This is part 2 of a lesson I recently shared: The Liturgy of the Word Lesson Plan. In this short lesson, I wanted to introduce my second grade students to the importance of the words we pray during the Liturgy of the Eucharist and to help them understand the meaning of transubstantiation (without actually introducing…
The Religion Teacher Blog
The Liturgy of the Word Lesson Plan
I realized as I was teaching one of the final lessons of the year this week that I don’t share what I actually do in class often enough. I make a lot of suggestions based on what works for me, but it has been awhile since I shared a full lesson plan that I have…
Become a Member of The Religion Teacher
The Religion Teacher membership website is finally available! It has been more than a year-long process to get these resources up and available for you to use in class and for you to use for personal growth. I’m excited, today, to open things up for everyone to see. Check out The Religion Teacher Membership website!…
If You Can’t Change What They Think, Change What They Feel
When I was a high school theology teacher, there were two incredibly intelligent students that, I have to admit, were a challenge to teach. Ben and Jerry (not their real names) were smarter than me and they liked to show it. Any chance they got, they would question what I was teaching with counter-arguments and…
Catholic Confirmation Activities that Excite and Engage
This list of Catholic Confirmation activities will help you get your students excited and engaged in the sacramental preparation process. The Sacrament of Confirmation is a critical sacrament in the life of young Catholics and should be a positive and transformative experience that they carry with them for the rest of their lives. Consider using…
Sacrament of Baptism Activities
This is a collection of activities to use with young people to help them learn about the Sacrament of Baptism. These Baptism activities are designed for kids who have already been baptized and are meant to help children gain a deeper understanding of their vocation and identity as baptized Christians. General Sacrament of Baptism Activities…
Our Father Activity: Pray It and Have Fun Too
I spent a couple of days in prayer at a monastery not long ago and when I got back and told my students about the experience and the life of a monk, they’re response was a little disheartening. “How boring!” one student exclaimed. “ALL day long? They just pray all day long?” asked another student…
“Holiday Hints” Christmas Game
This is a guest post by Mary Kate Warner of Christianity Cove. Have a blessed Advent and merry Christmas! This Christmas game will help students learn the key elements of the Christmas/Nativity Story. Game Materials Post-It Notes (one note per student) Scotch Tape Thick Black Marker Christmas Game Overview A student will have a note…
Forming Children as Intentional Disciples
Among the many great books that were published during the Year of Faith in 2012-2013 was Sherry Weddell’s Forming Intentional Disciples. The book is meant to clarify an important distinction between being “Catholic” and being a “disciple.” It begins with the statistics about participation in the Catholic Church today that confirm what many of us…
Liturgical Year Lesson Plan and Flashcard Activity
How do you introduce young people to the liturgical year? Most catechists and religion teachers spend in-depth class meetings focusing on each individual seasons, especially during Advent and Lent. Sometimes, though, it is important to zoom out and help young people see the whole picture. The liturgical years isn’t about colors and rituals. The seasons…
