How do I get these kids to behave?! That’s the question I struggled with when I first started teaching religious education. My DRE was born to lead — she walks into a room, and people just listen to her! Like that! She did her best to help me improve my class, but she wasn’t sure how to explain what it was she did so naturally.
But there’s good news: Classroom Management is a specific set of techniques that anyone can learn and master. No matter how crazy and out of control your class is right now, you can learn to be an effective teacher, with students who listen, cooperate, and enjoy your class.
Classroom Management for Catechists is now in stock at Liguori Publications. Looking for more help with grade school catechesis? Liguori is also offering the title as part of their Elementary School Essential Library, a discounted package that includes a pile of good books for the new catechist or DRE.
Need a quick outline for your catechist training session?
While I am happy to give workshops on classroom management, I can’t be everywhere. Visit the Catechist Downloads page for the free downloadable 10 Essentials of Classroom Management brochure. It is designed as a set of easy-to-follow talking points for a Catechist 101 workshop. If your diocese would like to customize this brochure, e-mail me and I will happily pass along the original Word document for you to modify as needed.
Build Your Own Training Program!
Know someone in your parish or diocese who is a strong presenter — the kind of person who would be just perfect for teaching workshops on classroom management? Don’t reinvent the wheel! Use the book as your launch pad to customize your training program to the needs of your local volunteers. I am happy to work with you to get a regular diocesan or deanery training program up and running, so that you have a solid, locally-run Catechist 101 program to help get your new recruits on their feet and ready to teach.
Reviews for Classroom Management for Catechists
I’ve gotten good comments from a number of readers both since the book came out, and while I was writing. If you have comments you’d like to share, please e-mail me and I’ll happily post a link to your review.
From Erin McCole Cupp, longtime catechist, posting on Amazon:
If you are facing down another year of volunteering with your parish religious education program, and you’re shaking in your boots, you know what you need? You need this book. I’ve been working in religious ed and youth ministry off and on since 1995. I wish I’d had Classroom Management for Catechists when I’d started. It would have saved me a lot of time and heartache, trying to balance all that it takes to have an effective classroom where the love of Christ is shared in an engaging but disciplined way. If you’re just starting out, I especially recommend this handy little book to you. If you’re a DRE, order in bulk and give a copy to your catechists and volunteers. Classroom Management is a sweet, quick read that will not waste a second of your time.
From Christian LeBlanc, 6th grade catechist and author of The Bible Tells Me So:
I haven’t mentioned this yet because it’s implied in the last two pages: this book isn’t about Class Management per se. It’s really about how you are going to evangelize the children that the Church has entrusted to you. Jen says, “This is the most important subject your students will ever study.” I agree it is. So the parents put soccer above Sunday School? So the kids are tired and inattentive? So catechizing takes up too much of your time and energy? So what? God put you in front of those kids for a reason: To Change the World. So- change it.This book will help.
“Discipline strategies, solutions for challenging situations and a sample classroom routine all make this book an especially useful resource for new catechists, but experienced catechists will also find it helpful. Highly recommend!”
