2012 Curriculum Overview for Children’s Formation & Education Curriculum
Publisher (Denomination)
Foundation Statement
Content & Articulation
Teacher support
Akaloo
Augsburg Fortress (ELCA)
Since discipleship is a group activity, Akaloo is designed to bring people together to follow Jesus as his body. Learning can take place in and out of church, any day of the week. Akaloo is the Greek verb “to follow” (akolouthein) Felt Bible storytelling materials for developing a visual vocabulary of faith
Each age group focuses on 5 units of discipleship: Bible, God, Disciple, Church, and World. (5-8 weeks each) Mostly NT, especially in younger grades (2 year program)
1 guidebook with a website for downloading all leader guides to develop lesson plans from a choice of activities. Website forums – need web access
Essentially a Web-based resource with print support. Handbooks will also be available for all ages— children through adults.
All ages (3’s to Adults) closely graded, including intergenerational events to begin each unit and one for every season.
Based on ASA $120-$1,875 web membership $9.99 Handbook per student Downloadable UNDATED
OT Heroes, NT, Acts & Adventures, Salvation Story, and Miracles & Parables stories (Montessori / open-ended approach) Scope & Sequence (small Anglican supplement “The Lamp Lighter” in center of teacher’s guide) 100% New Testament core lessons (NIV/KJV)
Felt materials includes background on worship & spirituality with children
Uses felt figures (need assembly) for storytelling; CD of story script along with art & craft activities Relies on student booklets / visually oriented
Ages 3-10
$80 Curriculum $175 Starter Set (needed for all) $150- 225 for other sets REUSABLE Per quarter: $7.40 Teacher $16.50 Aids $3.99 Craft book $4.40 Take home $4.25 Student book DATED
2-year Scope & Sequence of Bible stories focused on individuals in the Bible. Buzz lessons each focus on one specific Bible Point each week, and use a variety of activities to reinforce that simple message. (NLT)
All is contained in a box for easy teacher use. No lesson preparation needed.
Traditional classroom setting
5 age levels: Preschool – Grade 6
www.akaloo.org
Beulah Land
Gretchen WolffPritchard (independent) www.beulahenterpris es.org
Bible-in-Life
David C. Cook (independent) www.davidccook.co m/curriculum/davidc cook/
Buzz
Group Publishing (Independent) http://buzz.group.c om
Sharon Ely Pearson
Evangelical guidance to present basic Bible truths without being distracted by doctrines over which Bible-believing Christians may disagree. Having a personal relationship with Christ; a desire to witness, minister and serve Buzz is as easy as playing a game. Children decide which direction the lesson goes, keeping them engaged and learning more. Digs deep into parts of the Bible most curriculums ignore. Kids are introduced to new stories and people in the Bible.
1
Teacher preparation for each lesson – questions (with answers) provided; “easy-to-teach & easy-to-prepare”
Format
Ages
Toddler/2 – Adult
Cost / Usability
$99.99 Buzz Kit per quarter (per classroom) $2.99 Teacher Devotions $7.99 Media CD $1.99 Faith Buzz at Home
Copyright © April 2012. Church Publishing Incorporated. All rights reserved.
2012 Curriculum Overview for Children’s Formation & Education Curriculum
Publisher (Denomination)
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Roman Catholic roots) http://www.cgsusa.or g/
Celebrate the Good News: Children’s Chapel
Morehouse Education Resources (Episcopal) www.churchpublishi ng.org
Companions in Christ: The Way of the Child
Upper Room Ministries (Methodist)
FaithWeaver
Group Publishing (independent)
www.companionsinc hrist.org/WOC/index. html
www.faithweaver.co m
Sharon Ely Pearson
Foundation Statement
Content & Articulation
Teacher support
Format
Using Jesus as a guide, God and the child have a unique relationship with one another; build upon joy, simplicity and contemplation.
It is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Materials focus on the life of Christ, parables and liturgical items in true to form childfriendly size.
Children gather in an "atrium," a room prepared for them, which contains simple yet beautiful materials that they use and ‘fall in love with God by myself’
Level I: 2 – 6 years Level II: 6-9 years Level III: 9-12 years
Training for teachers is $250$500. Home made materials
Children’s liturgy is children’s play. Children do not want to be “consumers” of liturgy but co-creators, supported by enthusiastic adults Helps children learn & experience spiritual disciplines that will lead them into a deeper awareness of God’s presence in their lives.
Lectionary based following the Gospel each week in which gathering, proclamation, response and pray
Level I training is foundational to becoming attuned to the religious life of the child, the Bible, liturgy, the handmade materials, atrium, presentations preparing the catechist "album" Leader’s Guide step-by-step plan for worship that also includes ideas for exploring the lesson creatively or through “centers” Leader’s Guide includes 5 chapters on the spiritual nature of children; faith formation and lesson plans
Chapel space designed for children, classroom or any space used for worship (20-40 minute sessions) 60-90 minute time frame – Church school; VBS; short term or long term
5-12 years
$22.00 per quarter (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer) DATED
Ages 6-11
Weave together a family's journey in faith by teaching the same Bible truth across all age levels. That way, families can apply those truths together in their daily lives, growing in their faith individually and as a family unit.
3 year quarterly Scope & Sequence (Summer/Fall OT & Winter/Spring NT) All ages study same stories.
Teacher Guides include background and dialogue script for speaking to class
Classroom setting. 30-60 minute time frame. Bible memory verses, drama, arts & crafts, stories – implies families study together at home.
Infant – Adult / Parents
$25 Leader’s Guide & Sessions $15 CD songs $15 DVD $6 Resources $5 Family Book $150 Church Pack Quarterly: (Dated) $49.99 Class Pak $24.99 Teacher $5.79 Student $9.99 CD
39 sessions broken into modules on themes; reflection stations within a childfriendly environment and structure
2
Ages
Cost / Usability
UNDATED
Copyright © April 2012. Church Publishing Incorporated. All rights reserved.
2012 Curriculum Overview for Children’s Formation & Education Curriculum
Publisher (Denomination)
Feasting on the Word
Westminster John Knox Press (PCUSA) www.feastingonthew ord.net/curriculum
Finding Your Way Through the Bible
Abingdon Press (Methodist)
Firelight II: Bible Learning Curriculum
Augsburg Fortress (Ecumenical through ELCA)
Gather ‘Round
Church of the Brethren & Mennonite Church USA
www.cokesbury.com
www.augsburgfortres s.org/learning/sunday school/firelight/
www.gatherround.or g/
Godly Play
Morehouse Education Resources (Episcopal) www.churchpublis hing.org
Sharon Ely Pearson
Foundation Statement Ecumenical resource that incorporates the uniqueness of commentaries the provide for different approaches to each of the biblical passages of the lectionary readings Encourage children to take an interest in the Bible, and help them make it their lifelong companion. “Change how you tell the story. Not the story you tell.” Grounded in real life to help kids make important connections between their Christian faith and the Bible they study. Lifts up the teachings of Jesus, offering alternatives to worldviews of individualism, power, and accumulation of wealth to an emphasis on peace and justice issues. (Anabaptist perspective) To teach children the art of using religious language (parable, sacred story, silence & liturgical action) through wonder in a way that is playful and meaningful.
Content & Articulation
Teacher support
Lectionary based. 63% Gospel 18% NT 18% OT
Short-term study of 8 lessons for using with the CEB Deep Blue Kids Bible (NRSV edition also available) Scope & Sequence that can be used as a Rotation Workshop Model; 4 modules of 5 Bible stories (2-4 sessions each). 20% NT 45% OT 35% Gospel (CEV) Scope & Sequence based on 4-year Bible outline (OT in Fall, NT in Winter & Spring); all ages study same theme/story each week (NRSV) Montessori approach of presenting scripture – OT & NT, seasonal & liturgical stories
3
Format
Ages
Cost / Usability
Comprehensive, accessible biblical background from four perspectives: exegetical, theological, pastoral and homiletical. Teacher’s Guide offer lesson with reproducible student activities.
Downloadable or print and ship option; packet of posters mailed separately
Grades 1-2 Grades 3-4 Tweens (Gr. 5-6) Multiage (Gr. 1-6)
Quarterly $50 per age level $20 Color Pak (print & shipped) $290 Full year $765 FY / $250 Q Total Church Plan
Bible study activities using maps, games, charts.
7-10 (those who can read and write on an elementary level)
$6.29 Selfinstruction book $19.99 Teacher $14.99 Class Pak
Story-specific Leader Guides include teaching strategies & creative ideas
Classroom-style, Rotation Model or One-Room Model; “Multiple Intelligences” to weave art, music, computers, science, etc. Classroom setting; 3 or 4 response options per lesson draw on different learning preferences
Age 2-3 through Grades 5-6
Per module: $49.99 Leader $9.99 Posters $5.99 CD $29.99 CD-ROM home pages UNDATED
Ages 3 through Grade 12
Quarterly: $9.95 Teacher $7.95 Student $21.95 Class Pack $15.95 Music CD Youth material is downloadable DATED
Multi-sensory materials – child directed choices; chapel, church school, hospital or home use
Ages 3-11
Step-by-step lesson plans include Bible summary and insight, teaching tips, and easy-view lists of supplies, faith focus, and basic preparation. 8 Volumes (The Complete Guide to Godly Play) Teacher needs to be able to tell stories and allow for silence and child’s response; Training helpful and available
Component for home use with parents
$24.95 per book $2.95 Parent pages Pre-made wooden materials range from $15-500+ REUSABLE
Copyright © April 2012. Church Publishing Incorporated. All rights reserved.
2012 Curriculum Overview for Children’s Formation & Education Curriculum
Publisher (Denomination)
Grapple
Group Publishing (independent) www.MyGrapple.c om or www.group.com/gr apple
Grow • Proclaim • Serve!
Cokesbury www.growproclai mserve.com
(Babies & Woddlers, Toddlers & Twos, One Room Sunday School also)
Hands On Bible Curriculum
Group (independent) www.group.com/su nday-school/handson-biblecurriculum
HeartShaper
Standard (independent) www.heartshaper.co m
Holy Moly
Sparkhouse / Augsburg (ELCA) http://holymoly.wear esparkhouse.org/
Sharon Ely Pearson
Foundation Statement
Content & Articulation
Teacher support
Format
Answers tough preteen questions – and helps kids discover the power of a growing faith in Jesus
12 attention-grabbing lessons and Bible studies with access to create your group’s own online community (90% NT)
Basic booklet with lesson plans and DVD of video clips; on-line support
DVD and on-line with class discussion
4th-6th grade (preteen) and Junior High modules
Quarterly: $94.99 - $154.99 per class size
Nourish and enrich children, from birth through tweens, in faith so they can proclaim the good news of God’s love and serve God and neighbor. Children will realize their faith goes with them as they grow. Use unique games, snacks and crafts to help kids learn about God, because kids retain more by interacting with a lesson instead of just hearing it. Jesus used everyday things to teach important truths—and now you can too! Introduces children to God, His Son, His Word, and His Church through active participation in Bible stories and study, multi-sensory learning, skill-building, and focused life application. Holy Moly irresistibly captures the imagination of kids by bringing the Bible to life through animated Bible story
3 year Scope & Sequence Quarterly 4 seasons (50% OT, 50% NT) “Comprehensive 3year journey through the Bible”
Leader tools on line in addition to Leader’s Guide of traditional lesson plan.
Lesson plans heavily dependent on additional resources of the curriculum
7 age levels OR: Ages 3-7 Ages 7 & Up (On the Go for Tweens is a 1 year Bible study)
Quarterly: $9.99 Leader $26.99 Resource $5.99 Story Pak $4.29 Fun Pak $99.99 Full Kit Postcards, banner, iron-on transfers
2 year Scope & Sequence of 4 units per year. Each age level studies a different story each week. (60% OT and 40% NT) Each lesson contains one Bible Point based on a specific Bible verse. 2 year Scope & Sequence of Bible Stories
Use objects to teach the bible. Voted "easiest to teach" in a national poll of children's ministry leaders. With step-by-step teacher guides.
Classroom setting; 30-60 minutes each, use of “gizmos” to teach bible truths
Infants through Grades 5&6
$82.99 Learning Lab (per class) $27.99 Teacher Guide $9.99 Media CD $34.99 Puppet
Teacher and family resources on web with activity options and learning styles. Answers are giving to teachers for questions. Very simple Leader’s Guide (4 pages) full of drawings and stepby-step instructions
Traditional classroom setting: Bible Memory activities, seasonal ideas, service projects
Toddlers/Twos – Preteen (6th Grade)
Discover (watch), Relate (talk), Create (simple project) Bible story cartoon on
Pre-reader Reader
Per quarter: $18.49 Weekly Bible Reader $7.99 Teacher $16.49 Resources $16.49 Pictures $42.99 Kit $4.25 Activities Per unit: $29.99 DVD $4.99 Learner Leaflet $9.99 Leader
OT: Summer/Fall NT: Winter/Spring (NIV/KJV) Scope & Sequence in Units (12 sessions each), content not published yet (NRSV)
4
Ages
Cost / Usability
Copyright © April 2012. Church Publishing Incorporated. All rights reserved.
2012 Curriculum Overview for Children’s Formation & Education retellings and Holy Moly Storybooks.
Curriculum
Publisher (Denomination)
Inner Wisdom Series: A Joyful Path
The Center for Progressive Christianity
Kid Connection
Faith Alive (Reformed)
www.tcpc.org
www.kidconnectiono nline.org
Lesson Plans that Work
Episcopal Church (Episcopal) www.episcopalchurc h.org/lesson-plans
Live B.I.G. (Belief in God)
Cokesbury (United Methodist) www.iLiveBig.co m
LIVE Children’s Curriculum
Group www.group.com
Living the Good News
Morehouse Education Res. (Episcopal) www.livingthegoo dnews.com Sharon Ely Pearson
with discussion starters
DVD, games, paper
$6.99 Bible Story Book
Foundation Statement
Content & Articulation
Teacher support
Format
“Free from dogma and creed and does not make reference to the atonement/sacrifice issue of classical Christianity.” A children’s curriculum that celebrates a joyfilled life, compassion for all, and the wisdom within. Designed to meet the unique needs of small Sunday Schools and midweek programs from the Reformed tradition perspective.
Jesus is a teacher of a way to live a fulfilling and spiritual life. 5 bible stories 4 legends of saints 5 folktales 2 original tales 1 biography (John Muir) 38 lessons in total Large group/small group format – 4 year Scope & Sequence. 4 lessons per unit, 3 units per quarter. Year 1&3 OT/Year 2&4 NT
Password protected “Joyful Path” teacher’s web page. Leader’s Guide on CD or Paper for printing what is needed. Online training to be provided in the future. Leader’s Guide; program CD with printable handouts and music; on-line training and newsletter
Classroom setting; 2 or 3 options for exploring the theme – art, music, simple craft, story
Ages 6-10
Traditional classroom setting; family/student quarterly magazine
K-6th grade broken into K-3 and 4-6
Bible lessons are a guide to centering Christian education in the church & home Live your Belief in God through inviting stories, role models, sights & sounds that provide a foundation for Christian living that leads children to experience & mirror God in their lives. The digital curriculum that gets kids into the Bible and the Bible into kids.
Lectionary Based (RCL), tracks for Gospel or OT (NRSV) Quarterly Scope & Sequence based on monthly Biblical themes using multimedia as a core component (NRSV & CEV)
Simple plans with bible background, questions and activity Lesson plan with accompanying DVD. Variety of activities to support the weekly 5minute video show.
Usually one activity per lesson with supplemental suggestions DVD-based Traditional classroom setting or one-room schoolhouse model
Younger & Older Elementary; Adult Intergenerational Ages 3-13 with suggestions for one-room classroom
3 year Scope & Sequence. Pulls pieces of scripture (OT & NT) to learn about God. (NLT) Lectionary based 30% Old Testament 70% New Testament Free downloadable extras by
An “intuitive online system” to help teachers plan their lessons
Classroom setting, mobile ready plans
1st – 6th grade
Brings people together to discover and share God’s word through learning, worship & everyday life
5
Ages
Cost / Usability $395 $415 with music DVD with lessons Teacher Manual 38 color ‘affirmation’ pictures Per quarter: $8.49 Magazine $14.99 Leader $49.99 CD $15.99 Reproducibles DATED FREE Downloadable DATED Quarterly: $5.50 Kid book $17.00 Leader $66.00 DVD kit Downloadable materials available DATED 3 year subscription $399.99 Media Pack
Teacher Guide Downloadable. Nursery – Adult, Full year+ with scriptural Variety of including a multi$129 per age level background; Clear learning styles age component (a la carte) lesson plan; takeand activities; $649 full access home papers music, art, and for all materials / Copyright © April 2012. Church Publishing Incorporated. All rights reserved.
2012 Curriculum Overview for Children’s Formation & Education denomination (GNB & NRSV)
Curriculum
Publisher (Denomination)
Foundation Statement
Grow, Proclaim, Serve! One
Cokesbury (United Methodist)
Grow your faith by leaps and bounds. Teach one lesson that is challenging enough to hold the interest of all ages. To discover and develop a relationship with Jesus Christ (modeled on Basic Truths by Jesus in Luke 2:52)
Room Sunday School
www.growproclaims erve.com
downloadable for e-mailing
Content & Articulation Quarterly scope and sequence 33% OT 66% NT (NRSV)
Format
Teacher Book contains specific plans for designing a lesson and list for supplies needed Multitude of “job descriptions” for a team of leaders; conferences held throughout the U.S.
Crafts, games, maps, posters, songs, storytelling figures, CD-ROM
Age 3 – Middle School in one classroom
Combination small group & large group lessons, including worship
K-5th Grade
Leader’s Guide with 8 stations (up to 8 weeks of lessons)
Additional resources: music CDs, movies, computer programs, books (sold separately) Midweek program option; independent between adult/parent and child
Ages 5-12
$129.95 (up to 8 weeks)
God and Me (grades 1-3) God and Family (grades 4-5) God and Church (grades 6-8) God and Life (grades 9-12) Grade 5 & 6 Middle School
$3.50 Student Workbook $3.50 Mentor Workbook $3.50 Teacher Manual (for each level)
The Re-Think Group (independent) http://whatisorange.o rg/252basics/
PowerXPress
Cokesbury (United Methodist) www.powerxpress.co m
Rotational learning on one Bible story for indepth learning through multiple intelligences; grace focused
P.R.A.Y. (formerly known as “God and Country”)
Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (interdenominational resource) www.praypub.org
A religious awards program for Protestant young people recognized by Boy Scouts USA, Girl Scouts USA, Camp Fire and American Heritage Girls
Bible-based curriculum with emphasis on service to others; adult mentor component
Usually accomplished on an individual level – resources for adult / parent / or mentor
re:form
Sparkhouse / Augsburg Fortress (ELCA)
Youth encounter a question from the historic Christian faith through creative, provocative humor, illustrations and animation. (Created as a Confirmation resource, but has other potential)
Each question is presented in simple terms to encourage exploration and discovery. The DVD Set has 40 session videos. Each video is between 5-7 minutes in length.
Leader Guide has a theological background on the question presented and includes direction for the individual and group activities included in the Anti-Workbook.
www.wearesparkhou se.org/reform/
Sharon Ely Pearson
(NRSV)
6
age levels UNDATED
Teacher support
Orange: 252 Basics
Other modules: Traditions Ancestors
252 Basics is built around 3 basic truths, which are amplified through 36 monthly themes and 150 Bible stories. (1 virtue each month) 4 year Rotational Model
reflections
2 DVDs are central with AntiWorkbook for student exploration
Ages
Cost / Usability Quarterly: $65.99 per kit $39.99 DVD DATED Annual license $589–$2,385 based on children’s attendance
$59.99 DVD Set $39.99 Leader Guide $19.99-$14.99 Anti-Workbook (1 per student) Other modules $24.99 Leader $29.99 DVD
Copyright © April 2012. Church Publishing Incorporated. All rights reserved.
2012 Curriculum Overview for Children’s Formation & Education Curriculum
Publisher (Denomination)
Foundation Statement
Content & Articulation
Rhythms of Grace
Morehouse Education Resources (Episcopal) www.churchpublishi ng.org
An experience of God's grace and unconditional love through joyful play and the sustenance of sacramental nurture. Together, we form a unique expression of the Body of Christ. Rio is about helping kids, leaders, and parents form deeper relationships with God and each other, speaking from a overflowing life rather than a simple script.
Lesson plans on OT & NT stories as well as seasonal themes. Can be used weekly or monthly in a nontraditional education or worship setting
Website with additional resources in addition to the lesson plans and getting started chapters
Follows the same God-centered unit themes for each quarter but uses its own age-appropriate passages of Scripture. (NIV)
Online forum, newsletter, etc. for leaders in addition to traditional lesson plan.
Design a program using high-quality educational materials for all ages based on a scripture passage or lesson theme of your choosing. Road to Rome invites participants into the life of the early church and introduces them to Christians who helped spread Christianity.
A data base of thousands of ideas from major curriculum publishers to be able to build-your-own lesson 35 sessions (45-60 minutes each). Uses “The Message” Bible by Eugene Peterson
Templates and online instruction as well as ready-made lesson plans.
Invites children to lay a solid biblical foundation and construct a personal relationship with God. Based Matthew 7:24.
Scope & Sequence follows the church year on a 3-year journey through the Bible with story-based experiences. (NRSV)
Leader Guides feature 13 step-bystep sessions
www.rhythms -of-grace.org
RIO deep and wide
David C. Cook http://rio.davidccook. com/rio/
Rite formation
Morehouse Education Resources (Episcopal) www.riteseries.org/fo rmation
Road to Rome
LeaderResources www.leaderresources .org
Rock Solid: Building a Heart for Faith
Cokesbury (United Methodist) www.IAmRockSolid. com
Sharon Ely Pearson
Teacher support
7
Lessons plans offer detail background for each session’s experience.
Format
Ages
Each session explores the story at learning centers choosing from a variety of sensory and tactile activities adapted to each theme. Leader Guide, Activity Pages, Break Out Cards to customize a lesson, Big Bible Panorama, Family Cards, Posters, DVD, online resources On-line, downloadable
Varies – constructed to accommodate those who have special needs and their families but can be used with all children Early elementary, Elementary and Preteen levels
$30.00 Book
All ages
Drama, snacks, Jewish and early Christian worship, building a diorama, playing games and much more. Multi-sensory activities, crafts, stories & games supplemented by an interactive website for kids
5th & 6th Grade with intergenerational possibilities
Based on ASA (by $159–499 annual access) of unlimited usage or single element, session Downloadable $129.95
Ages 3-12 in several formats: group graded or multi-age children in a one-room setting
Cost / Usability
$129.99 per age level
Quarterly (dated): $7.30 Leader $5.65 Storybook $16.95 Resource $3.60 Brain Pak $9.99 Music CD
Copyright © April 2012. Church Publishing Incorporated. All rights reserved.
2012 Curriculum Overview for Children’s Formation & Education Curriculum
Publisher (Denomination)
Rooted
Group Publishing (Independent) www.group.com
Seasons of the Spirit (Encore)
Wood Lake Books, (Ecumenical)
Seedlings
Seedlings, Inc. (Episcopal)
www.spiritseasons.co m
www.seedlingsinc.co m
SPARK
Augsburg-Fortress (ELCA) www.activatefaith.or g
Splash!
Augsburg-Fortress (ELCA) www.augsburgfortres s.org/education/splas h
The Sunday Paper and The Sunday Paper Junior
The Sunday Paper (Independent/Episc opal – written by Gretchen WolffPritchard) www.the-sundaypaper.com/
Sharon Ely Pearson
Foundation Statement
Content & Articulation
Teacher support
Format
Use key stories of the Bible to help people enter into a relationship with Christ and then live in Christ. Discover God’s love for each one of us and understand that He sent Jesus to make it possible for us to be in relationship with Him. Empower all ages to be transformed in Christ as they explore the Bible, worship, service and ministry …for small churches… flexible…Biblically based…in the Episcopal tradition Spark empowers kids' creativity & imagination as they explore Scripture through exciting activities that reinforce the lessons. Congregations stay connected to young children and their families.
1 year Scope & Sequence of 13 customizable lessons for basic discipleship, new believers, outreach follow-up, missions, home churches and church plants 25% OT 75% NT (NLT) Lectionary & ecumenical using the Revised Common Lectionary (NRSV) 4 year cycle (36-40 lessons) gives an introduction to all the major Bible stories Lectionary: 3 year cycle of RCL (NT) Classroom: 80 lessons over 2 years (OT/NT) Rotation: 8 workshop options (48 stories) The monthly Parent Pages offer ideas for faith-filled play, worship, meals, and prayer together. Lectionary-based; Paper: Gospel focused with OT & Psalm Junior: Gospel Line drawings with activity page and commentary Episcopal & RCL
Downloadable and customizable (3045 minute sessions); designed to be facilitated by 1 leader
Lesson plans with coloring sheets; Also in Spanish and Chinese
Complete lesson plans and extensive website support and chat-rooms
Multi-media, drama, music, stories, art, outreach & mission Clean art, messy art, Bible search, drama, music, stories Multiple options: downloadable, print, subscription depending on articulation chosen Each Splash! Pack contains twelve issues of Parent Pages and a music CD Church (worship bulletin), home, nursery, or classroom
Informal, whimsical, and faithful to Scripture. Helps children to acquire a vocabulary of Scriptural images, relate Gospel to the OT, the Church, & their own lives."
8
2 page lesson plan includes goals, background, and resource ideas Leader’s Guide (downloadable or print); on-line lesson prep videos Monthly mailing newsletter for parents None
Ages 1st – 6th grade Youth & Adults
Cost / Usability Quarterly: $24.99 Leader $5.99 Coloring Creations Ancillaries tied into Hands-On Bible Curriculum
All ages: Preschool - Adult
Broadly graded for preschool-Grade 6 Age 2 – Grade 6
3 age ranges: 1-12 months, 13-24 months, 25-36 months Junior: Preschool – Grade 4 Paper: Intermediate – Grade 8
$125 per level all year (web) Per quarter: $58 (web) $67 (print) DATED $50.00 per year $10.00 per unit UNDATED $34.99 Rotation $7.99 Leader $4.99 Learner $14.99 Pack $12.99 DVD Each pack is $10.99-15.99 depending on number ordered UNDATED Annually: $76.00 each (email) or $105 (hard copy) $96.00/$132.00 both DATED
Copyright © April 2012. Church Publishing Incorporated. All rights reserved.
2012 Curriculum Overview for Children’s Formation & Education Curriculum
Publisher (Denomination)
Walk With Me
Faith Alive Resources (Reformed) www.WalkWithMeO nline.org
Weaving God’s Promises
Morehouse Education Resources (Episcopal) www.WeavingGodsP romises.org
We Believe
Congregational Ministries Publishing (Presbyterian) www.pcusa.org/webe lieve/
The Best of Whole People of God Online
Wood Lake Publishing (Independent)
Witness
Augsburg Fortress (ELCA) www.augsburgfortr ess.org/learning/su ndayschool/witness
www.wholepeopleof god.com
Sharon Ely Pearson
Foundation Statement We aim to be faithful to Scripture and to make the Reformed faith come alive in our everyday experiences as children of God. An Episcopal Biblebased program rooted in the liturgical year with emphasis on worship, education and service as the threefold components of Christian living. Created specifically for Presbyterians, focuses on Reformed heritage. In different ways, each age level includes content from Reformed creeds, confessions, catechisms and statements of faith. A simple, easy-to-use curriculum for your entire Christian Education family. To give students a solid foundation of Biblical knowledge with the practical ways to share their faith in daily life: to know the Word, grow in faith, show service
Content & Articulation
Teacher support
Format
Ages
Cost / Usability
Two-year Scope & Sequence for K-5 OT: 1st year NT: 2nd year Three-year for grades 6-8 (Also in Braille) 3-year Scope & Sequence of 36-47 lessons per year 25% OT 44% NT 29% Liturgical
Complete lesson plan for 45 minutes with website assistance
Memory activities, worship, activity, song
Closely graded for K/4 – Grade 8
Complete, downloadable lesson plan with extensive teacher background and activities
Ages 3-11 and suitable for multiple ages gathered together
Scope & Sequence quarterly with 13 lessons per quarter
Leader Guides with specific plans; online training, downloads and newsletter
Prayer, story, multiple activities according to age level, connections to Episcopal traditions and seasons Traditional classroom or Workshop model; variety of activities, posters, downloads, home pages
Per quarter: $23.99 Teacher $112.95 Resource Box $9.29 Student $14.49 CD DATED Based on AWA: $150 - $499
Workshop Rotation and Confirmation tracks also available
All ages: toddlers adults
Downloadable UNDATED $29.95 Teacher $17.95 Color Pak $15.95 CD DATED $99.95 Workshop Format per unit
Lectionary based
Downloadable plans and Weekly Tip Newsletter
Materials for classrooms, worship, home
All ages
Two-year undated quarterly using scripture metaphorically Old Testament 33% New Testament 67%
Material prep and detailed printed dialogue for teachers to have with students
Variety of activities are simple with a hands-on approach
Closely graded – ages 2-8th grade
$123 and up Annual subscription (Sept-August) on church size Semester: $7.49 Teacher $28.49 Starter Kit $6.99 Learner UNDATED
9
Copyright © April 2012. Church Publishing Incorporated. All rights reserved.
2012 Curriculum Overview for Children’s Formation & Education Curriculum
Publisher (Denomination)
Foundation Statement
Workshop Rotation Model (WoRM)
Various publishers www.rotation.org
Worship for Life
Logos Productions (Ecumenical)
Concentrates on major stories of the Bible or themes over and over following workshop/ centers following Howard Gardiner’s multiple intelligences To provide resources that engage all ages in understanding the parts of a worship service and in integrating their renewed appreciation of worship into congregational life. Presents a joyful way for children to worship God. It invites children and adults to experience the wonder and mystery of God through a unique storytelling format and multi-sensory materials.
See below for additional links
www.worship4life. net
Young Children and Worship
Independent (associated with Reformed Church traditions, including PCUSA & Disciples of Christ) www.childrenandw orhship.org
Content & Articulation Workshop units / cycles run for 4-7 weeks
A resource collection of multidimensional materials: 14 books (13 units – 19 lessons each), each focusing on a different aspect of worship and its elements Montessori-based OT & NT
Teacher support
Format
Ages
Cost / Usability
Teachers repeat the same lesson every week of a cycle – on a topic / skill they enjoy
Experiential: art, music, storytelling, drama, computers, movies, etc.
Closely graded or broadly graded, depending on space and number of children
Per unit / cycle: $15.00 – 150.00
Leader’s Guide; lesson plan follows a consistent format
In print or CD format; on-line component and website resources
Designed for K-5 but adaptable for all ages
13 units & Leader’s Guide w/music CD $199
Story scripts in two books: “Young Children and Worship” and “Following Jesus” by Sonja Stewart (with Jerome Berryman in 1st book)
Experiential responses to storytelling (see Godly Play)
3-7 years; worship center
$24.95 per book
UNDATED
CODES: • •
Coloring coding: Yellow – Children; Blue – Tweens; Orange – All ages – many including adult ASA = Average Sunday Attendance – AWA = Average Worship Attendance
NOTES: • Workshop Rotation Model programs: o Cokesbury’s Power XPress – www.cokesbury.com (United Methodist) o Cornerstones – www.cstones.com (independent) o LeaderResources’ WorkshopCycles – www.leaderresources.org/workshopcycles (Episcopal) o Logos Productions’ Come Join the Circle – www.logosproductions.com (ecumenical) o Potter’s Workshop – www.potters-workshops.com (independent) o Augsburg’s Firelight – www.augsburgfortress.com/firelight (ELCA) o Augsburg’s Spark – www.wearesparkwarehouse.org (ELCA) o Riteformation has templates for designing your own Rotation Model, tapping into hundreds of resources www.riteseries.org/formation Sharon Ely Pearson
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Copyright © April 2012. Church Publishing Incorporated. All rights reserved.
2012 Curriculum Overview for Children’s Formation & Education •
•
Bible Translations: o NRSV – New Revised Standard Version o CEV – Contemporary English Version o TEV – Today’s English Version o GNB – Good News Bible o NKJV / KJV – New King James Version / King James Version o NLT – New Living Translation (paraphrased) o NIV – New International Version o CEB – Common English Bible Prices may change after date this listing was compiled
For updated overviews of curricula for children, youth & adults and more in-depth reviews, see Building Faith’s website www.buildfaith.org/resource-room/curriculum-center/ For more information or questions regarding this chart contact Sharon Ely Pearson
[email protected] QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN CHOOSING CURRICULUM: • How does the program support your church’s mission statement? • What type of curriculum is best for my church and/or children? (Lectionary, workshop rotation, story-based, Montessori, etc.?) • How are sacraments taught / covered? Is this in keeping with my denomination’s tradition? • How is Jesus portrayed? God? The Holy Spirit? Is this in keeping with my denomination’s tradition? • How are children incorporated into the life of the congregation: through worship, service projects, outreach and fellowship?
Sharon Ely Pearson
11
Copyright © April 2012. Church Publishing Incorporated. All rights reserved.
