Curriculum Catalog - Presbyterian Mission Agency

Curriculum Catalog
2015–2016
1
Supporting You Is Our Mission
Growing in Grace & Gratitude Helpline
Toll-Free 1.800.728.7228 ex. 8100
Dial this number to receive support and learn how to make the
most of your new curriculum. Our staff is available to assist you
Monday to Friday. Voice mail is always available and we promise
to respond within 24 hours on the next business day.
“With thoughtful biblical background for the teacher
and age-appropriate learning activities, children will
grow in their understanding of God’s grace as it is
revealed through biblical stories.”
—Elizabeth F. Caldwell,
McCormick Theological Seminary
Email Us Your Questions
[email protected]
Customer Service
Our representatives are available to help you make the right
purchasing decisions for your church setting. Representatives
are available at 1.800.533.4371 to answer inquires in English,
Spanish and Korean.
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shop pcusastore.com/curriculum. Online customer service
representatives are available to help you complete your purchase.
Web Site
growinggracegratitude.org
Visit our this curriculum website to find articles that will support
your Christian education ministry, music and audio files that
supplement weekly sessions and interactive activities for children.
Catalog Contents
Why Grace and Gratitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–5
Age Levels
Ages 3–5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Ages 5–7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Ages 8–10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Multiage (Ages 5–10). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Components of Growing in Grace & Gratitude. . . . . . . 8–9
Sample Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10–14
Children with Disabilities and Special Needs . . . . . . . . 15
Spanish Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Other Featured Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Ordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18–19
Growing in Grace & Gratitude
Core Values
Each session of Growing
in Grace & Gratitude is
rooted in Bible stories
that reveal God’s grace.
Children and their leaders
will celebrate the meaning
of this grace in their
lives as they encounter
a living God. Through
fun activities, prayer,
and singing, children will
gather in God’s grace and
learn to respond joyfully
in gratitude.
Rooted in the foundation of
Presbyterian identity where God’s grace
and our gratitude are the heartbeat of
our faith, life, and worship
Extends an invitation to discipleship that
inspires children to learn and practice
hospitality, generosity, and love
Reaches beyond Sunday morning,
encouraging children to live their lives
as an expression of God’s grace
Features
• Engaging Bible stories based on Scripture
reveal God’s grace
• Practices hospitality to all children, including
leader helps for children with special needs.
• Audio versions of all Bible stories bring God’s
word to life.
• Two formats available: print
and downloadable PDF
• Narrowly graded for children ages 3–10 as well
as a multiage option
• Interactive e-book for families to use at home
Growing In Grace & Gratitude Curriculum
Published by
Congregational Ministries Publishing
100 Witherspoon Street
Louisville, KY 40202
• Colorful illustrations spark imagination and
reveal God’s grace for us
• Music CD enhances weekly stories
• Available in English and Spanish
• And much more!
1.800.533.4371
2
growinggracegratitude.org
3
Why Grace & Gratitude
Educator: I have been hearing about grace and
gratitude as a way to articulate our faith as Reformed
Presbyterians. Would you tell me a more about this?
Editor: Our inability to articulate our identity is rooted
in our history. You can ask any group of pastors and elders,
“Why are we called Presbyterians?” Someone will answer
quickly, “Because we’re ruled by elders.” That’s the right
answer, of course, and it gets to an important affirmation
of the parity of teaching and ruling elders that is important
to us. Nonetheless, it doesn’t really answer the question.
Many church traditions have elders in their leadership but
don’t call themselves Presbyterians. Many churches have
presbyteries, or something very much like them, but don’t
call themselves Presbyterians. Most Reformed churches
around the world don’t call themselves Presbyterians. We’re
called Presbyterians because, at one point in our history, the
most significant ecclesial dispute was how the church was to
be governed.
The late 16th and early 17th centuries in England and
Scotland were a time of revolution against the monarchy
and vigorous, new debates about how people should
be governed. This discussion on governance spanned
both state and church. In political matters, some were
monarchists, some favored governance through elected
representatives, while others wanted a pure democracy.
In a parallel discussion in the church, some people
believed in government by bishops; others, government
by elders; and still others, government by the people of
the congregations—hence, the birth of Episcopalians,
Presbyterians, and Congregationalists. Reformed Christians
are known as Presbyterians only in England, Scotland,
and their descendants around the world. In this formative
period of our tradition, governance was the most important
question. The legacy of our origin means we often lead with
matters of polity to characterize identity. While this is true,
but it is hardly a vision that will fuel decades of ministry.
4
Educator: So grace and gratitude is our
Presbyterian identity?
Educator: What was the development process for
Growing in Grace & Gratitude?
Educator: How is this different than previous PC(USA)
denominational curricula?
Editor: What emerges from the core of our identity that
Editor: About eighteen months ago, the editorial staff
Editor: The key Bible stories that we want children to
compels us to practice Christian community, proclaim the
gospel, and work for justice? Grace and gratitude. Grace
and gratitude succinctly and winsomely describes the
charism, the gift of the Reformed tradition. Each tradition
has a gift that it offers to the church ecumenical. Grace
and gratitude is our gift to the wider church. Grace and
gratitude is our theological and spiritual vision. What is
our picture of God? The gracious one who comes to us in
creation, in the law, in the prophets, and ultimately in the
person of Jesus Christ. The God who sustains us with the
ongoing grace of the Holy Spirit. The God who calls us
through the church. The God who is for us.
The most profound articulation of this theological and
spiritual vision comes from the French baptismal liturgy
developed by the Huguenot church in the Reformation:
Little one, for you Jesus Christ came into the world:
for you he lived and showed God’s love;
for you he suffered the darkness of Calvary
and cried at the last, “It is accomplished”;
for you he triumphed over death and rose in newness
of life;
for you he ascended to reign at God’s right hand.
All this he did for you, little one,
though you do not know it yet.
And so the word of Scripture is fulfilled:
“We love because God loved us first.”
of Congregational Ministries Publishing was starting to
develop a new denominational children’s curriculum.
Since the development was in the infancy stages, we
were evaluating the direction the new curriculum should
take. We were certain that it needed to be more than just
informational. It needed to be transformational.
We were wrestling with how to develop a curriculum that
articulates our denominational identity while encouraging
young learners to practice Christian community, proclaim
the gospel, and work for justice.
When we heard about the idea of “grace and gratitude”
from our colleagues in the Office of Theology and Worship,
we knew it was our way forward. We could imagine a
curriculum that helps transform the lives of children and
those who love them, shaped by grace and gratitude.
know are similar to those in any church curriculum, but
how the session unfolds reveals the grace of God and our
gracious response.
For example, our previous curriculum is based on the
children’s catechism. To shape a session on the creation
story, we would use Question 7: “What did God create?
God created all that is, seen and unseen.” Children would
learn what God creates, but would they experience
transformation?
Growing in Grace & Gratitude focuses the session differently.
As you read the story of creation, you discover a glimpse
of God’s grace on the first page, hidden in one little word,
spoken repeatedly—good. God names creation, including
you, “good”; the Hebrew word tov means “beautiful,
bountiful, cheerful, fine, good, grace-filled.” God blesses
the creation by pronouncing it good. Through the session,
children will experience God’s grace as a human being,
created in God’s image, called to be a partner with God and
with others in fulfilling the purpose of creation: to glorify
God.
Same story, different emphasis—much more
transformational!
In grace and gratitude!
(French Reformed Church Baptismal Liturgy; Church of Scotland version)
5
Age Levels
Ages 3–5
They play and learn by pretending and mimicking what the
adults around them do. Young children learn about spiritual
matters the same way they learn about other things—through
relationships with caring persons, through their senses,
through hands-on experiences, through play, through curiosity.
While children this age are literal minded, Listening to stories
helps to spark a young imagination.
Ages 8–10
Are developing an understanding of abstract concepts. They
are able to solve problems more independently and modify
behavior based on consequences. They are growing in their
desire to join teams and groups and can appreciate how
God’s Word shapes the identity of members of the Body of
Christ. Through their love of questions and learning of God’s
grace, they can grow in their discipleship, inspired to practice
hospitality, generosity and love.
Ages 5–7
They enjoy engaging with other children rather than
just the adults around them. Children of this age
pretend and play more imaginative roles outside of
those they see in their caregivers. Their imaginations
inspire them to craft space ships, be explorers or
lions. Many children in this age group are able to
read, still at times they may struggle to understand
biblical concepts. Encouraged by a sense of wonder
at God’s amazing ways, they can be reassured of
God’s love for them a love that does not depend on
what they know or understand.
6
Multiage (Ages 5–10)
A multiage environment is a wonderful place for
children of various ages to grow in faith. Differences
in the experiences, knowledge, and abilities of the
children can be celebrated. It is a joy to observe older
children as they help their younger friends. They
do so with great pride. As we watch older children
respectfully interact with younger ones, we see their
potentials unfold. Younger children benefit by modeling
actions from their older peers.
growinggracegratitude.org
7
Components of Growing in Grace & Gratitude
Leader’s Material
Solid biblical and theological background for leaders is
found in the first section—Recognizing God’s Grace. The
weekly text is explored and helps to reveal God’s grace in
Scripture. Sections ‘In Your Children’s Experiences’ and ‘In
Your relationships with the Children’ provide leaders with
a clear understanding of the needs, abilities, and interest
of the children.
The leader’s material features easy-to-use session plans that
are organized in three parts—Gathering in God’s Grace,
Responding in Gratitude, and Loving and Serving God.
• Gathering in God’s Grace—Welcoming and preparing
children to hear God’s Word. This part of the session
includes singing and praying, as well as hearing and
reflecting on the week’s Bible story. It includes a handy,
comprehensive “you will need” list and a thumbnail
illustration of the Bible story in the sidebar.
• Responding in Gratitude—A selection of age-appropriate
activities for leader’s to choose based on the class size
and time remaining. Some activities require minimal
planning and preparation, while others are noted as
“More Prep” and will need advanced planning and/or
supplies.
• Loving and Serving God—This sending extends an
invitation to discipleship that inspires children and their
families to practice hospitality, generosity, and love.
The leader’s material is available in two formats: a printed
book or downloadable PDF.
Each Age-level purchase includes:
• Weekly leader material
• Reproducible Grace Notes*
• Weekly Grace Sightings (see page 9)
• Stories, Colors & More
• Free E-book version (see page 9)
• Audio version of the Bible story
Music & Melodies
This lively and kid-friendly CD includes sing-a-long songs
familiar to us all, as well as new tunes such as Growing in
Grace & Gratitude’s theme song, “We are Blessed to Be a
Blessing.”
Stories, Colors & More
Contains all the color resources needed for each weekly
session. This essential component of the Growing in Grace &
Gratitude curriculum is separated into three sections:
• Stories—Bible stories show colorful illustrations that
spark imagination and reveal God’s grace for us. Words
of the Bible stories are on the back, enabling leaders to
read each story without flipping pages.
• Colors—Colorful resources, such teaching pictures and
maps to use with children.
• & More—Music lyrics sheets and a Visual Schedule
for teachers and church leaders provides useful ideas
for involving children with disabilities and special
needs, essentially offering a safe place of belonging
and acceptance to children who may see themselves
as different from their peers. The Visual Schedule
touches on supporting children who have difficulty
communicating or transitioning, or trouble reading and/
or writing. It offers practical suggestions for working
with children who are visually impaired, deaf or hard
or hearing, and need mobility support. It also provides
tips on celebrating the strengths of children through
leadership, generosity, and fairness. Colorful icons are
incorporated in each weekly lesson of the Growing in
Grace & Gratitude Leader’s Material, offering ways to
adapt activities for children who have special needs or
disabilities.
Stories, Colors & More is included with the purchase of the
Leader’s Material.
Music & Melodies is available for purchase separately. We
recommend one CD per age level. “We are Blessed to Be a
Blessing” is available as a download on iTunes.
Grace Sightings
Online resources for children to do at home with their
parents or caregivers. It includes the story from the
week’s session and age-appropriate activities. With
Grace Sightings, sessions reach beyond Sunday morning,
encouraging children to live their lives as an expression
of God’s grace at home and at school.
E-book
A downloadable, interactive Growing in Grace & Gratitude e-book is available
free on iTunes for families to use at home. The e-book shares the same
colorful illustrations and Bible stories used in weekly sessions.
*Grace Notes, included in the leader’s material, are black
and white reproducible resource pages that provide
activities/crafts for the session.
8
growinggracegratitude.org
9
Multiage (Ages 5–10) Sample
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and cut out and glue the
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facial expression
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.
hold up SCM 4.
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GRATITUDE
t God welcomes
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prayers that are
RESPONDING IN
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them to participate
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iate ways their pra
thank God by inviting
children to nam
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© 2015 Congrega
for the time availabl
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Ask the children to
Prayers” or another
play “God Hears Our
6
Publishing
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© 2015 Congrega
Sidebar notes give
suggestions for activity
adaptation or additional
supportive information
11
Multiage (Ages 5–10) Sample
Sample
Publishing
Ages 6–10
Learning to Pray
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© 2015 Congreg
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7
Sample
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Cut out paper hands and glue them
to construction paper. Show the
children how the phrases can be used
to start their own prayers.
When the children have finished,
ask them to take a moment to pray
with their prayer hands. Encourage
them to share the prayer hands
with their families. Suggest they set
family prayer times.
9
Encourage the children to create motion
s appropriate to the words.
Ask the pastor or worship committee
to let the children lead the rap
in an upcoming worship service.
Offering God’s Grace
Help the children make prayer prompt
s to offer to their families. Invite
them to trace their hands on paper.
Suggest that they write a few
words to prompt their prayers:
In the palm: Pray for . . .
On the thumb: family and friends
On the first finger: people in the world
On the middle finger: people who
lead and help
On the ring finger: people who are
sick or injured
On the little finger: my thanks and
needs
Ages 6–10
LOVING AND SERVING GOD
Invite the children to gather. Ask them
to think of people they will
pray for in the week ahead.
Explain that the group will make balloon
prayers. Give everyone a
piece of paper and a pencil or crayon
. Ask each child to write a
short prayer or draw a picture of a
prayer.
Tie string to the balloons, and tape
the prayers to the string.
Gather in a circle. Invite each person
to say the prayer on the balloon.
Prompt the group to respond to each
prayer with “Lord, hear our
prayer.”
Challenge the children to give their
balloon prayers to the people they
are praying for this week.
As they depart, give each child a blessin
g. Say to each one: “(Name),
the grace of God is with you.”
Extends the invitation to
discipleship beyond the session,
inspiring children to live as an
expression of God’s grace
© 2015 Congregational Ministrie
s Publishing
8
Pray
ing to
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Learn Luke 18:9–14
GN 1
God is / with us all the / time.
God / hears the words we / share.
God / loves every / one of us.
God / lis-tens to our / prayers.
d on
(Base
1
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We can / pray with / whis-pers.
We can / pray with a / song.
We can / pray when we’re / sick.
We can / pray when we’re / strong
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Ages 6–10
We can / pray in the / morn-ing.
We can / pray at / night.
We can / pray when we’re / close.
And when we’re / out of / sight.
You may choose to make
a sample of your hand as
a guide.
God Hears
Our Prayer
s—MM
Publishing
balloons in the air, with everyone
helping keep them afloat.
When the music stops, each child
will catch one balloon. Point out the
chart with the color code. Explain
that each child will lead a short
prayer, according to his or her balloon
color. For example, a child
holding a blue balloon thanks God
for something and the group
responds, “Thank you, God.”
Give each child an inflated balloon
. Play and pause the music several
times, repeating the color prayers
each time.
Close the prayer time by saying, “In
Jesus’ name, we pray,” and
prompt the children to respond, “Amen
.”
Praying God’s Grace
Teach the children a rap about prayer
by saying one line at a time
and encouraging them to follow along.
Boldface type indicates the
downbeat:
Colorful illustrations spark imagination
s
ational Ministrie
© 2015 Congreg
Varying activity sheets
suit a wide range of
learning styles
Grace Notes indicate a
reproducible page­—copy
as many as you need for
your class
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prayers,
prayers,
prayers,
God loves u
s so much.
Lyric sheets provide words
to songs found on the
Music & Melodies CD
Bible stories are the
foundation of the session,
and are presented in ways
that reveal God’s grace.
13
Ages 3–5 Sample
Sample Sunday
Ages 3–4 (5)
Learning to Pray
Help the children learn to pray
assurance in God’s grace.
..
RECOGNIZING GOD’S GRACE .
with
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Guided play sparks
experiential learning
and promotes children’s
development
Movement and motion-based
activities support the development
of motor skills in young children
Ages 3–4 (5)
E
. . . In Luke 18:9–14
in spite of, rather than because Sample Sunday
to all people, Pray
stress that God’s grace is open
to
Learning
favor.
The Bible and our Reformed tradition
have enough within us to gain God’s
No matter who we are, we never
of, their position and status in life.
is already with us.
gain God’s favor. God’s favor or grace
to
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blanket or individual mats for
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copies of Grace Notes
will be to the door.
their backs
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(GN) 1–4
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because he worked for the despised
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the children by name and the words, “Grace and peace to you.”
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in God’s love. No matter who weto send the Grace
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offer praise, confession, supplicati Prompt the children to respond with the same words.
approach the throne of grace toSightings
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Introduce yourself to parents/caregivers that you do not know
parents/caregivers to
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for the link
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children.
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and youth who tell them about God
acceptance from you and other adults to the parents/caregivers that the children will hear a story
experience unconditional love and
Explain
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news
pray.
forgiving
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learn
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and model
about
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otherprayer
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suggested
do everything
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the Childre
with Scripture,
to play with blocks and building toys.
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every session
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children ask their questions, connect
real
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what
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people
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pray? When? What do you like to talk
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and what is phony. They learn more
grace calls for humility and
about?
to GodGod’s
resonance with the parable’s message—
stance before God will evoke in them
of GN 1, 2, and 3 and crayons. Invite
Drawing—Provide copies
and formats
gratitude.
l, and use a variety of styles
pictures of themselves praying in each
prayers short, positive, meaningfu the children to draw
Help the children learn to pray. Keep
and interests. Affirm that prayerchild to imagine what he or she
sorrows,
location. As they draw, ask each
talk to God about everyday joys,
over
for prayer. Encourage children to
want to connect with God and talk
or crisis. Prayer is for any time we is praying about and write the prayer on each sheet.
forms.
isn’t just for times of great sadness
many
take
can
prayer
that
sure to let children know
Singing—Provide downloaded song and music player. Tell the
what is happening in our lives. Be
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Ages 3–4 (5)
Learning to Pray
Publishing
Learning to Pray
Sample Sunday
E
Hearing the Story
Light the candle, saying, “Jesus Christ is the light of the world.”
Prompt the children to say “light” with you.
Open the Bible to Luke 18 and point out that the story comes from the
Bible.
Explain that the story is about two of God’s children. One is happy,
Create a grace-filled
one is sad. Both of them pray to God.
facial
t by
Read SCM 1. Express the story’s emotions in your voice,environmen
speaking the children’s
expressions, and movements.
names
often.
“Amen.”
say,
to
children
the
Conclude the story by prompting
you
with
it
sing
Play “God Hears Our Prayers.” Invite the children to
as a response to the story. Encourage them to make simple motions
Transitions can be difficult for children. Do not force reluctant children
to join a group activity. Instead, allow them to observe quietly or to
listen to a story read by an adult helper.
© 2015 Congregational Ministries Publishing
as they sing.
Explain that as children of God’s grace, we and all people can pray at
any time, in any place, and in many ways; we can pray when we are
happy, sad, or mad; we can pray with our bodies and our voices.
3
Praying with Our Bodies
Invite the children to pray with their bodies. Repeat as desired.
Grace Notes 1
l Ministries Publishing
© 2015 Congregationa
Ages 3–4(5)
Making Praying Hands
Invite the children to make prayer reminders. Give each child a paper
plate and copies of GN 4.
Fold the paper plate in half. Help the children trace around both
hands with the palms along the fold on the back of the plate.
Color the figures on GN 4.
© 2015 Congregational Ministries Publishing
5
Praying with Our Feelings
Invite the children to sing to the tune of “If You’re
Happy and You
Know It.” Brainstorm with the children to come
4 additional
up with
feelings to add to the song.
If you’re happy and you know it, talk to God!
If you’re happy
and you know it, talk to God! (Make a happy
face; put your
hands together as if you are praying.)
For God is always there, and listens to our prayers!
(Nod your head; hold your hand to your ear.)
If you’re happy and you know it, talk to God!
Sample Sunday
E
Other stanzas:
If you’re angry and you know it, talk to God!
. . . (Make an
angry face; put your hands together as if you are
praying.)
If you’re sad and you know it, talk to God! . .
. (Make a sad
face; put your hands together as if you are praying.)
If you’re scared and you know it, talk to God!
. . . (Make a
scared face; put your hands together as if you
are praying.)
Snack and Closing
Have each child put away one toy or object. Invite
them to sit around
a table or on a clean cloth on the floor.
Sit down and breathe deeply several times to
relax. Watch as the
children imitate you.
Say: “Who has a thank-you prayer to say to God?
A thank-you about
your family? About your friends? About our time
together today?
About the food we will eat?”
Add your own thank-you prayer, echoing what
the children have
named. Prompt everyone to say, “Amen.”
Play “Jesus Loves Me” together (downloaded
song) while you share
the snack. Encourage children to sing along.
Invite the children to remember to pray throughout
the week when
they are happy and not so happy, and to pray
for their friends and
family.
As the children leave, say to each one: “(Name),
God loves you very
much. The grace of God is with you.”
8
© 2015 Congregational Ministries Publishing
Welcoming
Guided
Play
Getting
Ready for
Story Time
Story Time
SCM 11
Have the group sit in a circle. Prompt the children
to say the word
“grace.” Tell them that it is a happy word. Grace
is another way of
saying God loves us and all people. Invite the
children to say how
much God loves them and their families and
friends.
Ask the children, “Who is a child of grace?” Prompt
the children to
respond, “We are,” I am,” and “You are.”
Roll an inflateable ball from yourself to a child
and say: “I roll the Ages 3–4 (5)
ball to (name
of child),
a child of grace.”
Learning
to Pray
Sample Sunday
That child in turn rolls the ball back to you or
to someone else, and
says: “I roll the ball to (name), a child of grace.”
Repeat.
Remind the children that we can pray when we
are sad, mad, or glad.
Cut
out
Pray: “Dear God, thankthe
andus.
glue
youfigures
for loving
plate.
In inside
Jesus’ the
name.
Encourage the children to show their familiesAmen.”
their prayer reminders
and to place the praying hands in a visible place
to remind the
entire family to pray.
Thank you, God, for things that fly high, (Stretch hands high
© 2015 Congregational Ministries Publishing
into the air; stand on your tiptoes.)
For things that crawl low on the ground. (Bend down; stretch
your fingers toward the ground.)
and sweep it
out
arm
one
(Reach
families!
our
for
Thank you
across your body.)
Thank you for our friends! (Reach your other arm out and
sweep it across your body.)
Thank you for hearing our prayers—(Put hand to ear.)
When we feel mad, (Make mad face.)
or sad, (Make sad face.)
or glad. (Make happy face.)
In Jesus’ name. (Everyone hold hands.)
Amen.
Your Weekly
Visual Schedule
Growing in Grace & Gratitude supports an environment that helps children
of all abilities experience God’s grace.
• Children with Disabilities and Special Needs Support Glossary help
leaders become familiar with the developmental terms, descriptions
and provides ideas for enabling all children to participate in various
activities. Icons from the glossary and notes about specific needs
printed in italics are scattered throughout each session.
• The Visual Schedule helps children move through the session
providing clear expectations and visual cues for the group.
By consistently and lovingly using these tools, leaders will help their faith
community to discover and practice grace-filled ways to be the body of
Christ with and for all children.
E
Adapt any activity to suit your children’s needs. Ask yourself, “How
can I change this activity so that this child can do it?”
14
Child of God, child of grace, turn around. (Turn
around in
place.)
Child of God, child of grace, touch the ground.
(Touch the
floor in front of you.)
Child of God, child of grace, reach up high. (Reach
arms high
above your head.)
Child of God, child of grace, wink one eye. (Wink
one eye.)
Child of God, child of grace, climb the stairs.
(Use arms and
legs to pretend to climb.)
Child of God, child of grace, say your prayers.
(Fold hands in
front of you.)
Child of God, child of grace, touch your nose.
(Touch your
nose.)
Child of God, child of grace, touch your toes.
(Reach down
and touch your toes.)
Child of God, child of grace, turn around. (Turn
around in
place.)
Child of God, child of grace, sit right down.
(Sit down.)
Ages 3–4 (5)
children that we can pray through singing. Play “God Hears Our
all humility.
actions in
are on SCM 2) for the children. Invite them to
(words
words, and my Prayers”
Holy God, guide my thoughts, my
them to create
In Christ’s name. Amen. sing it with you, one verse at a time. Encourage
simple motions to accompany their singing.
2
© 2015 Congregational Ministries
E
Preparing for Story Time
When you sense the children are ready to move
into group time, call
them to the story corner.
Take some time introducing the children to the
idea of grace through
your gracious and generous demeanor.
Lead the children in a motion poem. (Adapted
from “Teddy Bear
Teddy Bear, Turn Around.”)
J
Z
Z
Z
Sample Sunday
Children with Disabilities
and Special Needs
6
l Needs
Children with Disabilities and Specia
Support Map
Movement
others. Setting
Some children need to move more than
can allow the
boundaries for appropriate movement
while also
teacher to meet the needs of the classroom
place on the
meeting the needs of the child. Mark a
that the
floor with tape, a mat, or a pillow. Be clear
s having
Sometime
child can move within this space.
can be helpful.
two spots (chairs and pillows or mats)
Transitions
the class,
Children’s behavior can challenge us, disrupt
about what you
and lead to unsafe situations. Be clear
don’t want
you
If
activity.
the
do
you
before
expect
are in a circle,
children to touch one another while they
Clear
tell them that before they touch one another.
rules are in the
expectations let children know what the
is a great
classroom. Using the included visual schedule
a visual cue for
way to provide clear expectations and
children to remember.
Supporting Children Who Have
Difficulty Communicating
to parents and caregivers about alternative
out
Reach
Learning
forms of communication used by children.
, becoming
a few words in American Sign Language
ication
familiar with Picture Exchange Commun
other
System, or exploring how to support with
assistive technologies are examples of showing
give children
Tactile Defensiveness
hospitality to the children. In addition,
children,
some
objects such time to respond and to share; for
Sometimes children struggle with textured
some children, listening and speaking may take longer.
as glue, clay, finger paint, and chalk. For
encourage
textures create real anxiety. Allow and
and
Food Allergies
children to explore textures without pressure,
hands right
Post
provide opportunities to wash or wipe
Remove all food products containing allergens.
find a
Have all
away. For children who struggle with texture,
signs to help people remember the allergy.
getting their
avoid triggering
way to participate in the activity without
children wash their hands and faces to
r.
timekeepe
a
hands dirty, such as being
a reaction.
children. Clear
Transition times provide a challenge to
help with
expectations, follow-through, and routine
for some
those times, but they may not be enough
transitions,
children. For children who struggle with
as doing chair
consider quick physical activities—such
and
push-ups, squeezing your hands together,
.
stretching—before or after the transition
Adapting Activities
or
You can adapt an activity by process, product,
is done, what
environment—the way that something
Giving extra
is done, or the setting in which it is done.
of
example
an
is
support in the completion of a task
make something
changing the process; having children
product.
different is an example of changing the
this,” think,
Instead of thinking, “This child can’t do
this child can
“How can I change this activity so that
do it?”
© 2015 Congregational Ministries
SCM 12
Behavior
Listening
instructions can
Attending to a story or comprehending
with attention.
be a challenge for children who struggle
y, clear
Supporting these children requires consistenc
hints that may
expectations, and organization. Some
ns before
help include clearly communicating expectatio
providing
ding,
understan
the activity, checking for
ns, building
visual support as well as verbal instructio
g transitions.
movement into activities, and supportin
Children with Disabilities and Special Needs
Support Map
Leadership and Generosity
Focus on the strengths of the children, and learn to
see them as gifted members of your community. Look
for opportunities for them to express generosity. Offer
them ways to practice leadership, such as passing out
items, holding visual aids, helping other children, or
serving as the example in games and activities.
Supporting Children Who Have
Difficulty with Reading and Writing
Whenever children read aloud, ask for volunteers.
Calling on a child who does not read at grade level may
make him or her feel embarrassed and unwelcomed.
Always encourage children to write or draw pictures as
part of their responses. Children then can share their
drawings.
Supporting Children with
Mobility Supports
As you set up, think about ample space between
furniture to maneuver a wheelchair or walker. Think
about materials and how they are positioned. Doing a
roll-through in a wheelchair or walker can be a helpful
way to make sure that your room setup is accessible.
Think about including your children who use assistive
devices. For example, seating all children on chairs or
placing materials for a game on a table instead of on
the floor are simple ways to create a more welcoming
community.
Activities
Visual Impairment/Blindness
Talk with parents, caregivers, and children about the
strengths and abilities of the child as well as the best
ways to offer support. Large print or special lighting
may allow full access to the materials. Talk with parents
or caregivers about the use of the copy machine or
scanned images and a computer or tablet to enlarge
print. Encourage children to describe their pictures
and other creations in words as they share them.
Snack
and
Closing
Deaf / Hard of Hearing
To create a welcoming environment for children who
are deaf or have difficulty hearing, provide visual
supports, such as written instructions and copies of
the stories told. Employ an interpreter, and encourage
children and adults in the community to learn to
communicate through American Sign Language. Limit
background noise. Face a person before speaking.
Become familiar with children who use assistive
technology. Be sure to check with parents or caregivers
of children who use cochlear implants or hearing aids
about any special considerations.
Fairness
To make every child feel welcomed and successful,
think about fairness in a different light. Fairness is not
every child getting the same thing; it is every child
getting what she or he needs.
Ask for Help
A team approach to including people with disabilities in your congregation
helps build understanding and knowledge in the congregation, provides
support for the child and family, and makes including all of God’s children
in church school an attainable goal.
Publishing
© 2015 Congregational Ministries Publishing
growinggracegratitude.org
15
Spanish Language
Other Featured Resources
Growing in Grace & Gratitude is
also Crecemos en gracia y gratitud!
Faith Questions
Where did the Bible come from?
Why do we need so many versions of the Bible?
Do we take the Bible literally?
Question s
Grace and Gratitude
Developed and produced in both English and Spanish languages
concurrently, Growing in Grace & Gratitude provides opportunities
for faith formation in multiple contexts­—cultural and otherwise.
Find these questions and more in
the four-session study The Bible.
This four-session study for youth explores the questions: “What
is Grace?,” “Why Do I Need Grace?,” “Does Grace Mean I Can
DoAnything I Want To?,” and “How Does God’s Grace Change
My Life?”
You CAN
Leave Hanging!
Faith Questions Poster
Set
Decorate your youth
room
with this thought-provoking or church school
set of four
24" x 30" full-color
posters inspired by
questions posed
by youth.
Titles include: “What’s
“Ask Tough Questions,”YOUR Question?”
“No Question Is
Off-Limits,”
and “Search. Question.
Know.”
Faith Questions studies encourage
young people to look to Scripture,
as well as our faith tradition, in
relevant and responsive ways.
670550
$16.95
For more information
or to place an order,
visit pcusa.org/webelieve
$15.95 • 670505
Crecemos en gracia y gratitud is available for the following age levels,
for all quarters:
Ages 3–5
Multiage (Ages 5–10)
Faith Questions studies are based on faith questions asked by
Presbyterian youth. Each session encourages young people to
look to Scripture, as well as our faith tradition, in relevant and
responsive ways.
690509$15.95
Es una bendición para la niñez de nuestra denominación contar con un
currículo como lo es Crecemos en gracia y gratitud. Que importante es que
nuestra niñez reciba enseñanza cristiana basada en nuestras creencias,
edificando una base en los comienzos de su vida cristiana. Que hermoso
es que puedan aprender de gracia, bondad, gratitud; creencias que han de
moldear sus vidas, con experiencias variadas, interesantes y pertinentes.
or call 800.524.2612.
The Bible
ISBN 978-1571531759
51495
670502
670505
IN WHITE PLEASE
9 781571 531759
Also available:
Understanding the Bible • 690511
Temptation • 690510
Justice • 690508
Money • 690506
Politics • 690505
War • 690504
Faith and Science • 690503
Sacraments • 690502
End Times • 690501
New Testament • 680509
Christianity and . . . • 680508
Prayer • 680507
I Believe • 680506
Gospels • 680505
Reformed Theology • 680504
Deep and Wide • 680503
Called • 680502
Old Testament • 680501
Heaven and Hell • 670509
Holy Spirit • 670508
Forgiveness • 670507
Jesus Christ • 670506
Being Presbyterian • 670504
God’s Creation • 670503
Church • 670502
God • 670501
Order today! pcusastore.com or (800) 533-4371
Being Reformed Series
Being Reformed studies provide adults with a foundational
understanding of our Reformed faith. Each six-session study
features Scripture, a prayer, in-depth commentary, and questions
for reflection.
Look for Faith Questions on Facebook!
Grace and Gratitude
Recognizing God’s Grace
Louis B. Weeks
Recognizing God’s Grace, Louis B. Weeks
Through Scripture, history, theology, and practical life examples,
this study looks at grace in the Bible, throughout Christian history,
and through Reformed understandings.
Participant’s Book: 690730 $4.95
Leader’s Guide: 680729
$8.95
It is a blessing for the children of our denomination to have such a
curriculum as Growing in Grace & Gratitude. It is important for our
children to receive Christian teaching based on our beliefs, building a base
at the beginning of their Christian lives. How beautiful it is that they can
learn grace, kindness, gratitude; beliefs that will shape their lives, with
varied, interesting and relevant experiences.
Participant’s Book
Grace & Gratitude
Grace and Gratitude, Charles A. Wiley
Anc. Florence Vargas
Miembro del Comité asesor para el trabajo con el ministerio hispano/latino
IP (EE. UU.) (Ruling Elder and member of the Advisory Committee for the
Offices that work with Hispanic/Latino Ministry)
Participant’s Book: 680814
Leader’s Guide: 680813
$4.95
$8.95
coming
soon
Charles A. Wiley
Participant’s Book
16
crecegraciagratitud.org
pcusastore.com
17
How to Order
1
Choose the resources that
are RIGHT for your church.
Age levels:
Ages 3–5
Ages 5–7
Ages 8–10
Multiage (Ages 5–10)
Each Age-level purchase includes:
•Weekly leader material
•Reproducible Grace Notes
•Weekly Grace Sightings
•Stories, Colors & More
•Free E-book version (available on iTunes)
•Audio version of the Bible story
Music & Melodies
Audio CD (one per age level)
Choose the format that
is RIGHT for your church.
2
• Choose the products and age-levels that you would like to
order. Choose the 9-month subscription for the best value.
Only Ages 3–5 and Multiage (Ages 5–10) are available to
order during the summer quarter.
• Choose the format that best serves your church. Ordering
your materials in the downloadable format provides
immediate access and offers the lowest price. If downloading
and printing are a challenge for your church, choose the
printed format for a small premium. Both the downloadable
format and the printed leader materials include a free
Stories, Colors & More with each age-level purchase.
(For the downloadable format, the Stories, Colors & More
is shipped each quarter).
Pricing
Choose how you would
like to order.
3
To place your order online you will need the following
information:
• Church name, address, and phone number.
• The address you would like all printed material
sent to (this includes Stories, Colors and More and
Music & Melodies CDs for children’s age levels), if
different than the billing address.
• A credit card number with expiration date and
CVC code, correct billing address and contact
information, or your church’s PIN number.
To place your order by phone:
Follow the steps 1 and 2 and then call 800.533.4371.
Quarterly Pricing
(Fall, Winter, Spring, *Summer)
Per Age-level:
Printed $55
Downloadable format $50
9-Month Subscription
(Fall, Winter, Spring)
Per Age-level:
Printed
Downloadable format
$130
$120
Music & Melodies (Annual CD)
$20
NEED HELP ORDERING?
Help is just a phone call or e-mail away. For help
ordering online or accessing materials already purchased
call 800.533.4371 or e-mail customer_service@
wjkbooks.com. Our customer service representatives are
available Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm EST. If you are
calling outside of these hours, your call will be returned
within 24 hours on the next business day.
*Ages 3–5 and Multiage (Ages 5–10) only
For downloadable format:
growinggracegratitude.org
4
• Go to pcusastore.com/curriculum and click the
Growing in Grace & Gratitude tab.
• Choose the downloadable resources you would like
to order.
• After you have finished choosing all the resources you
wish to purchase, proceed to checkout.
• You will then be directed to create an account. Note, if
you have previously registered on pcusastore.com, use
the user name and password previously established. If
you forget your log-in information, click on the “forgot
my password” button.
• Once you have created your account, you will be
directed to the billing page. You may use a credit card
or choose the “bill my church” option. If you choose
to bill your church, the downloads will be accessible
72 hours after your order has been placed and billing
information has been verified. (See estimated online
dates below.) Credit card purchases ensure immediate
access to the resources.
• Once your order has been placed, the printed Stories,
Colors & More, or Music & Melodies CD that you may
have ordered will be shipped to you (or the designated
shipping address provided). These printed resources
will be shipped on a quarterly basis.
For printed format:
Follow directions provided for online ordering and simply
choose the printed format listed in each age-level category.
Estimated shipping dates:
Fall
July 15, 2015
Winter
October 15, 2015
Spring
January 15, 2016
Summer
April 15, 2016
(Additional Stories, Colors & More are available
for $10 each per quarter, per age level)
18
Place your order.
Estimated online dates:
July 7, 2015
October 7, 2015
January 7, 2016
April 7, 2016
19
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
100 Witherspoon Street
Louisville, KY 40202
growinggracegratitude.org
Rooted in the foundation of Presbyterian
identity where God’s grace and our gratitude
are the heartbeat of our faith, life, and worship
New children’s
curriculum
Comi ng fal l 2015!
Extends an invitation to discipleship
that inspires children to learn and
practice hospitality, generosity,
and love
Reaches beyond Sunday
morning, encouraging children
to live their lives as an
expression of God’s grace
“Growing in Grace & Gratitude
tells our children that our deepest
values are around God’s gracious
gift to us in Jesus Christ, a gift that
evokes a life of gratitude in service
to God and the world.”
—Charles A. Wiley,
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)