Tag Archives: Family

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

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“Making our way in the world today takes everything we’ve got. Taking a break from all our worries sure would help a lot. Sometimes we want to go where everybody knows our name, and they’re always glad we came…” Just a little change to the words in the television theme song ‘Cheers’. Our class this week reminded me of the lyrics to this unforgettable melody, stressing a sequence of notes that is musically satisfying.

A smile that says, ‘it’s you!’ A quick, long wave like a puppy dog’s tail that conveys, ‘I’m so glad to see you.’ A hug that expresses, ‘You mean something to me.’ Priceless. With that being said, I thank my 1st grade class of 2013 for that warm greeting. Just like all of them, It was very special. They have all grown so much since last year. It was so great to see them.

As our class is coming together this year, it is wonderful to see them with that same little wave and smile. As they look around to see if all their friends are in the room, I hear a little voice ask, “Where’s Cathrena.”(Cathrena, Ben & Mark are our class helpers) We are very blessed to have them with us. What a beautiful feeling that was. I wanted to call Cathrena on the spot and tell her that she is missed already, and it is only our second class!

I once read a small article that left an impression on my heart. It stated how we all need friends who will stick close, listen, care, and offer help when it is needed — in good times and bad. The article shared how it is better to have one true friend than dozens of superficial acquaintances. Also, how instead of wishing we could find a true friend that we should seek to become one. There are many people who need our friendship. Then, we should ask for God’s guidance to them, so we can take on the challenge of being a true friend.

While I prayed one day, I asked, “Lord do our hands really know how to love?” I looked down as my hands came together. The left hand made the shape of the letter ‘L’ and my thumb and fore finger formed the letter ‘O.’ The rest of my three fingers on that hand spread into a very clear ’VE.’ All I can say is, God is forever blowing me away with His awesome love.

As I conclude this week’s blog, I want to thank Ryan for bringing in his rock collection, and treating our class to our first Show and Tell. It made a perfect ending to planting pumpkin and flower seeds, and talking about how important it is to take care of all God’s creations.

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7

Deanna Danielle

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New Kids on the Block

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It’s that time of the year again. You can smell the fresh apples and pumpkins as you walk into the grocery stores. The leaves are starting to fall from the trees, and yellow school buses are bringing in that crisp feeling of a brand new school year. Curiosity fills the air. What will my teachers be like? Who will my friends be? Will I get too much homework? These are some of the thoughts of children. The thoughts of teachers may be: Who are my students? What will they be like? Will this planned lesson grab their attention, touch their hearts and inspire them to want to learn more?

Three sets of twins, and one twin solo. There must have been something in the water six years ago, for this is seven of my seventeen new students this year. As we introduced ourselves to each other and shared a little bit about our families, I was amazed to hear how many children were in the individual families of our class this year, and they are all awesome.

I thought to break the ice in class this year, I’d write them a little story they could relate to. It’s about a little boy who was very shy, and afraid of his own shadow. How he wanted so badly to go and play with the other kids, only he was too afraid. Until, one day when he felt the Holy Spirit of God wrap around him like a big hug, he heard these words, “Don’t be afraid, I am here with you, and I will be with you wherever you go.” I called this story Johnny. As I shared the title of this story, I heard this sweet and surprised voice speak out and say, “Hey, that’s my name.” No money can buy the smile that kids can put in your heart.

As the day continued and the children were drawing, I saw tears falling from one of my student’s eyes. “Why are you crying?”, I gently asked her. All of a sudden, this innocent little voice sitting next to her says, “She doesn’t want to share the crayons.” I love these open doors to teach bigger lessons. That, the only reason we cry when we don’t share is because it makes us sad. However, God teaches us that sharing brings us joy. As she looked at me and smiled, I knew that after when I would read to them the story of David and Goliath, that she would deserve David’s stone. For she was the one who knocked out the Goliath in this day, as she made up her mind that it is more fun to share.

So, I am looking forward to spending this year learning more about the love, mercy, and grace of our Lord with our 1st grade class. The new kids on the block. Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” – Luke 18:16

Many blessings,

Deanna Danielle

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As we Learned about the Holy Family, all the Kids held on to this yellow string. I used this string to represent, how we are all part of that same family. We are brothers and sisters in our Lord, Christ Jesus.

Volleyball

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Volleyball is a team sport in which two teams are separated by a net. Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the other team’s court. Taking this concept into a classroom of 1st graders needs some improvising. So, I decided that our colorful rug would be the court, and having them sit in their chairs facing each other could work. Let me not forget, the use of a beach ball is very beneficial, especially when it’s the boys vs. the girls!

Ready to play on the girls’ team was, Elizabeth, Ashley, Charlotte, Paula, Mary, and Ally. The boys’ team had Jack, Ben, Ewan, Aidan M, Patrick, Gianluca, Aidan S, Nikolaus. The hands of Emma, and Salvatore were used for our score board. A beautiful part of our religious experience is the sense of belonging. There are lots of benefits to being a member of a community. We feel more secure knowing that we have others around us who share our same values. As a team, we can work together, developing, bonding, and helping others.

During our class lesson, we talked about how families share life and love. How we all belong to a family and how everyone in our family is special. We spoke about Jesus and the family He belonged to, and that we are now part of that family through our baptism. When I asked them, “What are some of the things we do as a parish family?” Their answers were, “We help people, we give food and clothes to the poor.” However, what really touched me, was when Ally said, “We pray for each other!”

In the game of volleyball, or any team sport, kids can benefit both physically and socially. Being part of a family or group is probably why Jesus called the twelve (Disciples) to Himself, and began to send them out two by two. (Mark 6:7) The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2:18) This is the awesome love of God…

Having help and support, making memories, and of course some normal disagreements at times (because nothing is perfect here on earth, except for God’s grace) is all part life. Often, I think about this really nice quote, “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.”― Mother Teresa

Have a blessed day!
Deanna

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