For 8th Graders--Candidates for Confirmation

[fastenatingguy]

I hope this is the right place for this question; if not, please relocate to the proper place.

I am teaching 8th grade catechism and was asked a great question last Sunday in class from one of the boys:

“How do we know if a story in the Bible is the literal truth?”

I prefaced my answer by saying “great question …but we do not have time to address this today. So in a few weeks, we will set aside thirty minutes of class time and bring in the other class (I am one of two teachers for 25 students) so that we can discuss this…”

I did explain briefly that the Bible is not a single book, but a library or compendium presented in one binding. As such it has topics of history, social science, love, poetry, etc. There were several writers over many centuries, but only ONE author, and only one editor. Not sure if they bought what I was selling, but I had to get back on topic.

So in order to give them a basis for understanding, I am going to give them something to take home and read after our next class. I found an article by Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch
Approaching the Sacred Scriptures and thought I would use that as the basis for
a summary that 13 and 14 year-olds would understand. Then in the following class we could use some Bible passages and quotes to illustrate.

Thoughts?

 

[jmcrae]

In preparation for the session, become familiar with Dei Verbum.

The section in the Catechism on the Scriptures begins at paragraph 101. (I would start at paragraph 50 to get the background, as well.)

Finally, when teaching this subject I always make a point of reviewing Making Senses of Scripture, by Mark Shea, which has lots of good illustrations about the various senses of Scripture, and how to understand the allegory, the anagogy, the moral lesson, and the literal senses of the Scriptures.

In their English classes, the boys are no doubt already learning about different styles of writing - poetry, short stories, argumentative essays, book reports, news reports, and so on.

For the lesson plan, I would begin by bringing in a daily newspaper that comes in sections. Show them the various headlines. Point out that “Flames Roast Hitmen” (for example) has an entirely different meaning when it’s a headline in the Sports pages than it would if it were in the “City News” section.

Then I would remind them of what they have been learning in their English classes about the different styles of writing.

After that, I would discuss the various literary styles that we find in the Bible, and talk about the four senses of Scripture, and how we can understand the various styles of writing within these four senses. I would mention the things that we are required to believe “de fide” - that Adam and Eve were one man and one woman who are the ancestors of every human being, and the miracles of Moses and of Jesus, and that the Resurrection really happened.

 

[tqualey]

Hi, Jmcrae,

Truly an excellent response!

I would like to add that 8th graders (ages about 12 - 14) - are going through a lot of changes. And according to one respected psychologist it is a good idea to understand what is involved. These physical and psycological changes truly impact on how they see the world. Here is a link that may be helpful: psychology.about.com/library/bl_psychosocial_summary.htm

God bless

In preparation for the session, become familiar with Dei Verbum.

The section in the Catechism on the Scriptures begins at paragraph 101. (I would start at paragraph 50 to get the background, as well.)

Finally, when teaching this subject I always make a point of reviewing Making Senses of Scripture, by Mark Shea, which has lots of good illustrations about the various senses of Scripture, and how to understand the allegory, the anagogy, the moral lesson, and the literal senses of the Scriptures.

In their English classes, the boys are no doubt already learning about different styles of writing - poetry, short stories, argumentative essays, book reports, news reports, and so on.

For the lesson plan, I would begin by bringing in a daily newspaper that comes in sections. Show them the various headlines. Point out that “Flames Roast Hitmen” (for example) has an entirely different meaning when it’s a headline in the Sports pages than it would if it were in the “City News” section.

Then I would remind them of what they have been learning in their English classes about the different styles of writing.

After that, I would discuss the various literary styles that we find in the Bible, and talk about the four senses of Scripture, and how we can understand the various styles of writing within these four senses. I would mention the things that we are required to believe “de fide” - that Adam and Eve were one man and one woman who are the ancestors of every human being, and the miracles of Moses and of Jesus, and that the Resurrection really happened.

 

[pollylodges]

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.

Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

†

Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

†

 

[fastenatingguy]

In preparation for the session, become familiar with Dei Verbum.

The section in the Catechism on the Scriptures begins at paragraph 101. (I would start at paragraph 50 to get the background, as well.)

Finally, when teaching this subject I always make a point of reviewing Making Senses of Scripture, by Mark Shea, which has lots of good illustrations about the various senses of Scripture, and how to understand the allegory, the anagogy, the moral lesson, and the literal senses of the Scriptures.

In their English classes, the boys are no doubt already learning about different styles of writing - poetry, short stories, argumentative essays, book reports, news reports, and so on.

For the lesson plan, I would begin by bringing in a daily newspaper that comes in sections. Show them the various headlines. Point out that “Flames Roast Hitmen” (for example) has an entirely different meaning when it’s a headline in the Sports pages than it would if it were in the “City News” section.

Then I would remind them of what they have been learning in their English classes about the different styles of writing.

After that, I would discuss the various literary styles that we find in the Bible, and talk about the four senses of Scripture, and how we can understand the various styles of writing within these four senses. I would mention the things that we are required to believe “de fide” - that Adam and Eve were one man and one woman who are the ancestors of every human being, and the miracles of Moses and of Jesus, and that the Resurrection really happened.

Thanks for your insight. I just ordered Mark Shea’s book on Amazon. I had printed out some of his online information and others on the four senses of scripture. Unfortunately, I have to formulate it for these boys and girls who are 8th graders–but in age only.

I printed Dei Verbum and will read that for lunch tomorrow.

 

[fastenatingguy]

Hi, Jmcrae,

Truly an excellent response!

I would like to add that 8th graders (ages about 12 - 14) - are going through a lot of changes. And according to one respected psychologist it is a good idea to understand what is involved. These physical and psycological changes truly impact on how they see the world. Here is a link that may be helpful: psychology.about.com/library/bl_psychosocial_summary.htm

God bless

Tom-

Before we started the classes in September, our DRE provided similar psychological and learning information. I found some of it worthwhile; most of the teachers working with younger students found it more valuable than I did. Not sure what that says, but I am doing my best. Thanks for your response.

FG

 

[fastenatingguy]

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.

Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

†

Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

†

Your prayers for my catechists (and their teacher) are VERY much appreciated!

 

[jmcrae]

Thanks for your insight. I just ordered Mark Shea’s book on Amazon. I had printed out some of his online information and others on the four senses of scripture. Unfortunately, I have to formulate it for these boys and girls who are 8th graders–but in age only.

I printed Dei Verbum and will read that for lunch tomorrow.

I have been working with that age group for about 20 years - what I have found is that if you use straightforward language and don’t beat around the bush, or dummy it down too much, most of them will understand it just fine.

 

[tqualey]

Hi, FG,

Most of the writers I am familiar with speak with some generalities - and you are teaching a very specific class made up of unique individuals. Some items work better than others - and how one presents the material can not be over-stated.

God bless your apostolate.

Tom-

Before we started the classes in September, our DRE provided similar psychological and learning information. I found some of it worthwhile; most of the teachers working with younger students found it more valuable than I did. Not sure what that says, but I am doing my best. Thanks for your response.

FG