Grade 6

Chapter 1
In Chapter 1, the students learn about Moses and Miriam's trust in God. The students are probably familiar with Moses. However, they may not be quite so familiar with Miriam. Use the brief biography below to tell the students about Miriam.

Click here to download "The Story of Miriam"

Chapter 2
In Chapter 2, the students learn about Bible services. In the documents from the Second Vatican Council, Bible services are encouraged. Use the following format to help you plan a Bible service with the students.

Click here to download "Plan a Bible Service or Paraliturgy"

Chapter 3
In this chapter of your Faith First book, you learned about some of the prophets of the Old Testament. God chose these people to speak in his name. Imagine that God chose people to speak in his name today. What do you think the messages would be? Would they speak about taking better care of God’s creation? Would they speak about opening our eyes to the needs of the poor? What they speak about providing health care for all people who are sick?

Click here to download "Modern Day Prophet Reports"

Chapter 4
On page 44, you may choose to have the students write a diamonte poem. Use the following description and example to help the students write their poems.

Click here to download "Writing A Diamonte Poem"

Chapter 5
In Chapter 5, on page 53, the text invites the students to meditate on Matthew 3:13-17, the story of Jesus' Baptism. You might like to lead the whole group through a guided meditation. Use the guided meditation below.

Click here to download "Guided Meditation for Matthew 3:13-17"

Chapter 6
In Chapter 6, on page 61, the students learn that scribes wrote the letters Paul dictated. Paul probably dictated the main ideas he wanted in the letter, and the scribes filled in the details.

Invite the students to find 1 Corinthians 16:21 and Galatians 6:11. Here Paul tells us that he is adding his own personal greeting to the letter the scribe has written for him.

Click here to download "Writing Letters Like Paul"

Chapter 7
In this chapter the children learn about the Church. On pages 72-73, they learn the four marks of the Church. The Church is one, holy, catholic and apostolic. In this context, catholic means universal, or global. To help the children understand the global nature of the church, you can teach them some of the basic prayers in other languages. Use the prayers below to teach the children to pray in Spanish. Pray these prayers often enough so that the children can pray them from memory in Spanish.

Click here to download "Understanding the Global Church Through Prayer"

Chapter 8
In this chapter, the children learn that the Church is the people of God. The Church is also the Body of Christ. On page 85 the children read about how the Beatitudes help us live for the kingdom. Use the following examples to help the children understand the Beatitudes.

Click here to download "Understanding the Beatitudes"

Chapter 9
In this chapter, the children learn about Mary, and on pages 94-95 they read about devotion to Mary. This is an appropriate time to invite a guest to talk to the children about Marian devotion.

Click here to download "Inviting a Guest"

Chapter 10
In this chapter, the children learn about the kingdom of God. On pages 102-103, they read a scripture story from Matthew 25:31-46. Then, on page 106 the children have an opportunity to discover how their parish follows Jesus' teaching from that Matthew passage. Use parish bulletins to help the children recognize the variety of activities in your parish which carry out the teachings of Jesus.

Click here to download "Looking in the Parish Bulletin"

Chapter 11
In this chapter the children learn about the liturgy. On pages 116-117 of the pupil text, the children learn about the liturgical seasons. Most sixth graders already know quite a bit about the various liturgical seasons. They also know what they like about each season. You have an opportunity to put their knowledge and interest to work.

Click here to download "Debating about the Liturgical Seasons"

Chapter 12
In this chapter the children learn about the Passover. On page 126 of the pupil text, they learn about unleavened bread. Have the children use the Bible to decode the recipe below to make unleavened bread.

Click here to download "Making Bible Bread"
(The answer key is also available.)

Chapter 13
In this chapter, the children learn about he sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. Since we renew our baptismal promises at Confirmation, this is an appropriate time to review and renew our baptismal promises.

Click here to download "Reviewing and Renewing our Baptismal Promises"

Chapter 14
In this chapter, the children learn about anointing in the sacraments. Page 238 of the catechist guide suggests that you have the children role play four sacraments. Below are the words the presider prays as he anoints in each sacrament.

Click here to download "The Anointing at Baptism"

Chapter 15
In this chapter, the children learn about the Mass. On pages 154-155 they learn about the Liturgy of the Word. To help the children better understand the Liturgy of the Word, invite them to plan a prayer service based on the Liturgy of the Word. Use the format below.

Click here to download "Planning a Prayer Service"

Chapter 16
In this chapter, the children learn about the Parable of the Great Feast. In this parable, Jesus teaches us to reach out to others. Encourage the children to reach out to others in service. See below for a list of ideas.

Click here to download "Reaching Out To Others"

Chapter 17
In this chapter, the children learn about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. On page 172, they read about the examination of conscience. This is an appropriate time to teach the children about an Ignation prayer of examining their lives on a daily basis.

Click here to download "Examining Our Daily Lives"

Chapter 18
In this chapter, the children learn about sacramentals. This is an appropriate time to invite the children to bring in any sacramentals they have at home and bless them.

Click here to download "Blessing Sacramentals"

Chapter 19
In this chapter, the children learn the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. Follow the directions below to play charades and to help the children become more familiar with the works of mercy.

Click here to download "Playing Charades"

Chapter 20
In this chapter, the children learn about forming a conscience. On page 322, the catechist guide suggests that you introduce the children to an examination of conscience. Use the examination of conscience below that is adapted for children.

Click here to download "Examination of Conscience"

Chapter 21
In this chapter, the children learn about the first three commandments. On page 219, they read about the Third Commandment. Consider following the directions below to help the children better understand the Third Commandment.

Click here to download "Preparing and Sharing Skits"

Chapter 22
In this chapter, the children learn about the fifth through the tenth commandments. On page 229, the children read about the Eighth Commandment. Follow the directions below to write an acrostic poem and help the children better understand the commandments.

Click here to download "Writing Acrostic Poems"

Chapter 23
In this chapter, the children learn about Mary's wisdom. This is an appropriate time to introduce the children to Mary's Canticle. Use the reading from Luke below.

Click here to download "The Canticle of Mary"

Chapter 24
In this chapter, the children learn about being people of prayer. This is an appropriate time to take a closer look at the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. Follow the directions below to help the children understand what is means to be humble in prayer.

Click here to download "Acting Out the Parable"

Chapter 25
In this chapter, the children learn about various prayer forms. This is an appropriate time to introduce the children to the Jesus Prayer. Follow the directions below.

Click here to download "Praying the Jesus Prayer"

Chapter 26
In this chapter, the children learn more about the Lord's Prayer and about prayer. This is an appropriate time to help the children know more about the prayer ministry in your parish. Follow the directions below for inviting a guest.

Click here to download "Inviting a Prayer Ministry Volunteer"