According to the National Directory for Catechesis, there are two approaches to teaching ritual: the inductive method and the deductive method (NDC, 29). I wrote about these two approaches in a general way in a recent article published in the National Catholic Educational Association’s journal, Momemtum (February/March 2011, pp. 22-23). In the lesson plan below,…
The Religion Teacher Blog
7 Practical Ideas for Prayer Before Class
Prayer before class starts is usually a crucial part of every religion teacher’s lesson plan. I included it by default on the lesson planning templates I created to support The Religion Teacher’s Guide to Lesson Planning. Use the tips below to help you remember to pray before every class session and to offer creative opportunities…
A Class Divided: An Attention Grabbing Lesson on Prejudice and Racism
Teaching about prejudice and racism calls for more than just direct instruction and lecture. Using inductive teaching strategies is crucial to grabbing students’ attention. Some of the most memorable lessons that I have taught incorporated some authentic role-playing on my part. The best example of authentic role-playing by a teachers is featured in the PBS…
Using Inductive Teaching Strategies to Get Students’ Attention
Getting students’ attention and keeping it can be a real challenge for any teacher or catechist. Children are easily distracted and have a hard time sitting in desks and remaining focused. Throughout the school day, most teachers use the same teaching strategies (mostly lecture) again and again. Catechists are faced with the challenge of trying…
SWBAT Verb Examples
SWBAT stands for “Students Will Be Able To…” and it should begin all of the lesson objectives that you write as a teacher. Using SWBAT properly places the focus of a lesson plan on what the students learn and do rather that what the teacher teaches and does. As I have previously written, too many…
Why do I have to confess my sins to a priest in the Catholic Church?
With the recent buzz around the new Confession iPhone App by LittleiApps, I thought it might be a timely discussion about the often asked question, “Why do I need to confess my sins to a priest?” The reasons might surprise you.
Are you making these lesson planning mistakes?
Are you making the following mistakes? I have and sometimes I still do. They are bad habits that all of us need to avoid at all costs.
National Catholic Schools Week News and Events
Catholic Schools Week LogoCatholic Schools Week is one of the most important times of year for Catholic schools in the United States. It is an opportunity for these schools to share the amazing things that they do for children and to celebrate their accomplishments.
Student Prayer Partners
Looking for ways to foster meaningful prayer experiences in your religious education classes? Try assembling students as prayer partners for a quarter, semester, year, or month. The more ownership you can give students over their faith and prayer lives, the more they will learn about themselves, God, and others.
How Will Digital Publishing Impact Catholic Religious Education?
I’ve been thinking a lot about the progression of catechetical publishing and the future we might have in store as religious educators.
