How Closely Do You Follow Your Textbook?
January 23rd, 2007 by Joe
We catechists are blessed in this day and age to have many fine catechetical textbooks from a variety of Catholic publishers. The General Directory for Catechesis reminds us however that there is no substitute for the person of the catechist. I know that when I teach, I think of my text book as a guide and a resource but I also do a lot of “ad lib” and bring in a variety of activities that reinforce the lesson. I’m wary of catechists who ignore their textbook altogether but also cautious about following the textbook too closely. I think flexibility and creativity are crucial…i.e., leaving room for the Holy Spirit!
What about you? What percentage of your lesson is directly connected with your textbook?
Tom Rinkoski Says
I confess that I am not good at all at following textbooks. I do use them to prepare and occassionaly will make reference to them in the classroom. But I always end up deriving my lessons, objectives and outcomes from comments students make, emotions that get expressed, and exchanges made in the classroom. As a result my classes may lack some clarity in terms of outcomes in the overall scope and sequence. It is not that I dislike textbooks, it is rather, that I enjoy the students and the Good News so very much more.
Jan 23rd, 2007 at 4:06 pm
Kathy Says
I use my textbook faithfully! However, I do bring in a variety of other activities to engage the children.
Jan 23rd, 2007 at 5:31 pm
Joe Says
Tom, thanks for sharing. One thing that I try to keep in mind is that kids have “felt” needs and “prescribed” needs. It’s very important, as you said, to be responsive to their comments and needs. It’s also true that there are things they need to know about their faith heritage that they may not be aware of. The Church “prescribes” these needs…thus the role of a curriculum. People like you who enjoy students and the Good News so much can find creative ways to help young people realize how much they need this heritage. Thank God for catechists like you who absolutely love what they are doing!
Jan 23rd, 2007 at 8:29 pm
Joe Says
Kathy, I appreciate your response. What textbook are you using that you enjoy following so faithfully?
Jan 23rd, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Kathy Says
Thanks Joe, our Parish uses the “Christ Our Life” series, published by Loyola Press. I am on their website weekly to make sure I am integrating Scripture and proper doctrine in my lessons.
Jan 24th, 2007 at 6:53 pm
Joe Says
Kathy, thanks for reminding us all to take our responsibilities as catechists so seriously.
Jan 24th, 2007 at 8:24 pm
Ali Says
Again, like Kathy, I use our text to the letter. I have winged it on occasion, and I do bring in extra stuff. But to keep little minds focused, we need to refer back to our book to remind us why we are there.
We also usually have 5 or 10 minutes at the end of class where I allow the children to build Bible based puzzles, or look at some of the books I’ve provided. Those are also instances where I continue to teach, only I sneak it in then
Jan 27th, 2007 at 7:37 am
Joe Says
Ali, good point about the “little minds” needing to have a clear focus.
Jan 27th, 2007 at 9:37 am
Kathy Says
Hi Ali, good to see you here!!!!
Jan 27th, 2007 at 3:08 pm