Diocese of Gary Catechetical/Liturgical Day

Great to meet you at the Catechetical/Liturgical Day! Welcome to The Religion Teacher. While you are here, feel free to check out some of the other Catholic religious education resources, activities, and lesson plans for teachers and catechists. Also, sign up for the free eBook The Religion Teacher’s Guide to Lesson Planning.

Classroom Engagement Workshop

Download the handout: Classroom Engagement: Learn, Love, and Live the Faith

You will hear a number of teaching strategies and resources mentioned during the presentation. Here are some links to help you learn more:

LEARN the Faith

• Why Use Advance Organizers (and Five Examples)
• 31DBBRE Day 21: Draft or Edit Student Learning Objectives
• Graphic Organizers

LOVE the Faith

• “Why Do I Need to Know This? Is an Opportunity, Not an Insult” (Ave Maria Press Fall 2013 Newsletter, 6-7)
• The Hook (Technique: 12 from Teach Like A Champion by Doug Lemov)
• 31DBBRE Day 17: Articulate a Vision for Your Classroom
• 31DBBRE Day 31: Become a Witness 
• Are You A Witness? A New Focus on Teaching AND Testimony
• Lectio Divina Meditations for Kids 
• Rosary Worksheets: Meditations for Kids

LIVE the Faith

• 31DBBRE Day 18: Practice Giving Positive, Constructive Feedback 
• Student Prayer Partners 
• 31DBBRE Day 12: Compliment a Parent about a Child and Parent-Conversation Template
• “Ask Me About. . .” Handouts 

Christ the Master-TeacherWorkshop
12 Ways to Become a Better Religious Educator

We think that becoming a better religious educator requires more specialized knowledge of teaching strategies and management techniques, but according to Christ (the Master-Teacher) all we need to do is become better disciples and servants. So if we just focus on growing as disciples and servants, we will become better teachers and leaders.

1. Recall Your Calling as a Religious Educator (Day 1) (Disciple)
2. Recognize Your Relationship with Christ (Day 2)
3. Spend Time Reading the Scriptures (Day 4)
4. Improve One Prayer Habit (Day 7)
5. Learn Something from Your Students (Day 6)
6. Write a Note of Praise to a Student Who Struggles (Day 11) (Servant)
7. Compliment a Parent about a Child (Day 12)
8. Pray for Your Students (Day 13)
9. Articulate a Vision for Your Classroom (Day 17) (Leader)
10. Simplify Your Lesson (Day 23) (Teacher)
11. Tell a Story in Class (Day 24)
12. Become a Witness (Day 31)

*Day numbers correspond to the days in 31 Days to Becoming a Better Religious Educator.

Free Leader’s Guide

The book comes with many supplemental resources including a leader’s guide for administrators and department chairs, many of which were featured in the webinar. Download the leader’s guide and other resources at www.thereligionteacher.com/31days/leader.