A Catholic Alphabet

By Stephanie BaierScott

Why?
Developing a Catholic class alphabet is an excellent elementary project for children in a Catholic School as a means to learning faith based vocabulary, symbols, stories, and making connections.

Though how it is explored and created at each grade level should be different to meet the needs and skill levels of the

Grade 1

Where to start? When?

Present words/associated pictures for each of the letters within the first two to three weeks of the school year

Which words?

Those related to the years units, liturgical calendar, familiar stories and parables

Font? Pictures?

Large and Sans Serif (Comic Sans or Chalkboard) Pictures should not have much detail or design

Done? Now what?

Post the letters at a place in the classroom where the students can readily see them from where they work (above the whiteboard is not always the best choice) Review throughout the year as the words are presented within the curriculum and within those teachable moments

Grade 2

Where to start? When?

Introductory activity

Which words?

Larger vocabulary than the previous year use a blank alphabet Scavenger Hunt throughout the school looking for symbols of our faith Brainstorm vocabulary to match the letters by reviewing what they found Challenging letters

Font? Pictures?

Teacher created blanks with large and Sans Serif font Student created drawings (using reference materials as a springboard as needed)

Done? Now what?

Students share/present and post in the classroom Include in EOL at the end of the year

Grade 3

Where to start? When? Which words?

At the beginning, of course

Even larger repertoire of Gospel stories/faith vocabulary Research project-based assignment Small groups with each group being assigned a set of letters Provide faith based reference books, pictures, classroom and school displays (and technology if skills, safety awareness and etiquette are proficient)

Font? Pictures?

Students type and print their alphabet pages Add their own illustrations (I would not have children select and paste images from websites - not yet at the level to properly source them and often more meaningful if they create their own images)

Done? Now what?

Group Presentations Great resource tool throughout the year for students to reference and added to their EOL at the end

What I chose to do

Grade four students Ideally, children choose the words for each of the letters but time constraints Played a guessing game of sorts; students would try and predict the words that I did. In many instances, the students picked words that I had. Students then picked the letter they wanted to illustrate Some worked independently at their table, others worked in pairs Discussion, use of resources within the classroom (including internet access), and collaboration was encouraged Many stated that they could visualize what they wanted to draw, and a few found it more challenging. As the students worked, I circulated around the room and listened to the most interesting conversations the students were having.

The Alphabet

A worthwhile lesson
Easily be adjusted to fit varying skill levels Introduces faith vocabulary Helps students make connections Opportunity for dialogue - priceless Can be referred to throughout the year Memento for students EOL