Reading Comprehension in Religion & Free February Bulletins!
We all hope that our kids and students will become lifelong Bible readers. As we teach about faith, we can help them get to that point by encouraging reading in class and teaching reading comprehension skills. I just finished a set of reading comprehension worksheets and packets that will have kids reading about the Mass and the Saints while building their reading ability! Here are some tips for building reading comprehension skills in your kids.
Pre-Reading Strategies
Before starting a lesson, it is helpful to prepare students for reading. Pre-reading strategies can activate their prior knowledge and get them excited about the text. Here are a few techniques to try.
1. Activate Prior Knowledge
If you’re a skilled reader, you probably glance over the page before you start and already have an understanding of the main idea and the ‘vibe’ of the passage. Struggling readers don’t do that automatically. They’re already stressed about decoding before they think about the topic. Point out the title and get kids to share what they know about the topic
2. Prep for Tough Vocabulary
The Catholic Church is full of specialized vocabulary! Your students have probably heard the words Eucharist and Tabernacle, but they may not be able to read them fluently. Give the kids a heads-up about some of the difficult words that they don’t get a chance to read when they enjoy Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Percy Jackson. If there are new words that your kids won’t recognize, such as ‘Sacramentary,’ practice pronunciation before they start reading. I introduce words by asking the kids to say the word three times “like a monster,” and three times “like a mouse.” By the time they get to the word in the reading, they’ve already said the words numerous times, so they’re ready to decode and understand.
During Reading Strategies
While students are reading, there are strategies they can use to enhance their understanding and engagement. Here are a few techniques to utilize during reading.
Annotation! My favorite!
My students groan when I talk about annotations—but I LOVE it! It helps them build reading skills (and helps me know if they actually read the passage)! Encourage students to annotate the text by underlining key ideas, highlighting important details with adorable highlighters, and jotting down questions or comments in the margins. This helps them actively engage with the material, identify significant points, and make connections between ideas.
Partner Reading
Students like to talk to each other, so I try to give them as many opportunities as possible to discuss my chosen topic. When kids read together, I ask them to trade off paragraphs. One student reads, then the other summarizes the paragraph before reading the next one. This keeps each student engaged the whole time and helps build their listening skills. For partner reading, I usually let students choose their partners, especially struggling readers. I want students who have a hard time reading to practice, but if they know their partner will be impatient or mean, they will be less likely to try. A friend will have the patience and care to collaborate kindly.
Post-Reading Strategies
After students have completed the reading, it is crucial to facilitate reflection and encourage critical thinking. Kids don’t remember if they don’t do something with the information.
Discussion
Organize group or class discussions to explore the text further. Each Reading Comprehension lesson that I’ve created has multiple-choice questions to test comprehension, and discussion questions to help kids remember and understand! Encourage students to share their thoughts, ask questions, and engage in dialogue about the content. This promotes deeper understanding, encourages active participation, and fosters a sense of community among students.
Encourage Creativity
I like to add something to each lesson for students who want to share their knowledge visually. The Reading Comprehension lessons have at least one discussion question that will ask students to draw or create something to show understanding of the topic. Students who may struggle with other aspects of the lesson can shine in this area by showing off their artistic and creative side.
Teach Reading Comprehension & Faith!
Improving reading comprehension skills is important in the religious classroom. By using pre-reading, during-reading, and post-reading strategies, teachers can create a learning environment where students can better understand and engage with religious texts. We’re using our daily lessons to create lifelong Bible readers and future lectors in the church!
Try out These Lessons
- Catholic Mass Reading Comprehension Bundle (6 Topics at a Discount!)
- Liturgy of the Eucharist
- Liturgy of the Word
- Order of the Mass
- Items at Mass: Liturgy of the Word
- Items at Mass: Liturgy of the Eucharist
- People & Roles at Mass
- Saint Blaise
- Saint John Bosco
Year B (2024): Catholic Kids Bulletins in English & Spanish
Do you want ONE file with a whole year of Catholic Kids Bulletins to help kids worshop at Mass? Buy the bulletins as a full-year download! As always, the monthly bulletins will remain free, but the yearly version is way more convenient.
- A full year of bulletins
- Over 50 Catholic saints including Saint Anthony, Saint Kateri, and Saint Martin de Porres
- The entire liturgical year including Ordinary time, Lent, and Advent
- Holy Days of Obligation
- Holy Week
- Click HERE for more info!
February Catholic Kids Bulletin
Enjoy our FREE Printable Catholic Kids Bulletin worksheets, aligning with weekly Mass readings. Engage with coloring pages matching the Gospel, monthly Mass activities, Psalm copy work, and word searches. Follow the liturgy order on each bulletin for an enriched Mass experience to help kids worship. Learn Mass structure and explore Catholic History through coloring pages featuring saints. Elevate your kids’ Catholic education with our interactive and educational resources.”
Have you used Catholic Kids Bulletins before? If you have questions, check here…
Year B (2024): Catholic Kids Bulletins in English & Spanish!
February Catholic Kids Bulletin
Febrero Boletín para Niños Católicos
February Bulletins include…
- Saint David
- Saint Bernadette (This journal is beautiful!)
- Ordinary Time
- Saint Valentine (Check out these cute religious Valentines!)
- Saint Francisco and Jacinta Marta
These FREE Catholic Mass Bulletin Printables are offered each month in order to help young Catholics learn at Mass. For example, you are welcome to print and share with others. If you can afford it, click Support CKB on the left and then donate to help pay for the time and effort put into these pages. Thanks!
