After what seemed like an endless string of interruptions (days off, practices for Seder Meal, Lenten and Holy Week prayer services, etc.) in our regular teaching schedule, I finally get to teach a lesson this coming Monday! With only 3 classes left for teaching, I am going to do one more session on the Bible this Monday before sending their Bibles home with them. Here’s my plan:
Intermediate Grades
YOU Get a Bowl! YOU Get a Bowl! YOU Get a Bowl!
I just had to share one of those moments as a catechist that just make you laugh! Last night, for the last half hour of class, we had a little film-fest as a treat for the kids on their last night. With the DRE’s permission, we brought some popcorn for them to enjoy. Joanne employed some of the kids to help her distribute the goodies and one young man was in charge of distributing the […]
Intermediate Grades
Survey Results In
Last evening, I surveyed my students (8 of 9 were present), asking them to indicate which activities we did this year were their most or least favorite. I compiled a list of 20 activities we did throughout the year and asked them to rate each one on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being “least favorite” and 10 being “most favorite. First, I am happy to report that NOT ONE activity of the […]
Scripture
Biblical Literacy for Catechists: The Prophets
This is the final article in a series about figures in Salvation history and their relevance for catechists. What is a prophet? The word prophet means “to speak for.” A prophet, then, is someone who speaks for God. When God wanted to speak to his people, he often chose someone to remind them of the covenant and its promises. Catechists can help students get to know these important spokespersons for God so they can become […]
“Using the footnotes, invite volunteers to explain what gopherwood is and what a cubit is.” I like that.
Christian, you’re a sucker for that biblical minutiae!
I’m also fired-up about the idea of having the kids get comfortable with looking at the footnotes. I suspect that most readers skip them, but they often provide such valuable commentary, cross references, etc. Good to start them early.
One girl figured out the footnote “technique” very quickly and excitedly described it to the rest of the class, showing them where to find out the definitions of cubit and gopherwood!
Hi Joe,
Wait…what? Practicing for a Seder Meal? I thought you weren’t doing that out of respect for our Jewish brothers and sisters. Did I miss a post?
God bless,
Connie
Hi Connie…it’s out of my control. The parish program does the Seder meal each year with the 6th graders and I just happen to teach 6th grade this year so my students were required to go to practice and then to perform the Seder Meal. Out of respect for my DRE, I kept mum on the subject although I have spoken out about it previously on my blog in general terms. I make a habit of not criticizing on my blog what my DRE does…that would be unfair to her and I admire greatly the work she does. I continue to hold to the notion that such a re-enactment is not the best way to learn about the Seder and that it is not respectful to our Jewish brothers and sisters. I was very uncomfortable watching the kids perform this with occasional giggles and smirks while going through the motions of a ritual that is sacred to the Jewish people. I would much rather have a guest speaker from the Jewish community come in and take us through the ritual.
Hi Joe,
Oh, I’m so sorry to shine more light on what was undoubtedly a difficult position for you to be in. But you are a great example of how to be respectful of Church authority even when one disagrees. Your handling of this situation is a true catechetical lesson–on how to humbly, respectfully disagree with others without publicly condemning or criticizing. Thank you and God bless you!
No problem…thanks for “keeping me honest!” Thanks also for your kind words.