Scott's Thoughts

Catechizing children

The other day I did something rather unusual for me. I came up with a somewhat creative idea. For the past few months, I've been working with Meredith, our 3-year old, to memorize the answers to the "First Catechism" (see www.gcp.org for buying this resource). For Meredith, it's about as much fun as having her hair washed. But, our ten-minute sessions usually go well and I've been impressed with her progress so far.

Because she dreaded the time of catechism so much, I decided to give her some motivation she could understand. And so my idea. I bought some stickers that Meredith had picked out, and made up a chart with 1-19 on it. Each time we go over the catechism, Meredith gets to put a sticker on a number. Instead of the number 20, I put in its place a picture of an ice-cream cone. When we have completed 20 times, hopefully in about a month, Meredith and I will go out for ice cream. After that we'll start another chart. Meredith has already said that she would also like a donut as her "special treat" sometime.

I can't say that the new system has totally transformed the way she looks at catechism. But, at least she knows she has some reward coming and will endure the time more readily because of it. Obviously the real goal is that the time spent in learning the catechism will be a means for her spiritual edification and growth in Christ. But, it doesn't hurt to throw in a little ice cream along the way!

I relate this as an idea in case any of you may be thinking of teaching your young children the First Catechism. It's a discipline that isn't always enjoyable while you are doing it. Memorization is mostly "grunt work". However, I believe that it will prove to be very fruitful in your child's spiritual development. One encouragement I've had is that already Meredith asks many questions about the content of the Catechism. My prayer is that the truths it conveys will take root in her heart as she grows older.