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lovebeingamom
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I am intersted to know what you use(d) or how you went about teaching our Catholic faith on a P-K/K level? Any particular curricula used just for religion?
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JennGM
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I did talk about it a bit here, choosing an RE program. In particular, I'll highlight this section:
SuzanneG wrote:
JennGM wrote:
| In our house, Kindergarten is stirring love for God and our Faith. I didn't use much structure; even in first grade I don't use much structure. Religion to me isn't just a subject, but a lifestyle, and it should permeate everything we do. So I try in ways to live the liturgical year, make Mass and the readings central (whether or not we are attending), read lots of books. I use catechisms to read, but do not reinforce with the Q&A yet. I am using more of that the closer he is to making his First Communion. |
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So far this is us too. I tend to think of it in these categories:
::Picture books (Catholic Mosaic) & Bible Stories
::Read Aloud books, like in Jen's list above
::Celebrating the Liturgical Year (I would put the Moira Farrell albums in this category)
::Catechism (minimal until prep for FHC)
::Games - Mary Memory, The Priest Game, Activity books, etc.
::Music - Children's CDs and liturgical music
::Mass/Adoration
::Learning About the Saints
::Family Prayer & memorizing basic prayers
::Focusing on Virtues - cheerfulness, obedience, order
::Concept of Sacrificing
A little bit of these things done as part of your family-culture goes such a long way!
I know  , not exactly what you were looking for  , you were asking specifically about RE "programs", but thought I'd illustrate that a self-designed-non-text could be a "program" too 
Also, this thread: Catechism Questions talks about the Catechism...hashing out the different versions and levels of the Catechism. |
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Jennifer G. Miller
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Mackfam
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I don't use a curricula at this age, preferring instead to use stories to talk about our faith, gently bringing a young child to the Blessed Trinity, Our Lady, the Saints and the Church. We read together and discuss. In addition, we work on the basic prayers if the child doesn't already know them. Finally, we choose to do a few crafts and activities that assist us in living out the liturgical year - simple things really.
I had listed this on another thread in the Domestic Church forum, but I wanted to offer this list for you here since you asked...
Mackfam wrote:
For the Preschool to First Communion crowd:
** Their Hearts are His Garden (Sister Mary Marguerite - Neumann Press)
** Manners in God's House (Sister M. Juliana of the Maryknoll Sisters - Neumann Press)
** Illustrated Catechism for Little Children (Neumann Press)
** Jesus and Mary - The Lives of Jesus and Mary and the Story of Fatima (Father Gales - Neumann Press)
** Angel Food for Boys and Girls (Father Gerald Brennan - Neumann Press)
** The Catholic Children's Treasure Box Books (edited by the Maryknoll Sisters - TAN)
** My Jesus and I (The Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Bishop Morrow
** Leading the Little Ones to Mary (Sister Mary Lelia - Montfort Publications)
** God's Love Story (Sister Mary Jane Frances)
** Small Acts of Kindness (James Vollbracht)
** Miniature Stories of the Saints (Rev. Daniel Lord)
** Saints biographies found at Neumann Press
** Saints and Friendly Beasts Series at Neumann Press
** Catholic Mosaic (Cay Gibson - Hillside) |
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There is a bit more on this thread
In addition, you might search a bit in the Domestic Church forum. I bet you'll find some other suggestions there. 
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Jen Mackintosh
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dakotamidnight
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I'm following this thread too - I've yet to really find a program I like for this grade level.
We've looked at Image of God - too basic for us.
Ideally there needs to be a K level of Faith & Life - why there isn't I have no idea!
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Mackfam
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because Jenn and I were cross posting and were apparently thinking along the same lines! 
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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JennGM
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Mackfam wrote:
| because Jenn and I were cross posting and were apparently thinking along the same lines! |
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That is the highest form of flattery.
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Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to & ds1 '03 & ds2 '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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CatholicMommy
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We did use Image of God, but we also used the Kindergarten and 1st grade levels of Our Lady of Victory's Religions lesson plans - not the current text book they use, but the one with Chats with God's Little Ones (which you don't need the lesson plans to use!).
Between that, CGS atrium, all the St. Joseph picture books we have and just living our faith, we really had a solid "curriculum." :)
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SuzanneG
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dakotamidnight wrote:
I'm following this thread too - I've yet to really find a program I like for this grade level.
We've looked at Image of God - too basic for us.
Ideally there needs to be a K level of Faith & Life - why there isn't I have no idea! |
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I think it's probably a good thing that there isn't a program, or many programs anyway. Little ones learn by living their family's faith at this age.
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Suzanne in ID
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SuzanneG
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I love this book for helping "guide us" during those Pk-K years......Raise Happy Children....Raise Them Saints.
Especially pages 246-254.....What to do at each age.
Chapter 3 ~ Teaching the Faith To Your Children
Chapter 4 ~ The Sacraments Help Children to Grow Holy
There is more than enough in those 2 chapters to keep me busy with my Pre-K / K crowd for TWENTY YEARS! It's a nice guide, that has allowed a framework for our family's faith-life to emerge little by little.
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Suzanne in ID
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ekbell
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I found that it's become easier with every child as they simply start joining in with the family 'hands-on' religion projects we do on Fridays and I've now have quite a decent collection of good books for that age group.
I've used the Image of God program with two out of three of my children.
I didn't find the meat of the program too basic considering the age level but the workbooks and crafts are definitely extras rather then core materials and as such tend to be pointless without the teacher's manual and the presentations within.
It worked well enough for my children who liked having a presentation and discussion (which could be done anywhere), not so well with the one child who was bored since there was nothing worth looking at most of the time. She was much happier with good picture books.
All my children have enjoyed the Treasure box books and they'd provide a reasonable pre-school/kindergarten curriculum by themselves.
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Stephanie_Q
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How does this book compare to How To Raise Good Catholic Children by Mary Reed Newland?
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dd 12.09 at home.
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SuzanneG
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They are quite different books. I'll be back later with my thoughts.
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Suzanne in ID
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lovebeingamom
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SuzanneG wrote:
They are quite different books. I'll be back later with my thoughts. |
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I am quite interested to know your thoughts (or any others).
I have both books in my amazon shopping cart - waiting to pull the trigger until I hear thoughts on the two.
Thanks.
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Stephanie_Q
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Questions for God is a great - simple - beautiful - resource for the 3-6 crowd.
Their practical applications show it as a stand-alone pre-K resource to read / watch and they have a "study guide" with simple discussion questions. Then they have it correlated to the Image of God books for pre-K and K as well as Faith and Life in 1st and 2nd Grade.
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dd 6.02, dd 8.03, ds 3.05, ds 12.06 at Catholic school.
dd 12.09 at home.
Baby boy due 10.13
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lovebeingamom
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Ladies - what about the Catholic Mosaic? Is that a good start for reading books with my DC (ages 3.5 & 1.5)? Not planning on doing the study questions, etc. at this time, just a start to some wholesome catholic books to help DC understand more of our faith from a childs perspective. Also, where do you purchase the books?
If DC are not quite ready for Catholic Mosaic, can you recommend some reading materials for this age?
For example, what about:
Just Like Mary, by Rosemarie Gortler
Beatitudes for Children by Rosemarie Gortler
Living the 10 Commandments for Children by Rosemarie Gortler
Little Acts of Grace by Rosemarie Gortler
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Angie Mc
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SuzanneG wrote:
| I think it's probably a good thing that there isn't a program, or many programs anyway. Little ones learn by living their family's faith at this age. |
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I agree. When I think back on when my oldest were littles, I think about the many blessings that came from laying a foundation of living our faith with the children. It was because of their wonder, their innocence, that *I* was drawn more deeply into my faith. My dh and I weren't raised with an integrated approach to religion studies. The religion we knew was very separate from life...something done from a book...something done at a certain time. When "it" was over, you got back to your real life. It was a weak foundation. Surely there is a time and place for formal religious studies, and not all who choose formal religious studies put them in such a strict container as we experienced. Yet, I can't think of a sweeter time...a more precious and innocent time, to live joyfully our faith...to be an example to our children of *our* joy in our beloved Church...than early childhood.
So, for me, the best Pre-K/K course of home studies for religion is for the parents to grow and mature in their faith, to share by example what they are learning, and to never underestimate the grace that can pour forth to children and the whole family from joyful parents.
Love,
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Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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LeeAnn
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lovebeingamom wrote:
Ladies - what about the Catholic Mosaic? Is that a good start for reading books with my DC (ages 3.5 & 1.5)? Not planning on doing the study questions, etc. at this time, just a start to some wholesome catholic books to help DC understand more of our faith from a childs perspective. Also, where do you purchase the books?
If DC are not quite ready for Catholic Mosaic, can you recommend some reading materials for this age? |
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I've taught the Catholic Mosaic curriculum and read the books quite a few times. I feel they are best suited for the 4-8 year old age range, leaning towards the upper end of that group. Some of the books are very simple but most are fairly complex, even for read-alouds.
The OSV books you linked to are very nice resources. You might want to start with Little Acts of Grace and try teaching some of the devotions to your almost four year old.
Another good resource for the preschool crowd is "My Jesus and I," which is available from several sources, but here is the link to Seton Books - My Jesus and I. They also sell a nice little instruction manual and even a poster set if you want to go all out.
The "Catholic Children's Treasure Box" books are another good investment. My kids have enjoyed those for years.
For children as young as yours, remember they still learn best by observing their environment and imitating your participation in devotions. So your example is the most important thing to work on. After that, having a few good pieces of religious art in your home (a larger crucifix, a picture of Mary, a family altar or prayer place) will go a long way towards teaching your child what you value as important for them to learn.
Another great resources is "Religion in the Preschool Home" a series of reprinted articles found on Catholic Culture website. (There is a "Religion in the Home" elementary edition too.) Here is a link to April - Religion in the Preschool Home
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SuzanneG
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Finally getting back to this. Since Mary Ann Budnik's Raise... books aren't available on Amazon to peek inside, I thought it would be most helpful to say what the chapters are about. And, then you can see the contents on Amazon of How To Raise Good Catholic Children.
The writers have very different styles. I get a lot out of both books and own both of them. If, I had to choose one...I'd definitely choose Budnik's books.
:: How To Raise Good Catholic Children is a bit more mom-like.
:: MA Budnik's books are more information-oriented, things to consider, what / when to do this/that. Does that make sense?
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Here is the series of books "in order":
1. Raise Happy Children Through a Happier Marriage
2. Raise Happy Children....Raise Them Saints!
3. Raise Happy Children....Teach Them Virtues!
4. Raise Happy Children....Teach Them Joy!
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The first book in this series is Raise Happy Children Through a Happier Marriage. I don't have this book and I've never seen it. I'd like to though.
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Raise Happy Children....Raise Them Saints!
This book is a gold-mine! For me....before there was this forum, there was this book!
::Chapter 1: Do's and Don'ts of Parenting. Study the parenting techniques of the parents of several saints. See how their techniques contrasted with the parents of the visionaries of La Salette who were never canonized. Learn the formula for raising your children saints.
::Chapter 2: The Story of Two Lives: The Role of Faith in Character. Looks at the lives of Tom Monaghan and Ted Turner.
::Chapter 3: Teaching the Faith to Your Children.
::Chapter 4: The Sacraments Help Children to Grow Holy
::Chapter 5: Which Method of Education is Best for Your Child? my comments: She gives excellent points for consideration and discernment. Even though we have decided our path, it is still an extremely beneficial chapter for continuing to assess and is helpful to read, as we are ALWAYS considering different options, styles, etc. for our family. Also talks about the outside influences....radio, tv, movies, computer, etc. Incorporate the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Talks about a reading program ..... which is helpful in our homeschooling world too, of course. Good Considerations!
:: Resources. Amazing list. Very influencial in my early years as a mom, before there was 4Real, at least I had this appendix.
:: Reading Lists. (always helpful!)
:: Harry Potter
:: Bibliography. Again, a great list of other reading and reference.
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Raise Happy Children....Teach Them Virtues! I love this book a lot! I've read the first chapter many many times! It's so helpful. My husband and I are implementing "our version" of her Virtue Notebook. I just made up the 3-ring-binder and it's contents this weekend.
::Chapter 1: Your Child's Temperament and How to Work with it. Includes an exam-conscience for the different temperaments (she also has a little booklet with this same information). Tips on working with each child's temperament
::Chapter 2: The Stages of Development and how to teach the Virtues of obedience, sincerity and order. Discusses the stages of development b/w ages of 2-7. Study how the theological virtues, cardinal virtues, seven gifts of the holy spirit, and the fruits of the HS impact the souls of your children as well as their growth in the natural virtues. Discover why children in this age group must begin to develop specific virtues and how each virtue builds on the other virtues. Instructions are given as to how you can teach these virtues to children and teens.
::Chapter 3: How to Teach the Virtues of Fortitude, Perseverance, Patience, Industriousness, Responsibility, Justice, Generosity, Freedom and Charity
Development of age 8-12. How to teach each virtue as well as how to continue its growth into the teens.
::Chapter 4: How to Teach the Virtues of Responsibility, Justice, Generosity, Freedom, and Charity. Ages 8-12.
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**Cites lots of examples from the lives of the saints and their parents. I love this!
**Gives good things to "consider" when making family decisions.
**Pulls from other sources......David Isaacs, James Stenson,
**Talks about Children and Suffering, and Sacrifice
**Lots of "Additional Helps" at the end of each chapter.
**Charts, bulleted lists, and bolded text.
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And, the last book is Raise Happy Children....Teach Them Joy! I do not have this one either, but I DEFINETELY plan on buying it in a couple years or so! I have a feeling it is another GOLD MINE for the teenage years.
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Here is a link to all of Mary Ann Budnik's books, CDs, etc.
HTH,
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Suzanne in ID
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Stephanie_Q
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Thanks for getting back to write this - I'm just getting back to reading it. I think the "Virtues" book is higher on my 'help me!' list, so thanks for reviewing this one, too. 
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Stephaniedh 6.01
dd 6.02, dd 8.03, ds 3.05, ds 12.06 at Catholic school.
dd 12.09 at home.
Baby boy due 10.13
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Topic: Needed: Religion Curricula Suggestions
