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Our Cardinal has asked us to “infuse” each and every catechetical session with a Scriptural reference. While “breaking open the Word” is not a new concept for catechists, below is a 21st century research-based strategy for facilitating small groups of adolescents (or adults). This activity requires learners to “do the thinking and talking.” If they “carry the cognitive load” (rather than the catechist merely reading/sharing a published exegesis), then learners are more likely to have a deeper understanding of the Bible passage. This strategy also promotes transfer out of working memory into long-term memory….and our goal as catechists is to enhance lifelong faith formation! DIRECTIONS***: Step 1 – Place learners into small groups of 4-5.Step 2 – Ask small groups to locate the passage to be analyzed in their Bibles.Step 3 – Announce that …You will read the passage aloud first and ask all to think of their initial thoughts/ feelings/ impressions of it;You will reread it a second time before small group discussions begin;You will be asking each group to discuss the following four questions (posted, if possible): In one statement, what is main message of this passage?What makes sense to you about this passage?What questions do you still have? What does this passage tell you about Jesus Christ and my role as His disciple?Step 4 – Catechist reads the passage. Pauses one minute for learners to think of their initial thoughts/ feelings/impressions; invite them to jot them down, if they want to.Step 5 – Catechist reads the passage a second time.Step 6 – Group discussion begins; catechist roams the room as monitor and listens carefully to discern understandings and confusions about the passage. Step 7 – Catechist leads a whole group discussion among all small groups sharing their responses to the questions. Step 8 – Catechist may then read an age-appropriate exegesis of the passage. *** There IS a “learning theory” explanation for each of these steps. ................
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