don’t forget to let one of the centers be a listening center or quiet area for more reflective kids.
hope this helps a bit.
Peace
Maura

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