Call Us Today!
I have no doubt that teachers often find themselves in a similar situation as parents when dealing with children – talking and no one is listening.
“I may as well be talking to the lizard,” my daughter-in-law is sometimes heard to say.
She is in good company, not only with teachers but with the saints. Particularly, St. Anthony of Padua, who gave up a life of wealth and power to serve God as an Augustinian (until he became a Franciscan).
This much-loved saint and doctor of the Church never set out to be a preacher, but God had plans for him so preach he did, often to heretics.
On one occasion, after several days of preaching the Gospel, St. Anthony became frustrated with those who refused to listen. So, he took himself off to a place where the river emptied into the sea and began to preach to the fish, who proved to be a much more willing audience.
Legend says that the fish came to listen to St. Anthony in multitudes, with their heads out of the water and seeming to look intently at the saint. When the people in town heard about the miracle, they all came to witness it, including the heretics who refused to listen the first time. Many were converted.
St. Anthony had success in his preaching because he learned over many years the value of being open to God and the power of the Holy Spirit. Preaching had been a hidden talent that he only discovered when circumstances brought him to a time and place when he was asked to “say a few words.”
No one expected much of St. Anthony in this regard, as he lived a quiet, prayerful, simple life away from the limelight. But when God brought him to it, he opened his mouth, and holiness and profound wisdom flowed out.
Our children also have hidden talents, and as adults in their lives, we have the exceptional privilege of helping them discover the gifts God has given them. Discovering these gifts means finding their passion which will be a source of joy and satisfaction for them as adults.
With limited time in a classroom, what is the best way to go about it?
Be an encourager – Encourage curiosity. Throughout the school day, children will have an opportunity to participate in a variety of activities and tackle a variety of subjects. In these moments children may discover a new interest or talent. But sometimes, children are reticent to try unfamiliar activities or subjects. Some of this stems from a fear of failure. Helping children understand the value of failure as a stepping stone to success is a crucial milestone for keeping them engaged.
Be a listener – Children love to talk about the things that interest them. Pay attention. What keeps them engaged? Who are their heroes, and who do they admire? Encourage them to talk about why they admire those people. What character traits do they exhibit? Do they resemble the Gifts of the Holy Spirit – Wisdom, knowledge, understanding, counsel, fortitude, courage, awe?
Discuss the saints – The saints, all unique and differently gifted, are perfect examples of the many varied gifts and talents God gives to each of us. Choose a few who appear in your Blest Are We or Be My Disciples curriculum. Use the free RCL Benziger Saints Resource for more information on a particular saint, like Saint Anthony of Padua.
Thank God in prayer – Provide an opportunity for children to thank God for their many gifts, even if they have not yet discovered them all. Encourage them to give thanks for the gifts of others, as well, and remind them of Psalm 139:13-14: “You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works!”
Mary Regina Clifford Morrell, mother of six and grandmother to nine, is a Catholic journalist, author, and syndicated columnist who has served the dioceses of Metuchen and Trenton, New Jersey, and RENEW International in the areas of catechesis and communication.
Product Highlight
Blest Are We Faith in Action Scripture Videos
Religion Curriculum Grades 1-8
New for the Blest Are We Faith in Action Series – Scripture Videos for Grades 1-8!
Enjoy a selection of 40 Biblical scripture story videos that accompany the student lesson pages in our Blest Are We Faith in Action series. These Catholic Bible stories, saint stories, and parables of Jesus enhance the Catholic Faith lessons in your classroom. There are five unique scripture videos per grade level for students in grades 1-8.