For my next lesson, I plan to show my class some kid-friendly, Catholic Web sites where they can learn about the Catholic faith. I’m looking for Web sites that are appropriate for intermediate grade kids (grades 4-6), are interactive, and invite kids to learn about and practice the Catholic faith. I have a few in mind already, but I’d like to know what sites you know of and would recommend. I look forward to your input.
Technology in Catechesis
Finding God in the Digital World: Introducing Wanderlight!
St. Ignatius taught that a life of faith leads us to find God in all things, whether it be nature, experiences, relationships, or even technology. It is no surprise, then, that Ignatius did not hesitate to use cutting-edge technology—the printing press—to proclaim the Gospel to the world in the 16th century. In that same spirit, Loyola Press is proud and excited to introduce Wanderlight: A Pilgrim’s Adventure™ —an immersive digital game to help young people learn […]
Technology in Catechesis
Using SKYPE in Catechesis
My friend Victor Valdez, a DRE in Mountain View, CA, sent me this link about an 8th grade language arts teacher in Iowa who invited his students to select a name from the CNN Heroes finalists so that he could arrange for them to speak with him or her using SKYPE. Eighth Graders Learn Big Lessons from CNN Heroes Assignment Victor astutely suggests that this would be a great idea for a religious education class in […]
Junior High
The Question of Doubt
In a recent class, one of the young people asked if it was OK to doubt aspects of religion. I was happy for this question, because I think others probably wonder the same thing but are afraid to ask. I told the young lady it was absolutely OK—and normal even—to doubt, but that she also had to consider why she was having doubts about a particular issue. For instance, was the doubt due to struggling […]
Joe
Just curious…How to you intend to use these websites? I know that in many of the homes of my 4th grade students age using the internet is simply forbidden by their parents.
Are these suggestions you intend to give to parents or students directly or will you be using them in the classroom ?
Does your parish’s program have a policy about these issues? If yes what is it?
Peace,
Maura
Maura, good point. Our parish does not have a policy about these issues that I am aware of. I intend to make a handout that kids can take home to their parents, indicating that these are trustworthy Catholic Internet sites and to encourage them to visit them with their children. Of course I plan to run this by my DRE first to make sure that I’m not opening up a can of worms.
You’ve probably already found this one, but I love the Holy Childhood Association’s website: http://www.hcakids.org
It is very interactive. I really like their “games” The Bread of Life — where kids learn about the Eucharist and about breads from around the world — and What Happens To My Dollar — where they learn how their contributions help other kids.
OOoohhh . . . and I almost forgot about this one: http://www.jclubcatholic.org
It is developed by the Daughters of Saint Paul and is full of clean jokes, saints, and easy, medium, and hard games for kids that include saint matches and Bible quizes.
faithfirst.com . We use their books. Love the extras on the site for me and the students!
As a DRE, these are some of my favorites I wish the kids/families would use.
EWTN exploring the church:
http://www.ewtn.com/ewtnkids/home.asp
Praying the Liturgy of the Hours for Kids:
http://www.catholicireland.net/talk2god/
Our Churches have those candles that people light to pray for people. This is an on-line version:
http://monasterycandleshop.com/vcandle/
I’d like to hear of some for children even younger in age! The only one that I am aware of is EWTN at http://www.ewtn.com/ewtnkids/home.asp and I haven’t spent a whole lot of time to there to say how good the info is.
stump the shepherd is a great game (Christ Our Life) for any text!
My grandkids go to EWTNKids all the time. My grandson is 4 and he enjoys it. It has a good age range, at least up to Confirmation age where the quizzes are concerned.
I give my class (5th – 7th grade) a card with the websites on them (Jclub is another one as state above). They take them home and the parents can see that they are recommended. My prayer is that the parents go on the site with them and maybe learn a thing or two themselves. 🙂
I do not teach CCD as such but a Rel. Enrichment class once a week to all grades in a Cath.School. I find even the older kids enjoy the games and puzzles on ewtnkids.
I used to use these for the last 5 or 10 min. of a class but unfortunately, our projector
broke and the school can’t afford to get a new one. They are great for a day the kids
are restless or as a reward. I would often begin class with the 3 minute retreat for Gr.5 and up. (Loyola Press). Thanks for this question as I will get some new ideas from other
catechists.
Hey Joe, this website http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/kids/ is good too.
Thanks to all of you for your suggestions!