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Link to Artwork: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_(Michelangelo)#/media/File:'David'_by_Michelangelo_Fir_JBU004.jpg Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:45 Virtue Focus: Courage Week A: Observation + Thinking Thinking Routine: Connect – Extend – Challenge Day 1 Activities: Silent observation of the artwork Use the thinking routine: Connect – Extend – Challenge Connect the image to Scripture and virtue. Discuss meaning, symbolism, and emotional impact. Day 2: Journal Prompt What does this artwork teach me about Courage? Week B: Creative Response Day 1: Artistic Expression Creative Task: Make a clay or paper sculpture of a small but mighty hero. Day 2: Sharing and Reflecting Prompt: What makes someone strong even when they seem small?

Link to Artwork: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Calling_of_Saint_Matthew#/media/File:The_Calling_of_Saint_Matthew-Caravaggo_(1599-1600).jpg Scripture: Matthew 9:9 Virtue Focus: Conversion Week A: Observation + Thinking Thinking Routine: What Makes You Say That? Day 1 Activities:  Silent observation of the artwork  Use the thinking routine: What Makes You Say That?  Connect the image to Scripture and virtue. Discuss meaning, symbolism, and emotional impact. Day 2: Journal Prompt What does this artwork teach me about Conversion? Week B: Creative Response Day 1: Artistic Expression Creative Task: Use dramatic contrast (light/dark) in a charcoal or digital piece showing a moment of change. Day 2: Sharing and Reflecting Prompt: When have you felt called to something new?

Link to Artwork: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Supper_(Leonardo)#/media/File:The_Last_Supper_-_Leonardo_Da_Vinci_-_High_Resolution_32x16.jpg Scripture: Luke 22:19–20 Virtue Focus: Reverence Week A: Observation + Thinking Thinking Routine: Parts – Purposes – Complexities Day 1 Activities:  Silent observation of the artwork - Use the thinking routine: Parts – Purposes – Complexities - Connect the image to Scripture and virtue. Discuss meaning, symbolism, and emotional impact. Day 2: Journal Prompt What does this artwork teach me about Reverence? Week B: Creative Response Day 1: Artistic Expression Creative Task: Role play the Last Supper; Sketch or collage your version of a holy meal or celebration. Day 2: Sharing and Reflecting Prompt: If you were at the table, where would you sit and what would you feel?

Link to Artwork: https://www.uffizi.it/en/artworks/birth-of-venus#gallery-1 Scripture: Psalm 139:13–14 Virtue Focus: Beauty Week A: Observation + Thinking Thinking Routine: Color – Shape – Mood Day 1 Activities: Silent observation of the artwork - Use the thinking routine: Color – Shape – Mood Connect the image to Scripture and virtue. Discuss meaning, symbolism, and emotional impact. Day 2: Journal Prompt What does this artwork teach me about Beauty? Week B: Creative Response Day 1: Artistic Expression Creative Task: Use soft pastels or colored pencils to draw something beautiful in nature. Day 2: Sharing and Reflecting Prompt: What does this beauty say about God the Creator?

Link to Artwork:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_School_of_Athens#/media/File:%22The_School_of_Athens%22_by_Raffaello_Sanzio_da_Urbino.jpg Scripture : Proverbs 4:7 Virtue Focus: Wisdom Week A: Observation + Thinking Thinking Routine: I Notice – I Wonder – It Reminds Me Of Day 1 Activities: Silent observation of the artwork - Use the thinking routine: I Notice – I Wonder – It Reminds Me Of  Connect the image to Scripture and virtue. Discuss meaning, symbolism, and emotional impact. Day 2: Journal Prompt What does this artwork teach me about Wisdom? Week B: Creative Response Day 1: Artistic Expression Creative Task: Design your own version of a “School of Virtue” with modern saints or thinkers. Day 2: Sharing and Reflecting Prompt: Which figure in your drawing stands for wisdom—and why?

Link to Artwork: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Creation_of_Adam#/media/File:Michelangelo_-_Creation_of_Adam_(cropped).jpg https://www.italianrenaissance.org/michelangelo-creation-of-adam/ Scripture: Genesis 1:26–27 Virtue Focus: Wonder & Awe Week A: Observation + Thinking Thinking Routine: See – Think – Wonder Day 1 Activities: Silent observation of the artwork - Use the thinking routine: See – Think – Wonder Connect the image to Scripture and virtue. Discuss meaning, symbolism, and emotional impact. Day 2: Journal Prompt What does this artwork teach me about Wonder & Awe? Week B: Creative Response Day 1: Artistic Expression Creative Task: Trace or sculpt two reaching hands using modeling clay or pencil shading. Day 2: Sharing and Reflecting Prompt: What does the space between the hands mean to you?

Short Vowel Word Game – A Fun Way to Practice Medial Vowel Sounds Looking for a short vowel word game that your students will actually ask  to play again and again? This month, I introduced my Kindergarten and 1st Grade learners to a brand new phonics activity called Peek a Vowel, and it was an instant hit! It’s playful, engaging, and packed with meaningful practice—making it the perfect tool for reinforcing those tricky medial vowel sounds. Why Use a Short Vowel Word Game in the Classroom? At the start of the term, most of my students could already segment words, stretch out phonemes, and experiment with inventive spelling. I wanted to challenge them just a bit more while still keeping things fun. That’s where Peek a Vowel, our favorite short vowel word game, came in! Each page features a hidden vowel in the middle, covered by picture flaps. Students open one flap at a time, say the word (like “bat” or “jug”), and write it in the boxes below—using the middle sound to guide them. By the second picture, they were confidently guessing the mystery vowel in the center! A Class Favorite All Week Long We introduced Peek a Vowel on Monday, and the kids begged to play it again every day until Thursday. The element of surprise made it feel like a game, while still supporting real phonics skills. It also helped them pay attention to letter formation, especially the lowercase a and u. This simple activity is great for literacy centers, morning work, or small group review. Plus, it builds confidence and excitement around spelling CVC words. Grab Peek a Vowel for Your Classroom You can get Peek a Vowel in my Teachers Pay Teachers store , or visit my digital products page  for more hands-on phonics resources. If your students love discovering patterns, solving puzzles, and practicing spelling in a playful way—this short vowel word game is a must-have! Let me know if your students love it as much as mine did! With love and learning, Teacher Weena

As an educator with more than two decades of experience, I have watched the my students grow from Kindergarteners to High schoolers to College students to raising their own families and I have witnessed the transformative impact of praising effort over intelligence in shaping the mindset and resilience of our young learners. In a world where success is often equated with innate intelligence, it's crucial to recognize the profound influence that our words can have on a child's development. Renowned psychologist Carol Dweck emphasizes the importance of fostering a growth mindset, stating, "It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer." This encapsulates the essence of praising effort over fixed intelligence. When we celebrate persistence, determination, and resilience, we empower children to embrace challenges and view mistakes as opportunities for growth. Consider the words of Stanford University's Dr. Jo Boaler , "We now know that the brain is like a muscle; it changes and grows in response to challenge." By praising effort, we encourage children to exercise and strengthen their intellectual muscles, fostering a love for learning that goes beyond mere grades or test scores. One notable example of the power of grit is Thomas Edison, who famously said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Edison's relentless pursuit of innovation and his ability to persevere in the face of setbacks are emblematic of the mindset we aim to cultivate in our students. In the classroom, praising effort should be specific and timely. Instead of saying, "You're so smart," try acknowledging their hard work, saying, "I appreciate the time and effort you put into understanding this concept." This reinforces the connection between effort and achievement. Parents and educators, let's remember the story of Michael Jordan, who once remarked, "I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I've been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." Jordan's journey reflects the resilience and tenacity that come from valuing effort over immediate success. So, as we guide the next generation, let's be intentional in our praise. Encourage them to embrace challenges, applaud their perseverance, and celebrate the process, not just the outcome. Let's create an environment where mistakes are seen as stepping stones to mastery. In addition to fostering a culture of effort-based praise in our interactions with children, I'm excited to offer a practical tool to support parents and educators in this journey. I've created a free printable, akin to a cheat sheet, featuring these empowering phrases for encouraging effort in children. Whether you're in the classroom, homeschooling, or parenting, this resource serves as a gentle reminder of the power of our words in shaping the mindset and resilience of young learners. You can download it from the FREE Parent & Educator Resources Collection and start incorporating these affirmations into your daily interactions with children today. In closing, I encourage parents and educators alike to reflect on the impact of our words. The power to shape resilient, lifelong learners lies in our ability to praise effort, instilling in children the belief that their potential is not fixed but can grow with dedication and perseverance. Together, let's build a future where every child thrives, not because of innate intelligence but because of the effort they invest in becoming the best versions of themselves. Moreover, if you're interested in delving deeper into strategies for cultivating a growth mindset and promoting resilience in children, I invite you to explore the other resources available on the blog. From articles on fostering grit to practical tips for nurturing a love for learning, there's a wealth of insights waiting to support you on your journey as a parent or educator. Together, let's empower the next generation to thrive, one encouraging word at a time.

Weekly Lesson Plan: The Story of Creation - Genesis 1:1-31 Introduction: To begin the lesson, settle your child or children and show them the Bible. Ask a few questions or allow them to ask a few, depending on their age, before you begin. Read Genesis 1:1-31 together, emphasizing the key points of each day of creation. After reading, again, encourage the children to ask questions and share their thoughts about the story. For children ages 6 years old and over, you may ask them to narrate back. To continue and extend the lesson throughout the week, select one or two of these activities for each lesson focus: Lesson Focus 1: God's Creation The lesson focus of God's Creation is important to teach because it helps students understand and appreciate the beauty and diversity of the natural world. By learning about the intricacies of God's creation, students can develop a sense of wonder and awe, fostering a deeper connection with the environment and a desire to care for it. Additionally, teaching about God's Creation can also help students understand their own place in the world and their responsibility as stewards of the Earth. Read-Aloud: " God Made the World" by Sarah Jean Collins (or any other children's book about creation). Discuss the different things God created each day, such as light, water, plants, animals, and humans. Ask the children to name things they see around them that God has created. Arts and Crafts Activity: Provide coloring sheets depicting scenes from the creation story. Older children can also draw their favorite scenes from the story of creation. Encourage the children to color and decorate them. I have a FREE Days of Creation Coloring Pages printable on my TpT Store . You may want to use it for this lesson. Physical Activity: Play "Simon Says" with actions related to the creation story, such as "Simon says jump like a fish" or "Simon says sway like a tree." Get more Simon Says action ideas, handwriting practice, vocabulary, sequence cards, and more with the Creation Story K-2 Activity Pack on my TpT store . Lesson Focus 2: Taking Care of God's Creation Taking care of God's creation is an important lesson focus because it teaches students about their responsibility as stewards of the Earth. It emphasizes the value of respecting and preserving the environment, as well as the interconnectedness of all living things. By learning about environmental issues and sustainable practices, students can develop a sense of empathy, gratitude, and reverence for the natural world. This lesson focus also aligns with many religious teachings that emphasize the importance of caring for God's creation. Read-Aloud: "T he Earth Book" by Todd Parr (or any other book about taking care of the environment). Discuss the importance of taking care of the earth and all the things God has created. Brainstorm ways the children can help take care of the environment, such as recycling, conserving water, and picking up litter. Extend this lesson for children in Grades 1 and 2 to using my The Earth is My Home Activity Pack on my TpT store . Arts and Crafts Activity: Provide materials for the children to create a nature collage using leaves, flowers, and other natural materials. This is a perfect activity after a nature walk! Physical Activity: Go for a nature walk around the neighborhood or a nearby park. Encourage the children to observe and appreciate the beauty of God's creation. Lesson Focus 3: God's Love and Blessings The lesson focus of God's Love and Blessings is important to teach because it helps individuals understand and appreciate the unconditional love and blessings that God bestows upon them. By learning about God's love and blessings, individuals can develop a deeper relationship with God and experience a sense of gratitude and joy in their lives. Additionally, understanding God's love and blessings can provide comfort and strength during challenging times, reminding individuals that they are not alone and that God is always there for them. Read-Aloud: " God Gave Us Love" by Lisa Tawn Bergren (or any other book about God's love). Discuss how God's love is shown through His creation and how He blesses us with all the things we need. Talk about ways the children can show love and kindness to others, just as God has shown to us. Arts and Crafts Activity: Provide materials for the children to make "God's Love" cards for someone they care about. They can draw pictures or write kind messages inside. Physical Activity: Play a game of "Duck, Duck, Goose" but change it to "God, God, Bless!" Encourage the children to say a blessing or kind words to the person they tap. At the end of the week, cap off the lesson with food and talk about the best parts of the lesson during your afternoon tea. Recipe: Fruit Salad Ingredients: Assorted fruits like apples, bananas, grapes, and berries. Instructions: Help the children wash and cut the fruits into small pieces. Mix all the fruits together in a large bowl. Serve the fruit salad as a healthy and delicious snack, reminding the children that God created these fruits for us to enjoy. Note: Adjust the activities and materials according to the age and abilities of the children in your class. My 'God Made The World Playlist' on Spotify: Find more resources here: Make a creation story paper bag book for toddlers

These four saints for children are role models to look up to and seek inspiration from. Their stories and examples can encourage children to live virtuous lives, grow in their faith, and make a positive impact on the world around them. Saint Francis of Assisi Feast Day: October 4 Patronage: animals, ecology, peace, and the environment How to get to know him more: 1. Read children's books about Saint Francis of Assisi, such as "The Song of Francis" by Tomie dePaola. 2. Celebrate his feast day by organizing a nature walk or creating bird feeders with your children. 3. Teach children about his love for animals and the importance of caring for God's creation. 4. Pray for his intercession for kindness and compassion towards all living creatures. Saint Therese of Lisieux Feast Day: October 1 Patronage: missions, florists, and the sick How to get to know her more: 1. Read children's books about Saint Therese of Lisieux, such as "God's Little Flower" by Becky Arganbright. 2. Celebrate her feast day by planting flowers or visiting a local nursing home to bring joy to the elderly. 3. Encourage children to practice acts of kindness and love in their daily lives, just like Saint Therese did. 4. Ask for her intercession for courage and guidance in following God's will. Saint Nicholas Feast Day: December 6 Patronage: children, sailors, and pawnbrokers How to get to know him more: 1. Read children's books about Saint Nicholas, such as "Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend" by Julie Stiegemeyer. 2. Celebrate his feast day by placing shoes or stockings out for Saint Nicholas to fill with small treats or gifts. 3. Teach children about his generosity and encourage them to perform acts of kindness for others. 4. Pray for his intercession for protection and blessings upon children. Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Feast Day: July 14 Patronage: ecology, environment, and Native Americans How to get to know her more: 1. Read children's books about Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, such as "Kateri Tekakwitha: Mohawk Maiden" by Evelyn Brown. 2. Celebrate her feast day by learning about Native American culture and traditions. 3. Teach children about her strong faith and resilience in the face of adversity. 4. Ask for her intercession for strength and courage in living out their Catholic faith. Do you have any other go-to saints for children? Who are they? Tell me about them in the comments. Find more resources on the Saints such as coloring pages and how to celebrate their feasts at home here: Gift your children a peg doll patron saint!

These four inspiring saints for teens, offering guidance and inspiration in their lives. Their stories and teachings provide valuable lessons on faith, courage, and compassion, making them ideal figures for teenagers to look up to. By learning from their examples, teenagers can find strength and guidance in their own journeys of faith and personal growth. Saint Maria Goretti Feast Day: July 6 Patronage: youth, young women, purity, and forgiveness How to get to know her more: 1. Read about her life and martyrdom on catholic.org and franciscanmedia.org. 2. Celebrate her feast day by attending a Mass in her honor or organizing a purity retreat for teens. 3. Learn about the virtue of chastity and the importance of forgiveness through her example. 4. Pray for her intercession for purity and strength in facing challenges. Saint John Bosco Feast Day: January 31 Patronage: students, apprentices, young people, and juvenile delinquents How to get to know him more: 1. Explore the life and teachings of Saint John Bosco on s alesianmissions.org and catholicculture.org . 2. Celebrate his feast day by organizing a youth event or participating in activities that promote education and mentorship. 3. Learn about his educational methods and incorporate them into your own studies and interactions with others. 4. Seek his intercession for guidance in making good choices and staying on the right path. Saint Therese of Lisieux Feast Day: October 1 Patronage: missions, florists, and the sick How to get to know her more: 1. Read her autobiography, "Story of a Soul," to learn about her "Little Way" and her deep love for God. 2. Celebrate her feast day by visiting a local nursing home or hospital to bring joy and comfort to the sick. 3. Embrace her spirituality of doing small acts of love and kindness in your daily life. 4. Ask for her intercession for strength in times of suffering and for guidance in discerning your vocation. Saint Maximilian Kolbe Feast Day: August 14 Patronage: drug addicts, prisoners, families, and journalists How to get to know him more: 1. Discover the heroic life of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, who sacrificed his life in Auschwitz to save a fellow prisoner, on franciscanmedia.org and catholic.org . 2. Celebrate his feast day by organizing a service project or volunteering at a local shelter or prison ministry. 3. Learn about his dedication to spreading the Gospel through media and consider how you can use your talents to evangelize. 4. Pray for his intercession for courage and compassion in standing up for what is right. Do you have any other go-to saints for teenagers? Who are they? Tell me about them in the comments.

Motherhood and marriage are beautiful yet challenging vocations. As Catholic wives and moms, we can look to holy women who lived lives of prayer, perseverance, and selfless love. Here are four inspiring saints for wives and moms, along with the ultimate role model, the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom every wife and mother can turn to for intercession, guidance, and inspiration in their vocation. These saints for wives and moms exemplify virtues such as faith, patience, sacrificial love, and unwavering trust in God, making them powerful role models for women striving for holiness in marriage and motherhood. Our Lady of Guadalupe by @weenacontrerasart The Blessed Virgin Mary – The Ultimate Role Model for Wives and Moms While the Blessed Virgin Mary is not officially canonized as a saint, she is the most powerful intercessor for all mothers and wives. Feast Days: Various Marian feast days throughout the year. See the full list here . Patronage: Mothers, childbirth, all humanity Ways to Grow Closer to Mary: ✅ Consecrate yourself to Mary  – Try the 33-Day Marian Consecration  using 33 Days to Morning Glory  by Fr. Donald H. Calloway. ✅ Celebrate Marian feast days  – Find the full list and traditions at EWTN  and Catholic Tradition . ✅ Gift a Marian peg saint doll  – A meaningful Mother’s Day or birthday present. ✅ Pray the Rosary as a family  – One of the greatest ways to honor Our Lady and invite peace into your home. Saint Clare of Assisi Saint Clare of Assisi – Patron Saint of Homemakers Feast Day:  August 11 Patronage:  Laundry, embroiderers, needleworkers, eye disease, good weather, telephones, telegraphs, television Ways to Grow Closer to Saint Clare: ✅ Read about her life  – Learn more at Franciscan Media  and Catholic News Agency (CNA) . ✅ Celebrate her feast day  – Find traditions at Catholic Culture  and Everything Is Grace . ✅ Seek her intercession  – Pray her novena  and ask for her help in homemaking and daily responsibilities. Saint Gianna Bretta Molla Saint Gianna Beretta Molla – Patron Saint of Mothers and Physicians Feast Day:  April 28 Patronage:  Mothers, physicians, unborn children Ways to Grow Closer to Saint Gianna: ✅ Read about her life  – Visit Saint Gianna’s official website  and Vatican News . ✅ Celebrate her feast day  – Get celebration ideas at Catholic Culture . ✅ Pray for her intercession  – Especially for pregnant mothers  and those struggling with motherhood. Add her name to the Litany of Saints  during family prayer time. Saint Monica of Hippo Saint Monica – Patron Saint of Wives and Mothers in Difficult Situations Feast Day:  August 27 Patronage:  Wives, mothers, difficult marriages, alcoholics, conversion Ways to Grow Closer to Saint Monica: ✅ Read about her life  – Visit Franciscan Media  and Church Pop . ✅ Celebrate her feast day  – Find traditions and recipes at Equipping Catholic Families . ✅ Pray for her intercession  – Add Saint Monica’s name to your daily prayers and novenas , especially for struggling marriages and wayward children. Saints for Wives and Moms Who Are Your Go-To Saints for Wives and Moms? Every Catholic wife and mother can find inspiration and guidance in the saints. Whether you're looking for strength in motherhood, patience in marriage, or help balancing faith and family life, there’s a holy woman ready to intercede for you. 💬 Do you have a favorite saint? Share their story in the comments! Let’s build a community of faith-filled women supporting one another. 🔗 Want more faith-based resources?  Check out: ✅ Saints for the Whole Family  – Saints for husbands, children, and young adults ✅ Catholic Saints  – Learn about their lives and feast days ✅ Liturgical Living  – Bringing the saints into your home ✅ Saints Coloring Pages  – Fun faith-based activities for kids