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 October
2005
Taking the
Plunge
"Put your money where your mouth is," she said slyly. "You
have been writing about catechesis with kids for years. When was the last
time you taught them?" In thirteen years of marriage, I have
learned one thing: My wife Laura is always right. The more I thought about
it, the more enthusiastic I became.
So....this month I begin a new adventure...as
a third grade catechist.
Back to the Trenches
It has been years since I have been a
catechist of kids. In fact, the last time I taught a group of children
that met regularly was nearly twenty years ago. My formal teaching has
been almost exclusively with adults since then, apart from volunteering
with Children's Liturgy of the Word, and leading occasional sessions with
my own kids. The prospect of entering the fray with eight year olds has me
both energetic and a bit nervous.
At our first catechist meeting, Laura - who is
not only my wife but our parish's catechetical leader - asked people
who were new catechists to raise their hands. I couldn't decide whether to
raise mine or not! I certainly have been teaching for a long time, but
third grade was new. I was surprised to hear the questions echoing
in my mind:
Am I up to the task? Will the tips and tricks from teaching adults
transfer? Will I be able to keep a third grader's attention for seventy
minutes?
As I get ready for the first session this
weekend, my thoughts rewind through years of workshops, catechist
retreats, and conferences that I have both led and attended. I am sifting
out ideas and strategies for teaching kids. I am developing kid-friendly
activities. I am using my terrific catechetical text as a springboard for
active learning. I am meeting with my co-catechist to plan and strategize.
I am planning goals, lesson aims, and behavior management.
I am...I am...ready? We'll see! Since my
daughter, Ellen, is in the group, I will also have instant feedback -
though Ellen is entirely too kind to be an objective critic.
Fresh Eyes
Every year, I co-facilitate a new catechist
retreat for our region. I will lead this year's retreat from a new
perspective - as an untried third grade catechist. I feel a sense of
camaraderie with my fellow newbies. I have fresh eyes for the teachings of
our Church and the vision of catechesis in our documents. I am considering
it all with "third grade eyes." When I read the newspaper, listen to
music, participate at Mass, or even go out to the store, I am looking for
things that I might use in class, things that a third grader might
like. I am trying to recapture some of the wonder and discovery of that
age, and to bring that same sense of wonder and fun to my teaching.
Well, what do you know? I am...a catechist!
This is going to be fun. News at eleven!
Chris Weber
Director
Catholic Education Ministries of Central Maryland
301-447-3707
Copyright © 2005 by the Catholic Education
Ministries Center of Central Maryland, Emmitsburg, MD 21727. All rights reserved.
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