Empowering Religion Educators
Warm Winter Blessings from this TLLP Team to others…
God’s Dream
The conception of Empowering Religion Educators began as a seed of faith in the Fall of 2012. Recognizing that high school religion teachers needed time together to learn from each other and to stretch their understanding of religion in a non-threatening venue, Differentiated Instruction became the tool that would unite both.
The project goal was a three step process. Define 'family' as we witness the changing definition in our high school setting. Secondly, reconnect with Christ's friendship as lived through the Seven Sacraments. Lastly, assist religion educators to build or rebuild their understanding of high school religion curriculum content and to utilize Differentiated Instruction within their class. By incorporating Differentiated Instruction into our project, student success was ensured through student engagement and active participation.
Originally, the team consisted of Rory Donohue and Jody Anne McDonald. Rory was the Department Leader for Religion / Social Science at Bishop Smith Catholic High, Pembroke. At that time, I was a long term occasional teacher with 6 years of teaching experience in Junior/Intermediate and Senior divisions. Prior to teaching, I was an Educational Assistant.
As a team, we recognized Empowering Religion Educators was essential Professional Development for religion teachers. It was needed to enhance their personal/professional learning in order to effectively outreach to high school students.
Our first challenge occurred shortly after E.R.E was accepted as a TLLP project. Rory received a Principal position in an elementary school. Angela Watson, a high school religion teacher welcomed the opportunity to learn and grow. She accepted a position on the TLLP Team.
October 2 - Feast of the Guardian Angels
Invitations were emailed to religion teachers at three of our local high schools – Pembroke,Renfrew, and Barry’s Bay. Our outreach was inclusive of grade 8 – 12 teachers. The date was selected for October 2 – the Feast of the Guardian Angels. It was an appropriate date. As teachers, we are the front line of education – in essence we are angels who nudge and nurture our youth toward their brighter tomorrow.
The E.R.E was a full day of fellowship. It followed a Retreat style of learning but with interactive components woven throughout. The Team recognized the value of Catholic mass as a cornerstone to the TLLP. A local priest provided teaching on the sacraments as well as offered the Sacrament of the Eucharistic through a mass celebration.
The attempt to bring fresh light to religion curriculum was eagerly welcomed by high school educators. Faith and friendship were plentifulas teachers were encouraged to relax and enjoy the presence of each other’s company. Fun and food were an added bonus. Using the analogy of a cupcake representing religion curriculum, teachers were invited to fancy up a plain cupcake by adding flavourful toppings (icing, sprinkles, and candy) which represented Differentiated Instruction. A plain cupcake is still a wonderful treat but a cupcake with icing and treats can be an explosion of sensory delights. The same holds true to Differentiated Instruction within religion content – it aids in bringing religion lessons to life.
Prior to a circle discussion on FAMILY, teachers listened and folded – from paper to cross –as they were guided through an enchanting story that revealed the secret to family happiness. A round circle discussion immediately followed. Teachers were introduced to the definition of ‘family’ through the lenses of my grade 4 students. They compared /contrasted the grade 4 view on ‘family’ to that of the high school students.
Time for choice! Reconnecting teachers with Christ's friendship as lived through the Seven Sacraments brought about choice. Teams of teachers formed small groups. Each group was presented a sacrament gift bag. Within each gift bag were the tools necessary to complete their sacramental challenge. As a team they selected the task they would complete. Allowing freedom of movement, flexibility of environment and time for task, teachers dug deep into Differentiated Instruction. Oral presentations were a highlight of their learning.
After filling their spirit and their mind with Differentiated Instruction, it was now time to fill their belly. Lunch was a continuation of fellowship and enthusiastic conversation. Anticipation over the afternoon session was evident.
Differentiated Instruction took on the face of quick energizers. Holy Beach Ball was inclusive of all participants. Coordinating the coloured section of the ball your thumb landed on with the same coloured question card was an exciting strategy to measure understanding of religion content. Holy Beach Ball is an excellent tool for class review.
In addition, Sacramental Toss was added to the tool kit of energizer resources. A small sponge ball with the seven sacraments labeled. Upon catching the ball, the sacrament your thumb lands on determines the sacrament you share your knowledge/understanding of.
Who I AM
At the close of October 2, the Who I AM project was introduced to the participants. Based on the pay-it-forward concept, Who I AM recognizes the value of God and the value of self. Each teacher was presented a blue satin ribbon with the gift of words “Who you are makes a difference to all of us because…” They were then presented a Who I AM challenge. Two additional ribbons were given to them to present to two individuals who made a difference in who they are today. Teachers were supplied with enough ribbons to present to each student within their class. In total, over 1500 ribbons were presented to teachers / students. A ripple of affirmation, unconditional love and acceptance outreached to over 4000 individuals. Students completed anonymous reflections. They shared the story of who received their two ribbons, how they reacted, and how they felt upon presenting the ribbon.
Words of healing that occurred to broken relationships surfaced. Words of ‘I love you’ that had never been spoken were heard. Distance between relationships shortened. The Who I AM project was not only a Differentiated Instruction tool but a mental health and wellness treasure. A ripple of faith became a tsunami of love.
The day came to a close with an EXIT card reflection and a gift of USB resources. Teachers marveled at the sharing of rich resources, the refueling of faith and the connectedness of self with others. Several requests to include elementary teachers in Empowering Religion Educators were mentioned as a possible next step. Also noted, was Differentiated Instruction with an Advent focus. The teachers wrote…we listened.
November 29 – Empowering Religion Educators … Advent Style
Empowering Religion Educators for the Advent season with Differentiated Instruction brought about The Jesse Tree project. The Jesse Tree project incorporated Financial Literacy, Religion, Language, and Art within one project.
This day of learning, began with a mass celebration in which our Bishop was the celebrant. His teaching focused on Advent as a period of waiting and anticipation. Following the service, both elementary teachers and secondary teachers gathered for a constructive approach to learning/teaching.
Using a Catholic Credit Card Company and monopoly money, teachers were given a wallet, budget, purchasing order form, and knowledge of the Jesse Tree. Using straws, tape, and Jesse Tree ornaments, teachers calculated their spending power, their purchasing power and their power to outwit their fellow colleagues as a competitive spirit had surfaced within each small group. A rubric accompanied the toolkit.
Further to The Jesse Tree Project, teachers were introduced to various forms of Differentiated Instruction techniques that held an Advent tone. Teachers were outfitted with a toolkit of Advent resources.
Again, an EXIT card was presented to teachers. Comments for a larger outreach to colleagues with more sharing time centered on grade specific content now surfaced, as did the desire to Differentiate Instruction through the use of iPads. A recommendation to provide a special Empowering Religion Educators session with a Lent focus was included on the Exit cards.
Where do we go with Empowering Religion Educators from here?
The Who I AM project has sparked interest near and far. It is a fantastic tool to add to your D.I. toolkit and easily compliments any curriculum subject. We are open to whatever road Who I AM takes us on and are excited of the possibilities.
Our TLLP Team is invited to present at the EOCCC in April. We look forward to embracing each and every new learning/leadership opportunity that surfaces.
With Christmas around the corner, our current focus is on His birth. However, our TLLP Team continues to review the latest requests and suggestions for a Lent Differentiated Instruction session. Stay tuned!
On a personal note, Empowering Religion Educators sparked within me a hunger to continue this journey through life-long learning. I have been accepted into a Masters of Religious Education program where ‘Learning and Leadership’ continues!
Blessed!
What an awesome blessing it has been to travel this TLLP journey! Self-discovery, personal growth, faith/passion are a few of the intimate discoveries that were made along the way. Academic/curriculum appreciation, student success stories, mental health and wellness (through the Who I AM) were WOW moments that took my breath away.
Special thanks to everyone who works behind the scenes in order to provide TLLP funding for teachers and to guide us along the way. May God continue to bless you with all of your future endeavours.
Merry Christmas to all…Blessings for a Happy Healthy New Year!