What is the most important factor in a good Catholic faith formation program for teens? The National Initiative on Adolescent Catechesis recently published an interesting report on adolescents and emerging adults in the Catholic Church. The study is based on the influential study by Dr. Christian Smith known as the National Study of Youth and Religion (NSYR).
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Catholic Schools Week 2011 Ideas and Activities
Here is another great collection of Catholic schools week ideas and activities by Jennifer Dees and Meghann Robinson, both employees of the Alliance for Catholic Education program at the University of Notre Dame. This year’s Catholic Schools Week theme is A+ for America and I think they have come up with a great list of…
My Catechetical Goals for 2011
The new year is always a great time to establish your catechetical goals for the rest of the year. Even though we are half way through the year in educational terms, we are in a much better position to know our weaknesses and our strengths and recognize where we need to improve. So, how can…
Christmas Came Early!
It would be an understatement to say that this Advent has been very special for our family. This week we were blessed with a new baby girl and I am now a proud father of two little angels.
7 Ways to Review for a Test
There are so many ways to review for a test or exam. With so many tests throughout the year, make sure students are given the opportunity to review in a variety of ways. Consider using these strategies to prepare students to show what they have mastered in their studies.
The Human Board Game to Review for Exams
This is one of the most fun review games I have used with my students. It is a human board game, because the students become the pieces and create the game board themselves. It is a great way to get students out of their desks and moving around.
Advent Prayer Service Ideas and Tips
‘Tis the season for Advent prayer services. Most Catholic schools and parish education programs take the opportunity to gather students together in prayer in special ways during Advent.
Podcast for Catechists: The Catechetical Leader
I had the pleasure of joining Dorian Speed, Marc Cardaronella, and Jonathan Sullivan on The Catechetical Leader Podcast, a podcast for catechists, DREs, religion teachers, and other parish leaders.
Advent Activities, Worksheets, Games, and Prayers for Kids
Now Available: The Religion Teacher’s Advent Activity Pack and Jesse Tree Kit. The Internet is loaded with advent activities of all sorts and kids. Check out the following links to help guide your way. Here are some general advent activity hubs on the web. These pages have other great resources to check out: USCCB Advent…
Video Tutorial: Selecting Teaching Strategies and Activities – Step 4
This is the final video in support of The Religion Teacher’s Guide to Lesson Planning, the free ebook available here at The Religion Teacher. In these two video tutorials I provide a framework for choosing teaching strategies and activities. The core of this framework is the acronym, PROCESS. I like to think of learning as…
