Faith Like a Child

In asking my 6th graders why they pray, I was floored by their answers. In going around the room and reading one line they had each written about what the Lord helps them with, I couldn't help but smile.

Talk about the faith of a child.

It makes me wonder what happens to most of us as we grow older - Where does that faith go? What does our faith become? Why does doubt creep in?

Faith is much more than just emotions and feelings - it's rooted in truth.

So, for many of us (myself included) the question becomes, how do we get that child-like faith back?

What do you see...?

What do you see? How does this picture make you feel?

It started out as a simple bellwork question...and I was astounded by the students' responses.

Unlike most days, the bellwork was the same for all of my classes today. And yet, each class found something different or had some variation of insight.

Hands down, it was my favorite part of each class today...

Quotable

Best quote of the day:

Student A: "Is she (math teacher) Catholic?"
Student B (without missing a beat): "No, she's Irish."

Guess that student doesn't believe in Notre Dame...

:)

Coming along...

Okay, the first two days of each of my prayer units for 6, 7, and 8th grades are done. I worked on one grade level per day, so I was able to spread out the work and still enjoy my weekend, which I filled with a long-ish run, Ministry of Care, grocery shopping, friend visits & karaoke, and an ACE Mass. (All in all, it was a packed yet restful weekend.)

Here's how they're shaping up so far - Remember, it's just the first 2 days (Wed & Thurs of this week)...

Click here for Grade 6
Click here for Grade 7
Click here for Grade 8

We only have a four day week coming up due to PD (professional development) on Friday, so I'm crossing my fingers and praying that we'll make it through.

And, if all else fails, I can think of this adorable picture I came across on Pinterest:

Back to School - Survey Says...

My students completed a survey during the first part of class today. As you can see, it's pretty open-ended, so I wasn't sure what kinds of responses I'd get.

Here were some of my favorites:

Who is the person you most respect?

   - God

   - Abraham Lincoln

   - my parents

   - Fr. Pat

What is something you are afraid of?

   - suspension over heights

   - a torturous death

   - bugs

   - spiders

   - doing bad in school

What is your favorite prayer?

   - the meal prayer

   - The Hail Mary (in Spanish)

What is one thing about the Catholic faith that most confuses you?

   - how God just made people

   - I am confused about heaven - what it looks like and if I'll see anyone I know

   - the Catholic family tree

   - how everything was made

   - why God doesn't talk to us using words

   - how Jesus and God are the same, yet Jesus is God's son

   - that Mary never had original sin - did she ever sin?

   - nothing really confuses me that much

What is one thing about the Catholic faith that most excites you?

   - That we can pray to God for hope

   - Tasting the body and blood of Christ

   - Mass

   - the promise of heaven

   - that I can be forgiven and protected by God

   - when we die we will see God

What is one of the MOST important things you want me to know about you?

   - I am awesome.

   - I pay attention in class.

   - I make mistakes because I'm not perfect.

   - I like to learn.

What is one thing you expect of me as your teacher?

   - I expect you to have a little fun

   - To teach me great things

   - That you can have fun when we do during class

   - That you are inspiring and a good role model

   - very understanding and fun!!!

   - no pop quizzes (please)

   - to not give a lot of homework

   - to be awesome and to give me good grades

   - to help me succeed in religion

   - Just do what you do :)

I really only spent a whole class period with both six grades today. I saw 7th grade for about 10 minutes after advisory - we were putting together binders as a homeroom - and I didn't even get a chance to see the 8th grade, except during lunch.

But I think the kids are ready to be back from summer break, and I think they are ready to learn.

And, I must say, I very much appreciate the opportunities I have built in throughout the day to breathe, reflect, and prepare. (It's so much different from last year in that respect - I don't feel the constant go, go, go!)

Only one more day till the weekend - That's probably a good thing...

Small, Thoughtful Gifts

Never underestimate the smallest acts of kindness - they can really brighten a day:

1- I sent an email to parents of 4th graders on my volleyball team, and I introduced myself as the middle school religion teacher. One parent (whose son I had in 4th grade) wrote back, "You are not just the religion teacher, you are the BOMB!" - Well, that sure made me smile.

2- I received an order in the mail, and when I opened it, I found two small items included as a simple "thank you" for being their first customer. Lovely!

3- My mom sent a good luck card, prayer, stamps, and Target gift card in the mail. :)

I sure hope I was able to bring a smile in some small way to someone's face today. Did you?

Another Beginning...Hold On Tight...

The beginning is always the hardest. I have to remember that.

A new skill...
A new book with new characters...
A new running goal & related training (e.g. 5K, marathon, half marathon, etc.)...

A new school year...

It's difficult to know quite where to start, especially in starting to develop unit plans for my middle school religion classes. I am SO excited for this school year, don't get me wrong, but I'm still only starting to wrap my head around so many things, including the content material.

But I have to keep perspective. The beginning is always the hardest, this is true. But what is also true is this: "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." (Lao Tzu)

It's time to hold on tight - this rollercoaster ride is about to kick into full gear.