Crazy Catechist Question

[aurora77]

I have a wierd one for you all. Last week during class we were working on a craft project. The kids started talking and it turns out they all love Mythbusters. One tells us about this experiment they did on the show and how we should do it. Which got me thinking–does anyone know any books or websites I could check out that would have bizarre, Mythbusters-type projects with a religious theme that we could incorporate into class? It would be fun and I just feel sure that if we could do something like this to re-inforce what we’re teaching, they’d remember it. I’m teaching 3rd grade, so it would have to be appropriate for 8-9 year olds.

 

[Della]

The goal on Mythbusters is to place a scientific theory or myth into one of 3 categories: confirmed, plausible, or busted. Adult level apologetics might fit into those 3 categories, but I can’t think of anything appropriate for children that would work. Maybe you could ask the children themselves what they’d like to test under “confirmed, plausible, or busted.”

 

[bear06]

I have a wierd one for you all. Last week during class we were working on a craft project. The kids started talking and it turns out they all love Mythbusters. One tells us about this experiment they did on the show and how we should do it. Which got me thinking–does anyone know any books or websites I could check out that would have bizarre, Mythbusters-type projects with a religious theme that we could incorporate into class? It would be fun and I just feel sure that if we could do something like this to re-inforce what we’re teaching, they’d remember it. I’m teaching 3rd grade, so it would have to be appropriate for 8-9 year olds.

LOL! I can’t imagine what kind of myths you’re trying to bust or prove correct? This seems like it could get a little bizarre. I mean, would you pick something like will a possessed person sizzle if you sprinkle them with Holy Water?

My suggestion is that you read some of the incredible saint stories. I’m sure they’ll be thrilled with those who levitated, bi-located, read souls, etc. You can’t get more captivating than that and they’re all true stories. No myths involved.

 

[Cat]

I agree about learning about the saints, but don’t just read them. Boring. (apologies to the saints!)

Let the kids act them out. Let them write the scripts (or you write up scripts for them) and then put their play together.

Or do a newcast about the saints. Perhaps a 60 Minutes type episode, or even just the local newscast, only set it back in time when the saint lived. “Breaking News–St. Theresa of Avila has levitated again! What is the true story behind this amazing occurrence? Stay tuned!” or “Weather will be very stormy tonight. Anyone wishing to cross the river is advised to let St. Christopher carry them over, especially small children.” (Yes, I know St. Christopher’s Feast Day is no longer celebrated. I’m just giving an example.)

Or even better, hold a trial. Put some of the saints on trial, and let the jury decide whether their experiences are “myths” or “fact.” That would be exciting and everyone would learn a lot.

One thing that’s really cool to do with kids is “Living Video.” Let them choose a song (probably contemporary Christian music) and produce a living video. They are the actors in the video and it’s done live, not on a tape. This is really fun to do, and not as hard as acting out a play, but very dramatic, none the less. I think it would be awesome doing this about various saints.

If they want to study “myths,” perhaps they could do “CSI” and look into the “Incorruptibles.” These are truly miraculous stories that encourage us in our faith.

Have fun! I think saints are cool!

 

[amills]

How about exploring the Shroud of Turin - is it the burial cloth of Jesus?