The Parables: Teaching Like Jesus

Jesus was a master Teacher. One of the most common strategies He used as recorded in the Gospels was teaching with parables. A parable is a short story with a universal message that teaches an eternal truth. All of the parables that Jesus taught center around something the audience can connect to- like a universal character or a common object. Following Jesus' model, we can teach like Him by creating short "parables" to use in our lessons to help the kids connect to more abstract content. 

Often called 'Object Lessons" in education, adding in a short practical mini lesson as part of an overall class or session can be a great way to help kids (or any audience) connect with a topic. If we can relate to a concrete example, our brains have an easier time synthesizing new knowledge about more abstract content. So much of our faith is something that cannot be seen, so providing a parable/object lesson is a meaningful way to engage kids, most especially young children, students with special needs, and kids who thrive as visual and tangible learners.

In this BIG blog post, I'm going to attempt to give you three things all in one place. I considered breaking it all up in several blog posts, but it just seemed to make sense to give you all of the resources at once so you can pull what makes sense in your home and classroom. Read on if any of these areas are of interest:

1. Learning about the elements of parables and how Jesus used them

2. Ideas for incorporating mini parable lessons into your regular teaching, including a blank lesson plan template

3. Lots of printables for diving into studying the parables of Jesus yourself or with your middle school/high school classroom, youth group, or Bible study

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Jesus tells the parables to teach His audience by first connecting to what they already know. For example, He often used:

• Typical, unnamed characters
• Everyday situations
• Common objects
• Black/White and Right/Wrong examples
• Always points to the Kingdom of Heaven

Sometimes Jesus also breaks down the symbols and meaning after telling the story. This is an important step, especially when using the parable model as a strategy with kids. We never want to leave them questioning what a symbol means or confused about the application. 

The parables always turn our gaze to something more important- The Kingdom of Heaven. The reality surpasses the symbol! A shepherd who protects his herd of sheep from danger is powerful, but not as important Jesus’ self-sacrificial death on the Cross to save His people. The forgiveness of the father in the story of the Prodigal Son is wonderful, but only a glimpse of God the Father’s mercy for us when we return to Him. Whenever we use an object, model, or demonstration as a way to introduce or deepen understanding of a concept, we must include within that same lesson the explanation of what the symbol points to. Otherwise the parable is empty and has the potential to be confusing or misleading.

To get you brainstorming, here are some of the common everyday objects Jesus used in His parables. Many of these are still applicable to kids today, but often rely heavily on an agrarian lifestyle not as familiar to them. 

Here are just a few ideas of objects that would be common to most kids that you might connect to the topic you are presenting:

To be more specific, here are a few ideas for teaching about the Sacraments. (Note that these are obviously not the formal signs and symbols of the Sacraments, but are merely objects that can help kids connect to the important real effects of the Sacraments). I've used examples like tools packed in a suitcase for a long journey to teach about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit given through Confirmation. Family photos remind us of becoming part of the family of God in Baptism. Connecting first aid cream to the use of oil as ancient medicine helps Anointing of the Sick make more sense. Erasers and soap can be used as analogies for Confession. The possibilities are endless, and if you think about any topic you'd like to share you likely can come up with a connecting object lesson.

Switching gears, one of the best ways to apply Jesus' parable teaching method is to study the parables themselves. The next set of resources is to help you read and pray with the parables yourself both for personal study as well as inspiration for this teaching method. These resources were also created with middle and high schoolers in mind- I've used all of them in my classroom and with my youth group for lessons and Bible Studies.

When I studied parables with my students, we started with a general study of how Jesus taught with the parables and the patterns they followed. We looked at the commonalities, use of literary elements, and overall themes. Click here for the notes I used to introduce our Parables Study, including a checklist of "all" of the parables and their Bible references (depending on how your organize them). I challenged my students to try to read as many of the parables as they could during our unit, and I had a few make it through the whole list! This is a great little handout to keep tucked in their Bible for further study as well.

Click here for my key for the notes:

After studying the elements that make a parable, you might want to encourage your students (or yourself!) to study the individual parables, looking for those universal elements and timeless lessons. This printable was designed to be used with any of the parables in the Bible. You can find it in this post or by clicking the image below.

We also did a short study connecting a few of the parables to our weekly school virtue, which are available in this post:

As a concluding project, my students created a story book with their own original parable following the pattern of the way Jesus taught. This checklist is how my students were graded for the final project. If you click here or on the image, it will open as an editable Google Doc that you could adapt for a project of your own. You'll have to download or make a copy in Google Docs to be able to edit:

If you want to continue your own study of the Parables, this post includes a set of printables to use as a guide for an adult or teen Bible Study:

Now with parables on the brain, you can be thinking of way to make connections and use visuals in all your lessons, no matter the topic. You might be interested in these Catechesis Lesson Plan Templates (including a year long outline) which incorporate a place for that "Hook" to help students engage with the content. Click on the image below to go to the post with these printables:

Once you've decided on your connection, you can work in a story or demonstration with a the object during your religion lesson

• Provide a great “hook” at the beginning to grab their attention
• Perfect for drawing comparisons between everyday objects and complex concepts
• Always follow with the truth behind the symbol, just like when Jesus explained a parable.
• Kids need things in bite sized chunks they can relate to, but they also deserve more than a watered-down version of our faith. Share the fullness of the truth with them.

Remember, the reality always surpasses the symbol. Move from the natural to the supernatural.

Your “parable” doesn’t have to be a craft! Here are are few ideas for how to work it in:

• Tell a story
• Do a demonstration
• Set out a visual
• Show a picture
• Create an “experiment”
• Model with an exaggerated example
• Show two extremes
• Chalk Talk- Tell a story with illustrations
• Guessing game- How is it connected?
• Have students bring their own object

I hope you enjoy studying the parables yourself and sharing with your students, and also feel inspired to model your lessons after this teaching style used by Jesus!

Click here for the pdf of the presentation file with a few more details and ideas, as well as all of the above links all in one place:

“Jesus' invitation to enter his kingdom comes in the form of parables, a characteristic feature of his teaching. Through his parables he invites people to the feast of the kingdom, but he also asks for a radical choice: to gain the kingdom, one must give everything. Words are not enough, deeds are required. The parables are like mirrors for man: will he be hard soil or good earth for the word? What use has he made of the talents he has received? Jesus and the presence of the kingdom in this world are secretly at the heart of the parables.” ~CCC 546

Prayer Experiences {The Multiple Intelligences in Religious Education}

This fall I've been sharing ideas about teaching kids with all different kinds of strengths. Back in this post I explained the background of the Multiple Intelligence theory and why I think it naturally has a place in Religious Education classrooms.  Providing each child we teach with an encounter with Christ in line with his or her unique dignity is something all educators should be striving for.  In this post, I decided to round up some ideas for creating prayer experiences that would cater to each of the eight smarts. 

Below I provide just a few ideas under each intelligence that could help you provide unique prayer experiences for your students.  Most could be adapted for various ages.  Let the needs and talents of your individual students be your guide!  (If I have additional resources for a specific activity, a link is provided in purple within the lists.)  Feel free to add your own ideas in the comments!

Picture Smart Kids (Visual-Spatial Intelligence)
-Create artwork while listening to a Bible Story or hymn or use a coloring page to memorize a new Bible verse
-Make a smash prayer journal to collect prayer cards, pictures, notes, and lists to help focus prayer time
-Illustrate the Mysteries of the Rosary and create a booklet

Word Smart Kids (Linguistic Intelligence)
-Start a prayer journal and write out prayers to God, reflections, thanksgivings, and intentions
-Compose an original prayer and read it for the class or family
-Memorize a new prayer like the Angelus, the Memorare, the Hail Holy Queen, or the Anima Christi

Body Smart Kids (Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence)
-Learn a prayer in sign language and teach the motions to someone else
-Choreograph movements to a favorite praise and worship song
-Learn to use Pope Francis’ Five Finger prayer or this similar version
-Incorporate movement during prayer, like moving beads on a Rosary, untying knots while praying the Our Lady Undoer of Knots Novena, adding a stone to a prayer jar, lighting candles, etc.

People Smart Kids (Interpersonal Intelligence)
-Create a prayer intention board posted in the classroom or home with a list of people who need prayers
-Volunteer to visit the homebound or sick to pray with them
-Interview a class or family about their favorite Saints and organize a litany
-Set up prayer partners among a group of people

Self Smart Kids (Intrapersonal Intelligence)
-Create a quiet prayer corner for the home or classroom with a Bible, religious art, a statue, etc.
-Try the Lectio Divina method of studying Scripture
-Create a prayer box as a place for a class or family to collect intentions

Music Smart Kids (Musical Intelligence)
-Explore different types of liturgical music like Gregorian chant, hymns, or praise and worship
-Learn to sing or play a new prayer
-Set the words of a favorite prayer or Bible verse to an original tune

Nature Smart Kids (Natural Intelligence)
-Help with landscaping around the church or parish property
-Research and plant a Mary Garden as a place of prayer
-Visit an outdoor shrine or Stations of the Cross or go on a Rosary walk in the neighborhood

Number Smart Kids (Logical/Mathematical Intelligence)
-Create word puzzles about memorized prayers, trade with a friend and solve
-Collect and count the prayers for a Spiritual Bouquet for a specific cause
-Research the history of the Rosary and the significance of the number of prayers it contains

Click here for a printable handout with these ideas for teaching prayer to all the multiple intelligences:

You might also like these posts:
Teaching to the Multiple Intelligences* (Background info and Rosary Example)
The Mass and Multiple Intelligences*
Smarts Survey*
Saints for all the Smarts*

Saints for all the Smarts {The Multiple Intelligences in Religious Education}

As we start the school year, one of the first activities my students and I will do together is this Smarts Survey, both so that I can get to know them and also so they can see and celebrate their strengths.  I am excited to put more ideas into practice about the Multiple Intelligence theory in my faith instruction, especially as we learn about the Mass and the Sacraments.

Because we all relate to those that are similar to us, I thought it would be fun to have a list of Saints to match the multiple intelligences.  We are blessed to have so many holy people to follow in the footsteps of, and even as I am publishing this post more and more Saints are coming to mind.  Many of them could have easily fallen under several categories, but I chose one intelligence where I thought they shined.  There are Saints from various eras as well as at least one person from the New Testament.  Hopefully your students can find Saints that help them celebrate their strengths and guide them in their weaknesses.

(If I have corresponding activities for one of the listed Saints, a link is provided in purple.)

Picture Smart Kids (Visual-Spatial Intelligence)
St. Catherine of Bologna is one patron Saint of artists– she was a painter, musician and writer. Some of the talented art she created can still be seen in museums in Italy. An illuminated manuscript created by her was once owned by Pope Pius IX.

Other Patrons:
-St. Veronica- woman celebrated in the Stations of the Cross for receiving the image of Jesus's face when she offered Him her veil as He carried the cross

-St. Luke- traditionally said to have painted the first icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary

-St. Lucy- patron Saint of eyes and vision
-St. Clare of Assisi- while sick in bed, received a vision of Mass on her cell wall, making her the patron Saint of television

-Bl. Fra Angelico- Italian friar and painter from the Renaissance era known for his paintings of the life of Christ and of the Saints

Word Smart Kids (Linguistic Intelligence)
St. Catherine of Siena was technically illiterate, making it even more amazing that her fiery letters helped the Pope make decisions. Her autobiography “The Dialogue” records conversations she had with God.
Other Patrons: 

-St. Paul- his speeches and letters were (and are) responsible for spreading Christianity around the world

-St. Bernadine of Siena- popular preacher from the 15th Century

-St. Francis de Sales- patron of journalists because he is known as one of the first to write and print religious tracks to share Christianity with people he met

-St. Augustine-author of one of the world's most famous autobiographies

-Ven. Fulton Sheen- spent his life speaking and writing about Christ, as evidenced by his radio and television shows and dozens of books

-St. John Chrysostom- his name literally means "golden mouth" describing his ability to teach about the faith

Body Smart Kids (Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence)
Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati was a talented athlete and active young man who also used his time and energy to serve the poor and share his vibrant faith.
Other Patrons: 

-St. Thomas- so hands on that he needed to touch Christ to believe in the Resurrection

-St. Sebastian- martyred by archers, patron Saint of athletes

-St. Genesius of Rome-comedian and actor who wrote and acted in a play mocking Christianity, and then experienced a conversion during that very play.  He was baptized and promptly martyred

-St. Julia of Carthage- early Christian martyr and patron Saint of hands

People Smart Kids (Interpersonal Intelligence)
St. Teresa of Calcutta spent her life serving the poorest of the poor, and also traveled the world meeting all kinds of people, sharing the message of her faith and helping others.
Other Patrons: 

-St. Peter- after the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter boldly proclaimed his faith in Christ to anyone and everyone he met
-St. Padre Pio- known for reading hearts, Padre Pio knew people and how to minister to them

-St. Maximilian Kolbe- reached thousands of people through his writing in pre WWII Poland, and then impacted more with his act of sacrifice saving another prisoner in Auschwitz 

-St. John the Baptist- without care for consequences, John spoke about about the coming Kingdom and drew scores of followers

-St. Frances Xavier Cabrini- she traveled across the ocean to minister to American immigrants, helping the people and their children keep their faith in a new place

Self Smart Kids (Intrapersonal Intelligence)
St. Therese of Lisieux’s “Little Way” shows a deep understanding of the interior life that Self Smart Kids will be able identify with. She led a simple life that centered around love and service of God and others.
Other Patrons: 

-The Blessed Virgin Mary- as the Spouse of the Holy Spirit, Mary is intimately connected to the life of the Trinity

-St. Joseph- with no recorded words in Scripture, Joseph's interior life helped him listen and respond to the promptings of God as he led the Holy Family

-St. Gemma Galgani- deep prayer life and mystical experiences in the midst of physical suffering

-St. Faustina- known for her visions of the Divine Mercy of Jesus

-St. Teresa of Avila- her teachings on mental prayer and mystical experiences are among the reasons she was named a Doctor of the Church

Music Smart Kids (Musical Intelligence)
St. Gregory the Great is remembered for reforming the musical liturgy of the Mass and for traditional Gregorian Chant. Among his many writings were original song lyrics and poems.
Other Patrons:

-St. John the Apostle- recorded heavenly hymns and liturgy in the Book of Revelation

-St. Cecilia- patron Saint of music, known for "singing to Jesus in her heart" when pagan music was played at her wedding to a non-Christian husband 

-Bl. Solanus Casey- played the violin

-St. Rose of Lima- often pictured singing while playing a guitar

-Bl. Anne Catherine Emmerich- played the organ

Nature Smart Kids (Natural Intelligence)
St. John Paul II loved the outdoors. He was known for hiking, skiing, and camping trips, often using that time in nature to teach and pray with others.
Other Patrons: 

-St. James the Greater- he was a fisherman before being called as an Apostle

-St. Kateri Tekakwitha- the first Native American to be canonized

-St. Francis of Assisi-patron saint of the outdoors and animals

-St. Isidore the Farmer- angels did his plowing so that he could attend Mass

Number Smart Kids (Logical/Mathematical Intelligence)
St. Thomas Aquinas is one of the greatest minds of the Church, so it is no surprise that he is a great patron for kids who love math and logic. His great mind is an inspiration to all.
Other Patrons:
-St. Matthew- tax collector before being called as an Apostle

-St. Hubert- a patron Saint of mathematicians

-St. Albert the Great- well educated with wide interests, including math, logic, and science

Click here for a printable handout with all the suggested Patron Saints for the different intelligences:

Who are some of your favorite Saints?  Which of the multiple intelligences do you think are their strengths?

Smarts Survey {The Multiple Intelligences in Religious Education}

I love taking personality tests to help me get to know myself and other people better.  There are many quizzes related to the Multiple Intelligence theory (I added some on this Pinterest board) and I think it's interesting that no matter the quiz, I always have the highest scores in the same three areas- Visual, Intrapersonal, and Linguistic Intelligences.  Using a survey like this with students can be empowering for them and insightful for teachers.

As I have been writing and collecting ideas for this Multiple Intelligences series, I decided that it would be useful to have a quick quiz to use with students to help them see how they are smart.  This activity could be used as a tool for students to gain confidence in their talents and use those talents well.  It can also help us as teachers make the most of our students' strengths and ensure we are giving them opportunities to shine.

I created a simple Smarts Survey and matching radial graph that I plan to use with my own students the first week of school.  The survey has four questions for each of the eight intelligences and includes connections to our faith.  A few tips for using it in the classroom:
-As designed, I think it would be most effective with 4th graders and up.  You do have the opportunity to download and edit to make it more effectively fit your audience.  Just make sure to keep four total statements for each smart.
-Start the activity with an explanation that everyone is smart in their own way.  Talk about how God blesses each person He creates with unique and wonderful strengths.  There are no wrong answers on this survey or a certain number of spaces to color in, just a chance to get to know yourself a little better.
-Gather crayons, colored pencils, or markers in the eight colors used in the powerpoint.  (Again, you can edit this to suit your needs.)
-Post the slide for the first intelligence, have the students pick up a crayon that matches the color of the slide, and read the statements.  Show the kids how to color in one space on the radial graph starting from the center for each statement that matches their strengths.  If all four statements are true, color in all four pieces of that slice of the chart.
-Continue on with each intelligence until the chart is filled out.  Lead a discussion about strengths and talents, and use the 1 Corinthians verse posted on the last slide to remind the kids that God has made each member of His Church strong in different ways so that we can all work together.

There are many ways to use this idea in your classroom, especially as we are starting back to school.  Check out all of the resources posted below:

Click here to download the Smarts Survey Questions as a powerpoint or as a pdf:
-As a powerpoint, the fonts and formatting might not match my original presentation, but you can either download it or make a copy in Google Drive to edit.  You can change the fonts or other formatting, or even change the statements on each slide to better fit your group of students.
-As a pdf, the formatting will be correct but you won't be able to edit anything.  You can still use this for a presentation with your group by viewing it full screen one page at a time.

Click here for a printable Smarts Survey Chart that includes 1 Corinthians 12:4-7:

 Or click here for a printable Smarts Survey Chart without the Bible verse:

***Update- If you'd rather do this activity using task cards (how I'm going to opt to do it with a larger group of students) click here to print the survey items six per page.  Print on colored cardstock, cut, and you've got sets that students can work through at their own pace!

You might like this post about why I think the Multiple Intelligences have an important place in Christian classrooms:

And click here for how to use the Multiple Intelligences when teaching about the Mass:

Teaching About the Mass {The Multiple Intelligences in Religious Education}

Back in this post I explained the background of the Multiple Intelligence theory and why I think it naturally has a place in Religious Education classrooms.  Providing each child we teach with an encounter with Christ in line with his or her unique dignity is something all educators should be striving for.  In this post, I decided to round up some ideas for teaching about the Mass that would cater to each of the eight smarts.  Not surprisingly, I found that each of the intelligences can be found as an integral part of our participation of the Mass.  This makes so much sense because each individual plays such an important, but irreplaceable, role in the Body of Christ.  Here is a list of just a few ways to get kids learning and serving and living out the Mass.  Feel free to add your own ideas in the comments!

Picture Smart Kids (Visual-Spatial Intelligence)
-Make a poster or flash cards of the Mass Articles and their purposes (or use these awesome cards for memory and other games)
-Play with an interactive kids’ Mass set
-Tour the sacristy with a sacristan and see the real articles used for Mass
-Create a piece of art for a Feast Day or Liturgical Season to be displayed in the church vestibule
-Use books about the Mass with pictures of the different parts of the Mass in action, Mass gestures, and Mass articles

Word Smart Kids (Linguistic Intelligence)
-Serve as a Lector at Mass
-Help write the introduction or petitions for Mass
-Write a Mass reflection based on the Scripture Readings
-Volunteer to help write articles for the parish bulletin, newsletter, or website
-Interview a priest or deacon
-Study a prayer of the Mass in depth (examples using the Nicene Creed here and here and here)
-Learn about the parts of the Mass using Scripture references or quotes from the Saints using this Mass Handbook
-Use a children's Missal to follow along with the prayers and responses of the Mass

Body Smart Kids (Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence)
-Act out the parts of the Mass using a peg doll set or other mini church
-Set up an altar with a play Mass set
-Practice the gestures of the Mass and research their meanings
-Help train younger students about the gestures of the Mass

People Smart Kids (Interpersonal Intelligence)
-Plan a specific Mass for a cause and advertise it in the church community
-Attend a training for liturgical ministers, or train someone else in a liturgical ministry
-Serve as a greeter/usher at Mass
-Visit homebound parishioners with an Extraordinary Minister of Communion
-Let the kids be the teachers- give them a leadership role and help them plan a program, after Mass social, liturgical season event, or feast day celebration

Self Smart Kids (Intrapersonal Intelligence)
-Create a personal Mass journal as a place to write, draw, and list reflections from Mass and prayer
-Design Mass journal or prayer page a leave copies in the vestibule of the church for others to use
-Write prayer prompts relating to the Scripture Readings or Liturgical season
-Pray for the Mass intentions and those on the parish Prayer Chain

Music Smart Kids (Musical Intelligence)
-Research Mass parts set to music and compare different Mass settings
-Choose and plan music for a specific Mass using the readings and liturgy
-Sing in the choir or play an instrument during Mass
-Train with a cantor or choir director
-Listen to music (like this) to learn more about the Eucharist

Nature Smart Kids (Natural Intelligence) 
-Organize an outdoor Eucharistic Procession
-Help with landscaping around the church property
-Create flower arrangements for the altar or for honoring shrines and statues in the church (bonus points if they learn about honoring Mary through the flowers they chose)

Number Smart Kids (Logical/Mathematical Intelligence)
-Volunteer with those who help count the Mass collection
-Interview a sacristan about how many hosts are used for different Masses
-Create a display about parishioner statistics with the help of the parish secretary
-Emphasize the order and structure of the Mass by using these Mass cards

Click here for a printable handout of these ideas for teaching about the Mass to the multiple intelligences:

And here's a version with ideas sorted by the four main parts of the Mass:

Teaching to the Multiple Intelligences in Religious Education

Think about the call of the Apostles- Jesus didn't call Peter or Matthew or Philip in the same ways.  He certainly didn't use the same methods when he invited Paul, Mary Magdalene, or Martha to follow Him.  He encountered people while at work, in their homes, on the streets, on hilltops, and from the cross.  Jesus treated each person He met as an individual and continues to do so- why shouldn't we do the same as educators?  I think that looking at education through the lens of the Multiple Intelligences helps us to see how saints like St. Mother Teresa and St. Therese of Lisieux, who had such different strengths, could both love and serve the Lord so well.

Created by Howard Gardiner, the Multiple Intelligence Theory equips teachers to see various abilities, strengths, and talents combining to create smart kiddos, not dependent on a particular test scores or grades, changing our thoughts to not "if" a child is smart, but "how" he or she is smart.  This educational theory has helped me to differentiate in my classroom, reaching all students and seeing them as unique, unrepeatable, and irreplaceable individuals.   For more info, check out this pinterest board for links to research, smarts quizzes, and graphics about the Multiple Intelligences.

I think that all teachers, parents, and catechists can benefit from taking a look at the Multiple Intelligences in their homes and classrooms.  Over the next couple of months, I am going to offer a series on applying this educational theory specifically in Catholic classrooms, looking how we can present faith filled content in ways that reach all kids.  Today I'm using the Rosary as an example, but will also post ideas for teaching about the Mass, connecting kids with Saints, and helping them pray.  Each post will include a printable handout with the ideas organized by "smarts" that could be shared with coworkers, given to catechists or parents, or even used as an activity choice board for older students.

Students thrive with variations in activities and a chance for them to shine where their talents lie. Acknowledging each child’s intelligence is an echo of the individual dignity given to him or her by God. Let us strive to help all students grow in their knowledge of Christ and His Church.

Picture Smart Kids (Visual-Spatial Intelligence)
Picture Smart Kids are very visual. They learn best through seeing, not just talking and listening about a topic. Try using visual props like posters and graphic organizers while teaching, hands on manipulatives, as well as interactive notebooks with lots of pictures. To aid in learning the Rosary, use models labeled with the prayers as well as pictures of the mysteries. Use those pictures to find visual clues to help them memorize the main ideas of the stories. They also could create their own illustrations for the mysteries or lines from prayers used in the Rosary.

Word Smart Kids (Linguistic Intelligence)
Word Smart Kids can use language in powerful ways. They are great communicators, through either oral or written expression, or sometime both. Try word games to introduce new material to these kids. For example, have the kids sit in a circle and try to recite a prayer they are learning, like The Apostles Creed, one word at a time. Sarah says, “I,” Jake says, “believe,” Amanda says, “in,” …and start over again if a mistake is made until you have completed the prayer. They also benefit from writing, word cards, rhyming and repeating as they are learning.

Body Smart Kids (Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence)
Body Smart Kids learn best through movement and action. Come up with activities that get them out of their seats. Act out the Mysteries of the Rosary like plays, use sign language to teach prayers, or play games that involve movement. Teach the history of the Rosary using rocks, plastic Easter eggs, and yarn. Get the students up, pass out rocks (representing our prayers), put the rocks in the eggs (our hope in Christ), and create a spider web by clicking the eggs closed on the yarn (our connections as Christians). Hands on and tactile activities will help them acquire new info.

People Smart Kids (Interpersonal Intelligence)
People Smart Kids are always in tune with the needs and feelings of others, and have awesome leadership skills. Help your students organize a Holy Hour where they can lead the Rosary for the needs of a specific intention that they choose– a sick parishioner, a community disaster, children in impoverished countries, etc. Let the kids brainstorm how they can pray for those needs and maybe even organize some kind of fundraiser/food drive/outreach for the intention they have on their hearts. Give them the chance to shine by leading and organizing as much as possible.

Self Smart Kids (Intrapersonal Intelligence)
Self Smart Kids are very in touch with self knowledge and emotions. They will be able to remember and apply new information when they have a chance to create connections to themselves. When teaching the Rosary, encourage these kids to picture themselves being present during the different mysteries. What did they see? What were they thinking? What did they feel? Have them journal, draw, or discuss their visualizations about those meditations. They will appreciate quiet time in a church, Adoration chapel, or prayer space at home.

Music Smart Kids (Musical Intelligence)
Music Smart Kids love anything with a tune or a beat, so use this to your advantage when teaching new material. Find CDs or YouTube videos with the prayers of the Rosary or meditations set to music. Come up with rhymes or statements said to a beat to help them memorize new prayers. This works especially well with tunes that they are already familiar with– use those secular songs and make them holy! Invite them to sing or play an instrument at a Rosary prayer service or just in the classroom with fellow students.

Nature Smart Kids (Naturalist Intelligence)
Nature Smart Kids love the world around them. Get those kids outside as much as possible. Go on Rosary walks so that you can pray for the community around your church. Have those students help you plan a Mary Garden as a place of beauty and prayer. They will love seeing and growing all kinds of plants and flowers named in honor of Mary, whether you create a shrine, prayer labyrinth, or outdoor Stations of the Cross. They also could collect flowers and greenery to make arrangements for the church interior for a Mass or prayer service.

Number Smart Kids (Logical-Mathematical Intelligence)
Number Smart Kids are all about numbers. They are good with math and tend to think in a very logical and organized fashion. Let them be the “math whiz” and figure out how many years it has been since St. Dominic was given the Rosary, how many Hail Marys are said in a complete Rosary, etc. Plan a make-your-own Rosary activity and let them organize how many beads, the length of cord, etc. your class would need for each student. They even can help figure out the budget for the project and cost compare different supplies.

Click here for a two page printable with a description and teaching examples for each of the intelligences:

Read more about the Life and Dignity of the Human Person from the USCCB here.

Scripture verses for meditation:

“There are different kids of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.
To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit it given for some benefit.”
~1 Corinthians 12:4-7

"It will as when a man who was going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them.  To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one- to each according to his ability."
~Matthew 25:14-15

"As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace."
~1 Peter 4:10