Monthly Archives: May 2013

New Friends

Posted on by
Reply

From our first game of speed meeting to setting up play dates, 201 Boulevard’s 1st grade class is moving up! From our first blog, ‘ Hello Everyone! Welcome to the 1st grade’ to our last blog, ‘New Friends’, I have to say, it was a really sweet experience…

While our class watched a video, I took them aside one by one. As we sat in the little chairs facing each other, I asked them what they’ve learned. It has to be one of the greatest gifts, as a catechist, to hear a student say, as Ally did, “I learned Jesus loves me, God blessed me, and how to pray.”  This is the same Ally who asked, “…deliver us from evil.” , what does that mean?” and also “Did they get haircuts back then?” As a teacher, I love to see my students seeking questions that will bless them with A Day of Discovery!

Throughout the school year, there have been times when we’ve had a Change Of Plans or relied on Improvisation. For instance, when there were no costumes to play the part of Mary and Joseph, and we used pink tissue on Paula’s head and the paper towels on Jack’s as they embraced baby Jesus. Or, when Ewan raised his hand and asked, “I eat apples, am I bad?” I’m so grateful to have God with us as we enter these precious moments and respond to  sensitive questions! Let me not forget our game of Volleyball, when the hands of Emma and Salvatore were used for our scoreboard.

Whether we are going through the The Storms of Life where we can be encouraged by David defeating Goliath, (even if I have to ask, does anyone know what a giant is?) Or, when Gianluca drew a picture of his fish and himself, reflecting on Unconditional Love, we know there is  A Time For… everything. There is also a time when students leave a great Impression on their teacher. I’ll never forget when my nephew, Ben, brought one of those special moments when he shared, “I prayed to God, and He healed me!” As Charlotte said it so perfectly, “Love is a gift from God.”

So, it could be that Aidan M, becoming the new Pope Patrick or that Aidan S. Is sharing what he learned about Noah having all the animals on the boat, and that God is love. Also, it could be Ashley and Salvatore’s picture being in the Catholic New York newspaper for You’re in My Heart Haiti orphan project. Or, Gianluca and Samantha reenacting a Baptism and naming their baby Jackson. Or, any of the following; Patrick’s little ways, that remind me of ‘The Little Rascals.’ Nikolaus, who is saving for a motorcycle already, Mary, who is always there ready to make things happen, and of course Elizabeth, who came to class with a different braided coiffure every week, and impressed me each time (being a stylist, I just had to mention that). I felt very blessed to have been a part of their little lives, Planting Seeds and watching Blooming Gardens.

I would like to take a moment to share something Samantha said to me, “God is special to us,” and a part of the class that she will always remember is our helpers, Dominique, Kristen, Gabby, and her new friends! (thanks Samantha for giving me the title for our class Blog 🙂

This is my Thanksgiving Prayer. I thank you, Father, for the wonderful gift of Jesus, your Son, and the grace of Your Holy Spirit, who guides us always. Thank you for the blessings of our families, and the New Friends that we’ve become with each other.  As it is written, “And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness—and he was called a friend of God.” James 2:23. Thank You for being our Lord and for the privilege of being your friend. May peace, happiness and great health be with us always, and when we look at the Cross may we forever see a Big Hug!  Amen.

P.S. Thank you, Ben, for bringing in the World’s Best Mom project for all the kids. Also, Jack, for putting in so much time setting up the freeze dance game for our class. You helped make it an extra special day!

Many blessings,

Deanna

Imagehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuDDo373B9o

Impression

Posted on by
2

Our class started with the kids lined up, facing our guests consisting of parents, friends, and another 1st grade class. Paula introduced the Bible, then Mary and Charlotte asked our class some questions about the Bible. Samantha held up the cross, as the class shared that it’s a reminder that they are all loved. Finally, Jack introduced our performing artist.

This week, we had a very special performing artist, Marty Rotella. Marty has a nice list of credentials; singer, songwriter, speaker, producer, master of ceremonies. I have to say, he did a wonderful job sharing God’s awesome love for us. The kids really enjoyed the interaction, the usage of visual props, singing along, answering questions, and, asking lots of questions!

Along with the many inspiring teachings Marty brought along with him, there is one I would like to share. It was his explanation of the Trinity; Father, Son, Holy Spirit. One God. He had the children hold up three fingers, and explained how even though they are separate, they are all part of the same hand. He also explained that if he were to take water in its liquid form and put it in the freezer, it would become ice. Then he asked what would happen if he put the same water on a burning stove top. Charlotte raised her hand and said, “It would get hot!” Marty smiled, and replied, “You’re right, it’s the same water, yet it is in three different forms.

At the end of our class, many of the adults expressed how impressed they were that the kids knew so much. The truth is, the more time we spend with someone, the better we know them. I am sure that the psalmist who wrote Psalm 48:14 had spent some time getting to know our God. It’s the only way he could express something as beautiful as this; “For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end.”

An Impression is an effect produced on someone. Teachers are not responsible for what their students know. They’re just responsible for the seeds they plant to help their students grow. As we wind down to one class left, it is my prayer that seeds are planted and a good impression is left with each and every one of my students.

Many blessings,                                                                                                              Deanna

 

 

 

Blooming Gardens

Posted on by
2

My daughter, Dominique, inspired this week’s class lesson. It was through an essay she wrote to a credit union while applying for a college scholarship. Here is a part of what she wrote.

“When I was around five years old, my mother took my two brothers, my sister, and me “bank shopping.” I didn’t understand what we were doing, because I was so young. I just remember going to several different banks listening to my mom ask lots of questions. The last bank we walked into that day greeted us at the door, and gave all of us little stuffed puppies and a small book to teach us the importance of putting money in the bank. The staff that day helped me to learn the joy of banking. Having my own bank book and watching the numbers rise every time I would deposit, even if it was just a few dollars, made me want to go back even more.”

Her essay continued with what she would do if she were in charge of a credit union. How she would visit elementary schools, inspiring more young children to visit banks, teaching and encouraging them with the importance of saving as well. Her words motivated me to move forward with putting together a lesson using scripture, and going back to that same bank to see if they would participate. I’m happy to say they agreed. So, I’d like to take this moment to thank Lisa, the branch manager at Capital One Bank for her kindness, and for taking the time to visit with our class. She read the kids a book called “Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday.” She also gave all of them piggy banks and string bags, but most of all, shared the importance of saving.

I have to say, the best part of class is always listening to the little things the kids have to say. Salvatore started off the class when he raised his hand to share that he has a piggy bank, and he is saving for college. Gianluca saves too, and nodding his head with a big smile, let us know he is saving for a REALLY nice car. Let me not forget Nikolaus, who has a motorcycle on his mind, as he let us know that is what he is saving up for.

The Bible teaches us to take care of the people and things that God gives to us. Scriptures always have a way of guiding us. I guess that is why the Bible is called The Living Word of God.

“The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.” Deuteronomy 28:13

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

I look forward to seeing if we can make a difference in the lives of some very special kids. Raising a child has never been more difficult, but it is well worth the challenge, and our future depends on it. As the saying goes, “If you save one child, you save the world.” May we see the blooming gardens of the children we rear growing into wonderful adults. Also may God give them the desire of their hearts, and make all their plans succeed.

Blessings always,
Deanna

ImageImage