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I was once told that February is a difficult month to get through. This seems hard to believe since it is the shortest month of the year. The theory rests behind post holiday lows, the darkness of winter, and, for those not in a warm climate, the cabin fever-type feeling we can get by staying indoors to keep warm.
We recently asked some parents and catechetical leaders to share ideas to beat these mid-winter blues. The responses were terrific.
► Snowed in? Kids love to cook! Make one night a week "kids can cook night." Use this time to teach kids about preparing healthy meals for the whole family. There are all kinds of kid cookbooks out there and ideas online as well.
► SCRAPBOOK!! It is a great time to reflect on the previous year and make a scrapbook to remember the year gone by.
► People tend to get into the giving spirit around the holidays, but it's important to remember to do this all year long. Find a place to volunteer that is family-friendly and keep the spirit of giving beyond Christmas.
► Have kids and parents go through and donate gently used toys etc now that they have received some new items. It's also a great activity for Lent!
Please share with us your mid-winter activity ideas. Email me at ddziena@osv.com. Sign up for a monthly update email reminder here» OSV is Twittering! Follow us for daily updates here»
Don't forget to go to our Catholic Links page to help you with all things Catholic! Just click here for Catholic Links»
To link to Teaching Catholic Kids, use our web address: www.teachingcatholickids.com.
Have an idea? Email me at ddziena@osv.com.
Find January's TCK here»
Feature Article: Visit OSV's "Observe Lent as a Catholic" web section»
Activity One (Grades K-5): Lenten Resolutions»
Activity Two (Grade 6 and up): "Fame and Misfortune" In Focus section from OSV Newsweekly» (This article may be printed out to share with the youth.) Get the discussion questions here»
Teacher Pattern: The Boy Who Was Sorry (PDF file download)»
Soul Food for Teachers: "Nine tips for 2009" from OSV Newsweekly's January 11, 2009, issue (may be printed out)»
Catechist Know-How: From Mary Lou Rosien, "Control Your Classroom"» Don't miss Mary Lou's parish column, either: "Spiritual Bank Accounts"»
A must-have this year is the Lent issue of Take Out: Family Faith on the Go. Inside you will find the "Family Lenten Guide" poster. It can be used throughout the entire Lenten season too! To order the Lent issue of Take Out, or to inquire about a bulk subscription for your parish, please call 800-348-2440. To order an individual Take Out subscription, click here»
Check out OSV's pamphlet “How to Observe Lent as a Catholic” It will give you a combination of explanation, inspiration, and motivation in just the right dose! To order, click here» Also, look at the OSV pamphlet “How to Celebrate Holy Week"» More OSV Lent resources can be found on our "OSV Recommends" page»
Gracious, merciful Lord, Be my guide this Lent and always. Draw me closer to You. Help me to suffer as I ought. You are the Great Comforter. Be with me, Lord, as I pray and fast. Teach me to pray and fast to join to You and all the saints. Teach me to offer up my suffering to help those most in need. Guide me to be ever mindful of You and the greater purpose You have in mind for me. Amen. -- From Catholic Parent Know How: Something New for Lent
Sacramental Family Posters -- Individual posters are available for
Gain the families' attention while reinforcing classroom study with a colorful poster that families can reference and display proudly. In addition to the personalized color front, the back is filled with helpful summaries of classroom teaching, family prayers, and easy how-tos!
Student Prayer Cards -- Individual prayer cards are available for
Practical remembrance for every child underscores the importance of these special milestones.
Receive a monthly email reminder to let you know when TCK has been updated by clicking here»
For past months of Teaching Catholic Kids, click here»
We want to hear from you! Comment on Teaching Catholic Kids, Our Sunday Visitor products, or suggest new products by emailing Dave at ddziena@osv.com.
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