Religious Education

[MarisaJean]

Mom’s and Dad’s and even Religious Ed teachers I need some advice! After talks and discussions with our priest and deacon I decided to teach my daughter her religious Education at home. Although I have the book from our local parish, I bought my daughter an older yet still kids version bible and the lady helping me at the store also gave me another refrence book that has been very useful because she used to teach religious education. My daughter is 6 and has been going to mass her whole life. She knows the basics that any 6 year old can grasp at this point. I was wondering if there anything else I could be doing to help her even more. She is very much a visual learner. I have the book on mass for her and the little booklets of prayers that are very helpful and I do read her bible stories and yes there are some pictures but I was wondering if anyone knows of catholic programs online or that I can purchase that she can play YET still learn from at the same time. I do not like video games but if they can help her learn some bible stories or grasp some concepts she is just not getting yet I would be open to it. If anyone has been in this same boat and has any suggestions I would greatly appreciate any suggestions! Thanks in advance and God bless.

 

[1ke]

I can suggest a couple of things.

1. CatholicMom.com has tons of games and activities you can do with your child to learn or reinforce bible stories, sacraments, prayers, etc. I use it all the time to get ideas for CCD class.
2. The textbook likely has a website. The site may have a kid’s area with games and supplemental materials as well as a teacher area with ideas and a parent area for ideas on how to extend the lesson.
3. CatholicChild.com used to have excellent games, but the only one I see on there now that I like is “Saint Search” which is a bingo game that teaches about saints (warning, graphic as it talks about martyrdom and may be best for an older child). They do have lots of DVDs and some video games (never used video games) for sale at their site. Our diocese recommends the Glory Story CDs and they are available on this site. They also have some crafts and they have a lot of things on Saints including dolls, activities, books, etc.
4. Autom.com is your source for CHEAP craft kits and activities. Some have to be bought in multiples, like packs of 12, so that may not be practical for you in every case.
5. Great Adventure kid’s pack is another good option.
   ascensionpress.com/t/category/study-programs/catholic-bible-study/kids-bible-study

 

[dconklin]

I am a dad, a catechists as well as Asst DRE at my parish. We have videos on the saints, the various parables of Jesus and stories from the OT. See if your parish has a resource like that.

 

[tawny]

Very good 1ke. This is what we recommend in my parish for families who choose to home school religious education.

 

[1ke]

I am a dad, a catechists as well as Asst DRE at my parish. We have videos on the saints, the various parables of Jesus and stories from the OT. See if your parish has a resource like that.

The diocese catechesis office also usually has a lending library that they make available to parishes. The DRE may be able to order some resources for the homeschool families.