Most of us catechists are appreciative to have excellent catechetical textbooks from which we can draw forth the content of our rich Catholic heritage. That’s a fancy way of saying that in our lessons, we plan to have students read from the textbook. The problem is, that can become very routine and boring. Fear not! There are ways we can break up the routine while still reading from the textbook. I covered some of these ideas in my most recent webinar, Growing as a Catechist, but I thought it would be helpful to take a closer look at these strategies, as well as a few others, in hopes that we can incorporate them into our overall approach. The first strategy is called “Clue Cards.”
- In this strategy, you look over the text ahead of time, identify key words, and write the key words on small index cards – one word per card.
- You then randomly distribute the cards to the students and explain that, as the text is being read aloud in class, as soon as they hear one of their clue words mentioned, they are to yell, “TIME OUT!”
- They then show the card to the class as you or a volunteer explains the importance or definition of the word.
- If a student fails to call “TIME OUT!” when their clue word has been read, that student must stand for the remainder of the reading (or whatever amount of time seems reasonable without being cruel or unusual punishment!).
- This strategy encourages students to pay closer attention to the text that is being read and enables them to be actively involved even when they are not the one reading aloud.
- This strategy also requires us catechists to carefully look over the text ahead of time to identify key points, something we should always do but at times may not do as thoroughly as we ought!
- The result is a more fully prepared catechist and a more thoroughly engaged participant.
Great reading strategy! I have never tried the “TIME OUT!” tactic, but I can see it keeping kids very attentive. I especially like this activity because of its focus on pre-reading. This helps the kids make connections with prior knowledge as they read the text.
What did you have the kids do with the clue cards after the activity?
Thanks, Jared. I believe that as each card was talked about, I compiled them (taped them) on a board so that they were all visible.
Joe,
This is a good idea. I am not a fan of reading from the text because it tends to be boring for the students not reading, but this approach would really help keep the students engaged. I appreciate you sharing this idea!
Thanks, William. Hopefully it will be one less thing for the kids to complain about! 🙂
What a great idea, I am always looking for ways to make learning exciting.
Glad you find this useful, Evelyn!
How about using the cards to make a word wall? Word walls are really helpful with vocabulary in all subjects. If you share the room, then make a word poster or word chart or use stickee notes that can be easily put up and taken down. Then you have a quick and easy review for start of the next class as well.
Good idea, Karen. Thanks!
Some students may concentrate too hard on finding their word and miss the message in the reading. Perhaps we can take it a step further and have them give a meaning for the word when their word is read.
Bernadine, these are the kinds of things we need to be on the lookout for. Thanks.