The Creed-Words to Know

 Not only is the Creed jam packed with Mysteries and Theological Concepts, but it also contains some pretty tough words, especially in the translation of the Creed for the Third Romal Missal.  Here are a few ideas for getting the meaning of those important words through to your students.

These are just the tools to use as a vehicle for discussion, but hopefully they prove helpful.

Idea One: Popsicle Sticks in a Cup
I know, creative title.  No directions needed, gather some popsicle sticks, throw them in a cup.  Take a minute to write some of the heavier words from the Creed on each stick.  Don't just worry about begotten and consubstantial, use other theological terms we sometimes take for granted kids know, like Christ, Scriptures, sins, glory, etc.

Use the sticks as a way to introduce or review words.  You could have each child randomly pick one, for example, and then challenge them to come up with a working definition using the dictionary, Catechism, and Bible.  They then have to share their definition with the class, etc.

Idea Two: My favorite beach balls. I have already written about this, but you could do a very similar concept by writing important words or phrases on the beach ball and tossing it around.

FYI, don't look too closely at this picture...because it is not a Creed Beach Ball!  I need to take a new picture :)

Idea Three: Make a vocab flip book.  These are fun, and easy to paste into a notebook (more on that later) or lapbook (folder) or hang on the wall.  I've got an example for you, but you can use this concept for anything.

Click on the document at the bottom of this post to get a printable with seven tough words from the Creed and their "workable" kid definitions.  You might not agree that these are the toughest seven words, but they were the ones that I chose because I think that kids have the least context for them.

So, to make a flip book, get several sheets of paper, preferably in different colors. (It is much prettier)
For this flipbook, I had four sheets of paper roughly 5 x 8.5".

 Line up those sheets of paper with roughly an inch between them.

Fold the stack in on itself so that the top folds down to roughly an inch from the highest flap on the bottom, making a continuous row of flaps.

 Fold, staple at the top to keep it secure, and glue into a notebook or lapbook if you like.

 Cut out the printable.

 "Seven Tough Words" label goes on the top flap.  The seven words get their own flap below.

Add the definition inside the flap, making sure it doesn't show from the outside.  This one is designed so that the definition shares a flap with the word.  You could also put in on the underneath of the flap, so it has to be flipped up to be read.

You can use this strategy for virtually any other topic or grade level- add pictures, notes, more flaps...