I’m excited about the prospect of teaching 6th grade religious education next year! I’ve spoken to my DRE, Arlene, and she said that she would be happy to have me take a 6th grade slot come September. This will be the first time that I teach this age level as I continue to experience the catechists’ journey! I’m especially excited about the notion of teaching Scripture (Old Testament) which is the umbrella theme for 6th grade.
Any tips out there from 6th grade catechists?
And finally, here are the 4 Bible Basics Learning Stations for this coming Monday evening’s session. That brings us to a total of 12 learning stations: 4 Old Testament; 4 New Testament; and 4 Bible Basics (below)! Bible Basics Learning Station – How to Find Things in the Bible Bible Basics Learning Station – Bible Timeline Bible Basics Learning Station – How Catholics Understand the Bible Bible Basics Learning Station – The Bible at Mass […]
Last night, we finally offered our much-anticipated Bible Learning Stations that I have been talking about for the last week or so and I am happy to report that it was a success! Other than the fact that they did not have enough time to finish all of them (so what else is new in the world of RE?), the experience was very positive and the kids were thoroughly engaged (as the pics below reveal). […]
Last evening was my first opportunity to be with my 6th graders in the wake of the tragic massacre in Newtown, CT. I came prepared to spend some quality time touching on the subject with them and praying about it. Here is what happened: As I was setting up for class, one young lady arrived early as usual to help me distribute materials. She said, without provocation, “Well, I’m very upset.” I asked her about […]
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Expect a lot from them. They don’t need coddling.
Exciting Exodus Genesis! there was a movie on internet it was free viewing and we read the Exodus chapter in old testament discussed it and then watched
Exodus with our children at home! they loved it and had some popcorn. they said it was better than Lord of the Rings. We also did the plagues in water color and paint, the art work was amazing! you can even display the art in the church for all to view!
I have taught 6th grade for several years now and have come to the conclusion that to make the Old Testament meaningful and not just about stories, I must parallel the Old and New Testaments. The children have grown up with Jesus and to introduce the Old without Jesus does each a disservice. The connections on the prophesies have to be drawn so the students understand that after the Garden all is leading to the Incarnation. I compare Adam to the New Adam,Jesus; Moses to the new Moses, Jesus. Every aspect of the Old Testament has its roots in the Jesus of Jesus time period. The rituals came from the Old. The changes he made at the Passover before his death lead to the Eucharist.
I have just studied a wonderful work by Brant Pitrie, JESUS AND THE JEWISH ROOTS OF THE EUCHARIST. Worth a look. I read the entire book but extrapolated the portions I will use and then reworked them into lesson plans that are usable and understandable the keep Jesus on board.
One of the things I have found that the kids really enjoy (I teach 7th grade) is to be able to act out the scripture story. I read it the first time. Then someone in the class reads it and they are told to pay careful attention to the story. Then I randomly choose kids to play the various parts, including one to be the story narrator. Then we kind of discuss how the story fits into our modern times especially in light of being a 6th or 7th grader. The kids always love doing this.
Great year to teach. They are open and interested and challenging. For most of them they have not experienced the Bible as a book. While they know alot of the stories, they have no clue where they can find them. I used your book, The Bible Blueprint, to introduce them. Your dividers were most helpful and we placed those in the Bible where they remained all year. One important thing I found out this year is that their social studies classes at school covered the
same times in history. This gave them a good prospective on the Judeo-Christian timeline and input on what We believe as Church. They are given their Bibles at the end of the year in a special presentation……What a great time they will have with you!
I just completed my first full year as a sixth grade catechist after being used to seventh grade. I was surprised how often the kids would tell me, “Oh, that was in our history book,” but it helped in making connections as you say, Mary.
“Any tips out there from 6th grade catechists?”
Well, by coincidence my book on teaching the Bible to 6th graders just became available through CreateSpace today, and in another week or so will be on Amazon. It’s 220 pages of tips! https://www.createspace.com/3835986
I was just going to say: Check out Christian’s book. But he said it.
Joe would love to hear more about your “flyswatter” game??
Peggy Ketron
Peggy, that idea is in a comment above from Lisa…we’ll have to ask her to tell us more about it!
Lisa, can you tell us more about the “flyswatter” game?
When I taught 6th grade, I made the mistake of trying to breeze through the entire Old Testament. The more I focused on real stories the students could connect with, the more they learned and the more they cared.
Great advice, Jared. Thanks.
Hi Joe,
I am familiar with your work and believe you are an awesome catholic. I also believe you will be great with 6th graders. I have taught that grade for 2 years now and they are simply wonderful, exciting, curious, hands-on, asks tons of questions and love to find things out for themselves students. Techy savvy, I find they enjoy researching topics and sharing with the class. They love to interact and play different games. Little treats are always welcome especially with those who have to attend a class in the evening after a hard day at public schools. Making your class presentations interactive and challenging would be my recommendation.
The very best to you,
Noila
What is the fly swatter game
2021..my 4th year in teaching Catechism class. Excited to handle grade 6 via online mode. God bless our service
May you and those you teach encounter God in cyberspace because we know God can be found in all things!
what is the fly swatter game?