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Overview
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Grade:
1
2
3
4
5
6
Grade 2
Unit 1
Chapter 1 - Connection to Catholic Social Teaching
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
Jesus taught his disciples to embrace all people in his name and to have special concern for the poor. The Church follows the example of Jesus by directing us to have special concern for the vulnerable and poor in our world. Look for ways to help the children recognize those for whom Jesus recommends special care. Collecting coins and donating the money to people in need is a practical way of helping the children show concern for the poor and vulnerable.
Chapter 2 - Connection to Stewardship
Being a disciple of Jesus involves having a generous heart, one willing to devote time, talents, and resources for the sake of the community. Help the children to see how they can use their own time and talents for the sake of the community. Help them find ways they can be true stewards of the Lord. For example, they might set aside some of their weekly allowance to help some disadvantaged children. They might donate a gift or some toys or clothing to a worthy cause.
Chapter 3 - Connection to Liturgy
Explain to the children the importance of gathering with our parish to worship God, especially when we celebrate the sacraments. Explain to the children that Jesus gave us the sacraments as signs of God's love. Stress that Jesus is with us in a special way each time we gather to celebrate one of the sacraments.
Chapter 4 - Connection to Catholic Social Teaching
Life and Dignity of the Human Person
To be made in the image and likeness of God makes the human person a true reflection of the divine presence in the world. At our Baptism, we are reborn in Christ and are invited to become more like him. The Church teaches that the dignity of each individual deserves our respect and honor. How we treat and support one another enhances or disfigures that image of God with which we are blessed. Explain to the children that they can treat one another with respect in class, on the playground, and in their neighborhoods.
Chapter 5 - Connection to Catholic Social Teaching
The Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
As Catholics we are called upon to demonstrate our concern for people who are poor or sick. Help the children understand that the Gift of the Holy Spirit gives us the extra strength we need to do Christ's work in this world. Invite volunteers to suggest different kinds of Christian actions that the Holy Spirit helps people to do, such as serving at a soup kitchen or helping people who are elderly.
Unit 2
Chapter 8 - Connection to Community
Explain to the children that in the Bible we read Jesus' teachings about ways he wants us to treat other people. Point out certain passages such as Jesus' description of the Great Commandment or his story of the good Samaritan. Tell the children that these stories are just a few of the many in the Bible that teach us how to live in the way that God wants. Have the children name ways they can follow Jesus' teachings.
Chapter 9 - Connection to Stewardship
The Ten Commandments show us the way to lead our lives and behave toward others. The Scriptures as well as Church teaching also insist that we show our respect toward God's creation. Help the children to understand that the same behavior they need to show toward others should be shown toward the environment, animals, trees, and the rest of God's creation.
Chapter 10 - Connection to Scripture
Remind the children about Jesus' story of the good Samaritan (See Grade 1 We Believe text, Chapter 5). Point out that the Samaritan chose to stop and help the man who was hurt. Discuss with the children times that they have chosen to help someone in need.
Chapter 11 - Connection to Catholic Social Teaching
A Call to Family, Community, and Participation
As Catholics we are called to do what is possible to repair any damage we may have done to others. Look for opportunities to teach the children how to reconcile their differences. Consider teaching a three-step process for dealing with disagreements and hurtful actions. Step 1: Apologize; Step 2: Ask yourself, "What can I do to make my friend feel better?" Step 3: Do it!
Connection to Prayer
When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, Jesus taught them the Lord's Prayer. Pray the Lord's Prayer with the class. Discuss the line: Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Tell the children that we are called to forgive others. When we do so, God's mercy shines through us. As you teach the chapter, consider presenting other prayers that relate to forgiveness, mercy, and compassion.
Chapter 12 - Connection to Community
Encourage the children to offer their help to classmates who may be left out of games during school. Tell them that it is easy to be kind to our friends, but it requires a truly Christian spirit to make someone feel he or she is part of the class community.
Unit 3
Chapter 16 - Connection to Liturgy
As the children learn about the Mass, stress that we gather at Mass to give thanks and praise to God. Help them to see that we gather together as Jesus' first disciples did. Stress that we are also his disciples. We come together to listen to God's word in the Bible and to remember and celebrate what Jesus did at the Last Supper.
Chapter 17 - Connection to Stewardship
Point out to the children that one of the messages of the Bible is to care for all God's creatures. Explain that the way we treat one another, especially those who are weak and poor, reflects how seriously we take God's word and put in into practice.
Chapter 18 - Connection to Stewardship
You may want to explain that when we offer the gifts of bread and wine during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, we remember that they are gifts from God. We also remember all the gifts God has given to us: our time, our talents, our interests. When the Liturgy of the Eucharist begins, we offer these gifts back to God.
Chapter 19 - Connection to Scripture
One day a rich young man asked Jesus, "Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?" (Matthew 19:16). Jesus responded that he must keep the commandments. The young man told Jesus that he had kept the commandments all his life. Jesus then said, "If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to [the] poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me" (Matthew 19:21). Keeping the commandments should lead us to show our love for God in those we serve.
Unit 4
Chapter 24 - Connection to Liturgical Music
As the children learn more about the meaning of prayer, encourage them to listen to the words of the songs we sing and the music we hear in church. Have the children name their favorite songs that we sing at Mass. List the songs. Conduct a vote on which songs they like the best of the ones suggested. Then make a chart of the "Top Ten Second Grade Favorites." Encourage the children to pray by singing enthusiastically during next Sunday's Mass.
Chapter 25 - Connection to the Arts
Mary is represented in many works of fine art. Paintings, statues, stained-glass windows, and other works of art can enrich our lives with their beauty. Show paintings that are in fine-art books. Share some examples of your favorite paintings or sculptures and explain why you chose them. Encourage the children to search for other examples of religious art that evoke positive feelings of love, gratitude, comfort, and hope.
Chapter 26 - Connection to Catholic Social Teaching
Life and Dignity of the Human Person
We are called to love and respect others. Sometimes, however, society promotes materialism. Discuss with the children why people are more important than things. Ask them to think about a time when they wanted to share. Encourage them to remember that people always matter more than material things.
Grade:
1
2
3
4
5
6
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