SUBJECTS: Reading, language arts and religion
GRADE LEVELS: 4th-8th

OBJECTIVES:
Students will learn to identify the motto/philosophy of others and themselves.
Students will improve their ability to find the main idea.
Students will broaden their vocabulary.

MATERIALS:
Kids Explore America’s Catholic Heritage books
Index cards

ACTIVITIES:
Have the students define the word motto. For ex: A motto is a rule adopted as a principle of behavior. It expresses a person’s values and beliefs. Discuss synonyms for this word such as maxim, adage, saw, aphorism, slogan, axiom, proverb and saying.
Encourage the children to express possible mottos of famous people. For example: George Washington’s motto might have been “always tell the truth.”
Read to the class one of the vocation stories from the book. (Pages 112-132) and work together to state the motto of that person’s life.
Have the individuals or groups of students read 1or 2 vocation stories (Pgs. 112-132). Each group or person should state a possible motto for each story they read. They should have reasons to support their decision.

EXTENSION: Poor Richard’s Almanac by Benjamin Franklin has many proverbs and sayings. Students could make a comparison and discuss how a religious motto or saying is different from common sense. Note: Maybe children could be lead to discover that religion is common sense and strong psychology with God at its center. You might want students to come up with religious guiding principles such as “What would Jesus do?” or “Lord help me be the best person I can be” or “Let me be still, and my heart full of love.”

Some Possible Answers:
Bishop Jose H. Gomez - Nothing is too hard with God’s help.
Deacon Sam Lopez- One can share his faith in their daily life.
Father Francis Gloudeman - Happiness is part of doing the Lord’s work. Don’t be afraid to do different things like learn to unicycle.
Father Tom Bush - God will take of you.
Brother Gary Sawyer - Your work can show your love for Jesus.
Father Jeff Wilborn - Be willing to listen to God.
Alfred Matayo - Never give up and keep going to reach your goal.
Brother Simon - Have courage to meet your challenges in life.
Sister Anna Truong, FSP - Be not afraid.
Sister Joanna Strouse- Everyone has a plan from God to make them their happiest, truest self.
Sister Dorothy Guadalupe-Every life is valuable
Sister Francis Terese- A life without God lacks meaning.