The Way: First Grade Teacher Guide

The Heart of First Grade Catechesis

Catechesis for children aged three to six is rooted in the understanding that they’re fully capable of embracing and delighting in the message of God’s love through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Even before the age of six, children are naturally connected to God. Your role is to nurture that connection.

While you will certainly be teaching them directly, it is equally important that you guide them as the Holy Spirit works within their hearts.

Allow them the space to wonder and reflect on God’s mysteries. Your role is not merely to provide answers but to inspire curiosity and awe.

Kids at this age are information sponges. They’re thirsty for knowledge and ready to soak it all in.

But don’t worry about fitting everything into a big picture just yet—that will come later. Imagine they’re gathering puzzle pieces but aren’t quite ready to put the puzzle together.

Instead of focusing on grand themes, feed them with stories, names, and images.

Let them build a treasure trove of ideas and images they can piece together as they grow.

Essential Stories for First Grade

Above all else, young children need to feel loved, cared for, and protected. This is the bedrock of their religious education. Without this foundation, nothing else will stick.

The Parable of the Good Shepherd is the best way to convey this. This story encapsulates everything first graders need.

The Good Shepherd knows each of his sheep by name, loves them, cares for them, protects them, and will go to any length to bring them back if they’re lost.

Jesus as the Good Shepherd is THE Gospel message for first graders and the primary understanding you want to impart.

While the Good Shepherd is the cornerstone, don’t stop there. Introduce them to other stories from Jesus’ life, particularly aspects of the Incarnation and the Paschal Mystery.

The Annunciation, the Visitation, the Birth of Jesus, the Presentation in the Temple, the Last Supper, and the Resurrection captivate young minds and are essential building blocks of their faith.

Notice that most of these are mysteries of the rosary. By delving into these vital aspects of the faith, you’re preparing children to get even more depth from that prayer later.

Also, note—when you talk about the Crucifixion, always pair it with the Resurrection.

And steer clear of the Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple. First graders don’t respond well to the story of a young boy getting separated from his parents and lost.

When planning your lessons, carefully review your first-grade textbook to identify and prioritize these stories.