Teaching during the Pandemic

It was challenging to teach during COVID times. Since the third grade CCD is considered a turning point in the student’s spiritual journey, we always want them to have a great experience. We incorporated pictures, videos and presentations for teaching. We were always trying to introduce different tools and resources in the class. Generally, third graders are constantly learning new things especially understanding parts of the complex structure of Qurbana, Adoration, Confession, etc.

Pre-Covid, the Holy Qurbana followed the CCD class and students were able to practice and observe what was taught in the class. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the students were not able to benefit from the teachings immediately. For example, when we talk about Consecration of the Eucharist (Words of Institution) in the class and ask them to carefully listen to it during their next Mass, most children “forget” about it by the time they attend a Mass!

Another challenge was to get everyone’s attention for the entire class session. Despite their tremendous curiosity, the attention span of 8–9 year olds is very limited.

Learning prayers in class must always follow by practicing it at home daily, else students will have a hard time following the “why” behind the long list of prayers being taught in the class.

The lack of personal connection was in our minds throughout this year. Even though we knew most of the children and their parents from church, physical presence and spending time in church together as a community could have made a difference in moving closer to Jesus by reinforcing what is being taught!

We cover two books and a lot of important topics in third grade related to Holy Communion, Confirmation, and Confession , and cooperation from parents was all the more necessary this year.