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…
The Religion Teacher Blog
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 Christmas Game Overview A student will have a note taped to their forehead with a word on it and they…
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…
Now You Can Teach Like Pope Francis!
Have you paid close attention to Pope Francis’s homilies and speeches? He follows a consistent format that all teachers, catechists, and communicators can use. For Pope Francis, three is a magic number. Beginning with his first homily to the Cardinals the day after his election, he tends to focus on just three words, questions, or…
Praying the Rosary for Your Students
On Day 13 of the book, 31 Days to Becoming a Better Religious Educator, I suggest that one way to become a better disciple/servant to God and our students is to pray for the kids we teach. In the book, I suggest more than just a general class prayer, but specific prayers and intentions for…
First Communion Activities
Help your students prepare to experience the Sacrament of the Eucharist for the first time with some of these many activity ideas. To get a full collection of lesson plans, worksheets, videos, activities, guided meditations, prayers, and more, check out The Religion Teacher’s First Communion Activity Pack. Collections of First Communion Activities The Religion Teacher’s…
Moses Lesson Plans
One of the most important figures in the Old Testament is, of course, Moses. Moses was called by God to lead the people of Israel out of captivity in Egypt and into the freedom of the Promised Land of Israel. Most of his life story appears in the Book of Exodus, but also in Leviticus,…
The Most Important Piece of Advice that New Religion Teachers and Catechists Don’t Want to Hear
I am blessed to live and work near the University of Notre Dame. Summers are always a great time here. I’m a graduate of the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) program and my wife still works for one of the ACE programs so I get to hang around people who are passionate about Catholic education…
