This is the altar at our church. Isn't it nice with those pretty flowers on it? That's my Lutheran Stud bowing before the altar. Have I told you how amazing and brilliant this guy is?
Here's one of the reasons why I think he's so brilliant. He reads a lot. Right now I think he's got about 4 or 5 books on his nightstand. They're all completely different books too. Some seem really random to me, but whatever. There's a reason for what he's reading. I mean if you look at my nightstand it's TLW and cookbooks. That's it. How does he read that many books at once? Who knows. He reads just about everything and anything. Well, out reading so much he came up with this Catechism Memory Program for the children at our church.
The children memorize the catechism in levels. They can start young. He set age limits for which he felt the children were able to memorize the levels. They are quite broad, and some people at our church questioned whether it was too difficult for some of these children. We'll see what happens. Elizabeth, who is two, is close to memorizing level one. We've noticed, with our own children, that children are like sponges. When they're young they are able to soak in a ton of information. It's pretty amazing, really.
For each level that is memorized the children are given a reward. The rewards are given to the children in front of the entire church. Here, Rebecca has finished level 1 and 2. Rachel has finished level 1.
This last week Rebecca finished level 3 and level 4. It just keeps getting harder. Julia finished level 1 and 2. The level 2 reward seems to be a hit with everyone. The reward is the new children's bible from CPH. It's beautiful. This program is definitely challenging. With each level that is memorized they must also repeat the previous levels. The idea is to have the children memorize the catechism before they enter confirmation class. Then by the time they enter confirmation they can study, more deeply, everything in the catechism and be better grounded in their beliefs. This program has been fun for the children because while it's challenging it teaches them to set goals. And who doesn't like to be rewarded? They see the rewards and work really hard to get them. See? It's brilliant. My Lutheran Stud is pretty brilliant. 
9 comments:
What a great idea! Your Lutheran Stud should sell these programs because I would buy one for my kids.
DeAnn, I can just mail you one. Email me your address. ;)
What a great idea. We are LCMS too and I like the idea of having all the memorization done before confirmation class in 7th/8th grade. The rewards are a great incentive too. I'd love to show this to my pastor and see what he thinks.
Ellen, yes, feel free to show your pastor. I think it's such a great program. We actually confirm our children in 5th/6th grade at our church.
Jan, would you be willing to mail one to me too? Btw, does it include what you use for rewards?
Can you send me a copy? I would love to translate it into spanish and use it with new mission plants in Tijuana, Mexico!
I would LOVE to learn more about this.
I'd love to see a copy of this, too, so I'll send you an email. I use the Sing the Faith cd (by CPH) with my third and fourth graders and have been amazed with how quickly they learn the catechism, when set to this wonderful music. It's another great resource!
Thanks for all of your comments and interest. With the overwhelming response I think I may need to email this program instead. We'll see how it works out. I'm working with our church secretary to get things together. Thanks for you patiences.
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