Gearing up for CCD!

Wow, it's time to plan another year! So, I think I'll just toss out a few simple ideas for getting the CCD year started right.

1) Remember those forms? That tell you what you need to adapt? Get them filled out. Review them. Ask questions. Make a list of what materials or people or special situations you need. (For example, our CCD Coordinator always has to be sure that whatever class John is part of has a room on the first floor of the building, since he's in a wheelchair and there is no elevator of the school we use.)

2) Make a list of classroom rules and print a copy to read and post during the first class. All kids do better to know what is expected of them. But this is especially true of kids with any special need. In the list of rules I wrote last year, I included some "rights" that the kids have, as well. You should have seen their faces. They could not BELIEVE that they had rights. One of these rights was designed to help the kids with ADHD. The kids had the right to STAND UP next to their desk or to sit cross-legged on the chair. They could stretch and move around, as long as they did not leave the space directly behind their desk and as long as their attention was focused on me. I know, EXTREMELY unorthodox -- especially in a Catholic setting. But guess what. It helped. A lot. There was one boy who, in the past, had always squirmed a lot in his seat. He almost never answered any questions and had trouble with some of the quizzes. This boy took frequent advantage of my "rule." He would often be standing behind his chair, shifting from foot to foot. But his eyes were on me. He began asking questions and answering questions! He volunteered -- begged -- to read from the Bible. Instead of using all his energy to remain seated, he was able to use that same energy to learn and participate.

3) If you have the space, give the kids a chance to MOVE before class -- especially if you meet at night after a school day. The best class I ever had was a Wednesday evening when we met in the gym rather than a classroom, since our grade got to present the Living Stations of the Cross. For 10 minutes or more, the kids got to run and run and run. Then they sat on the floor as I taught a short lesson before practicing the Stations. Best attention and recall of the whole year. Amazing what happens when you meet kids' basic physical needs first.

4) Give the kids a schedule. We grown-ups would probably have a heart attack if we went to a conference or meeting or seminar and did not get a schedule of events, speakers, topics, and potty breaks. We have the need to know, so we can be comfortable and not worry about what's coming next, how much longer, etc. KIDS ARE THE SAME. In my class, I made a schedule that I posted on the chalk board every week. You could just write the schedule, but I used pre-printed, laminated cards -- approximately 4 in x 11 in -- with a picture and a word. For example, a picture of a Bible and the word BIBLE. I posted these on the board and took them down as each thing was finished. I think it helped the kids be patient, especially on nights when they KNEW already that there would be something fun like a visit from the priest or a snack. And, to be honest, it forced me to plan better! I knew I couldn't just put "CCD BOOK" on the board and nothing else. I had to think and pray harder -- make a real investment in the class.

5) Send a monthly note home to parents. Let them know what topics you are covering, and what chapters (if you send the book back and forth between home and school). If there are any online activities provided by the publisher, let the parents know. Many kids with special needs require repetition and practice, so this information helps parents reinforce what was learned. This is also a great way to give a heads-up about prayers to be learned and any special events like Penance Services or CCD Masses.

6) Even if you only borrow space (like I did), you can still create a simple visual display for each week. We took a desk and placed a tablecloth on it, of the liturgical color of the day. (Good teaching point for the start of each lesson.) We also had a crucifix, a Bible, a book for the kids to list their intercessions, and cards for kids to write questions for Father. We found that kids who were afraid to ask questions out loud during class were very willing to write anonymous questions before or after class. This turned out to be a very valuable addition to our class. If it was a special feast day, we put a visual related to that person on the table. For example, we had a St. Francis statue for St. Francis' feast day, and took that as an opportunity to discuss his story and the Franciscan charism.

Well, everyone, blessings as you get going with the school year. Isn't this fun?

Blessed by God.