Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Parent Volunteers in Your Classrooms






Research has demonstrated that parent involvement in the educational process impacts positively on the attitude and conduct of children in school. One significant vehicle for parent involvement is a structured volunteer program.

Volunteers in your CCD classroom can be a blessing IF done correctly and IF it is planned ahead. Nothing is worse than having a volunteer not know what to do or be in the way.


So what should be done to have a good volunteer program in your classroom?



Parent Volunteer Tips:


Have a Volunteer Sign Up Sheet. Have one available on the first day of class, or better yet for CCD Open House.

vertex42.com- Use this volunteer sign up form to collect contact information from people interested in helping. You'll probably want to customize it a bit, but starting with the template should save you quite a bit of time. (Scroll down to this.)

templates.services.openoffice.org- This Volunteer Sign Up sheet help you collect contact information from people interested in helping in your organization or service activity. This template is pretty easy to customize and lets the person indicate what job or activity they are interested in, as well as what day or time they will be available.

tidyform.com- Volunteer Sign-Up Sheet (scroll down for this)

free-power-point-templates.com- Volunteer Sign Up Sheet Template For Word

Use the information that you gathered (what the parents would like to do, when it is convenient for them to help, etc.) to make up a schedule that works with these times. Create a list of what you want the parent to do in the classroom. Be thorough and exact so they know what to do and when to do it.


Have a Parent Volunteer Night. Have a short orientation meeting for parents who want to help in the classroom. At this meeting remind parents to please remember that your priority is to use parents to enhance the program for the students and to assist the teacher with daily tasks so that you can focus on the instruction of the students. This means that helpers may be asked to do something that will seem very repetitious to them. For example, parents may be doing the same activity for the whole time they are in the classroom with different groups of students; or they may have the same routine for volunteering each time they come. Also, at the meeting give the parents various handouts that will be helpful to a volunteer, discuss proper praise, how to read with children, some simple tutoring techniques, basic do's and don'ts, class rules and discipline, etc.


Volunteers must be accountable and dependable. Emphasize to your volunteers that if they plan to be absent to contact you well in advance so you can find a replacement for that day or time. Frequent absenteeism can be frustrating and cannot be tolerated. Classroom schedules must run smoothly to promote good learning for the students. Volunteers who are absent repeatedly cause unwanted disorder in the classroom making it hard for the teacher to conduct class properly. Let the volunteers know that you need someone to be there when they are scheduled and ready to help.


Volunteers need to be trained. Show them exactly how you want them to do something. You should also teach them how to run the copier machine, where to find various activities and supplies, etc. Be very clear and specific in your expectations.


Volunteers must keep all information confidential. Emphasize to the volunteers if they overhear anything personal about a student, keep it to yourself. What you hear in the classroom should stay there. After all, you wouldn't want your child gossiped about, would you?


Volunteers need to be flexible. Be prepared to do what the teacher needs when you arrive. Sometimes something urgent comes up and must be addressed right then. You might have been told you would help with reading, but cutting paper stars is more of an immediate necessity at the moment. Keep a perspective: Your role is to help free up the teacher's time so she can teach.


Volunteers must be positive and in a good mood. Negativity reflects poorly in a classroom and disrupts the flow of good learning.


Volunteers need to be patient. Volunteers need to be patient when working with students because when they are having difficulty with a subject, they do not need additional pressure.


Volunteers need to be consistent. Be consistent with the teacher’s rules for the classroom schedules and behavior.


Volunteers praise and encourage others. Volunteers do not: berate or belittle, criticize students or teachers, lose control and say something that is inappropriate or might be regretted, acts in a cold or indifferent manner, get physical with others, compare students within the classroom, etc.


Volunteers use their voice correctly. Use a tone of voice that will encourage students and make them feel confident.


Volunteers are role models. Let students observe you as a model for appropriate behavior (sharing, showing respect, talking quietly, taking turns, etc.).


Volunteers encourage students to learn. Let students participate in activities as frequently as possible. Ask students questions that may lead them to the correct answer instead of telling them directly. Let students explore and discover by themselves. Encourage students to feel, smell, taste, and listen, as well as look at objects. Let students try new methods of doing things even though you already know an easier way. Let students sort and combine according to their own ideas.


Volunteers follow and sign the guidelines and rules set forth by the diocese and/or DRE. If there are not any, the DRE should write up some guidelines for the volunteers to sign to verify that they understood what their responsibilities are and the rules that they must follow. Be sure to have in it an absenteeism policy and what they are supposed to do when they are absent. Include that frequent absenteeism cannot be tolerated and volunteers can be dismissed if this becomes a problem.





Saturday, July 22, 2017

Teacher Tools






A teacher’s time is limited and to be an effective teacher you must be prepared for any situation. Here are some of my favorite free teacher tools that just might come in handy in your classroom.


Handwriting/Copy Work Worksheet Makers- To learn various prayers, liturgical objects used in Mass, and other church activities, having the students write it down is a good way for them to remember. Here are a few of my favorite handwriting worksheet makers that are FREE so you can make personalized handwriting worksheets (print or cursive) for your students.

chartjungle.com- Free printables calendars and charts for baby, toddler, children, behavior, checklists, chores, Christmas, schedules, education, day care, school, holidays, homeschool, awards, business, car, computer, garden, health, holidays, home, internet, money, music, pets, safety, science, shopping, sports, teachers, travel, and webmasters.

educationalworld.com- TONS of forms to print out for free: Templates, Assessments, Award Certificates, Back To School, Bookmarks & Book Plates, Bulletin Board Resources, Calendars, Classroom Organizers, Election Templates, Flyer, Posters, Signs, Graphic Organizers, Holiday Gift Coupons, Holiday Work Sheets, Icebreakers, Newsletters, Parent-Teacher Communications, Setting Goals, Student Resources, Teacher Quote Notepads, Traffic Signs, etc.

teachertools.org- 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.

teachervision.fet.com- These ready-to-use forms will help you keep your classroom, lesson plans, and paperwork organized. Get ready for the new school year with our printable passes, teacher stationary, and student information sheets. The forms below will help you keep track of attendance, homework assignments, and students' grades throughout the year. You'll also find great resources for parent-teacher conferences and group projects. Use charts to monitor behavior, and reward outstanding work with our many awards.

freeology.com- Dozens of free printable teacher forms for everything from record keeping to classroom management.

edhelper.com- Forms: Class attendance form (PDF Format) (set dates, use your classes, and more); Meeting Reminder; Parental Contact; Please Sign (w ... Failed Assignment; Homework Log; Bring to Class; Thank You (small); Behavior Contract; Behavior Contract Weekly; Behavior Report, etc.

teachervision.fen.com- Use these printable charts, forms, and contracts to monitor your students' behavior. Evaluate their ability to work as a team with forms on student productivity in group settings. In addition to student-teacher contracts that establish behavior expectations, you'll find a variety of behavior management forms to document discipline issues in your classroom. Encourage students to make better behavior choices with our decision making worksheets. Notes, awards, and certificates make great rewards for good behavior.

teachervision.fen.com- Assessment can be a tricky task. Our collection of ideas and forms will make it easier for you to evaluate and grade your students' work, no matter their grade level. There are as many variations of assessment as there are students. Look below to find ideas on assessment strategies, modifications, and enhancing your existing methods. These assessment forms and techniques will work across the curriculum, so use them for math, science, reading, language arts, social studies, and your other subjects.

jimwrightonline.com- Create personalized behavior forms for your students.

dotolearn.com- Providing the proper expectations, interventions, and supports can help individuals with special needs to succeed and learn the skills they need to lead productive lives. While this material is based on techniques that have proven effective for special needs, the tips may be of value for individuals with a range of other disorders that result in behavior, social, and learning problems. Topics include: Classroom Management, Learning Strategies, Education Resources, etc.




Wednesday, July 19, 2017

What should a catechist do when they are absent?






From time to time a catechist must be absent for various reasons. When this happens a substitute must take over your classroom and be able to teach your students.


What should a catechist do when they are absent?

• Follow the procedure for being absent that is written in the catechist handbook that you signed to verify that you understood what your responsibilities are and the rules that you must follow. Contact the appropriate personnel when you find out when you will be absent. The sooner the better to allow the substitute time to make arrangements to come to your class and review your lesson plan.

• Have a complete lesson plan written up.

• Write up the normal procedures you do in the class in the order that you do them (attendance, homework, handouts, dismissal, etc.). Include the daily schedule (times, activity, etc.) accommodations for various students, rules for the classroom, discipline procedures, class reward system, how to communicate with parents, information concerning any special needs students in your classroom, seating chart, emergency information, list of students with behavior problems (give tips and suggestions for behavior), fill in activities (when the students have finished with all their activities and there are a few more minutes until class is over), feedback form, etc.

• Any suggestions or tips that can enhance the learning of the students.

• Create a substitute teacher packet. This can be put in a folder or binder to give to substitutes. (Put the above information in it for the substitute so they can do their job efficiently and effectively.)

pinterest.com- Sub Folder Ideas

scholastic.com- Your Substitute Teacher Folder Checklist

k6educators.about.com- Substitute Folders

teachjunkie.com- How To Create A Sub Plan, Sub Binder, and Emergency Sub Plans

pinterest.com- Substitute Teacher Binder


• Email or deliver the lesson plan and the substitute teacher packet to the DRE and/or substitute as soon as possible. This allows the substitute time to go over all the information and ask any questions if needed. You can also have a copy of the substitute teacher packet in your classroom or give one to the DRE so it can be found easily and given to the substitute.





Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Classroom Assignment Sheets






An organized student stays current on assignments and will achieve success in CCD. Assignment Sheets help students develop sound organization skills that will teach them a successful lifelong journey through school and CCD.

Parents and students like having assignments written down so they can keep track of them and a good way of doing it is having a Classroom Assignment Sheet. This can be posted in the classroom, on the door, or even emailed to the parents and students. This will help keep students organized and lets parents know whether their child is turning in their homework. You can also give a blank sheet to each student so they can write down when assignments are due to become more independent with their CCD homework assignments.



Here are a few that might come in handy in your classroom.


educationworld.com- Look under Classroom Organizers for various assignment sheets.

timesaversforteachers.com- Homework Record

teachingtoday.glencoe.com- Homework Grade Sheet





Friday, July 14, 2017

CCD Open House





Before CCD starts it is a good idea to have an Open House. Why is that important? Nothing is better than starting CCD off on the right foot and the best way to do that is to have an Open House prior to classes starting. Having a CCD Open House allows parents and students to meet the catechists, pick up class information, tour the classrooms, and ask questions. This gives the catechist a chance to greet each family individually and to collect requested items and information. By having a CCD Open House it will alleviate any worries and questions parents may have and it will give the family reassurance and encouragement of what the CCD program is all about. Students and parents will understandably feel more confident when they know exactly where they are going and what to expect the first day, and everyone will be reassured enough to get a good night’s sleep before CCD starts.

*We have a parent meeting at our church prior to the start of the CCD Open House in the Fellowship Hall. This allows parents to meet the DRE and it gives our priest and DRE the opportunity to express how much parent involvement is needed for their child’s faith education and to answer any questions that they may have. The CCD Open House is right after the meeting so that the parents and children can meet the catechist, see the classroom, and find out what they will be doing for the year. After the Open House we have a Church Potluck luncheon in the Fellowship Hall for everyone who would like to come.

Print out flyers letting parents know when and where the Open House will be and other information that parents will find pertinent. Have the flyer be colorful and enticing to grab anyone’s attention and make them want to come to this wonderful event. Be sure to have the church, priest, and Religious Program Director’s names on the flyer and the contact phone number if they have any questions. Put the flyers in the church bulletin; post them in various places around the church, the church website, advertize in the local paper, etc. way in advance so parents can make arrangements to come.

Meeting parents can be quite daunting, but if you remember to be yourself, it will make it a whole lot easier. The parents are nervous too and want to make a good impression as well. Maybe the following ideas will help keep the jitters at bay and allow you to have a great CCD Open House.


What should the catechist do during Open House?

Welcome everyone that comes into your class during Open House. Smile, introduce yourself, and give parents an introductory letter. The catechist can provide the parents at the CCD Open House with information of what is expected in the classroom and what the children will be doing during the year. They can also inform parents of the expectations and rules of the class that will help in making the classroom productive, creative, and enjoyable year for all.



What should the catechist provide to the parents during Open House?

• Welcome parents to the open house and tell them how pleased you are to meet them.

• The CCD program’s discipline policy, including procedures regarding absence and tardiness.

• Describe the goals you hope to accomplish this year.

• The timing of report cards and progress reports.

• Emergency procedures for bad weather and other events.

• Go over class rules.

• Classroom attendance and tardiness guidelines. Make-up work policy.

• Classroom grading policy.

• Amount of homework and homework policy.

• Policy for addressing academic and behavioral problems.

• Provide a calendar of the CCD schedule (days and times CCD meets), upcoming events, such as class field trips and future parent-teacher meetings, etc. and the policies concerning them.

• Give detailed information how parents can get involved in their child’s faith education and how they can volunteer at CCD. Provide Volunteer Sign Up Sheets for parents interested in helping at CCD. Have a Class Contact List for the parents to fill out to obtain information that can help aid the catechist in better understanding their child and how to contact them.

• Answer questions from parents and students.

• Provide copies of all information to give to parents.

• Have the classroom prepared and set up like it is a normal day in CCD. Students and parent enjoy seeing what the classroom will be like and it will also disperse any apprehension.

• Introduce the curriculum that will be used in the classroom and the supplemental activities that will enhance the lessons so the parents and students will be familiar with them and know what to expect. Show the students and parents some activities, crafts, games, etc. that will be done during the year in class. This is a great way to introduce how you make the aspects of what you teach more concrete and easier for the students to understand and how much fun they will have in CCD as well. Place these items on a large table to allow students and parents time to look through them at their own convenience.

• Be sure to thank the families for coming during the Open House. I would also send a thank you note to the families ASAP after the Open House. A card or email will reinforce communication and how much you as a catechist appreciate the parents enthusiasm for promoting their child’s faith education.



Other Ideas:


Marilyn Western has a few creative ideas for Open House that are fun and educational too: You can put together a formal program or you could have a simple "Scavenger Hunt" in which the child and family can become familiar with his/her new room (parents can read the items to pre-readers). Make a list of items that are easily located in the room that will be useful for the students to know where they are (clock, bathroom, Kleenex, bulletin board, chalk board, cubbies, Prayer Chart, Homework Chart, their desk with their name on it, etc.) Include yourself as the last item to be found. This gives you an opportunity to talk once again with your new student. This is also a great time to take a photo of the student with their family (this really helps put a name to a face later at conferences).

• Marilyn also has a great idea for helping children recognize their teacher: With primary children, it's also helpful to wear something bright at Open House. If you wear the same outfit for the first day of CCD, younger children will be able to easily recognize you on the playground, or at the door, or wherever you collect your group.




*Problems can and do arise during Open House, but here are a few suggestions that might come in handy:

brighthub.com- Problems & Solutions for Middle School Open Houses (these are great ideas that can used for CCD as well)




Are you having a CCD Open House prior to classes starting?





Thursday, July 13, 2017

Morality Lesson Plans for Middle and High School Students





Morality, in addition to raw academics, plays an important role in society. It raises an important question, “Who is responsible for teaching morality?” Is it society’s responsibility, including teachers, to pass on the virtues of civilized life to the next generation? Or is this strictly within parents’ purview to oversee? Who gets to decide which morals get attention and which don’t?

There’s little doubt that including some kind of character or moral education in addition to strict academics positively influences students. The question then is not if we should include discussion and education of morality in schools, but how.

Teach Positive Behaviors. One of the first ways that you, as an educator, bring moral education into your classroom is by directly speaking about positive behaviors. Sometimes we assume that students know the correct, moral thing to do in any given moment. But do not allow this assumption to cause you to overlook the opportunity to make “Teachable moments” out of situations in your classroom. Openly share with students what the “right” thing to do is, and engage them in a discussion that challenges them to evaluate for themselves what seems the most appropriate course of action.

Be a Role Model. It’s not just what you say; it’s what you do that counts. As one of the few adults in the life of a child, it’s important that you use your conduct to model for students what an ethical professional looks like. Make sure that you do the right thing and conduct yourself along the highest moral standards. Judge fairly, practice honesty and respect, share, demonstrate responsibility, and allow students to see how you embody these characteristics in and out of the classroom.

Connect It to Your Content. Sometimes learning certain content is straightforward learning. But look for those opportunities where aspects of your content raise the moral question or connect to character issues. Students enjoy being challenged to think critically about themselves, and connecting ethical discussions to your content both reinforces their content knowledge and their characters.

Talk with Parents. Your students are important to you, but you are not the sole adult interested in your students’ moral development. Share your aspirations of your students’ characters with parents, converse with parents about how students are doing academically and ethically, and always make sure you allow parents to remain in the driver’s seat of their children’s character development.

Source: teachhub.com



Other sources:

goodcharacter.com- Teaching Guides for K-12 Character Education & Social Emotional Learning

ossory.ie- Moral Decision Making (Lesson Plan)

educators.brainpop.com- Ethics Lesson Plan: Determining What is Right and Solving Conflicts

pbslearningmedia.org- Ethics in the Classroom

smu.edu- Introducing Basic Concepts in Moral Thought and Reasoning (Lesson Plan)

teensundayschool.com- Ethics and Morality (Lesson Plan)

serendipstudio.org- Morality and the Brain (Lesson Plan)

sophiainstituteforteachers.org- Morality: The Journey in Christian Living (Lessons)

Morality Lesson Plan- Complete lesson plan for middle to high school students. (Lesson plan I did for middle to high school students)



Puzzles & Worksheets:

smp.org- Making Good Decisions (Crossword)

smp.org- Morally Good or Morally Suspect #1
For each situation, determine whether the action is right, neutral, or wrong; whether the intent is good or not good; and whether the circumstances allow you to decide freely or keep you from deciding freely.

smp.org- Morally Good or Morally Suspect #2
For each situation, determine whether the action itself is good, neutral, or bad; whether the intent is good; and whether the circumstances keep the person who is considering the action from acting freely.

smp.org- Dilemma Decisions
A worksheet with tough decisions students may be faced with in their lives.



Games:

The Catholic Toolbox- WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) & Moral Dilemmas Card Game

A Question of Scruples is a card game based on ethical dilemmas. Players are given five yellow cards apiece, each yellow card with a moral dilemma such as, "You accidentally damage a car in a parking lot. Do you leave a note with your name and phone number?" Each player also has a single red card, with either "YES", "NO", or "DEPENDS" printed upon it. The player must ask the question on a yellow card of the person whom the holder of the yellow card believes most likely to reply with the answer on the questioner's red card. The game thus tests how well players know each other. If the answer matches that on the red card, the questioner discards both yellow card and red card, then takes another red card. The game is won by the player who first discards all five of his yellow cards.

Scruples: The Game of Moral Dilemmas- Download a PDF and make your own Scruples cards, or buy the physical game, or download for free on the App Store

teacherspayteachers.com- Moral Dilemmas Game
This is a great game to play in the classroom. It helps students understand the idea of moral dilemmas and gives them examples of various situations. There is a worksheet and cards (with different moral dilemmas) attached to this upload. There are also rules on how to play the game. This game always creates excitement and great discussion within the classroom.

Dilemmas Game- The Dilemmas Game invites you to flex your moral muscles and compare your problem-solving skills with those of your friends and family. Players must propose different solutions to 52 common dilemmas, using analogies or drawing on real-life experiences to explain their answers. It’s a fun and enlightening way of practicing for the inevitable quandaries of life. The cards cover five categories: Relationships, Work, Sociability, Family, and Leisure.



Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Catechist Handbook




It is a good idea to have a Catechist Handbook to acquaint volunteer catechists with the policies and procedures in the Religious Formation Program. The Catechist Handbook will clearly define what the responsibilities are for the catechist and the procedures that they are to follow.


Examples:

nyfaithformation.org- Catechist Handbook

dioscg.org- Catechist Handbook

stmaryfred.org- Religious Education Catechist Handbook



A Catechist Handbook may consist of:


Mission Statement- Is a brief description of the overall purpose of the CCD program.


Goals- How the CCD program will accomplish and improve student performance.


Qualities of Catechists- What character traits the catechist should have.


Job Description- Responsibilities, Length of Commitment, Who you are accountable to, etc.


Code of Conduct- A code of professional conduct is a necessary component to any profession to maintain standards for the individuals within that profession to adhere. It brings about accountability, responsibility and trust to the individuals that the profession serves.

Example:

Code of Pastoral Conduct for Priests, Deacons, Pastoral Ministers, Administrators, Staff, and Volunteers- (page 11 for Volunteer’s Code of Conduct)


Absenteeism- Procedures to follow when catechists are going to be absent.


Classroom Policies & Procedures- Admission, Arrival/Dismissal, Attendance, Class Assignment, Child Care, Class Location, Class Size, Class Structure & Management, Classroom Use, Communication, Confirmation, Curriculum, Discipline, Dress Code, Early Dismissal, Emergency Procedures, Field Trips, First Communion, First Reconciliation/Penance, Food & Drinks, Grading, Homework, Inclement Weather, Inservice Training, Lesson Planning, Lost Books, Meetings, Participation at Sunday Mass, Records & Privacy, Registration, Report Cards/Progress Reports, Resources/Equipment/Supplies, RCIA for Children, Sacramental Preparation, Safety, Set Up/Clean Up, Student Supervision, Students with Special Needs, Tardiness, Tests, Visitors, Miscellaneous Forms/Lists, etc.


*In the back of the handbook, on a separate piece of paper that is to be given to the DRE:

Signature of Catechist and Date- I have received and reviewed the Catechist Handbook and the Parent/Student Handbook for the Religious Education Program. I understand the policies, rules and regulations stated therein and agree to abide by them.



*What else could be in the Catechist Handbook? Please leave a comment and add to the list.





Tuesday, July 11, 2017

FREE Catholic Materials in Spanish





Need some Catholic materials in Spanish? Here are a few sites that I found:



usccb.org- Daily readings in Spanish. Click on “Today’s Readings,” then “Lecturas del Día”.

gardenofpraise.com- Bible Stories in Spanish that are printable

childrens-books.lovetoknow.com- Children’s Bible Stories in Spanish downloads

familiarcatolica-org.blogspot.com- Lots of FREE Catholic materials in Spanish.

rosaryarmy.newevangelizers.com- Pray the Rosary in English, Spanish, or Dutch.

how-to-pray-the-rosary-everyday.com- Pocket Rosary Booklet Spanish download

catholicity.com- Free Spanish Catholic CDs from the Mary Foundation. Eight CDs available.

catholic.org- Prayers in Spanish.

holyreflections.com- Spanish Prayers (scroll down to this) Printable Prayer Card



Coloring:

sermons4kids.com- Coloring pages in Spanish.

sjtb.org- Apostles' Creed Coloring Pages Bilingual (English/Spanish)

dibujoscatolicos.com- Catholic coloring pages in Spanish

kidwisecorner.com- Free “You Are Special” coloring book in English and Spanish



Handwriting:

The Catholic Toolbox- Make your own Spanish handwriting sheets/copy work. To learn various prayers, liturgical objects used in Mass, and other church activities, having the students write it down is a good way for them to remember. Here are a few of my favorite handwriting worksheet makers that are FREE so you can make personalized handwriting worksheets (print or cursive) for your students.



Lessons:

missionarlington.org- Curriculum with activities that is available in Spanish

allelu.com- Spanish Lesson Sampler



Worksheets, Puzzles, etc.

catholickidsbulletin.blogspot.com- Catholic Kids Bulletin in English and Spanish. Download a FREE bulletin to help your kids learn more about our Catholic Mass. Each week's bulletin contains coloring pages for a saint and activities based on the Gospel. The coloring pages may also include a maze, dot-to-dot, find the picture, and many other activities.

sermons4kids.com- Click on Mensajes para ninos. There you will find Spanish object lessons with coloring pages, puzzles, worship bulletins, etc.

sermons4kids.com- Puzzles in Spanish.

calvarycurriculum.com- Old and New Testament coloring pages, fill in the blanks, true or false, circle the correct word, puzzles, etc. in Spanish.

pflfaumweeklies.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. Free Spanish activities available.

go.sadlier.com- Advent Blooms Activity
Download a printable primary activity that encourages children to help other people see God’s love during the season of Advent. Download available in English and Spanish

go.sadlier.com- Living Out Lent Activity
Teach children that Lent is the season of preparation for Easter with an interactive activity that allows students to:
• Brainstorm things they can do to make Lent a time of simple living
• Focus on God and the needs of others
• Determine activities they will "live out” daily and weekly
Download available in English and Spanish

catholicicing.com- Printable Lenten Calendar for Kids
Blank printable to translate in any language

The Catholic Toolbox- Worksheet/Puzzle/Quiz Makers. Need to make a Spanish worksheet for your students? Well, here are a few of my favorite worksheet generators/makers that are online that are free and easy to use that you might like.




Do you know of any more to add to the list?





Monday, July 10, 2017

CCD Volunteer Form





Before a person can volunteer to help in the religious education at your parish, they must fill out and sign a Volunteer Form. By having prospective volunteers fill out this form it will let them know what help is needed and what the responsibilities are for that particular job. It can also inform them what is required to be able volunteer at the parish.

*Some parishes require each family to participate in one of the activities listed below.


Suggestions of what can be included in your volunteer form:


It has been a long tradition at __________ that our parish family has offered their time and talents. It is through caring, sharing, and praying, that our community has grown in love and support of one another. The CCD Program could not exist if it were not for the efforts of our volunteers. In response to this need, we ask you to volunteer.


PLEASE NOTE: ALL volunteers must have the following two requirements done prior to the start of CCD: (Please check box next to statement if already completed.)

• Background check & fingerprinting
• Training Seminar- guidelines, policies, curriculum, lesson plans, discipline/classroom management, preparation, report cards/progress reports, etc. (for catechists, co-catechists, substitute catechist, aide, and special needs teacher, aide or companion)


Extra Information:

• Catechist Certification (attach copy of certification)
• Previous teaching experience (attach information of previous teaching experience)



Please check what you are interested in.

Catechist- You agree to teach once a week from (date) to (date). You will plan & teach weekly classes, attend catechist in-services and meetings as assigned by the DRE. You will be trained and provided with opportunities for personal Spiritual growth. There will be 2 teachers in a classroom unless you prefer to teach alone.

Do you want your child placed in your class?

Grade Preference- (also include day and time)

Who you like to teach with-


Co-Catechist- You agree to teach once a week from (date) to (date). You will assist the lead teacher in weekly planning & teaching, fill the lead role as necessary, attend catechist in services and meetings as assigned by the DRE.


Substitute Catechist- Fill in for Teachers or Aides when needed. Scheduled to be in office at least once per month.


Aide- Assist the catechist in the classroom as needed; possibly fill in as lead teacher if able.


Grade Level Coordinator- As members of the Religious Education Advisory Board, these coordinators represent their grade level and conduct sessions at staff meetings.


Special Needs Teacher, Aide or Companion- (Circle one.) To teach or help with students with special needs.


Activity Coordinator- Plan & attend large group activities 3-4 times per year. (Specify activities.)


Librarian- The librarian will check-in and checkout books from the library (days and time library opened). The librarian will also shelve books and keep track of our resources. Scheduled at least once per month.


Web Site Programmer- Periodically the CCD section of the parish web site needs to be updated. Basic knowledge of HTML programming and a willingness to collaborate with the Web Team are necessary.


Hall Monitor- Help provide security in the building while classes are in session. Scheduled at least once per month.


Child Care- Help watch the teacher’s children during class in the Child Care Room (days and times Child Care Room is open). Scheduled at least once per month.


Clerical Help- Provide clerical help in the Religious Ed office while your child is in class. Scheduled at least once per month.

Refreshment Committee- Provide refreshments for various meetings or celebrations of the Religious Education Program.


Parking Lot Director- Help direct cars during CCD pick-up and drop off. Scheduled at least once per month.


Please Note: If you are volunteering during CCD classes your children can receive babysitting by the Religious Ed Child Care.

Contact Information- Name, address, phone (home, cell, work, etc.), e-mail, etc.

Signature- to verify you understand the above and that the information you provided is correct.


*What else could be in the CCD Volunteer Form? Please leave a comment and add to the list.





Wednesday, July 5, 2017

CCD Program Parent/Student Handbook





To establish what the responsibilities are for the CCD student and the parent(s) it is a good idea to have a CCD Program Parent/Student Handbook. The handbook can specify the rules and regulations that the students and parent(s) must follow so there will be no misunderstandings. Having a handbook allows the CCD program to run smoothly and without any problems. It can also inform how the CCD program plans to educate your child and answer many questions that the parents might have.


Examples:


St. Vincent De Paul School of Religion CCD and RCIC Parent-Student Handbook

St.Albert the Great CCD Program Handbook

Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church

Our Ladies of Victories- CCD Program Handbook

St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Parish- CCD Religion Education Handbook

St. Veronica Catholic Church- Religious Education Parent Handbook

St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish- Faith Formation CCD Parent/Student Handbook



A CCD Program Parent/Student Handbook may consist of:


Mission Statement- Is a brief description of the overall purpose of the CCD program.


Philosophy- Why the CCD program exists, how the program will meet the needs of the students, the objectives, methods, and the results of the CCD program.


Statement of Goals- How the CCD program will accomplish and improve student performance.


Contact Information/Telephone Numbers- Office, DRE, etc. and their hours.


CCD Class Schedule- Days and times of all student classes, schedule of CCD classes for the year, etc.


Curriculum- What curriculum the CCD program uses and for what grades/classes.


Policies- Admission, Arrival/Dismissal, Attendance, Class Assignment, Class Size, Communications w/ Parents & Catechists, Confirmation, Discipline, Dress Code, Early Dismissal, Emergency Procedures, Field Trips, First Communion, First Reconciliation/Penance, Food & Drinks, Grading, Homework, Inclement Weather, Lost Book, Participation at Sunday Mass, Records & Privacy, Registration, Report Cards/Progress Reports, RCIA for Children, Sacramental Preparation, Students with Special Needs, Tardiness, Tests, Visitors, etc.



*In the back of the handbook, on a separate piece of paper that is to be given to the DRE:


Before your child can attend the CCD program this must be signed and dated by the parent(s) and child and returned to the DRE.

Signature of Parent(s) and child with date- I have read the information contained in the CCD Parent/Student Handbook and I agree to abide by its contents.





*What else could be in the CCD Program Parent/Student Handbook? Please leave a comment and add to the list.






Monday, July 3, 2017

Time To Think






Since CCD is over for most it is time to think of what will be needed for the next school year. What will you be doing? What will you need? What worked, what didn’t? Did you learn from your mistakes? These questions and more will inundate the catechist the next few weeks. Before you know it, classes will be starting again and you need to be prepared.

This overwhelming task can be examined and planning should be done way before so you can be ready and prepared.


• Get a whole calendar year from your DRE as soon as possible or make a preliminary one.

• Write down what you hope to accomplish and do for the year. Example

• Make sure each lesson can build off the previous one and lay the foundation for the next.

Prepare your lessons. 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. Later on be sure to write up more detailed lesson plans and include what is essential to be an effective teacher.

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.

• Write up an introductory letter to the parents. It is a great idea to take the opportunity to introduce yourself by welcoming the child and the parents in a letter the first day of CCD. It provides the parents with information of what is expected in the classroom and what the children will be doing during the year. It can also inform parents of the expectations and rules of the class that will help in making the classroom productive, creative, and enjoyable year for all (this can be a separate page that parents must sign and return to you). Teachers can also ask if parents are interested in volunteering and for any information that can help aid them in better understanding their child and their needs.

• Have classroom rules. Having a well behaved classroom is critical for proper learning. For the students to learn to their fullest potential they need an environment that is quiet, without distractions, and organized. Catechists must also keep disruptive behavior down to the minimum. If your church does not have classroom rules you need to write up some for your class and have them approved by the DRE. Be sure to have classroom behavior expectations for your class before CCD starts.

• Find out if you will be having any special needs students in your classroom. When a special needs child is assigned to your classroom, be sure to gather information from the parents about their child before they come to class to help with the transition of their child into the classroom. A training session should be planned and conducted before the special needs student starts CCD to focus on identifying supports the student needs and how to implement them.

Prepare your classroom to enhance your student’s learning.