Resources and teaching strategies for teaching religion on elementary level
Marian Feasts
http://www.loyolapress.com/marian-resources.htm
http://campus.udayton.edu/mary/resources/litseasonsmain.html
http://rclweb.com/resources/marian-feasts/
The Assumption
Have students look up the definitions for ascend and assume. The word ascend means, “to move up.” This word describes Jesus going up to heaven- the Ascension. The word assume means” taking up.” This word explains that Mary was “taken up” to heaven. Mary was taken up by the power of God and not through her own power. Have students demonstrate these two movements-one person standing up on their own and another person being helped by another to stand up.
http://catholicmom.com/2011/08/14/the-assumption-of-mary-coloring-page-and-activity/
The Immaculate Conception Have the students look up the definitions for immaculate and conception. Immaculate means “without stain”. Mary was without original sin. Conception means “the beginning or origin of something.” Mary was without original sin at the beginning of her life in her mother’s womb. Explain when we pray and say the words, “Hail Mary full of grace” we are saying, “Hello, Mary you are full of God’s life”. (God’s grace). Mary was in a state of sanctifying grace from the first moment of her existence and throughout her life.
http://www.catholicicing.com/micaculous-medal-craft-for-catholic-kids/
http://www.loyolapress.com/immaculate-conception-blessed-virgin-mary-readings.htm
http://www.fcpeace.com/friends/Activities/Virgin/41-Game-Feast%20of%20Mary.pdf
Our Lady of Guadalupe
http://www.faithfirst.com/html/kidClub/activities/g03ch10LE.html
Type of prayer offered for the needs of others Have students look up the definitions for petition and intercession. Petition is a prayer in which we ask something of God. (usually for ourselves) Intercession is a type of petition that we pray on someone else’s behalf. Use the word petition when we pray for ourselves (asking forgiveness or make a request) When the class prays together, ask if they have any intercessions-prayers for another. To make this concrete: Review the definition of intercession and introduce the word intercessor. Ask students what they believe intercessor means. One definition could be “go –between”. Ask students, “How are we intercessors in prayer?” Have each student write their name on an index card, fold it and place it in a basket. Review the word: intercessor again. Ask each student to pick an index card out of the basket and read the name. They are now an intercessor for that person whom they will pray for during the school year. http://www.rtjscreativecatechist.com/articles/teachings/prayers/2010/07-13/learning-to-pray
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyJlUOLb_ig
Prayer at Sunday Mass that affirms Catholic beliefs Students say a creed almost daily and at least weekly. They are introduced to a creed initially with the Sign of the Cross. When we say, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we are stating, “I believe in the Blessed Trinity, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit”.
The Apostles Creed is introduced as a summary of our beliefs in which it is studied and memorized usually by third grade. The Nicene Creed, however is introduced when children worship with their families on Sundays and on special feast days.
Every year the Apostles Creed/the Nicene Creed are introduced, taught or reinforced. Challenge students to visually remember the Apostles Creed. Have students cut apart sentences from the creed, Have them put together those beliefs that go with the Father, those with Jesus the Son and those with the Holy Spirit.
This activity may spark an interest in the beliefs they proclaim and a desire to learn more. Have both creeds side by side and ask the students their similarities and differences. http://www.myteacherpages.com/webpages/buller/symbaloo.cfm?subpage=1660680 Find the video on the Creed http://catholicmom.com/2010/06/05/apostles%E2%80%99-creed-lesson-plan-by-kristi-mccabe/ http://catholicblogger1.blogspot.com/2011/10/nicene-creed-activities.html
Identify covenant Begin with students looking up or defining on their own the word: covenant. The definitions may include agreement or a promise. Have students share times they made a promise or agreement and what it involved. An agreement/promise involves two or more people, each having a share in the agreement. Students will be familiar with the story of Noah and the Ark and God’s covenant with Noah (the sign of a rainbow) and the covenant with Moses with the Ten Commandments. Show a segment of a DVD or read from the bible what the covenant was about God will care for his people and they would obey him.
http://bibleforchildren.org/languages/english/stories.php
http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/kids/biblestories/12_therainbow.asp
Reading the bible When teaching about an event from the Bible, refer to the primary source-your classroom bible and demonstrate how to find the passage in the Old Testament or New Testament. If students have their own bibles, practice finding short passages by naming the book, chapter and verse. http://bibleforchildren.org/languages/english/stories.php http://www.loyolapress.com/leading-young-children-in-prayer-with-the-bible.htm
Liturgical symbol of Confirmation Introduce the students to the signs and symbols of the Sacraments of Initiation. Discuss the distinctive signs and symbols of each sacrament. Since the students are more familiar with Baptism and Holy Eucharist, focus more on their understanding of the meaning of Confirmation and the use of sacred chrism.
http://rclbsacraments.com/confirmation/walkthrough-confirmation-rite
http://www.slideshare.net/christabel02/12-confirmation-12096158
Theological virtue of hope
The Theological virtues: Have students look us definitions and draw symbols for each Theological virtue. This can be illustrated as a chart or as a triptych. Theological virtue symbol definition
Faith cross/bible belief in God
Hope anchor trust/rely on God
Love heart/hands prayer and service
http://www.loyolapress.com/theological-virtues-activity.htm http://www.loyolapress.com/the-language-of-hope-haiku-craft.htm
Incarnation
The Incarnation can be defined as the union of the divine nature of the Son of God with human nature in the person of Jesus Christ. The Son of God assumed our flesh, body, and soul, and dwelled among us like one of us in order to redeem us... We celebrate the incarnation (God became man) on the feast of the Annunciation on March 25.
Read the story of the Annunciation to the class. Discuss what the angel Gabriel asked of Mary and her response. Discuss how this mystery of the incarnation affected all of us.
Introduce the Angelus and have students imagine the story as they learn the Angelus.
Missionary Spirit
There were several words that pertain to this domain that can be taught together, namely Pentecost, evangelization, evangelize, vocation and the two Great Commandments.
Pentecost-when the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles and empowered them to spread the Good News (evangelize) to others.
Evangelization is defined as “to preach the gospel”. We are called by God as Jesus called his Apostles, “Come follow Me.’ we are called daily to speak and demonstrate by our actions what it means to be a follower of Christ. Jesus calls us to observe the Two Great Commandments: “You shall love...God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength....You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:30-31)
http://www.catechist.com/articles_view.php?article_id=3096
Have the class list ways they can share what Jesus ask us to do. e.g. pray with respect, speak kindly to and about others.
Evangelize is defined as “to preach the gospel to”. We are called to share our Catholic belief with others. We are his followers no matter what vocation God calls. Vocation is defined as a strong desire to spend your life doing a certain kind of work (such as religious work) the work that a person does or should be doing. In this sense what God is calling you to be as his follower: single, married, a religious or a priest.
http://ministry-to-children.com/backpack-evangelism/
http://threepersonsonegod.org/vocations.php