First graders are curious, spontaneous, and energetic. They believe that God is close to them. Children at this age can learn about their faith by active involvement with sensory experiences: touring the parish church, making the sign of the cross with holy water, sharing their time and things with others. They can respond to Jesus' love for them by respecting God, themselves, and others.

We've put together a few activites. These lessons were taken from the material they would have covered in the final weeks of school. We have included a printable resource for each activity, but they are not necessary to complete and enjoy the exercises.

Start a discussion about forgiveness. Jesus told stories to teach us about God’s love and forgiveness. Talk to your child about a time you needed forgivenss or a time you forgave another. 

Print the Story of Forgiveness Color Sheet
(Additional materials needed: 3 popcicle sticks, scissors, and glue)
Encourage the children to think of a story that contains the three animals and teaches us about forgiveness. Have the children use crayons to color the animals, and use scissors to cut out each animal and attach the animals to popsicle sticks. Use the pictures to tell a story about forgiveness.

**Alternative Activity: Have your child share with you a time they needed forgiveness or a time they needed to forgive. Have your child draw a picture to illustrate their story.

Jesus is the light of the world and we need to share the light of Christ with others. One way we can become light for the world is by being peacemakers. Ask your child how they can be a peacemaker in their own lives. How can your family share Jesus' gifts of peacs and light?

Make a Luminaria Printable
(Additional materials needed: crayons, scissors, paste, small paper bags, and a flashlight)
Use a dark-colored crayon to trace the words on the pattern. Cut out the pattern. Paste the pattern on the front of the paper bag. Decorate your bag. In a dark room, use the flashlight to light your luminaria and share the light of Christ with others.

**Alternative Activity: Usnig a flashlight (or a cell phone), have your child cover the light with thier hand, explain how it is dark without the light of Chirst, but when we share His love with others we bring light to the darkness.

Begin with a discussion about the celebration of the Mass in your parish. Ask the following questions: 

1. What are some things that we do when we gather together for the celebration of the Mass?
2. What are some things that we see and hear at the celebration of the Mass?

Talk with your family about the special ways you each take part of the celebration of Mass. Ask each family member to draw his or her picture taken part in Mass. You may use this printable color sheet or paper of your own. Share your pictures with each other.

The church honors in the most special way the first of all saints, Mary, the mother of Jesus. We honor Mary because by her saying "yes" to God she made our salvation possible. We honor Mary as the perfect disciple because she was Jesus' mother, first teacher, and first disciple. For these reasons, we address Mary with special titles and say special prayers in her name.  One special prayer is the Hail Mary.

Hail Mary Prayer Card
(Additional [optional] materials needed: crayons, markers, colored pencils, glitter)
To make the prayer card, write the Hail Mary on the back of the prayer card and draw a picture of Mary on the front of the prayer card. Then, use your prayer card to pray the Hail Mary.