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I drove home from work today, the day before the start of the school year, looking forward to one final leisurely summer evening with my children. It was not to be. I entered the house to discover that my two oldest children (Timothy, 7, and Geoffrey, 5) had trashed the family room during the day.
Paint on the walls ("Dad, that's how Picasso painted!") and toys everywhere.
I was more than a little angry, and my sons got an earful about how upset I was with them and about what probably would have happened if, when I was a kid, my father had come home to discover that I had taken to wrecking a room in our home.
Through their tears and my frustration, I could see that the boys were really sorry. In the midst of the scolding, cleaning, and crying, Tim said, "I love you, Dad." It wasn't the "I love you" that kids say to divert your attention. It was fully heartfelt. It was a way for him to reassure himself that in the big picture, things were still okay between us.
Aside from again realizing that things rarely go as we plan, perhaps the biggest lesson this anything-but-leisurely evening taught me is that no matter how much children can frustrate us, whether as catechists, teachers, or parents, making them feel safe and loved is essential.
Oh, and tempera paint comes off walls with soap and water!
May God bless all of us as a new school year begins.
Dave
Activity One: (Grades K-5): September stories of Welcome and activities»
Activity Two (Grade 6 and up): Sharing the statistics found in the "Tech time" OSV Newsweekly feature (click here), invite the young people to determine how many hours they spend in each particular category. If appropriate, discuss the Church's teaching on pornography (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2211, 2354, 2396). Explain how sending/viewing inappropriate photos of themselves or of others is also sinful.
Teacher Pattern: Classroom Rules Poster (PDF file)»
Soul Food for Teachers: Teach Your Children Well»
Catechist Know-How: From Mary Lou Rosien, "The Boy In the Back of the Room"»
Please send your ideas and comments to me: ddziena@osv.com.
Catechists Companion: Tips for New Catechists by Leisa Anslinger. $2.95 for one or available in a package of 10 (S&H extra). More info here»
CPKH: Building Stronger Familes by Eileen Murphy. $2.95 for one or available in a package of 10 (S&H extra). More info here»
Take Out: Family Faith on the Go mini-magazine More info here»
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Email Dave Dziena, TCK editor: ddziena@osv.com.
Prayer
Popular Opening Prayer in Schools
Grant me grace, O merciful God, to desire all that is pleasing to you, to examine it prudently, to acknowledge it truthfully, and to accomplish it perfectly, for the praise and glory of your name. Amen.
[from Catholic Family Prayer Book]
Page
Teaching Catholic Kids
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