Planning a Lesson, Anyone?
I would like to share a few pointers from the first chapter of ‘Tools for Teaching: Classroom Tips for Catechists’ by Joe Paprocki in the light of our Singapore context.
1. Look ahead - Most catechists are given a calendar of topics at the beginning of the teaching year. Sometimes though, this calendar it’s pretty much redundant by the second month, because there are so many change along the way. Still, it is a good idea to get a picture of what’s happening during the calendar year in
order to know what you need to accomplish by the end of it.
2. Get to know your text and your class – If you are like many Singaporeans, you may suffer from having too much to accomplish in too little an amount of time. We really thrive on those step-by-step notes; but it’s relating to the children or teens that’s tough. Either they are distracted, disruptive or indifferent.
Suggestion? Take it easy on yourself and show an interest in them (even if they are not interested in you). You don’t have to know everyone’s names by heart. What’s most important is that you show that you care about them, but would brook no nonsense nevertheless.
3. Examine the teacher notes in the instructor’s manual – It’s great to have at an instructor’s manual (we’re quite happy to follow it). However, for the catechism levels that have no manuals at all, don’t panic: Get advice or notes from your ‘seniors’ – catechists who have gone a few rounds of teaching.
4. Visualize yourself teaching the lesson – This might be good for those who are self-conscious or have little experience with teaching. If time permits, do try it. Visualize presenting the lesson you have planned. Imagine every possible scenario and how you would react. Imagine problems that might arise and visualize how you would best handle them.
5. Make adjustments to fit your particular class – Just as life is not predictable, no lesson plan is set in stone. Once you’ve got the gist of the lesson, think of your particular’s class’ readiness (or lack thereof) for what the lesson calls for. Sometimes the children’s personalities do not fit the activity set in the lesson plan. The better you know the class, the better you’ll be able to make adjustments in order to have an effective lesson.
6. Know your goals and learning outcomes (objectives) – Know the purpose of your lesson. It’s not about finishing all the activities in the lesson plan. It whether your goals and learning objectives have been accomplished.
7. Get your materials ready – This is a no-brainer but we should keep this in mind all the same.
8. Have Plan B ready –Always have an option ready in case something falls flat or just isn’t working the way you had hoped.
Contributed by Liesl Massang, 20 Apr 2007, pic by nana.
Toppings
In the still of the night...
It's the wee hours of the morning and I'm alone with my thoughts... the steady ticking of the clock, my only company in the quiet of the night... my mind is racing... it up drifts along the thin sliver of moonlight that is coming through my bedroom window... it imagines the world beyond that moon... of planets in a solar system... solar systems whizzing around the centre of the galaxy... countless galaxies moving at unbelievable speeds to the edges of reality... dark matter... black holes... a huge expanse completely incomprehensible to our small minds... and I ask:
It's frightening really. We are just one infinitesimal speck in the entire universe. A universe so unimaginably massive and seemingly void. An enormous darkness. Did one Being create all that? Why should He even care about the small thoughts of someone on that speck.
My heart feels constricted as my logical mind tells me I'm alone in the night... My breath grows short and shallow... I feel...
"I'm right here."
My breath becomes regular. I feel cosy and comfortable... like someone is cradling me. I sleep like a baby...
-Contributed by Michael Puhaindran, 09 April 2007, pic by nana.
In addition to Liesl's flavour of the day, here are some goodies you can add to your ice-cream creation!
1) Smile (Rainbow Sprinkles)
Greet the childen with the sunshine of the day. YOU
Yes, yes amidst all that taking attendance and keeping them quiet.
The best topping they can enjoy is a smile on their catechists’ faces and a crisp “Hello”!
2) Praise and Encouragement (Almond Nibs)
I’m quite sure most of you know and practise this in class. Aside from teaching them about God, and their faith, we catechists play an important role in helping the kids learn to love themselves, even when they are nutty. ;p
3) Sincere Affection (Whipped Cream)
God is love. A simple pat, a nod of acknowledgement or a hug can show a kid that we care. Just like how cream milk is slowly stirred and beaten till it forms fluffy whipped cream,
4) Sweet treats (Chocolate Treats)
For ages 2 to 92. Top up love with something sweet. You can never go wrong with a candy treat once in a while!
5) Praying with Love (Chocolate sauce)
At the end of the day, our aim is to help the kids build a relationship with God. Infusing chocolate sauce with ice-cream will make the creation a whole lot yummier!
-Contributed by Nana Philea Moo, 16 Apr 2007
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