When approaching our teaching and learning content, we are guided by the core curriculum documents used by our school. However, we can also adapt other ideas and strategies that support the learning needs of our students. When exploring Victorian Diocese Curriculum Documents and other relevant learning material, I came across valuable ideas and strategies. Below is an accumulation of various ideas that may be used in your classroom.
Ideas sourced and adapted from Maurice Ryan and Jan Grajczonek (2008), in their book Learning Links to the Sacraments of Initiation: Teacher Resources for the Religion Classroom (p. 22):
- Invite senior members of the parish or community to share with the students, their memories of their first communion celebrations. You may also invite members from other religions to share their significant celebrations.
- Design an interview process where students can interview older peers from the school about their sacramental preparation and reception.
- In classes, the entire school creates a gift for those participating in a sacrament.
- Classes may create information booklets, or banners for the school or church about the symbols and meaning behind the Sacraments of Initiation.
- Ask the parish priest to come in and talk to the students about their sacramental preparation and what value it holds for themselves, their family and the church.
- Arrange visits to the church and ask the priest to take the children on a tour of the key elements, symbols and vessels needed to prepare for the Sacraments of Initiation.
Ideas sourced and adapted from the Catholic Education Office of Melbourne, in Coming to Know, Worship and Love:
- “Invite the priest or pastoral associate to help the students prepare a class Mass” and ensure all students are involved in the preparation and within the celebration (CEOM, 2008, p. 227).
- Students could create a prayer or lesson reflection journal, where they can record prayers, emotions and thoughts through the journey of preparation.
- Look at a family member’s treasured memories from their sacraments such as photos, videos or significant objects.
- Children create a powerpoint, 3D display, video, poster or brochure to explain their understanding of one of the Sacraments of Initiation to a younger audience.
- A Poem about the actions of the Holy Spirit
Ideas sourced and adapted from the Archdiocese of Sale. (2006). Journeying Together in Hope. Sale: DCP Group.
(These are linked to the idea of Shared Christian Praxis)
(These are linked to the idea of Shared Christian Praxis)
- KWL Chart (What we know, what we want to know, what we learnt)
- EEKK (eye to eye, knee to knee): children share feelings, thought, ideas about a topic such as the celebration of their first communion
- Role Playing: possibly role playing the actions of the Priest during the different Sacraments of Initiation
- Y Chart (sounds like, looks like, feels like)
- Venn Diagrams (comparing and contrasting themes)
Thoughts of ideas gained from professional experience:
1. A video diary of a students learning and preparation for their Sacrament, as well as their response afterward
2. A student blog about their weekly learning in Religious Education and thoughts for their future sacramental celebration
3. Workshop days with the parish team
4. Workshop days with the entire level participating in the Sacrament
5. Parent/Child workshops
6. Whole School Communion Assemblies or Class Visits (students share their experience with all other grades in the school)
1. A video diary of a students learning and preparation for their Sacrament, as well as their response afterward
2. A student blog about their weekly learning in Religious Education and thoughts for their future sacramental celebration
3. Workshop days with the parish team
4. Workshop days with the entire level participating in the Sacrament
5. Parent/Child workshops
6. Whole School Communion Assemblies or Class Visits (students share their experience with all other grades in the school)