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
Repetition – The Rosary
What do all of the following have in common? “The Giants win the pennant! The Giants win the pennant! The Giants win the pennant!” “There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home.” “I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.” Repetition, of course. We human beings tend to repeat ourselves whenever we feel strongly about something, are excited about something, or want to convince […]
Junior High
The Nearness of God
Overall, week 4 (last night’s session) went pretty well. It was one of those nights when I felt a bit scattered myself but I don’t think I got in the way too much! Here’s what we did: We briefly reviewed last week’s session and they recalled that the focus was on the Holy Spirit. We had a “breathing contest” – to see who could hold their breath the longest! I then told them about how […]
Joys and Frustrations
Update on My OWN Classes
I realize that, in the midst of providing my 40 Lenten activities in 40 days, I’ve not updated you on my own Monday evening classes. Actually, last night was the first time I saw my 8th graders in 3 weeks! Last week, I was doing a parish mission at another parish and needed a sub. The week before that was a day off (Pulaski Day in Illinois). So last night was an opportunity to get […]
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.