Great Books for CCD for Kindergarten and 1st Grade

[saveymom]

Hello everyone,

I’m new here so not sure where to post this question. I am a CCD teacher- second year and am wondering what are the best books to use. Last year I used the Faith First books but am looking for a different option. I felt that the books were a little too advanced for the kids and wasn’t easy to follow.

Any suggestions for me would be great. And if I’ve posted this in the wrong place, let me know that as well.

Thanks!

Laura

 

[puzzleannie]

Image of God still remains my favorite (Ignatius Press) and is not as tough and higher reading level as Faith and Life.

Our Sunday Visitor has a good Pre-K and Kinder program, which would work well with homeschooling or small informal groups as well as CCD.

doesn’t your diocese or parish have required texts?

here I have to consider reading levels, which are usually below national averages, and choose texts on that basis. Of course that is not a problem with Kinder and 1st (many of are kids are only just learning to read at the end of 2nd grade). you are right to adapt the text to the learners, but also, not to rely on the text. at this age they need as much activity to reinforce learning as they do hearing or reading it.

 

[saveymom]

Thanks for the reply. It sounds like our church does not require any particular text and I’m trying to find out from our Diocese. I have not gotten a reply from them yet. We have several in our CCD classes that do not come to church on a regular basis and so they’re knowledge is a little less than some of the other kids as well.

Laura

 

[puzzleannie]

see if your DRE or diocese has a video on the Mass for small children and start on what happens at Mass, what we do and why, what the priest does, and why. At every opportunity speak to the parents, and send home the children’s work, to emphasize the need for regular Mass attendance. also prepare a simple sheet with the basic prayers, for the parents to teach at home (by simply praying together as a family) which the sign and return when the child masters each prayer. one of our former catechists, who also teaches kinder in public school, taught her class to sign all the prayers, and I still get a kick out of seeing her class members in church or at the rosaries, signing the prayers.

 

[Corki]

Image of God still remains my favorite (Ignatius Press) and is not as tough and higher reading level as Faith and Life.

I second that one. I taught PK and K and had kids in Catholic school for K. IOG is the best one I have seen. It has some reading for the kids who are able (and proud of it ) but lots of graphic learning too.

 

[leonie]

Image of God still remains my favorite (Ignatius Press) and is not as tough and higher reading level as Faith and Life.

.

I third it!

If you are looking for reading books to supplement:

I like Angel in the Waters

angelinthewaters.com/

Saints and the Friendly Beasts including…

adoremusbooks.com/saintmartindeporresandthemice.aspx

Here’s our learning objectives for first grade

archindy.org/oce/index.asp?action=curriculum_details&subject=Parish%20Religion&cid=005537

But, as a mom, I say I’d be very pleased if my first grader learned his Bible stories, Hail Mary, Our Father, Glory Be, and that Jesus comes to us at Mass and lives in the tabernacle.

 

[thenewmrssears]

We use Faith First here in Atlanta. Not the greatest books, but we’ll be switching for the 2009-2010 PSR year.

I have the kids take turns bringing in their favorite storybooks. Usually you get some great books with some great lessons that aren’t necessarily intended to be religious. Clifford the Big Red Dog talks about accepting others. Good Night, Moon is another good one. Veggie Tales is definitely a popular choice.

I teach 2nd grade, and I find that they tend to be more attentive when you are using things to which they can immediately relate.

Does that help at all? Or are you looking for textbook recommendations?

 

[saveymom]

Thanks so much for the advice. I will definitely look for some movies to watch.

The signing idea is so cool too. My oldest son does not speak and so we sign some things for him and the kids love doing that. So that would be fun to incorporate.

Thanks Again.

Laura

 

[saveymom]

Thank you so much for all your help and suggestions. I am ordering the books today!!