As we approach summer vacation days, we teachers like to evaluate ourselves and devise ways to capitalize on our successes and amend our less-than-successful lessons. Revisiting our school year can break open a well of creativity for our teaching. We get new ideas. Even what seemed to be a flop in the classroom can be a source of inspiration for a better way to approach the lesson. Rather than being discouraged by remembering what did not work, we can benefit from the experience and learn new ways to get our message across in an engaging way.

We can engage in a process of discernment that is not unlike the practice of the daily Examen, the practice of examining our lives each day and learn to recognize God’s will in the reality of the situation. Centuries ago, St. Ignatius of Loyola taught this to his missionary followers, and we can use it for our mission as catechists. Just as the daily Examen helps us keep our feet on the ground day-to-day, practicing clear-eyed evaluation and assessment of our teaching efforts makes for future growth and success. A reflective, Spirit-led review of the school year grounds our teaching efforts in concrete reality.

The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ. (On Catechesis in Our Time, 5). In other words, Christian discipleship is not just about what you know, but Who you know! Looking back of the school year, prayerfully consider how you accomplished goals you set for yourself last Fall. Reflect on how you can advance these goals in the coming school year:

Help children grow as persons.

• children of God who know who they are
• persons of character who know, want, do what is right

Help children grow closer to Christ.

• Develop a personal relationship with Jesus and his Father.
• Belong in a living community of Christians.

Help children grow as Catholics.

• Know the factual data that supports their faith.
• celebrate Eucharist and other sacraments meaningfully
• be committed members of a Catholic parish

If we are not intentional about inviting students to grow in their relationship with Jesus, they mistakenly begin to think that Catholicism and the Christian life are all about knowing a lot of religious information. Pope Francis teaches in The Joy of the Gospel: “On the lips of the catechist the first proclamation must ring out over and over: ‘Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you; and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you.’ (no. 164)

Bookmark Good Ideas. Our Faith Fuel Blog offers classroom-ready suggestions to enrich in your lesson plans. Explore the articles from the past school year. You will find the topics from each month archived here.

Teach the Daily Examen to Children. Disciples of any age can benefit from incorporating the Examen into their daily lives. Early in the school year, introduce your class to this traditional spiritual practice. Make time during the school week to recall everyone to reflect on their walk with Jesus.