The Body Matters for Faith Formation
Lessons and stories to incorporate Theology of the Body at every level of formation and catechesis
The Body Matters program consists of Lesson Books, Educator Guides, Parent Guides, and Story Books. In Level P, one set of the three Board Books is distributed to each classroom. In Levels K–8, two softcover Lesson Books are distributed to each student. All levels have accompanying digital Educator Guides and Parent Guides.
- 2 non-consumable Lesson Books per level—Each books contains 48 pages, 4 lessons per book ~12 pages each (with the exception of Level K, which has two lessons of ~24 pages each)
- Original Storybooks (K – 2nd)—enjoyable books which convey content through fictional stories!
- Educator Guides (all levels)— PDFs contain activities for various learning styles and assessments are included. Parishes receive a free copy that corresponds with the levels implemented. Click here for special pricing.
- Parent Guides (all levels) – guides parents to learn and engage with their children as they study Theology of the Body. Parishes receive a free copy that corresponds with the levels implemented. Click here for special pricing.
- Educator Friendly — No previous Theology of the Body knowledge is needed to use any of these components.
- Written to be vertically aligned— Books are written so as to build upon past lessons. However, key concepts are reviewed so that students will not be greatly disadvantaged by missing previous books in the series.
Faith Formation Models
Explore the different ways you can implement The Body Matters in your parish below.
Hybrid Model (In Faith Formation and At Home)
This model allows for in depth instruction and parent involvement in the teaching process. Click here.
Family Catechesis
This model utilises the parent guides and only has TOB education happen in the home. Click here.
Faith Formation TOB Day-of-the-Month
This model is designed to spread the lessons across 16 weeks per lesson book and includes at home review of concepts with the parents. Click here.
Faith Formation Classroom Model
This model introduces all the material in the faith formation classroom across 12 weeks per lesson book. Click here.
Take a Look at Select Pages from Our Books:
Why should I trust TOBET?
TOBET is well equipped to deliver John Paul II’s message thanks to our wide ranging talents. Our president Monica Ashour (M.T.S., M Hum.) has over 20 years of teaching and catechetical experience. Further, TOBET has built a team of experts in childhood development, children’s literature, graphic design, and curriculum expertise. Each book in our The Body Matters curriculum has received the Imprimatur from the head of our Episcopal advisory board, Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver, who confirmed our decision to create an original, inspiring, age-appropriate TOB program to form children in the faith and combat the destructive messages they absorb from the culture. But don’t just take us at our word!
Find out more about what organizations have approved The Body Matters, and see how it has already formed the minds and hearts of other children, their parents, and their teachers.
How do I get The Body Matters in my parish?
Often times, educators see the need for a TOB education in their schools or parishes and come across the body matters. They either contact us directly for samples and more information, or send our information onto their superiors. Usually, they are more than willing to adopt our program and diocese, who prefer subsidiarity, let them.
Is this Sex Ed?
Despite common misconceptions about TOB, The Body Matters is not a “birds-and-bees” centered program, nor does it directly address controversial issues such as gay marriage and transgenderism. In a culture where the body is considered “an enemy to freedom,” The Body Matters resource unfolds for children the proper understanding of the dignity of the human person from a fresh perspective, giving them the Church’s way of seeing the human person, which is that “Man appears in the visible world as the highest expression of the divine gift” (TOB 19.3). By being immersed in understanding themselves as made in God’s image and likeness, children will be able to understand controversial issues more deeply when they encounter them, recognizing the total vision of the human person who is made for true and lasting love. See our The Body Matters curriculum overview for the theme of each level and book. Also, see our resources for how to deal with sensitive topics.
Some parishes encourage using The Body Matters as family catechesis, so adults and children alike come to see the truths of the Catholic faith, precisely through a deeper understanding of the human BODY. From one educator:
“Occasionally throughout the year I sent the books home with an assignment to read and discuss part of a chapter with their parents. It provided a way to evangelize and to partner with the parents. One parent sent me a beautiful thank you note for giving her and her husband a better understanding of TOB and a way of speaking and acting the truth of the body at home. It made a difference!”
One principal saw right away that students can be taught things like putting away cell phones at the dinner table, why bullying is wrong, and how to behave at Mass, all from a “TOB” angle. It’s life-affirming and a way of evangelizing—loving Jesus is the goal.
“…a palatable format for our youngest parishioners…”
“Thank you for making The Body Matters and supplemental TOB materials in such a palatable format for our youngest parishioners to digest and for parents to teach to their children! What a gift TOBET is to the Church!”
“…reach children with the wonderful truth of ‘who’ they are…”
“We need to reach children with the wonderful truth of ‘who’ they are and God’s design for their bodies, before they are inudated with confusing, even toxic, messages from the culture. That’s why I recommend TOBET’s The Body Matters.”
“…No other curriculum is as authentic to St. John Paul II’s vision of the human person…”
“This curriculum brings out St. John Paul II’s thoughts and ideas about the human person in a clear, concise, and age appropriate way. No other curriculum is as authentic to St. John Paul II’s vision of the human person as ‘The Body Matters’ series by Monica Ashour and her team.”
“…Thank you again for all of your labor pains.”
“A discussion in my catechetics class made me appreciate that TOBET has tackled gender issues appropriately for third graders in The Body Is God’s Design. This is done through teachings on the existence of natures, identity, limits, and uniqueness. Thank you again for all of your labor pains.”