Religion

I Am Special

Book cover: 'I Am Special'
Author(s): 
Joan Ensor Plum
Paul S. Plum

I Am Special is a religious education course for three-year-old children, designed for a group-style, parish religious education program. A fully scripted, highly organized and well-planned teacher's guide allows the teacher to get the most out of the program without requiring special training or unusual materials. The student activity book and flannel board figures packet feature full-color cartoon-style artwork that may appeal to very young children. Most activities are group-oriented, but many of them could be adapted for homeschooling use with some modification.

Catholic-opoly

Book cover: 'Catholic-opoly'

Do your children like to play Monopoly™? Then, they might enjoy this Catholic alternative. Rather than encouraging children to attain as much wealth as possible as in Monopoly™, the goal of the game is to build as many churches and cathedrals as possible in order to "spread the Word of the Lord."

The First Christians

Book cover: The First Christians, The Acts of the Apostles
Author(s): 
Marigold Hunt
Illustrator(s): 
Ted Schluenderfritz

The sequel to A Life of Our Lord for Children, this title by Marigold Hunt tells the story of the infant Church. After a few introductory remarks, the story begins with the Pentecost (Acts 1) and ends with Paul's visit to the Jews of Rome (Acts 28). The beauty of this book is the wonderful storytelling style of Hunt. It is a great book to read aloud because then it really sounds as if she is speaking to us. One day I was reading out loud to my nine year-old and all the other children had gathered around.

First Communion

Book cover: 'First Communion'

Companion to First Confession from Our Lady's Catechists.

In a style very similar to its companion volume, this little book teaches everything that an elementary-school-aged child needs to know to prepare for a holy First Communion. These books may be the first "homeschooling" books ever written on this topic! From page 1: "It should not be forgotten that the ultimate responsibility for the child's spiritual upbringing rests on the parents." Charming full-color illustrations appear throughout the book.

Beginning Apologetics 1: How to Explain and Defend the Catholic Faith

Book cover: Beginning Apologetics 1: How to Explain and Defend the Catholic Faith
Author(s): 
Fr. Frank Chacon
Jim Burnham

When I first considered converting from a "mere Christianity" form of Protestantism to the Catholic faith, I had several issues to deal with. I believed that "Scripture alone" was the rule of faith. I thought that the Catholic Church had added several non-Biblical doctrines throughout the years – for example, praying to Mary and the saints and the existence of Purgatory.

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