We catechists are blessed in this day and age to have many fine catechetical textbooks from a variety of Catholic publishers. The General Directory for Catechesis reminds us however that there is no substitute for the person of the catechist. I know that when I teach, I think of my text book as a guide and a resource but I also do a lot of “ad lib” and bring in a variety of activities that reinforce the lesson. I’m wary of catechists who ignore their textbook altogether but also cautious about following the textbook too closely. I think flexibility and creativity are crucial…i.e., leaving room for the Holy Spirit!
What about you? What percentage of your lesson is directly connected with your textbook?
I confess that I am not good at all at following textbooks. I do use them to prepare and occassionaly will make reference to them in the classroom. But I always end up deriving my lessons, objectives and outcomes from comments students make, emotions that get expressed, and exchanges made in the classroom. As a result my classes may lack some clarity in terms of outcomes in the overall scope and sequence. It is not that I dislike textbooks, it is rather, that I enjoy the students and the Good News so very much more.
I use my textbook faithfully! However, I do bring in a variety of other activities to engage the children.
Tom, thanks for sharing. One thing that I try to keep in mind is that kids have “felt” needs and “prescribed” needs. It’s very important, as you said, to be responsive to their comments and needs. It’s also true that there are things they need to know about their faith heritage that they may not be aware of. The Church “prescribes” these needs…thus the role of a curriculum. People like you who enjoy students and the Good News so much can find creative ways to help young people realize how much they need this heritage. Thank God for catechists like you who absolutely love what they are doing!
Kathy, I appreciate your response. What textbook are you using that you enjoy following so faithfully?
Thanks Joe, our Parish uses the “Christ Our Life” series, published by Loyola Press. I am on their website weekly to make sure I am integrating Scripture and proper doctrine in my lessons.
Kathy, thanks for reminding us all to take our responsibilities as catechists so seriously.
Again, like Kathy, I use our text to the letter. I have winged it on occasion, and I do bring in extra stuff. But to keep little minds focused, we need to refer back to our book to remind us why we are there.
We also usually have 5 or 10 minutes at the end of class where I allow the children to build Bible based puzzles, or look at some of the books I’ve provided. Those are also instances where I continue to teach, only I sneak it in then 😉
Ali, good point about the “little minds” needing to have a clear focus.
Hi Ali, good to see you here!!!!