Tonight, we begin our unit on Church History. We kick off this unit by bringing all five eighth grade classes together for a PowerPoint presentation on Church history to give them a sweeping overview of major events in Church history over the past 2,000 years. Each of the five catechists “narrates” a period of Church history and the kids take notes on a fill-in-the-blank note-taking sheet we provide. It’s an engaging way to introduce a topic that they may otherwise not find very interesting.
Junior High
An Evening of Getting to Know Jesus
Last night, we spent the evening getting to know Jesus better. Here are some highlights. First we had a fire drill..all went well. I began by playing our “song of the week” – Shania Twain’s “Wanna Get to Know You.” (see yesterday’s post for some of the lyrics) I talked about how 2 people in love want to get to know one another and explained that this is our theme for the evening: we want […]
Creative Moments
My "Last Lecture" (No, I’m Not Dying)
This coming Monday evening is the last session that I will be teaching this current 8th grade class (the following week is a closing Mass and awards ceremony). As part of my plan for this Monday, I’ve put together my own “last lecture.” By now, I’m sure you’re familiar with the YouTube phenomenon, Randy Pausch’s “Last Lecture” that he gave to his class as the Carnegie Mellon University after he had been diagnosed with pancreatic […]
Discipleship
Sent to Evangelize Prayer Celebration
Schedule a prayer celebration to help young people reflect on their role in evangelization and accept their mission to evangelize. Our “Sent to Evangelize” prayer service takes its focus from Matthew 28:16–20 and includes roles for multiple readers. The accompanying Commitment Cards are a concrete reminder for young people to take to heart their role as disciples. The prayer celebration is from Christ Our Life, Grade 8. Use battery-operated candles if traditional candles are not […]
That is very substantial, it’ll require real thinking from the kids….did you make that P’point? Also, for this amount of material, how many (90 min.?) classes will you need?
And do I understand your parish has five 8th grade classes and five 8th grade catechists? If so, your parish is truly blessed to have such participation….I’m gettin’ dizzy….take me now, Lord.
Christian, you are so funny! I did indeed make the Powerpoint and we whisked through it in one session last evening. That’s a lot to take in in one setting but over the next few classes, we can unpack things more slowly. This presentation gives the kids a feel for the whole story and some sense of chronology. The note-taking sheet keeps them focused and on-task.
Yes, the parish I serve at has five 8th grade classes, each with its own catechist. Hats off to my DRE, Arlene, who does such a wonderful job of recruiting and retaining catechists.
Joe, what’s your parish? I want to visit the website.
Most Holy Redeemer, Evergreen Park, IL
Joe,
I am a huge fan of your website and have already incorporated many of your ideas in my lesson plans. I teach 8th Grade Confirmation class at St. Basil, Carrick, PA. Over the summer I plan to embellish my lesson plans a bit further in preparation for the next class in September 2011 and would like to incorporate the Church History. Can you please send me the actual powerpoint file for church history parts 1 and 2? I’d be most grateful. Thank you, Mary Beth Gugliuzza
Shall do, Mary Beth!
Dear Joe,
I would love to have a copy of the actual power point, too!
Thank you
I’ll send it to you.
Can I get a copy of the powerpoint?
Thanks!
Sure Laura, send me an email at joe@catechistsjourney.com and I’ll return it with the PPT attached.