Author: Kristina

Mixing Colors in a Bubbly Soup of Goup

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day we’ve been talking a lot about the color green. I gave each kid a tray of baking soda and a cup of blue and a cup of yellow vinegar. I wanted them to learn about mixing colors while learning about chemical reactions. (more…)

Engaging Children in Prayer: Make a personalized prayer book!

When my first child was young I had made her a book of photos of the family. She loved looking at the photo book and it would keep her busy for quite awhile. I haven’t gotten around to making an updated one until this week. I was inspired by other blogs that I saw online where they had photos of people that they pray for on poster board. I thought it would be neat to make my kids their own prayer books. (more…)

What Do You See at Liturgy – Now Available!!!

After many unforeseen delays  I am so happy to announce that What Do You See at Liturgy is now available for sale!!  Thank you for your patience!

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Transform Your Classroom with Morning Meetings

snoozin

From my experience being a student and teaching children in a church school program, we often neglect to focus on the classroom community. We focus on the books and what it means to be Orthodox.  Oftentimes, we do not teach children what it means to have  fellowship.  Even though our students may have gone to church school their whole lives, they only see each other for 30-45 minutes per week and may not know much about the person sitting next to them.  By having regular Morning Meetings, children will learn to appreciate one another.  It can also lay the foundation for the future of our church communities.  While you may be thinking that Morning Meetings are for little kids, you are mistaken!  Having this type of set up is helpful for all students across ALL grade levels.  
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Most Holy Theotokos

As you reflect upon the Dormition of the Theotokos, here is a beautiful slideshow that reminds us about the life she lived. 

Want to learn more about her?  Check out, “The Life of the Virgin Mary, the Theotokos” from Holy Apostles Convent.  

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Talking Like a Teacher

kids-playing-with-blocks-thumb

Have you ever heard the phrase, “put your thinking cap on?”  It is a cute teacher saying to help kids focus on learning.  Want to know how to grab a group’s attention quickly, without having to yell and scream while jumping up and down?  Then get your listening ears on! Um, I guess in this case, get your reading eyes ready to learn some teacher lingo!

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Icon Magnets

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Do you ever wonder what to do with the weekly bulletins you get at church?  They have beautiful Icons on them and I feel weird about throwing them away.  Do you throw it in the trash, recycle it or burn it?  My crafty brain is always thinking about how to make something, so let’s repurpose it!! (more…)

Curriculum? You mean I have to teach ALL THAT by May?!? Using the Curriculum & a Lesson Template

Student Holding Stack of Books

Ahh, working with a curriculum. It can be intimidating at a glance but it’s not that bad once you learn how to use it. At the end of this article you will be a pro at dissecting the curriculum and learning how it can help you plan your lessons.

First, let’s take a look at WHY we need a curriculum. (more…)

What’s Your Purpose?

math_4_u Today, let’s begin by stating your purpose. What is your purpose as a church school teacher? Write down 3 things that are your top priorities.  (more…)

Being a Church School Teacher

superteacher

“Clip art licensed from the Clip Art Gallery on DiscoverySchool.com

You may have a lot of thoughts running through your head right now about being a Church School teacher or director, especially if this is your first year. It can be overwhelming. What will I talk about? How do I plan a lesson? What if I forget to follow my lesson plan or forget to ask a question? What if the kids misbehave, how will I handle that? What if the kids don’t like me?  Hey, I know.  I’ve been there.

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