In my RE class this past weekend, we learned about the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Specifically, I introduced my class to a sacred vessel called the monstrance. Our parish priest invited our class into the sacristy for an up close and personal lesson of the monstrance and other sacred vessels used in the Eucharist Liturgy. They loved having a close view of a monstrance, ciborium, chalice and pyx and especially the attention of our priest. They struggled saying the words but it certainly deepened their understanding of Jesus' special gift to us.
We then returned to our classroom and viewed Brother Francis Bread of Life DVD which they found entertaining. Brother Francis is very appealing to younger children by his use of humor throughout his explanations. My students were giggling and attentive as they watched. It was perfect for my first graders!
Next on our agenda, was a monstrance craft. The idea came from Jennifer at Catholic Inspired and instead of using paint, I gave them chalk to use on black paper. They turned out great even though I didn't get a picture of theirs, just my sample.
We ended our class with another craft to celebrate the Feast of St. Blaise. I took my cue from Jessica at Shower of Roses and we made her edible candles.
It was a perfect faith formation day for my students even though they still struggled pronouncing the names of the sacred vessels.
Blessings,
Noreen
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What a great hands-on lesson for your RE class. A neighboring parish uses Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. I'm always amazed at how familiar those little ones are with liturgical vocabulary, vestments, and the Blessed Sacrament when they join our Parish for Vacation Bible School. Good job on the lesson! We love the Brother Francis videos!
ReplyDeleteThe hands on lessons work so much better to hold heir attention. It's a small class size so it's easy for us to do crafts and visit the sacristy.
DeleteBeautiful! Thank you for sharing the post with me! May God reward you for your hard work and dedication!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jessica for being one of the creative forces behind my lesson plans!
DeleteWhat a perfect CCD presentation! Those children are certainly blessed to have such a devoted teacher!
ReplyDeleteThank you Patty for your kind words! I'm blessed to learn from so many other great Catholic bloggers that I can pass it on to my students!
DeleteI am loving the Saint Blaise cookie candles and the monstance craft! Oh, and yes, feel free to use any of my coloring pages for first graders! I'd be honored if you did! Thanks for stopping by my blog :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Monica! I'll make sure to do so!
DeleteLOVE the easy monstrance with black paper and chalk craft. I think it may just get me through my next attempt at bringing three littles to Adoration on First Friday. THANK YOU! Please link it up at http://traininghappyhearts.blogspot.com/search/label/Training%20Happy%20Hearts%20in%20Young%20Children, so others can be inspired by the idea, too!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Martianne for the reminder. Will head over there now :)
DeleteThis is such lovely faith formation, Noreen! A perfect day, indeed. I just love the chalk on black paper for the monstrance craft. I'm going to try that here at home! Thanks for sharing ideas put into action:)
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