In September I posted a brief overview of Bloom’s Taxonomy, something I have used to develop lesson objectives since I first became a teacher. Since that post, I have spent a lot of time reading about Robert Marzano’s “New Taxonomy.” On a plane trip to New York, I found myself captivated by Marzano and John…
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Catholic Thanksgiving Day Lesson Plans on the Eucharist as Thanksgiving
Eucharist means first of all “thanksgiving” (CCC, 1360). I can think of no better lesson to teach to our students this Thanksgiving week than this. There are many images that express the intense mystery that is the Eucharist, but the Eucharist as thanksgiving is the most appropriate for November. A simple connection that you can…
“Tic-Tac-Know” the Review Game
Materials needed: 1) three categories of nine questions each (for example, 9 questions about each person of the Trinity). 2) large whiteboard or chalkboard Number of Teams: 2 or divide them by rows Directions: Draw three tic-tac-toe grids on the board and label them according to your three categories. Number each box 1 to 9….
“Guesstures” the Review Game
Materials needed: 1) cards with two vocabulary words Number of Teams: 2 Directions: 1. One member from a team will be given a card with two vocabulary words. Each word will be given different point values based on difficulty. 2. The team representative will have a specific time limit to act-out the word. 3. Other…
Pictionary Vocabulary the Review Game
Materials needed: 1) a list or cards of vocabulary terms and 2) whiteboard, chalkboard, or smart board and markers/chalk Number of Teams: 2 Directions: Each team will take turns sending one “artist” to draw a picture of a vocabulary word given by the teacher. The artist will be given a time limit to draw the…
“Bluff” the Review Game
Materials needed: 1) a list of questions from the study guide (or from the test) 2) note cards, popsickle sticks, etc. with students’ names Number of teams: 2 Directions: Ask the question to the entire team (make sure there is no talking). Students have the option to stand or sit. The teacher will count the…
ZAP! the Review Game
Materials needed: individual papers slips, note cards, sticks, etc. containing questions or vocabulary words one slip, card, stick, etc. as a wild card with a word such as ZAP! or other word related to the unit’s theme bags, baskets, or buckets to hold questions Number of teams: groups of 3 or 4 Directions: Each student…
Review Games – All Play and No Work?
Is it a waste of time to play review games to prepare for tests? “I pray thee, spare thyself at times: for it becomes a wise man sometimes to relax the big pressure of his attention to work” (Augustine, Music, ii, 15). St. Thomas Aquinas uses this quote from St. Augustine to respond to the…
The Patron Saint of Catechists: Saint Charles Borromeo and Saint Robert Bellarmine
Patron Saint of Catechists: Saint Charles Borromeo (1538-1584) Feast Day: November 4 Patron Saint of Catechists: St. Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621) Feast Day: September 17 St. Charles Borromeo and St. Robert Bellarmine are the patron saints of catechists. These two men were instrumental in the many reforms of the Catholic Church during the 16th century Reformation….
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This blog is about you.As teachers, catechists, and parents you have countless ideas and activities to share. So share them! Here’s how: 1. Stay connected to The Religion Teacher by subscribing via RSS or email. 2. Spread the word, tell your colleagues, and use the “Share” button to share the content on facebook, twitter, LinkedIn,…
