CURRICULUM MATTERS
Since the first inception of the first Catholic school’s teachers have adapted to the ever-changing world. Similarly, to our classroom strategies and techniques, our understandings, beliefs and faith have developed, changed and updated. As educators, we are always learning about new ways of integrating faith into our classrooms and daily lives. Through the years, the way we view religion in our classrooms has changed however the fundamentals of our beliefs have stayed the same. We have adapted to the new world and are accepting all students regardless of their gender, ethnicity and sexual orientation. Since I was in school, schools have created a better partnership between school, communities and the church itself. When I was in school, the church was separate from school. The connection between church and school was often forgotten. Now, bringing church to our students has been a top priority. Hosting mass in schools, and creating meaningful connections with the church has been important. For example, hosting church at the school and participating in confirmation through the school is an example how schools are bringing the church to the students. During my time at school I participated in confirmation within the school. It was interesting because it was a traditional confirmation ceremony however was done in the school with our community. This created a partnership between parents/guardians, the church community and the school. In the future, I think it would be beneficial to continue developing the partnership and host more mass after school on weekends in the school. This can help with students who do not attend church but may feel more comfortable attending church in the school with their peers and teachers.
The secondary policy document focuses on teachers and their primary role in communicating knowledge about faith. Within the document, it is stated that “teachers must provide opportunities for students to relate their knowledge and skills to everyday life”. As Catholic educators, we must ensure we motivate students to participate in communities and be responsible lifelong learners. This resonated with me because it demonstrates that our duty as Catholic educators is to support, and guide students in with their faith in and out of the classroom. We can do this through implementing various forms of Catholic education in and out of the classroom. They can be implemented not only in the lesson, unit and curriculum but in the general environment of the classroom. For example, the class can have a vision board with quotes, verses and prayers. These can act as reminders and prompts for students to think about them every day. As a class, we can participate in daily prayer or hymns, participate in community programs and volunteer for outreach programs (youth centre, community centre, homeless shelter, etc.) Leading by example and practicing our own faith with our students creates an effective teaching practice.
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Brainstorm
-Creating a prayer book
-Using music, singing and dance as forms of expression
-Reflecting on language of faith and tradition
-Poem/journaling on Catholic-Christian Anthropology and Theological Reflection
-Implementing routine/daily practices in the classroom. For example, prayer, vision boards, question box, reflection time
-Field trips/volunteer experience for students. Give them an opportunity to give back to the community/practice and model Catholic values outside of the classroom
-Participating in community events; food drives, church, community events. Students can perform at these events such as singing, leading prayer, etc.
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