Wednesday, December 31, 2008

To give homework, or not to give homework. That is the question . . .





Homework is a touchy subject concerning catechists. Many regard it as taboo and therefore do not assign any during the year.

Parents on the other hand are divided about this controversy. In a recent survey when parents were asked what their level of expectation regarding homework/family activities from church 38.5% think students should be given homework to support the work in class. 30.8% said they would prefer to have homework once in a while. 30.8% prefer not to have any homework at all.


Additional comments from parents on this subject were:

• Some parents expressed their preference for fun and no homework.
• Some said their children already have too much going on and don’t want to be adding homework from church, specially under 4th grade.
• One parent wrote “it didn't seem to matter whether the kids do the homework or not.”
• Yet another wrote “Reading is sufficient- but I think that it should be expected, not "optional", so that those who read it can build on it rather than reading it again in class.”



So what’s a catechist to do? First, does your DRE allow teachers to give homework? Then ask yourself what you are trying to accomplish with the homework. Make sure the homework is necessary and reviews what has already been gone over in class. All students in your class should be able to complete the homework assigned and in a relatively short period of time.

Assigning homework serves various educational needs. It serves as an intellectual discipline, establishes study habits, and supplements and reinforces work done in CCD. Teachers give homework because the repetition of facts and knowledge learned will have a much higher a percentage of being retained in the mind. In addition, it fosters student initiative, independence, and responsibility and brings home and CCD closer together.


So what do you do in your class?


*In my class my first grade students are given 5 prayers (Sign of the Cross, Grace Before Meals, Glory Be, Hail Mary, and Our Father) to do by the end of the school year. Each prayer the student recites out loud correctly, they will be able to pick a prize from the prize bag. We also have 4 take home tests during the year. The parents will need to help their child study, fill out the test (circle the correct answer), and return it to class.

I also make Take Home Sheets for the students to take home for their parents to go over with them and to bring back the following week. It helps reinforce what they have learned in class and lets the parents know what we are doing. They usually consist of about 10 questions that the parents read to their child. Two answers are provided and the child tells the parent which answer is best so they can circle it. I post all of my Take Home Sheets here (scroll down to Take Home Sheets).

When my students bring in their Take Home Sheets and Take Home Tests they get to play Homeworkopoly which is a fun game that encourages students to do their homework.





Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Bedtime at Our House/Prayers





Back in the dark ages when my son was small, we had a bedtime routine that we adhered to vigilantly. He knew what was expected each night and it helped calm him down which made bedtime easy and without any problems. At bedtime (specified at a specific time that was the same time every night) we always read a Bible story or short book in his bed. Afterwards we would practice a prayer he was working on by adding a new line each week. Before long he would know the prayer and could recite it by himself. This was a great way for our son to learn about God and to learn his prayers. It also was great family time that I will never forget.





Monday, December 22, 2008

FREE Religious File Folder Games & Lapbooks





It’s amazing what you can find online if you dig around a bit. Here is a comprehensive list that might be of some help.

FREE Religious File Folder Games & Lapbooks





Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Using Technology In Your Classroom





Today we can use several different kinds of equipment to assist the teaching in our classrooms. What is effective and needed for your classroom depends upon your students and what is available for the catechist to use.


What is effective and necessary in your classroom?

1. Whatever equipment you are using it must achieve your learning objectives for your lesson. Why use the equipment and material if it does not enhance your lesson?

2. Know how to use the equipment. Nothing is worse than getting some technical equipment in your classroom and you do not know how to use it.

3. Have the equipment in your classroom ready before class. Being prepared is essential.

4. Make sure the equipment is running properly before class. Set up the equipment and test to see if everything is working correctly. Test volume, brightness, off/on, pause, and any other feature.

5. Have the equipment and material ready. Make sure that all you have to do is turn the equipment on so you do not have to waste time finding the right place to start on your tape, DVD, CD, etc. This loss time can allow you to lose control of the classroom and disruptive behavior can start. Test run what you are planning to do and make sure all the students can see and hear it the way it is supposed to be.





Saturday, December 13, 2008

Bible Stories from A to Z







Bible Stories from A to Z








Here is a wonderful and educational ebook or book that your younger students will enjoy! The book is divided into 26 mini units, each featuring a letter of the alphabet. Each mini unit contains the following:

• A Bible story and questions for discussion
• A craft
• A prayer
• A snack idea
• A take home mini story booklet that the children color
• An alphabet page
• An activity page


Sample of book





Friday, December 12, 2008

Lesson Plan- Wise Men (1st grade on up)



Wise Men


Objectives: The students will be able to
- retell the story of The Wise Men
- explain who the Magi were and what they studied
- explain why the Magi came so far to see Jesus



Review:
Prayer, questions and vocabulary words from last week’s lesson



Vocabulary Words: (Write the words on the board and discuss with class)

Wise Men- men from the East who studied the stars. The three Magi (priests from the ancient Persian religion) who came from the East to honor Jesus when he was born (known as Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar).
Ruler- a person who controls others
Presents- gifts
Jerusalem- the capital of Israel and holy city of the Jews (show students this on a map or have one of the students find it on a map).
Jews- a member of the Hebrew people
Priests- person who is ordained and does the church service
Worship- to honor
Frankincense- incense that makes a sweet smelling smoke when burned
Myrrh- a type of perfume that comes from trees and was used in burying people
Egypt- large country in Africa (show students this on a map or have one of the students find it on a map).
Nazareth- a town in Israel where Jesus spent most of his life (show students this on a map or have one of the students find it on a map).



Plan:

Read story: “The Wise Men” and then ask questions



Activities:

loyolapress.com- Background on the Gospel and activities for groups and families

4catholiceducatiors.com- Resources on the Sunday Readings

sermons4kids.com- Wise Men Still Seek Him object lesson with coloring page, puzzles, quiz, worship bulletin

sermons4kids.com- Seeking the Savior object lesson with coloring page, group activities, puzzles, quizzes, worship bulletin

calvarycurriculum.com- The Wise Men lesson #170 with memory verses, circle the correct words, true or false, fill in the blanks, puzzles, and color sheets.

sundayschoollessons.com- Wise Men Come from the East to Worship Jesus lesson

childrensermons.com- Wise Men Worship Jesus object lesson

intoxicatedonlife.com- Three Kings Seeking Christ After Christmas (Free Printable Lessons)

littleblots.com- Three Wise Men lesson with activities

kidssundayschool.com- Visit of the Magi: The Birth of Christ (Lesson 4)

dltk-bible.com- The Wise Men lesson with take home sheet, coloring pages, crafts, Bible Story/Song Time, etc.

textweek.com- Lectionary, Scripture Study and Worship Links and Resources

jesuswalk.com- Wise Men and the Christmas Star of Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1-12) lesson



Crafts

sermons4kids.com- Seeking The Savior group activities (crafts)

daniellesplace.com- Wise Men Christmas Crafts

crayola.com- We Three Kings

dltk-holidays.com- Three Wisemen Paper Crafts

firstpalette.com- Paper Three Kings Chain

growingupblackxican.com- The Three Wise Men Bottle Craft

madebymolliesmom.blogspot.com- Three Wise Men Craft

parentingpatch.com- Three Wise Men Handprint Fingerprint Craft

papercraft.blogspot.com- Three Kings/Three Wise Men Paper Craft

youtube.com- Popsicle Stick Star Ornament
An easy and pretty Star of David craft made out of popsicle sticks, paint, glitter, etc.

preschooltoolkit.com- Make sparkling stars to decorate your home.

Potato Stars- Paint, glitter, and a potato can help make a beautiful night sky. Even though this comes from a preschool craft book, it is appropriate for older children to do. (Preschool Christian Crafts by Linda Standke, page 53).

The Wize Men Visit Jesus Bible Story Wheel- Bible Wheels to Make and Enjoy by Carmen Sorvillo (page 35 & 36)

Three Kings Banner- A cute and easy banner of the Three Wise Men. A sample craft from Kathy Ross' book: Crafts for Christmas, page 12 & 13.

Purim Treat Holder- Cute craft to represent the Wise Men. (Crafts to make in the Winter by Kathy Ross, page 58 & 59).

Three Kings Hats- Three kings made out of cone shaped party hats. (Crafts from your favorite Bible Stories by Kathy Ross, page 40 & 41).

The Wise Men Visit Jesus (Story Wheel)- Bible Wheels to Make and Enjoy by Carmen Sorvillo, page 35 & 36.



Games

sermons4kids.com- Seeking The Savior group activities (crafts)

livingwaterbiblegames.com- Christmas Board Game Travel with Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus as they journey to Bethlehem and Egypt and back to Nazareth. Answer questions based on the nativity story and their flight to Egypt. Map games are great for helping kids to get familiar with the geography of the Bible lands. FREE printable!

thegamecrafter.com- Christ is Born!

stellanovagame.com/- Journey of the Magi

orientaltrading.com- Nativity Journey Christmas Board Game


Introduce game: Who was searching for baby Jesus?

Wise Men Search

Need: Clothes pin to be baby Jesus.

Directions: One student is picked to be a Wise Man and steps out of the classroom. Another student is picked by the teacher to hide baby Jesus somewhere in the classroom. When baby Jesus is hidden, the Wise Man comes back into the room. He is to find baby Jesus by directions from the student that hid baby Jesus. These directions are: the star is not very bright if the Wise Man is far away, brighter if somewhat nearer, getting brighter if even closer, and VERY bright if very close. When the Wise Man finds the baby Jesus, the person that hid baby Jesus is now the Wise Man.

Finding Favor (Wise Men Find Jesus)- This game will help students identify how we pursue things that are important to us. (The Encyclopedia of Bible Games for Children’s Ministry, page 68 & 69).

Journey to Bethlehem- The Really Big Book of Bible Games, page 141.

The Catholic Toolbox- Gifts for Baby Jesus (file folder game)



Introduce game: What did the Wise Men follow to find Jesus? A very bright star.

creativeyouthideas.com- Follow the Star

Coin Toss- (The Really Big Book of Bible Games, page 139)- You can also draw a star on the board and have the students throw a suction cup toy at it. If it is inside the lines, they get a point for their team.

Finding Flavor (Wise Men Find Jesus)- This game will help students identify how we pursue things that are important to us. (The Encyclopedia of Bible Games for Children’s Ministry, page 68 & 69).



This game is free, however it is only to be used for classroom and personal use. It may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted.




Gifts For Baby Jesus (file folder game)-The object of this game is to be the first to collect gold, frankincense, and myrrh.



Snacks:

Introduce snack: How did the Wise Men find Jesus? They followed a very bright star.

pillsbury.com- Gingerbread Stars

keyingredient.com- Crispy Cheese Stars

Peanut Butter and Jelly Stars- Get a large star shaped cookie cutter and make star shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Spread peanut butter on star shaped crackers.



Puzzles, Mazes, Worksheets:

The Great Bible Big Fun Activity Book: From the Old and New Testaments by Toni Lind
- Wise Men color by number
- Follow the Dots to see what the Magi saw in the sky

More 365 Activities for Kids (do any of the Wise Men puzzles, mazes, dot-to-dot, spot the difference, etc. from August 3 - 8).

Wise Men Visit Jesus- Look at the pictures in the circles. Find the matching picture in the larger picture. Draw lines to connect the matching pictures. (Big Puzzles for Little Hands: Jesus’ Life and Lessons by Carla Williams, page 14).

christiananswers.net- Star (dot-to-dot)

sermons4kids.com- Maze

biblewise.com- Wise Men (maze)

biblewise.com- Wise Men Visit Jesus (maze)

freesundayschoolcurriculum.weebly.com- Maze (page 10)

biblewise.com- Wise Men (missing objects)

sermons4kids.com- Word Search

web.archive.org- Word Search (it says Luke, but it is Matthew 2:1-12)

sermons4kids.com- Word Jumble

biblewise.com- The Wise Men (decoder)

freesundayschoolcurriculum.weebly.com- The Three Wise Men (word challenge)

sermons4kids.com- Crossword

4catholiceducators.com- Crossword

web.archive.org- Crossword (it says Luke, but it is Matthew 2:1-12)

sdc.me.uk- Matthew 2:1-12

biblepathwayadventures.com- The Magi (matching)

ministry-to-children.com- Wise Men Worksheets

jesuswalk.com- Wise Men and the Christmas Star of Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1-12) lesson (4 question in lesson that can easily be made into a worksheet)



Thursday, December 11, 2008

Christian Educational Materials





There are lots of websites that offer FREE Christian educational materials. Here are two lists that you might find useful in locating what you need for your CCD class.


Favorite Pre K – K Websites- Comprehensive list of where to find things (Activities, Bible Verses, Coloring, Crafts, Finger Plays & Songs, Games, Handwriting, Lesson Plans, Memory Activities, Mini Books, Puzzles & Mazes, Worksheets, etc.)


Favorite Elementary Religious Websites- Comprehensive list of where to find things (Activities, Bible Verses, Coloring, Crafts, Games, Handwriting, Memory Activities, Mini Books, Puzzles & Mazes, Quizzes and Tests, Worksheets, etc.)





Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Interest Centers for Preschool or Kindergarten Classrooms





Greet students and parents when they arrive to your classroom. You might have an Open House time prior to when your class starts so the parents and children can meet you and see the room. Have your classroom set up. Have places for where the students store their belongings and coats with nametags on cubbies. (You might just want to put their coats on the back of their chairs because the spread of lice). Show the children the classroom and where their things go.

*Have an organized, warm and welcoming classroom. Hit a religious store that sells stuff for classrooms.

*Make sure you have a paper where parents can sign up to help in the room or by doing work for you at home (cutting things out, make games, etc.).

*You can put names on chairs and carpet squares where you want the students to sit (they will learn their name if they have not already done so).

*Have a schedule posted with what you are going to do in the classroom:

Example:

9:00 – 9:15 Centers

9:15 – 9:25 Circle Time (Bible Story)

9:25 – 9:40 Bible Crafts

9:40 – 9:55 Bible Games

9:55 - 10:00 Snack

10:00 Pick Up


Centers: Focuses for learning areas can include dramatic play, construction (blocks), fine motor (puzzles, pegboards, plastic snap together toys, lacing boards, play dough, etc.), art (water based paints, crayons, etc. or you can just put some crayons in a container with blank paper to color on at a table), library, investigation, etc.

Investigation Centers could be: Art, Block, Book, Creation, Home Living, Manipulative, etc.



First Day

Arrival: The staff greets children as they enter the classroom and exchanges written or verbal communication with the parents. Children are encouraged to hang up jackets and put their things away in the proper place.

Centers: Students then are invited to move from center to center, interacting freely with various environments after they have put their things away.

Circle Time: Say to the students- “It’s Circle Time. Put everything back where you found them and meet me at the circle.” (Chairs or carpet squares that are in a circle). Have pictures on index cards where things go with the word of the object. Pictures can be found at Google. Type in the word and click on images. Or you can cut up a catalog for pictures. Or use these picture cards.



1. Introduce yourself again to the students. Go over your rules for the class and post it. Example of rules:

Classroom Rules
We will be kind to everybody.
We will raise our hand when we want to speak.
We will use inside voices.
We will walk inside the room.
We will listen to the teachers and follow directions.
We keep our hands, feet, and objects to ourselves.
We respect others and their property.
We will clean up after ourselves.


2. Start with Ice Breaker games (getting to know you games). You might want to do these for a few weeks.

scholastic.com- Welcome Back! Give students a warm welcome with these fun getting-to-know-you activities.

awesome-kid-birthday-parties.com- Scroll down to: 12 More Fun & Exciting Icebreaker Games

kimskorner4teachertalk.com- Icebreakers & Energizers

wilderdom.com-Icebreakers, Warmups, Energizers, & Deinhibitizers

mftrou.com- Icebreaker Games for Small Groups


3. Bible Story. Read a colorful Bible story that is easy for them to understand. Example: *The Usborne Children's Bible by Heather Amery. A collection of 44 favorite Bible stories, all very accurate retellings from Scripture that are easy for children to understand and enjoy. Very colorful and beautiful illustrations.

After the story, ask the students questions.

Incorporate music and/or finger plays about the Bible story. Finger plays are a great way for preschoolers to play along. However, some finger plays have so many finger motions that it is difficult for even adults to keep up with them. Here are some easy Bible finger plays that can be used for a variety of lessons. This section also includes standard and play-along songs, most of which are sung to familiar tunes (the songs) so that preschoolers will have no trouble learning them.

Finger plays and songs:

dltk-bible.com- Rhymes and Songs for Kids

preschooleducation.com- Music & Songs: Praise God

childbiblesongs.com- Child Bible Songs

abcjesuslovesme.com- Rhymes, fingers plays, and songs

childrensbiblesongs.us- Children’s Bible Songs (lyrics, chords, and more)


4. Have the students sit at a table with chairs. Do a craft that emphasizes the Bible story. Introduce the art project. Example: Who built the ark? Noah. What did it look like? What was it like on the ark? Let’s find out!


5. Have student sit where it is appropriate to play the game. Do a game that emphasizes the Bible story. Introduce the game. Example: What was on the ark with Noah and his family? Can you find what animal is missing from the ark?


6. Snack Time: Say to the students- “It’s Snack Time. Put everything back where you found them. Meet me at the table.” Have a snack that emphasizes the Bible story. Example: Say to the students- “What was the sign that God did that promised that He would never flood the whole Earth again? A rainbow.

Rainbow in a Cup


7. After Snack Time, have the students put trash in trashcan. Students then get to play in the Centers until their parents come.


*Sometimes what you have planned takes less time than expected. Be sure to have other activities to fill in if you have extra time in your lesson.

dltk-bible.com- Sunday School Time Fillers


Do you have any Preschool/Kindergarten classroom ideas to share?





Monday, December 8, 2008

Lesson Planning





Before you do anything you must plan and prepare. When you go grocery shopping, you make a list of the food you want or you will buy things you don’t need and you won’t have what you want to eat for the week. You do the same thing with planning what you will teach in your CCD class. You plan what you are going to do and you prepare.

Having a well planned and prepared CCD class is essential. Without this your students cannot learn to their fullest potential. A well planned and prepared lesson plan will also help to avoid possible behavior problems that could arise in your class as well.


Tips For Planning and Preparing Your Lessons

1. Know your curriculum. Read, study, and learn. A good lesson depends on how well the catechist understands the material.

2. Prepare ahead. Take your class CCD schedule and plan for the whole year what lessons (chapters from your curriculum) you will do. It does not have to be elaborate, just jot down the chapter and/or subject for each Sunday you have CCD.

3. Formulate objectives for your lesson (what you want your students to learn). That will determine what you will teach.

4. Select what activities you will be doing with your students. Find various activities (crafts, worksheets, games, coloring sheets, puzzles, etc.) that go with your lesson. Review the objectives of your lesson to determine if the activity is appropriate for your students. Remember that the activities must relate to the lesson. Only do crafts, games, and activities that emphasize the lesson and the objectives of what you want your students to learn. These activities make your lessons more concrete and easier for the students to understand and also a lot of fun. Keeping the students busy with relevant activities also helps eliminate discipline problems that might erupt due to the students being bored.

*Be sure to list all the materials for each activity needed in the lesson plan.

5. Adjust lesson plan to your students. Be sure to take into account that every year each group of students is different and can learn differently than previous classes. What activities worked one year might not work this year. Take into account the unique needs of your students or how they learn best to make your lesson as effective as possible. Example: If your students learn better when they are in small groups, make sure you have an activity planned for your students to break into a small group and work together.

6. Have alternative activities. Sometimes what you have planned for the class does not work out so have alternative activities to accomplish your objectives for the lesson.

7. Have extra activities. Sometimes what you have planned takes less time than expected. Be sure to have other activities to fill in if you have extra time in your lesson.

8. Review lesson plan. Go over it thoroughly. Practice doing the lesson plan and picture yourself doing it. Make adjustments if necessary.

9. Make sure you have enough materials for all students. Have enough books, pencils, craft supplies, worksheets, puzzles, etc. for each student. Have a few extra for any new students or if they bring a friend to class.

10. Have materials and classroom ready before class. Make sure you arrive early to set up your classroom and to make sure all the materials and equipment you need are there, easy to access, and ready to go.





Friday, December 5, 2008

Lesson Plan- Birth of Jesus (1st grade on up)



Birth of Jesus


Objectives: The students will be able to
- retell the story of Jesus’ birth
- identify where Jesus was born and in what town
- identify that Jesus was born on Christmas
- identify Bethlehem on a map



Review:
Prayer, questions and vocabulary words from last week’s lesson



Vocabulary Words: (Write the words on the board and discuss with class)

Expecting- going to have a baby soon
Emperor- the male ruler of a group of nations or states
Register- a book containing a written list or record of names
Taxed- a payment toward the running of a country
Journey- a long trip or adventure
Bethlehem- a small town in Israel where Jesus was born (show students this on a map and have the students find it on a map)
Inn- like a hotel where you can sleep and eat
Stable- where they keep animals
Manger- a trough where animals eat out of
Flocks- group of something



Plan:

Read story "Birth of Jesus" and ask questions from Take Home Sheet that will be sent home today.



Activities:

Introduce activities: What day was Jesus born?

sermons4kids.com- Christmas object lessons

creativebiblestudy.com- A Christmas Object Lesson ...or Two

beau.lib.la.us- The Best Gift (object lesson)

christiancrafters.com- Christmas Lessons & Advent Season Talks

dltk-bible.com- The Christmas Story lesson with memory verse, teacher's guide, puzzles, take home sheet, coloring pages, crafts and activities, etc.

calvarycurriculum.com- The Birth of Jesus, Angels Appear To Shepherds lesson #167 with memory verses, circle the correct words, true or false, fill in the blanks, puzzles, and color sheets.



Crafts:

Introduce craft: Where was Jesus born? In a stable.

fcpeace.com- Paper Bag Manger Scene
Preschool Christian Crafts by Linda Standke, page 49 – 52

catholicicing.blogspot.com- DIY Printable Nativity for Kids by Lacy
Complete directions and printable templates


Other crafts-

Shine On- Students make punched-tin candleholders. (Bible Story Crafts & Projects Children Love by Kathy Ross, page 71).

The Catholic Toolbox- Punched Tin Candle Holder

noelnoelnoel.com- Festive Candle Holder
Cute, easy craft made out of a baby food jar and tissue paper. Tip: Make a mixture of half water and half glue in a paper cup. Paint with a paintbrush or a Q-tip a small area on each jar with the glue mixture, then cover the area with small pieces of tissue paper. Use a variety of colored paper to cover the entire jar with two or three layers of tissue paper. Coat the finished jar with thinned glue to seal.

Glitter and Sugar Ornament- A fun and easy way to make lots of pretty ornaments to decorate your Christmas Tree. A sample craft from Kathy Ross' book: The Best Holiday Crafts Ever!, page 144 & 145.

christiancrafters.com- Scroll down to Christmas & Advent

Birth of Jesus Story Wheel- Children turn their story wheel dials to retell the Bible story they learned over and over again. (Preschool Christian Crafts by Linda Standke. Directions on page 37 - 39, craft template on page 40 & 44.)

Christmas- Bible Story Wheel (Bible Wheels to Make and Enjoy by Carmen Sorvillo, page 33 & 34.)



Games:

Introduce game: What town was Jesus born in? Bethlehem

learningtreasures.com- Nativity Dominoes to print out and play

diva-girl-parties-and-stuff.com- Right, Left, Christmas Game
A fun way to review the story of the birth of Jesus.

sundayschoolnetwork.com- Christmas Games (8 Christmas games posted here)



Snacks:

Introduce snack: Where was baby Jesus laid into?

dltk-kids.com- Edible Manger



Puzzles, Mazes, Worksheets:

More 365 Activities for Kids (do any of the birth of Jesus puzzles, mazes, dot-to-dot, spot the difference, etc. from July 29 – August 2).

fcpeace.com- The First Christmas Book
A book for you to make and share.

lambsongs.co.nz- 9 Christmas booklets or one page Bible story you can color

The Angel Said to Them . . . (find the hidden pictures)- Hidden Pictures Explore Hidden Treasures in God’s World: Grade 1 – 3 by Linda Standke, page 16.

Shepherds Find the Baby (find the hidden pictures)- Hidden Pictures Explore Hidden Treasures in God’s World: Grade 1 – 3 by Linda Standke, page 17. (Click on Sample)

dltk-holidays.com- Christmas puzzles
Scroll down to Christmas Themed Printable Games and Puzzles for anagrams, bingo, crosswords, cryptograms, dominos, jigsaw puzzles, mazes, Memory cards, riddles, word-mining, word searches

sermons4kids.com- Birth of Jesus (word search)

sermons4kids.com- Birth of Jesus (crossword)

sermons4kids.com- The Birth of Jesus (decoder)

pflaum.com- Four times during the school year, Pflaum Gospel Weeklies provides three ready-to-print activities for each level; Seeds (Preschool), Promise (Grades K-1), Good News (Grades 2-3), Venture (Grades 4-6) and Visions (Grades 7-8). Plus each season special features for the entire family.



Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Organize Your Materials





Knowing where your activities are and keeping them organized is critical for a CCD teacher. Having all of the materials you need for each particular lesson in a well organize and an accessible place makes it easier for you to find it quickly so you can use it with your students within a moments notice. This will also cut down stressful times for you while you look for a certain activity and allow you to plan your lesson the way you want it to be.

Here are some examples on how to keep your materials organized:

1. Keep it in a binder with dividers for each subject.


2. Have a small portable file box container with a handle so you can carry it easily and have everything in individual files.


3. Have color coded dividers/files for the binder or file box for keeping materials organized. A color coded dot can be placed on a unit of your teacher’s curriculum book that match the corresponding dividers/files. That way, the chapters that cover that unit will be together and in order.


4. Have your activities grouped accordingly for each subject with what you need to teach the lesson. For example:

Lesson Plans
Activities
Music
Worksheets
Coloring Sheets
Puzzles
Crafts
Games
Skits
Quizzes/Tests
Bulletin Boards
DVDs, Videos, PowerPoint presentations, Flannel Boards, Transparencies, etc.
Journal Writing
Take Home Sheet/Homework


5. Have all materials and lesson plans backed up on a CD so you can make extra copies whenever and wherever you want or need them.


How do you organize your materials?





Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Classroom Tips For Any Classroom





All teachers need new ideas on how to teach and to keep their students involved. Below are a few suggestions that you can use for your classroom:


Teaching Aids- lots of useful ideas for your classroom

How To Encourage Sunday School Class Participation- easy tips to incorporate into your classroom

Ideas For Many Areas of Classroom Management- lots of great ideas for you to check out

Classroom Management- for all grades

Forms and letters- Free downloads of forms and letters for Discipline, Academic, Communication, etc. Tons of forms and letters provided. Just click on "Forms and Letters" on the left and it will take you right there.

Homeworkopoly- a fun way to encourage students to do their homework





Monday, December 1, 2008

An Advent Gift from the Curt Jester



Jeff, Curt Jester, has kindly created a wreath complete with lit candle(s) to share (see my sidebar?) with those of us who want to celebrate Advent on our blogs. Also, if you want, he has a countdown to Christmas to go along with the wreath.

Thank you Jeff!


Disability Resource Manual: A Practical Guide for Churches & Church Leaders





Disability Resource Manual: A Practical Guide for Churches & Church Leaders






This guide was created by Ashley Peterson. It includes definitions of different disabilities, suggestions for relating to that person, and accommodations that can be made within the church. It also provides information for starting a disability ministry, providing care, the theology of disability, and the spirituality of disability. Included is an annotated resource list.


National Organization on Disability





Religion and Disability Program- Encouraging faith communities to remove barriers to full religious participation.

The Religion and Disability Program of the National Organization on Disability (NOD) is an interfaith effort urging national faith groups, denominations, local congregations and seminaries to identify and remove barriers of architecture, communications, and attitudes. The program reaches out to congregations and people of faith through publications, information referral, and various program initiatives.

The Religion and Disability Program has much to offer you in your journey towards building a faith community that is welcoming to all:

• Access to the Religion and Disability Program E-Newsletter, sent quarterly, a source of valuable resources and information for those working to include children and adults with disabilities in their religious communities.

• Enrollment in the Accessible Congregations Campaign, a campaign that seeks to partner with congregations of all faiths who commit to identifying and removing their barriers and welcoming people with all types of disabilities.

• Several publications, including our very popular That All May Worship: An Interfaith Welcome to People with Disabilities, which offer advice on becoming more accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities. Our other publications include Loving Justice, From Barriers to Bridges and Money and Ideas.

• Information on That All May Worship conferences, conferences that bring together people with disabilities and lay or ordained religious leaders to plan improved access—both physical and spiritual—in houses of worship.

• Access to the Interfaith Directory of Religious Leaders with Disabilities, a directory that provides contact information for over 130 religious leaders with disabilities who wish to foster communication with others in the religious community and the disability community.

• Assistance from the Congregations Who Care—Prepare project, a project to advise congregations on how to assist people with disabilities in the event of a natural or man-made disaster.

• Participation in the Seminary Project, a project that provides information to help seminaries welcome people with disabilities, and to better equip future religious leaders to serve, and serve with, children and adults with disabilities.

To find out more about the Religion and Disability Program contact us by phone at (202) 293-5960, or e-mail at religion@nod.org. You can also write us at Religion and Disability Program, National Organization on Disability, 910 Sixteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20006.





Ministering to Children with Special Needs- books






*Here are a few books I found that might help you in ministering to children with special needs.



Welcoming Children with Special Needs: A Guidebook for Faith Communities by Sally Patton

Limited preview- See some of the book.



Special Needs, Special Ministry by Jim Pierson

Limited preview- See some of the book.



Children Matter by Scottie May, page 311

Limited preview- See some of the book.





Sunday, November 30, 2008

Confused





I’m still wondering about the lurkers that visit my blog. Why do they come, what are they looking for? Lots of questions inundate my mind and I’m baffled as to what the answers could be.

So here is your chance to comment what you like the most and what you would like to see on this blog. This will help me so I will know what to post and I will try to accommodate you ASAP.


Friday, November 28, 2008

What To Give For Christmas



I’m not much for shopping and I really don’t need anything, but Oprah has the right idea about what to give for Christmas . . . love.

These heartfelt gifts are the ones you will cherish forever and will never forget.




Gratitude Boxes

All you do is get a container or box and decorate it. Then have everyone write a special note for that person to put inside. To make it easy, Oprah has made printable note cards for you.

What I love about you . . .

Thank you for . . .

My holiday wish for you . . .


Print these notes out and write your special message to that “special” person.


'Tis the season to let someone know how much you appreciate them and making it a wonderful Christmas for years to come.





Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Family Time




With today’s hectic life we spend less and less time together as a family. Most families are having a hard time making ends meet, but there are many activities they can do that won’t dent the budget. Here are a few just to get your creative juices going.


1. Play a favorite game or board game.

2. Pop some popcorn and watch a movie or DVD.

3. Make some cookies from scratch.

4. Watch a home movie/DVD or look at family photos.

5. Play a fun game outside.

6. Make an obstacle course and see who can get through it the fastest.

7. Make up a board game on poster board and play it.

8. Play a video or computer game and have teams.

9. Make something as a family (craft, toy, bird house, garden, etc.)

10. Rake the leaves into a pile from your yard and jump into it.

11. Ride bikes or go for a hike.

12. Go fly a kite.

13. Read a book or a Bible story together.

14. Plan and cook a dinner together to eat as a family.

15. Go camping (you can even do it in the back yard).

16. Make ice cream the old fashioned way.

17. Go pick berries, apples, oranges, etc.

18. Go fishing.

19. Make a calendar using family pictures to give to relatives.

20. Go to the park.

21. Do a family life blog. Fill it with family news, musing, tips, etc.

22. Volunteering for community service together as a family is a wonderful way of creating a special bond and lasting memories for families.

23. Walk the dog together.

24. Do a Scavenger Hunt or Treasure Hunt.

Scavenger Hunt- Make a list of things to find. Divide the family into teams. Set a time to find as many things as possible on the list. The team with the most items from the list at the end of that time wins.

Treasure Hunt- Plan a Treasure Hunt for the family by hiding something and making a map that everyone must work together to find it.

25. Make your own putt-putt course and play it.


~*~

Successful Family Activities
familieswithpurpose.com

Planning fun and successful family activities shouldn't be a chore for busy parents. Most just require a little fore thought and a little planning to be successful. So don't get bogged down in the details or overwhelmed with the planning. The first thing to spoil family activities is a stressed parent, so go slow and ease into your routine.

*Alternate between planned and unplanned family activities. Not every family activity has to be an elaborate outing. Sticking around home and just "hanging out" can be just as fun. Just don't let the TV, computer, and video games become a distraction.

*Be flexible. Sometimes family activities don't go as planned. The baby is tired, the car had a flat tire, or it rained when it was supposed to be sunny and hot.

*Make sure the family activity is something everyone will enjoy or at least tolerate. Talk over the family activities ahead of time and get everyone's input. This will help prevent resistance later on.

*Schedule your family activities on the family calendar. Plan out for a month when the family will be together and schedule the family activities accordingly.





Monday, November 24, 2008

Gifts For The Baby Jesus File Folder Game



This game is free, however it is only to be used for classroom and personal use. It may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted. All graphics/images/clipart etc. used on all activities are not my own and are from various internet sources.


Gifts For Baby Jesus File Folder Game





Directions: The object of this game is to collect gold, frankincense and myrrh. The player rolls the die and follows the directions. If they land on a GOLD, FRANKINCENSE, or MYRRH space, the player to their right draws a card and reads the question out loud. (If they cannot read, the teacher or someone else can read it for them). On each card is a question about Jesus’ birth. If they answer correctly, they receive a gold, frankincense, or myrrh card (which ever space they landed on). If they are not correct, they do not receive a card. Younger students do not have to answer a question and just receive a card. Players collect a gold, frankincense and myrrh card as they move around the board. Whoever collects all 3 cards first, wins. Continue playing to find out who comes in second, third, fourth, etc. place. NOTE: If the player lands on a space labeled GOLD, FRANKINCENSE, or MYRRH and they already have that card, they do nothing and the game continues.


Gifts for the Baby Jesus Game- Directions, Game Board, Question Cards, Game Cards, Spinner


Friday, November 21, 2008

Lesson Plan- Mary and the Angel (1st grade on up)



Mary and the Angel

Objectives: The students will be able to
- retell the story Mary and the Angel
- explain that God can use ordinary people to carry out his plans
- explain that Mary showed love and faith to God with her obedience
- identify who Jesus’ foster father was


Review:
Prayer, questions and vocabulary words from last week’s lesson



Vocabulary Words: (Write the words on the board and discuss with class)

Nazareth- a town in Israel where Jesus spent most of his life (show students this on a map or have one of the students find it on a map).
Galilee- region of ancient Palestine, now part of northern Israel. Galilee is between the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee (show students this on a map or have one of the students find it on a map).
Engage- to be married to
Carpenter- someone who makes things out of wood
Angel- a messenger of God



Plan:

Read story: “Mary and the Angel” and then ask questions



Activities:

Introduce activities: Who told Mary that she was going to have a baby and he was going to be the son of God? The angel Gabriel.

sermons4kids.com- A Visit From An Angel object lesson with group activities, coloring, puzzles, quiz, worship bulletin

sermons4kids.com- You Shall Call His Name Jesus object lesson with group activities, coloring, puzzles, worship bulletin

childrensermons.com- Mary, Mother of Jesus object lesson

calvarycurriculum.com- Gabriel Visits Mary lesson #167 with memory verses, circle the correct words, true or false, fill in the blanks, puzzles, and color sheets.

missionarlington.org- A Virgin Will Have A Baby: Promises Kept lesson with activities and word search

missionarlington.org- A Virgin is Going to have a Baby! Lesson with activities and puzzles

clutheran.org- Announcing A Miracle Child lesson with multiple choice, identifying miracles

childrenschurch.wordpress.com- The Angel Gabriel Brings Good News lesson with activities

jesuswalk.com- Mary's First Lesson in Discipleship (Luke 1:26-38) lesson

therichsoil.files.wordpress.com- Learning to Say Yes lesson plan

bible.org- Lesson 10: Mary, Most Blessed Of Women

thereichsoil.files.wordpress.com- RCIA Pre RCIA Pre-Catechumenate lesson plan



Crafts:

Introduce crafts: Who told Mary that she was going to have a baby and he was going to be the son of God? The angel Gabriel.

sermons4kids.com- Visit From An Angel group activities (crafts)

Jacob’s Ladder- Just make the angel that is in this craft using cupcake liners and construction paper. You can also make the angel into a magnet by putting sticky-backed magnets on the back of the angel. (Crafts from Your Favorite Bible Stories by Kathy Ross, pages 16 & 17).

Christmas Angel- A cute craft of an angel that is made from using the child's handprints. (From The Hands Of A Child by Anthony Flores, page 25).

jesus-without-language.net- Angel Craft

thecraftymummy.com- Tutorial: Paperclip Angel

allsorts.typepad.com- Angel Craft

flamecreativekids.blogspot.com- Angel Craft

activityvillage.co.uk- Angel Crafts

daniellesplace.com- Angel Crafts

freesundayschoolcurriculum.weebly.com- 2 Angel Crafts (scroll down to these)

iheartcraftythings.com- Beautiful Christmas Angel Craft for Kids

thebestideasforkids.com- Angel Craft Ornament

buggyandbuddy.com- Paper Strip Angel Ornament Christmas Craft (with Free Template)

youtube.com- How To Make Paper Angel for Christmas Decorations



Games:

sermons4kids.com- Visit From An Angel group activities (games)

Introduce game: Mary had some good news to tell. What was her good news?

daniellesplace.com- Mary Tells Her Good News

Surprise Ball- God’s people were expecting God to keep His promise to send the Savior. They were probably surprised by the humble way the Messiah was born. Today we are going to play a game where we get surprised. (The Really Big Book of Bible Games, page 150).

kevinmccaughey.com- The Paper Wrapped Surprise Game
At the end, all students can receive a prize as well or you can just have several pieces of candy wrapped inside for the whole class. (Use the introduction on Surprise Ball for this game.)



Snacks:

Introduce snack: Who told Mary that she was going to have a baby and he was going to be the son of God? The angel Gabriel.

pastrywiz.com- Almond Angel Cookies

pillsbury.com- Holiday Angel Cookies

pillsbury.com- Almond Angel Cookies



Puzzles, Mazes, Worksheets:

More 365 Activities for Kids (do any of the Mary puzzles, mazes, dot-to-dot, spot the difference, etc. from July 23 - 27).

wordsearchfun.com- Mary Meets The Angel (word search)

sermons4kids.com-An Angel Visits Mary (word search)

biblepathwayadventures.com- An Angel Visits Mary (word search)

web.archive.org- Word Search

sermons4kids.com- An Angel Appears to Mary (jumble)

sermons4kids.com- An Angel Visits Mary (decoder)

sermons4kids.com- Visit From An Angel (cryptogram)

sermons4kids.com- An Visits Mary (crossword)

sermons4kids.com- Visit From An Angel (crossword)

web.archive.org- Crossword

sermons4kids.com- Visit From An Angel (multiple choice)

sdc.me.uk- Luke 1:26-38 Worksheet

calvarycurriculum.com- Gabriel Visits Mary lesson #167 circle the correct words, true or false, fill in the blanks, puzzles, etc.

biblepathwayadventures.com- An Angel Visits Mary (matching)

gospelhall.org- Match the Promise to the Fulfillment (worksheet)

clutheran.org- Multiple choice, identifying miracles (page 3)

freesundayschoolcurriculum.weebly.com- An Angel Visits Mary Worksheets (page 9 & 10)

tes.com- The Annunciation (Angel Gabriel appears to Mary) Worksheet and Activity

jesuswalk.com- Mary's First Lesson in Discipleship (Luke 1:26-38) lesson with questions at bottom that can be made easily into a worksheet



Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Lesson Plan- Advent (1st grade on up)



Advent

Objectives: The students will be able to
- identify who God promised to send to be our Savior
- explain that Advent as a time for preparing to celebrate Christ’s birth
- explain why we use an Advent Wreath
- discuss the significance of each part of the Advent Wreath
- explain how we pray using the Advent Wreath
- identify what color each candle is on the Advent Wreath, when it is lighted, and what order



Review:
Prayer, questions and vocabulary words from last week’s lesson



Vocabulary Words: (Write the vocab words on the board and discuss with class)

Advent- the four week period leading up to Christmas, beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, the season of the church year during which we prepare for Christ’s coming
Wreath- a hollow circular arrangement of flowers or greenery used as a decoration
Christmas- an annual Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus on December 25
Jesse Tree- It is a tree branch decorated with symbols representing the stories of people in Jesus' family tree.



Plan:

Introduce Advent to your class.

Advent Adventure- Take the children on an Advent adventure. (Big Book of Ideas for Children’s Faith Formation, by McNamara, McKeever, and Robinson, page 6).


Then show your students an Advent Wreath and discuss Advent with your class. Some questions that you might want to ask:

What does the circle of the Advent wreath represent? A circle has no beginning or an end. The circle of the Advent wreath represents that God is so great that God never had a beginning and will never have an end. The wreath is a circle, causing us to remember the eternity of God's love for us and for all humanity.

What do the evergreens tell us? Evergreens stay green all year. The evergreens tell us that God never changes. It is decked with green boughs, causing us to remember the newness of life we have in Christ Jesus.

How many candles are on the outside of the Advent wreath? 4

What does each candle represent? One week

Three candles are what color? Violet

Which candle is lighted first? Violet

What does the first candle represent? Represents the hope of the people of Israel that someone would come save them and the period of waiting for the birth of Christ. The first candle reminds us of the prophets' hope for God's salvation to come, as Isaiah prophesied.

What candle is lighted second? Violet

What does the second candle represent? Represents the peace that God has given through His son Jesus Christ and the preparation for the Christ Child.

What candle is lighted third? Rose.

What does the third candle represent? Represents the joy of sharing Christ. The third candle reminds us of the joy of the shepherds as they heard the good news of Jesus' arrival.

What candle is lighted fourth? Violet

What does the fourth candle represent? Represents love sent from God through His son, Jesus Christ.

What candle is lighted Christmas Eve or day? The white candle.

What does the white candle represent? The Christ candle reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world, come into our darkness to enlighten us and give us the life of God which we share with others.

What does the first Sunday of Advent begin? The first Sunday of Advent is the start of a new liturgical year in the Catholic Church. (Show students a Liturgical Year Calendar and discuss.)

What color is the primary Sanctuary color of Advent? Violet



Activities:

Introduce activities: What is the time before Christmas called?

sermons4kids.com- Advent~ Christmas object lessons

christiancrafters.com- Christmas Lessons & Advent Season Talks

thereligionteacher.com- The Religion Teacher’s Advent Activity Pack provides a large variety of resources to help religion teachers and catechists prepare their students for Christ’s coming into the world. The easy-to-use resources focus on important topics of Advent: the meaning of the season, Advent wreaths, the Second Coming, the names and titles of Jesus, and John the Baptist.

loyolapress.com- Advent Activities for the classroom, family, and parish

loyolapress.com- Advent Lesson Plan Grades 1 – 3

loyolapress.com- Advent Lesson Plan Grades 4 – 6

loyolapress.com- Advent Lesson Plan Grades 7 – 8

Advent Adventure- Each class session during Advent you will reveal a different Advent activity, project, or storybook that relates to the week’s Advent theme. (Big Book of Ideas for Children’s Faith Formation by Beth Branigan McNamara, page 6).

Advent Prayer Cube- Introduce a new prayer each week during the four weeks of Advent with a prayer cube. (Big Book of Ideas for Children’s Faith Formation, by McNamara, McKeever, and Robinson, page 10).

The Catholic Toolbox- Advent Lapbooks

raisinglittlesaints.blogspot.com- Advent Activities (printables)
Just click on Advent Activities for Children to download activities.

looktohimandberadiant.com- “Seeking Our Savior”
The concept is that the kids are looking for clues during Advent, leading them up to the real meaning of the season, which is to prepare our hearts for Jesus, not to celebrate Christmas starting the day after Thanksgiving. Complete with lots of little hands-on activities, but this could also be adapted to be a take home activity by just using the coloring book, or to a more classroom-friendly activity by using the coloring book as a group and looking up all of the scripture references.

prayingincolor.com-Advent Calendars

childrens-ministry-deals.com- Advent Coloring Calendar



Crafts:

Introduce craft: What is the season of the church year during which we prepare for Christ’s coming?

Advent Calendar- A take home Advent calendar that you make. (Big Book of Ideas for Children’s Faith Formation, by McNamara, McKeever, and Robinson, page 7 & 8).

catholicicing.com- Advent Wreath Crafts For Kids (The Ultimate List!) 15 posted!

first-school.ws- Advent Wreath craft with templates

spelloutloud.com- Names of Jesus Advent Chain

spelloutloud.com- Advent Paper Chains

activitiesforkids.com- Advent Calendar Paper Chain

flandersfamily.info- Advent Christmas Chain (scripture chain)

todayscreativeideas.com- Paper Chain Advent Calendar

catholicplayground.com- Paper Chain Advent Calendar

The Catholic Toolbox- Printable Advent Chain
An Advent chain that you can print out with activities written on it. Print out, color, and make into a chain. Remove the link on that day and do the activity.

confessionsofahomeschooler.com- FREE Printable Advent Ornaments
Print the ornaments as directed on cardstock then cut out each triangle and laminate for durability. Use mini-clothes pins to attach ornaments to a small Christmas tree, a string of garland, or a rope hung across the mantle! Starting on December 1st, each day take one down and do whatever activity is on the back. For this you can print my activities on the backs (they are included in the download) or you can print just the ornaments and write in your own activities.

originally from catholicmom.com- Advent Wreath Craft
"No Burn, Construction Paper Wreath - Made with your Child's Handprints"

christiancrafters.com- No Flame Advent Wreath

catholicicing.com- Advent Wreath Craft for Catholic Kids

catholicinspired.com- Easy Advent Wreath

crayola.com- Advent Wreath Placemat Craft



Games:

Introduce game: What do you know about Advent? Let’s find out.

christiancrafters.com- Bible Win, Loose, or Draw
Use Advent words to play this game. (Example: Angel, shepherds, baby, Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Lord, afraid, magi, gifts, star, manger, warned, candle, wreath, etc.).

christiancrafters.com- Bible Tic Tac Toe
(Scroll down to bottom.) Use Advent trivia questions to play this game.

Hangman- (Players try to solve the Advent mystery word). The teacher picks an Advent word that is written on a piece of paper out of a bowl. The teacher then starts the hangman game by writing a blank line for each letter in the word. Teacher then picks someone to guess a letter. (Write on the chalkboard the letters that were guessed that were not in the mystery word). If a letter is guess correctly, it is written in the appropriate blank(s) and that person who guessed correctly gets another turn. They can guess another letter or guess the mystery word. If the person is incorrect, another player gets a turn. Whoever guessed the mystery word gets to pick an Advent word out of the bowl and start the hangman game.

Advent Guessing Game- Familiarized the children with some of the signs and symbols of Advent while having fun. (Big Book of Ideas for Children’s Faith Formation, by McNamara, McKeever, and Robinson,, page 9).

Advent Prayer Cube- Introduce a new prayer each week during the four weeks of Advent with a prayer cube. (Big Book of Ideas for Children’s Faith Formation, by McNamara, McKeever, and Robinson, page 10).

Preparation Station- This game will help your kids understand what it means to prepare their hearts, minds, and lives for Jesus’ coming during Advent season. (The Encyclopedia of Bible Games for Children’s Ministry, page 156).

loyolapress.com- Advent Bingo

jeopardylabs.com- Advent Jeopardy

jeopardylabs.com- Advent Jeopardy!!!

thecraftyclassroom.com- Names of Jesus Advent Game

alphamom.com- Advent Calendar Printable Game

Advent Bingo- (scroll down to Games)

Advent True or False Game- (scroll down to Games)




Advent Wreath- The object of the game is to color all of the Advent wreath correctly.

To Play: Place 2 small baskets or boxes on the table to put question cards in. Put the question cards in one basket (the other basket will be for discards). Give each player a copy of the “Advent Coloring Sheet”. Place your markers on START. Roll the die and move that many spaces. Follow the directions on the space you land on. If the player lands on a “?”, the person to their right draws a question card and reads it out loud. If the player answers correctly, they can color what is stated on the card on their Advent wreath coloring sheet. If they have already colored that part of their wreath, they do nothing. If a player lands on a space with the leaves, they may color some of the greenery on their wreath. When a player has completely colored their Advent coloring sheet correctly, he/she is the winner. Play continues until all players have colored their sheets.










Snacks:

catholicculture.org-

Introduce snack: Stir Up Sunday

Rich Fruit Cake

Dried Fruit Bread

Dutch Treat- This Advent cookie from the Netherlands is full of the rich flavor of Dutch chocolate.

annes-recipes.com- Advent Cookies

Edible Advent Wreath by catholicicing.blogspot.com- Super easy and fast craft/snack that any child can make.



Puzzles, Mazes, Worksheets:

loyolapress.com- Advent Decoder

churchyear.net- Advent Crossword

armoredpenguin.com- Advent Crossword


The activity below is free, however it can only to be used for classroom and personal use. It may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of this, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted. *All graphics/images/clipart etc. used on this activity are not my own and are from various internet sources.



Advent Mini Book- printable book that the children can color



Worksheets

thereligionteacher.com- The Religion Teacher’s Advent Activity Pack provides a large variety of resources to help religion teachers and catechists prepare their students for Christ’s coming into the world. The easy-to-use resources focus on important topics of Advent: the meaning of the season, Advent wreaths, the Second Coming, the names and titles of Jesus, and John the Baptist.

pflaum.com- Four times during the school year, Pflaum Gospel Weeklies provides three ready-to-print activities for each level; Seeds (Preschool), Promise (Grades K-1), Good News (Grades 2-3), Venture (Grades 4-6) and Visions (Grades 7-8). Plus each season special features for the entire family.

stpetersmendota.org- Advent and Christmas Worksheets

sdc.me.uk- 1st – 4th Sunday of Advent Year A (scroll down to these)

sdc.me.uk- 1st – 4th Sunday of Advent Year B (scroll down to these)

sdc.me.uk- 1st – 4th Sunday of Advent Year C (scroll down to these)