Elementary Faith Development

Catechetical Resources for Parents and Catechists

There are countless resources and publishers of material for faith formation of children. You can find many free on-line resources, and many good Catholic, Christian or other suppliers and publishers. Those listed here come with my recommendation, though I cannot guarantee the quality, suitability (or orthodoxy) of every item! Parents are always "the first and best teachers of your children in the ways of faith" and so your judgment, good taste and knowledge of your own children's needs comes first.

Please report to Jim Hynes any broken links, unsuitable material or suggested additions.

 
Raleigh Diocese Faith Formation Guidelines - for Elementary age children Resources for Adults
Prayers and Scripture Passages for Families to Memorize Resources for Catechists
Vocabulary Useful Secular Resources
Elementary Faith Development Curriculum Organizations
St. Thomas More Parish Resources Publishers
Resources for Children Suppliers

 

Raleigh Diocese Faith Formation Guidelines - for Elementary age children

Pre-K to 2nd
3rd to 5th

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Prayers and Scripture Passages for Families to Memorize

Pre-K/K
Grades 1-2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5

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Vocabulary

Pre-K to Grade 2
Grades 3-5

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Elementary Faith Development Curriculum

Faith First - our basic curriculum
Weekly Calendar - of Faith First lessons

Faith First also offers many resources for families:

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St. Thomas More Parish Resources

Handbook for Parents
Handbook for Catechists
Scripture Resources - for this cycle of the Sunday lectionary
EFD Class Patron Saints
Opening Year Ritual

 

Resources for Children

The True Meaning of Easter
Danielle's Place - Bible crafts and activities
Just4Kids Magazine - teaching children about God and Jesus Christ
Sharon's Place - Children's Bible stories, Bible activity worksheets, Christian graphics
Ainglkiss - The Christian Place for Kids

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Resources for Adults

The official Vatican website - contains official teaching on many topics
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Catholic Online - hub for many Catholic news sources 
The Text This Week - Lectionary materials with commentary, art and movie connections
The Catholic Encyclopedia - Note: 1917 edition, so pre-Vatican II theology
Bible Master
Bible Net
Bible Net Resource Page

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Resources for Catechists and Parents

Bible Word Search Games
Catechist Ideas Exchange - share your best ideas with other catechists
CatholicCatechist.org - lesson plans, games, icebreakers, worksheets and much more
Catholic Parenting
Catholic Prayers
Living Well: Christian Practices for Everyday Life - from LifelongFaith.com
Christian Crafters
Disability Resources
DLTK's Bible Activities - Bible crafts, games and songs

Resources for Catholic Educators - Countless resources for all ages 
Saints and Angels Directory - Name that new baby!
Sunday School Lessons.com - Lectionary based materials (using the Revised Common Lectionary)
Teaching Catholic Kids - from Our Sunday Visitor, includes lesson plans and reproducibles
Sunday School Resources
Children's Ministry
Faithweaver - from Group Publishing
Suite101 - Tips and Resources for the Catholic Religious Education Classroom

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Useful Secular Resources

Billy Bear's Playground - many pictures and holiday themes
Billy Bear's Printable Personalized Award Certificates
ColoringBookFun - contains some religious themes
Sunday School Crafts - inlcudes crafts, activities and recipes
Word Search Puzzle Maker - a useful tool 

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Organizations

National Conference for Catechetical Leadership - is dedicated to advancing the Church's teaching mission, especially by promoting excellence in catechetical leaders.
National Catholic Educational Association

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Publishers

Benzinger
Generations of Faith
Harcourt Religion Publishers
Liturgy Training Publications - Publishers of the wonderful circular liturgical calendars as well as other popular resources for learning and teaching about liturgy.
Our Sunday Visitor
Pauline Books and Media
Sadlier
Group Publishing

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Suppliers

Godly Play Resources - Montessori-type toys that teach Liturgy, Parables, and Sacred Stories.
Videos With Values - from Oblate Media & Communication

 

Last Updated: November 21 2008

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