There are efficient ways to start Catechism among children and to introduce them to the Christian life. If we want to build a strong foundation of faith for our kids, it is wise to teach them Catechism while they are young and employ creative ways to make them understand and practice the ways of the building and strengthening faith.
Share Gospel daily
The Bible is one Superbook filled with many stories and lessons. It is divided into two sections- the Old Testament and New Testament. The former contains Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy; and, features the creation of the world, the early humans, and God’s relationship with humanity. The latter, on the other hand, is more about the life and death of Jesus Christ as told by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Both sections contain amazing stories of heroism, kindness, bravery, and faithfulness. If we can tell a story from the Bible each day, we are slowly introducing Christianity to kids. And kids love a remarkable story. Some amazing stories are David and Goliath, Jonah and the Whale, and Daniel and the Lions.
Teach them prayer
Prayers are fundamental for every faithful, no matter what religion he belongs. For Christians, we view prayers as our way of showing our gratitude to God and asking for His forgiveness, His grace, and guidance. They are also the easiest acts to teach. Most Christian prayers are easy to memorize, and there are specific prayers to say upon waking up, eating meals, and going to bed. One effective way to teach kids how to pray is through songs. There are prayers with melodies, and children love learning new songs. Aside from standard prayers, childhood is also a good time to teach how to say their own prayers. It is wise to make them understand that saying a prayer is all about talking to God more than memorizing words.
Seasonal Activities
One great thing about Christianity is that it has a very active calendar. Almost every day, there are celebrations or feast days of saints and martyrs. But, the annual calendar of Christians is divided mainly into four seasonal activities- Advent, Lent, Easter, and Rosary. Advent covers the events leading to the birth of Jesus Christ. Lent features the passion and death of Christ on the cross. Easter is all about Jesus rising from the dead and going into heaven. Rosary is about the three mysteries- Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious mysteries. Each season is filled with various community activities that children can participate in; what better way to introduce them to our faith than to have them immerse in the Church calendar and its activities. Plus, it will also expose kids to other kids their age, learning from each other.
Kid’s illustrated books
Literature is a powerful tool for educating young minds. However, when it comes to Catechism, parents and church leaders must find a way to present the teachings of Christianity in a more creative and easy-to-absorb forms. Enter children’s illustrated books and fables. Mara-lee Stricker is the author of the children’s book entitled The Adventures of Cammy Lambie in The Place of the Big Blue Sky. This 2015 masterpiece is a story of a young lamb and his twin brother living under the caring and watchful eye of their mother, Ewe, and Granny Lambie. It represents Jesus Christ’s relationship with us. Mara-lee Stricker’s biography tells us that she is a mother and has four grandsons, which may have been her inspiration in writing the book. Colorful drawings and easy-to-understand narratives are vital to attracting young readers into the ways of the Christian faith.
Teach outdoor classes
Classroom discussions are good only if your students have a long attention span. Catechism is like school education, but only the subject is about our Christian faith and God. If we want to attract more young inquisitive minds into Christianity, we must offer them excitement, adventure, and unconventional teaching methods. Outdoor classes always excite students because they are not confined to the four walls of the classroom. Catechism should be taught under the open sky, near wonderful sceneries, outdoor camps, and anywhere where students can see surroundings and breathe fresh air. During His time, Jesus Christ did not teach in an auditorium or a university hall. He preached on mountaintops, marketplaces, outside synagogues, near the seashore, and in the garden. So why can’t we do it today with our kids? It’s more fun out there in the open.
These five methods are just some of the many ways we can teach young kids about God, faith, and religion. If we can show them the Christian way of life and how relevant it is to everyone, we can continue to raise and nurture kind, loving, and God-fearing individuals in our society.
Alex Writes 