Developing Faith with Preschoolers,

Kindergartners, and First Graders

Faith Formation ConferenceNovember 9, 2012By Cheryl Anderson

Fabienne EsparzaKim Lawrence

Agenda• Welcome• Introductions• Goals

• To identify the developmental needs of preschoolers, kindergartners and first graders in relationship to faith development

• To understand the role of the catechist when working with very young children

• To articulate a variety of strategies which nurture faith development

• To share our knowledge and experience of teaching young children about our faith with those around us

• Q & A

Who are we?

• Cheryl Anderson, Kindergarten Teacher, St. Martin of Tours School, San Jose

• Fabienne Esparza, Principal,St. Catherine School, Morgan Hill

• Kim Lawrence, Kindergarten Teacher,St. Martin of Tours School, San Jose

Who are you?

To identify the developmental needs of preschoolers, kindergartners and first graders in relationship to faith development

3 and 4 year olds:• Egocentric• Beginning to see the difference between fantasy/reality• Beginning to understand past, present and future• Learning to cooperate with others• Enjoys playing pretend games

Kindergartners:• More emotional control and regulation• Experiencing an explosion of cognitive development• Interactive with peers• Beginning to separate self from others

First Graders:• Increasing movement toward independence• Learning to regulate emotional ups and downs• Greater emphasis on relationships outside the family

To understand the role of the catechist when working with very young children

•Teacher/catechist is a significant role model

•Critical for teacher/catechist to be well-prepared

•Teacher/catechist is sharing his/her own faith through actions

•Teacher/catechist ideally will extend and support the child’s experiences of God at home

•Approaches faith and love of God as an integral part of life

•Engages children by using a range of modalities and senses

Introduce students to Catholic traditions which require movement and the senses

-Blessing of the Animals-Advent wreath-May crowning

Age appropriate prayers

Character development based on gospel values

Prayer table or area

Integrate values and traditions throughout the curriculum

Keep the concepts simple

To articulate a variety of strategies which nurture faith development

To share our knowledge and experience of teaching young children about our faith with those around us

•What is your favorite faith supporting activity to do with young children?

•Are you looking for a project or activity •on a specific faith related topic? What topic?

•What supports do you need as a Religion teacher/catechist?

•What is your favorite or most used faith based resource?

• Q & A

Cheryl Anderson canderson@stmartin.org

Fabienne Esparzafesparza@stcatherinemh.org

Kim Lawrenceklawrence@stmartin.org