The elf on the shelf seems to be a big thing right now, but I hadn’t been interested till now. As a Catholic school teacher, I hesitate to participate in such secular activities. Plus the elf is supposed to report to Santa if children are bad. I don’t like it. There’s no such thing as a bad kid! Continue Reading
A Contemplative Advent Prayer Service for Preschoolers
I like to hold a prayer service with the preschool students (shown here from our trip to St. Mary Monastery last week) when we place the next flame on the candle of our advent wreaths, which we will do again tomorrow.
I know, I know: How in the world do you do a prayer service with preschoolers? Well, I will tell you. 🙂 Continue Reading
Christmas Fun and Learning
In the classroom this week we started to work on Christmas. Although I try to keep the 1st week of Advent sacred, we do start Christmas early (along with the rest of the country … although we don’t start the Christmas season at St. Mary Monastery till a week or so before Christmas). Continue Reading
Jesus: Always Loving Us, Always Lighting Our Way!
Throughout Advent, Jesus Time will take place around the Advent wreath. We review what we’ve learned, and add something new every day. This week, that meant sharing a secret.
Everyone grew quiet and leaned in. We all love secrets! This secret is about the Advent wreath. Continue Reading
Getting Ready for Something Special
We are in the first week of Advent and I am all excited. I always love teaching, but teaching about Advent is one of my favorite religion lessons!
We start by talking about seasons.
First, I ask the children to list the seasons of the year (we have been working on this for about 2 months now). They share with gusto! Continue Reading
Christmas Comes Early at School
We have been busy with several Christmas activities even though it’s not even Advent yet. Of course, everyone’s already excited!
First, we decorated a tree for the Festival of Trees. Our preschoolers made all kinds of ornaments for it. Although we didn’t go to see the Festival as a class, several kids went with their families. Callie’s mom even took a picture! Continue Reading
Family Traditions
Last week I went home for Thanksgiving. I left after Lauds on Thanksgiving morning. It was a lot of fun to see my three nephews! Zachary shared about his first year in college, Alex shared about his first job and Noah shared about his first year in high school. We had a lot of firsts! Continue Reading
Many Thanks
Every year in preschool, we talk about being thankful for all the blessings God gives us. It’s a wonderful day that we all enjoy.
First, I sing “Thank You, God” from Hi God 1 by Carey Landry. Next, we name all many things we are thankful for. I always make sure every child has the chance to share an idea. (And if you work with preschoolers, you know that can be tricky when some are “shouty” and others timid.) Continue Reading
Turkey (Hat) Time!!
We had one of the most exciting days of the year last week when we made Turkey Hats. This is a project I found a long time ago, but of course can’t remember where. We all love to make the hats, and the kids look soooo cute afterwards!! Continue Reading
The Knock at the Door
The other day I was reading a reflection on the passage, “Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.” (Mt 21:22) It was written by Fr. J. Anthony Giambrone, O.P., who said, “To pray faithfully is like knocking untiringly at God’s door….”
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