The First Catechism
The First Catechism is an attempt to break down the Westminster Shorter Catechism into smaller portions and simpler concepts for children to understand. To view an online, printable copy of this catechism you may click here. To order a copy of this catechism through Great Commission Publications click here.
The use of the First Catechism is typically from K-2nd Grade or K-5th. Kids of preschool age do very well memorizing a great deal of it.
The use of the First Catechism is typically from K-2nd Grade or K-5th. Kids of preschool age do very well memorizing a great deal of it.
First Catechism Resources
There are a variety of items available to help memorize and/or teach the First Catechism. Many of those resources are referenced in other sections of this website.
Books
Books that utilize all or part of the First Catechism are Big Truths for Little Kids and my own Greybobby Discovers Who Made Him. Details on these books are available on this page.
Songs
For years I taught my own memory songs to my children and the children at church because a resource for such did not exist. I compiled a number of them into cartoons that are available for viewing here. However, I did not have the means to record properly. That is why I am excited about the Ask Me Whooo project that has begun a release of three volumes of word for word catechism memory songs. You can find the details and the links on my site here.
Curriculum
There are a couple of different companies that produce catechism curriculum. You can find more about them under my "Curriculum" section here.
Books
Books that utilize all or part of the First Catechism are Big Truths for Little Kids and my own Greybobby Discovers Who Made Him. Details on these books are available on this page.
Songs
For years I taught my own memory songs to my children and the children at church because a resource for such did not exist. I compiled a number of them into cartoons that are available for viewing here. However, I did not have the means to record properly. That is why I am excited about the Ask Me Whooo project that has begun a release of three volumes of word for word catechism memory songs. You can find the details and the links on my site here.
Curriculum
There are a couple of different companies that produce catechism curriculum. You can find more about them under my "Curriculum" section here.
The Westminster Shorter Catechism
The Westminster Shorter Catechism breaks down the Westminster Confession into smaller portions. Though it was originally used to train young children, changes in western culture, word usage, etc. have pushed the reading level of this catechism back to let elementary or middle school age.
The Shorter Catechism is available here in modern English to aid in easier understanding and in traditional format here. An online copy of the traditional version is available for viewing online here.
I've seen the Shorter Catechism used beginning anywhere from 3rd to 6th grade. You know your child's comprehension level. There is not rule for when he or she should begin the shorter catechism. Some of us who did not grow up in a Reformed context didn't learn it until seminary.
The Shorter Catechism is available here in modern English to aid in easier understanding and in traditional format here. An online copy of the traditional version is available for viewing online here.
I've seen the Shorter Catechism used beginning anywhere from 3rd to 6th grade. You know your child's comprehension level. There is not rule for when he or she should begin the shorter catechism. Some of us who did not grow up in a Reformed context didn't learn it until seminary.
Training Hearts, Teaching Minds
This book, written by Starr Meade, is a series of family devotions based on the Shorter Catechism. A very useful tool for family devotions. It can be purchase here from the book-seller.
