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Activity Centers in the Elementary RE Classroom
Sharing our faith can also be fun!
Lynn Southall & Bonnie Shelton
Transfiguration
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Table5-6 chairs
Table5-6
chairsTable
5-6 chairs
Prayer TableStation 1, Text
Station 2, Activity
Station 3, Lesson Adjunct
Students begin in chairs with arrival activity (coloring sheet or activity sheet and Word of the Week) and remain in these spaces for opening prayer, Bible reading, and lesson overview. Students then rotate among the stations. Station 1: Vocabulary and lesson review using text. Station 2: Week’s hands-on activity. Station 3: Saint/Holy Day/Peace and Justice Issue/Liturgy, etc. Different each week.
Prayer & visuals
for Bible reading,
and lesson
overview on
Power Point
Arrival, arrival activity, until 4:05 p.m.; Opening prayer, Bible reading, and lesson overview, until 4:30 p.m. Ten minutes at each station, until 5:00 p.m. Closing prayer and room clean up until 5:10 p.m. Car pool at 5:15 p.m.
Attention Spans
Be ready; establish classroom rules (Golden Rule); refer behavior problems to DRE after 1-2 attempts to change
Be ready – before they arrive!
Lesson Plan
Welcoming Activity
Publisher reproducible masters and printable activity sheets are generally good welcoming activities.
“Tons” of online resources.
Opening Prayer
Opening Prayer (Using Power Point or PosterSign of the CrossOur FatherHail MaryAct of ContritionGlory BeClass IntentionsSign of the Cross
Two formats: Students and catechist read along in student
text together. Use PowerPoint presentation, chalkboard, or
posters/pictures as focal point for students while catechist presents lesson material.
One catechist takes students for a drink of water or bathroom break and the other resets the classroom for activities.
Present the Lesson
Using Teacher Text
At Baptism we become children of God and members of the Church
Sample PowerPoint slide. Can be adapted as a poster.
At Baptism we receive grace,a share in God’s life
Key Words
Grace: God’s life in us.
Original Sin: The first man and woman disobeyed God; the first sin.
Baptism: The Sacrament in which we are freed from sin and given grace.
Table 1 - Review Divine
A word to
describe God
Use student text Chapter Test or publisher online chapter review.
Make key word cards. Word on one side of card,definition on the other.
Table 2 – Hands-On Activity
Sample Activities
Table 3 – Lesson Activity or Saint of the Month or Seasonal/Holiday/Feast Activity
Closing Prayer
Closing Prayer and Dismissal (Use PowerPoint or Prayer Poster):Sign of the CrossOur FatherHail MaryAct of ContritionSign of the Cross
OR
Guided meditationSilent prayer with background musicetc.Teach about a form of prayer: petition, thanksgiving, contrition, love/charity – giving examples
http://www.sadlier.com/religion/school/catholic-religious-education
http://www.faithfirst.com/ http://www.blestarewe.com/ http://www.pflaumweeklies.com/
new_page/index.php http://www.ignatius.com/promotions/
FaithAndLIfe/
Publisher Web Sites
Catholic Craft Books Amazon.com Religious Education Office
On-line resources Pinterest http://catholicblogger1.blogspot.com/ http://www.catholicicing.com/ http://www.dltk-bible.com/
Helpful Sources