Kids love playing games. As a catechist, I love seeing kids learn about their faith. When you find an activity that kids love while they learn, you’ve hit a sweet spot. The sacraments matching game did that for our class this year and I’m looking forward to being able to use the game again throughout…
The Religion Teacher Blog
What is the Church? Lesson Plan
One of my favorite lessons to teach students of all ages is the distinction between a church as a building and the Church as a people. We use the word “church” in so many different ways, but it is so important that our young people know that the real meaning of the Church refers to…
Fun Catholic Ice Breaker Games
It is the beginning a new year and for many of us that means . . . fun Catholic ice breakers! I know, I know, ice breakers aren’t always the most exciting things to do, but they are effective. You want to build a community as quickly as possible so you might as well have…
Practicing Penance: A First Reconciliation Activity
One of my biggest goals this year for my second grade students was to encourage them to feel comfortable going to confession and communion for the first time. Even seasoned veterans have a hard time remembering what to do during the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I wanted to come up with a a fun First Reconciliation…
Teaching with the Joy of the Gospel
Some teachers and catechists walk around with so much joy. You know the people I’m talking about, right? They’re always smiling. They’re good listeners and they always put a positive spin on things. They never complain. They get excited when they talk about their lesson plans or activities. They’re humble. They want to know about…
The Liturgy of the Eucharist Lesson Plan
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 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…
