Children's catechism 2nd grade

[Maronites]

Greetings to all,

I am a MCF teacher (Maronite Christian Formation instead of CCD) in the Maronite Catholic. I have been teaching the First Holy Communion Class for 7 years and am somewhat the layman in charge (if you want to call it that). We want the children to learn the 10 Commandments (not suggestions) and of course the question…“What is adultery?”, will be asked. I have been teaching it is being unfaithful. I give the example of Israel in the OT, being adulterous when they turned away from God (to worship false gods/idols). I also say that I am a married woman and cannot “date” anyone but my husband.

I would like (name removed by moderator)ut from parents and other religious ed teachers on how you handle this with second graders. I am not a teacher by profession but in 2002, we had one class of children, the teacher became seriously ill and no one would take the position…so our priest came to me…then the next year I asked my husband to take the 3rd graders while I stayed with 2nd grader…and here we are today.

God Bless all the parents and teachers who are trying to uphold the Faith and Truth.

A.M.D.G.,
Maronites

 

[ChristinaM]

I remember our class asking our religion teacher this in 4th grade. She explained it as taking up with another man, living with him and basically behaving as if he were her husband. I don’t know if that’s a “good” explanation of adultery but I think she got the basic concept across (unfaithfulness) while still being age-appropriate.

 

[monicatholic]

welcome to Catholic Answers Forums! I hope you will find a happy place to talk things over here.

per your question: faithfulness is a good premise.

i explain that faithfulness means people are only allowed to be married to one person. and they are not allowed to pretend to be married-- ever.

because i always try and i teach the positive of what the commandment means, i explain “thou shalt not commit adultery” means God says, “Marriage is HOLY.”

for the commandments “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife and goods” I explain that Jealousy is bad; Gratuitude and thankfulness are pleasing to God.

 

[petitfleur]

Hey Monica… are these your own explaination or did you use a book? I think its a wonderful idea.

 

[monicatholic]

hi petitfleur,

i’ve been teaching catechism in parish religious ed setting and teaching it homeschool to our kids (though they also go to the parish program) for almost 20 years.

all of my best ideas teaching come from all over-- mentors, books, teachers manuals etc., mixed with a lot of experience at tripping up, and then simply filtered through my little noggin.

 

[petitfleur]

Thanks- sorry if I derailed your thread OP:blush:
Good luck with your efforts. Some of my kids RE teachers have been a true blessing and influence. I like Monicas approach and think it is more age appropriate.