CALM & CONSISTENT
What should you do before speaking to a student when you feel frustrated?
Pause, take a breath, and lower your voice.
Give one example of specific praise from the handout
Ex. “You waited until your classmate finished speaking, good job!”
When the catechist says “God is good!”, how do the students respond?
“All the time!”
How long should a team pre-class huddle last?
1 minute.
A student says, “This is boring.” What is one thing you should AVOID doing?
Avoid arguing, shaming, threatening, or taking it personally.
Instead of saying “You are always disruptive,” what should you say?
Describe the specific behavior (e.g., “You are talking while your classmate is speaking”).
Name two simple rewards catechists can use.
Stickers, stars, stamps, or a class token jar.
What 3 actions should students do immediately after responding to an attention signal?
Voices off, materials down, and eyes toward the teacher.
What are the three non-leading roles a co-catechist can take?
Student Support, Engagement, or Transitions/Logistics.
True or False: Behavior is who a child is, not just something they do.
False (Behavior is something a child does, not who they are).
What are the first two steps of calm redirection?
1. Pause/breathe (regulate yourself), and 2. Connect/move closer.
Should you take away a child’s previously earned points when they make a mistake?
No, keep earned rewards and address the new behavior separately.
How much warning should you give students before an activity or break ends?
A 2-minute warning.
What should a co-catechist do while the main catechist is leading the lesson and a student gets distracted?
Quietly approach and support the student so the main lesson doesn't stop.
How many instructions should you give children at one time?
One or two directions at a time.
What is the difference between compassion and permissiveness?
Compassion respects the child, but it does not mean ignoring unsafe or bad behavior.
Why should you avoid a public "bad kid" leaderboard on the board?
It shames children and undermines their dignity.
How many minutes should a structured classroom break last?
15 minutes.
Where should you discuss a student's behavior difficulties with a parent or teammate?
Privately, out of earshot of other students.
Instead of saying “She never listens,” what is an observable description you can say?
“She needed the directions repeated and shown.”
Should you use prayer, Scripture, or Mass as a punishment for bad behavior?
No, never use faith activities as a punishment.
If a struggling student improves even a little bit today, what should you recognize?
Their effort and progress.
Name two faith-friendly break activities.
Ex. Bible-character charades, Watch The Chosen, or coloring a Gospel scene.
What should you do if a serious safety or safeguarding concern comes up?
Follow parish procedures immediately and contact the director/responsible person (never promise secrecy).
Before assuming a child is intentionally misbehaving, what should you check?
Check if they are tired, overwhelmed, confused, or having sensory issues.