January 25, 2017 WBB Ordinary Time, WBB Primary, WBB Intermediate, REL Seasons - Ordinary Time, REL Asset - Activity, REL Catechetical - K–6, REL Topic - Catechesis
By: Allie Johnston
During the season of Ordinary Time, we celebrate the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Ordinary Time is a time to learn and follow the teachings of Christ in our daily lives, to grow as his disciples, and to become better able to give witness to his Good News in our everyday lives.
Though the word ordinary can connote something commonplace or dull, Ordinary Time is far from mundane! Ordinary in the sense of Ordinary Time is derived from the word ordinal, meaning to count. The season is called Ordinary Time because the weeks are named in number order. During the season of Ordinary Time, the Lectionary readings focus on the ministry and teachings of Jesus. Ordinary Time is divided into two periods, with the first falling between the end of the Christmas season and the start of Lent, and the second between Pentecost and the start of Advent.
As you teach the students in your religious education program about the season of Ordinary Time, download a printable A Prayer for Ordinary Time Activity. Ideal for students in the intermediate elementary grades, the activity will especially appeal to linguistic, intrapersonal, and musical learners.
The A Prayer for Ordinary Time Activity prompts students to complete a prayer asking Jesus for guidance in the season of Ordinary Time. Once they have written unique lines to their prayers, the activity encourages students to enhance the prayer with a tune or beat, and the addition of actions or movements. Students can work individually to enhance their prayers, or in pairs or small groups.
To plan and implement A Prayer for Ordinary Time Activity, prepare a copy of the activity sheet for each student and gather art materials that can be used to decorate completed prayers. Distribute an activity sheet to each student, and then read the directions aloud. Allow time for students to complete the activity and color in their prayer cards. After completing the activity, if possible, gather together in the prayer space for a simple prayer service. Ask volunteers to read or sing aloud their completed prayers, accompanied by the movements they have chosen. You may choose to close the prayer service by singing together a traditional song.
A Prayer for Ordinary Time Activity is available in English or Spanish.