Post on 12-Mar-2023
United Methodist Ministry with Children District Leadership Training - GBOD
©2012 by the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. Permission is granted for use of training in UM congregations, districts, and annual conferences. For any other use, please contact
mgordon@gbod.org1
Ministry with Children
District Leadership Training
3-Hour Workshop Model
Developed by:
Melanie C. Gordon
Director, Ministry with Children
General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church
Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Website: www.gbod.org/minister-to-people/childrens-ministry
Email Address: mgordon@gbod.org
United Methodist Ministry with Children District Leadership Training - GBOD
©2012 by the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. Permission is granted for use of training in UM congregations, districts, and annual conferences. For any other use, please contact
mgordon@gbod.org2
Contents
Welcome and Devotion Page 3
Get Acquainted Page 5
What is GBOD Page 6
Workshop Goals Page 7
Spiritual Lives of Children Page 8
Developmental and Emotional Needs of Children Page 10
The Presence of Children in the Community Page 12
Resources that Support Ministry with Children Page 14
Workshop Evaluation Page 19
Closing Prayer Page 20
Workshop Resources and Supplies Page 21
ALL of these, and additional resources can be found at
ministrywithchildren.wordpress.com
This Training Model was designed for flexibility. Use the
printed portion only, use the PowerPoint only, or use them
together. Use the handouts, or use the web links. You may
have a devotion that suits your context better. You may
have an expert in child development in your district or
congregation. The most important thing is that participants
leave the training with a basic understanding of faith
formation of children.
Peace, melanie
United Methodist Ministry with Children District Leadership Training - GBOD
©2012 by the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. Permission is granted for use of training in UM congregations, districts, and annual conferences. For any other use, please contact
mgordon@gbod.org3
Welcome and Devotion
[SAY]
Welcome to our district Ministry with Children Leadership Training.
During the next few hours we will learn more about the developmental,
spiritual, and emotional needs of the children we serve. Our time will be
a combination of discussion, sharing, and exploration. Before we begin,
let’s take care of housekeeping. You will want to advise people of where
to find restrooms, refreshments, and let them know that it is okay to get
up and stretch or go to the restroom at any time, but there will be a break
halfway through the training.
[SAY]
Let us begin by a reading from the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 18,
verses 1-7.
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest
in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child, whom he put among them,
and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children,
you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble
like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever
welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. “If any of you put a
stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it
would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your
neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world
because of stumbling blocks! Occasions for stumbling are bound to
come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling block comes!”
Song - “Jesus Loves Me”
Leader: This is the day that the Lord has made!
People: We will rejoice and be glad in it!
Leader: We serve the children that God has made!
People: We will both love and take care of them!
United Methodist Ministry with Children District Leadership Training - GBOD
©2012 by the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. Permission is granted for use of training in UM congregations, districts, and annual conferences. For any other use, please contact
mgordon@gbod.org4
Leader: We welcome children in God’s name!
People: We will not be stumbling blocks for our children.
Leader: This is the children’s ministry training that gives thanks to God
for children, where we covenant to meet their needs faithfully.
People: We will give thanks and covenant anew. Amen.
[SAY]
During the course of a visit to a preschool in one of our United
Methodist churches, a volunteer observed and chatted with three-to-
five-year-olds who only wanted to know two things about him – Who
are you? Why are you here? Once they were satisfied with his answers,
they either went about their business or shared with him descriptions
of what they were doing. He began thinking about their two questions;
simple, but profound questions from people so young. These questions
are critical, not only in our journey through life, but for those of us who
work in children’s ministries it is important for us to know who we are
and why we do what we do. What is our identity as Christians? Why do
we teach children? By knowing the answers, the children that we serve
will be better equipped to answer these questions for themselves as
they transition from child to youth to adult. So I ask you… Who are
you? Why are you here?
Let us pray: O God, we come to hear your word today with ears
distracted by wiggles and giggles, minds trapped by tensions and to-do
lists, and hearts dulled by habit. By your Spirit, sharpen our ears to
catch your word to us this day. Open our minds to grasp your truth.
Quicken our hearts to respond to your message to us that together we
may create the world you intend for your beloved children. Amen.
United Methodist Ministry with Children District Leadership Training - GBOD
©2012 by the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. Permission is granted for use of training in UM congregations, districts, and annual conferences. For any other use, please contact
mgordon@gbod.org5
Get Acquainted
Introduce yourself with your name, your home church, your role in the
church, and your commitment to children’s ministries.
[SAY]
I have been invited to lead this 3-hour workshop on ministries with
children. I hope that this will be a time that we will learn from one
another while making and renewing connections with one another. In
true children’s ministry fashion, we will introduce ourselves creatively.
Choose one of the two following ways for people to introduce themselves.
Allow about 2 minutes for the traditional model and 6 minutes for the
creative model for preparation. Use a bell or a clap to bring participants
back to the whole group.
Traditional Creative
[SAY]
I invite you to introduce yourself
by sharing your name and home
church, and three words that
define your role in ministry with
children. You may choose to do
this verbally or visually, using the
paper and markers on the tables.
Who are you? Why are you here?
[SAY]
Choose a partner that you do not
know. Share your name, your
church, and three words to
describe yourselves. Create a rap,
a poem, or a song to introduce the
two of you to the group. Who are
you? Why are you here?
United Methodist Ministry with Children District Leadership Training - GBOD
©2012 by the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. Permission is granted for use of training in UM congregations, districts, and annual conferences. For any other use, please contact
mgordon@gbod.org6
[SAY]
What is GBOD?
The General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church or
GBOD serves as a two-way conduit by providing resources and training
to annual conferences and churches and also, cultivating contacts in,
listening to and receiving the wisdom, practice, and developed
resources of annual conferences and churches; making that available to
the entire church for growth, enrichment, and ongoing development.
The Leadership Ministries Division of GBOD offers online and print
resources for congregational and conference leader development,
resources for lay and pastoral leadership in the areas of worship,
evangelism, age-level ministries, faith formation, and leadership.
[SAY]
For further information on how the GBOD may serve you, please visit
their website at www.gbod.org
United Methodist Ministry with Children District Leadership Training - GBOD
©2012 by the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. Permission is granted for use of training in UM congregations, districts, and annual conferences. For any other use, please contact
mgordon@gbod.org7
Goals of the Workshop
For this part of the workshop, you may choose to use chart paper, a white
board, or you may want to make a PowerPoint.
The hope is that at the end of this workshop you will gain a better
understanding of:
the spiritual lives of children
the developmental and emotional needs of children
the presence of children in the community
resources available to support ministry with children
United Methodist Ministry with Children District Leadership Training - GBOD
©2012 by the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. Permission is granted for use of training in UM congregations, districts, and annual conferences. For any other use, please contact
mgordon@gbod.org8
The Spiritual Lives of Children
On your tables you will find Post-It notes. Please take one and write on
it ONE characteristic of a child. Allow 30 seconds, and then ask them to
place the post-it on a board or wall on which you have written “Like a
Child”. Read them to the group, and then ask if they have any additional
words as they think about the opening scripture.
[SAY]
“Jesus lived each phase of childhood.” We may reason that Jesus knew
“the love and comfort of parents and the fears, sorrows and joys of a
child.” In this way, Jesus could be a friend to children. Robert Coles, one
of the most powerful voices in the spiritual lives of children, conducted
extensive research with children from all over the world. “As Coles
talked with Christian children, he was impressed by how important
Jesus was to them. We know from Jesus’ response to the disciples that
children come to us with an innate sense of who God is. John Wesley
was also committed to the education and formation of children, and
traditionally, the Methodist church has provided a space for children to
not only learn and grow, but be an active part of the community.
But, let’s look at our own formational experiences within the church
when we were young children. What do you remember?
Allow about 5-7 minutes for this part. Record the responses on chart
paper. You will use this to compare it to how we minister to children
today. You will likely hear many comments that point to “informational”
teaching.
United Methodist Ministry with Children District Leadership Training - GBOD
©2012 by the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. Permission is granted for use of training in UM congregations, districts, and annual conferences. For any other use, please contact
mgordon@gbod.org9
[SAY]
How do we turn this around so that what we offer children is
formational rather than informational? Listen for things like praying with
children, offering opportunities for worship, modeling justice and service.
This should spark some conversation about what is happening in different
church communities. Chart those comments also.
[SAY]
The children that we serve today are born surrounded by more
technological advances than many of us could have ever imagined. We
have become very good at informing children, but how are we on
formation? Let’s take a look at this short video that offers some
questions helpful about how we faithfully form children. If you do not
have the capacity to link to the video via the internet, watch it beforehand
and summarize the questions. The video is about 3 minutes.
Following the video
[SAY]
How do we help children grow in their relationship with God? Take
about 5 minutes. Gather into groups of three or four and talk about
ways that we can do this without the assistance of anything that plugs
into a wall. We will share as a group. When you bring them back
together as a group, ask each of the smaller groups to share one or two of
their ideas. Let the participants know that you will be sharing resources
like The Way of the Child in the last segment of the workshop.
United Methodist Ministry with Children District Leadership Training - GBOD
©2012 by the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. Permission is granted for use of training in UM congregations, districts, and annual conferences. For any other use, please contact
mgordon@gbod.org10
Developmental and Emotional Needs of Children
Young children fall into what James Fowler, a noted theologian and
expert in human development, the Intuitive-Projective category in the
area of faith development. And they experience three different social
and emotional stages according to noted psychoanalyst Erik Erikson.
Use the chart below to discuss the stages. Offer examples of behavior, and
ask for examples from participants. Ask participants if anything “pops
out” at them. You may want to make this chart into a PowerPoint slide.
[SAY]
We are now going to do an activity that you can do with children, called
“Symbols of Faith” from Jolene Roehlkepartain’s excellent book, 101
Games for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers: Active, Bible-Based Fun for
Christian Education. Let’s play. On your tables you will find photos or
illustrations of religious symbols [for example: cross, Bible, star, ark,
sheep, candle]. Choose one while _______ reads Hebrews 11.1-3 from a
children’s bible. Look around the room, find the real object that
matches the picture that you are holding.
Take a few moments to acknowledge that everyone has found their
symbol
[SAY]
These are all symbols of our faith. The Bible says it’s important that we
grow in our faith.
Ask them to be seated.
United Methodist Ministry with Children District Leadership Training - GBOD
©2012 by the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. Permission is granted for use of training in UM congregations, districts, and annual conferences. For any other use, please contact
mgordon@gbod.org11
[SAY]
If you were doing this with young children, you would hand one card to
a child and say, “This is a picture of a cross. Can you find the real cross
in this room?” Allow time for the child to look around the room, and
then go stand next to the cross and tell everyone what it is. Let
everyone have an opportunity to participate. End the activity by saying,
“These are all symbols of our faith. The Bible says it’s important that we
grow in our faith.”
Let’s look at a chart developed by the staff responsible for life-span
ministries at the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist
Church.
Distribute the Developmental Through the Life-Span Chart. You may also
provide several, and ask the participants to download the pdf when they
return home.
[SAY]
This is a chart that you can post in classrooms in your church
community to remind leaders of what is happening in the lives of
children. You may also want to share this with teachers during training.
What do you notice in the first two columns? What resonates with you?
Allow time for brief responses, and then take a 15 minute break. During
the break, leave the following texts from scripture at the seats of those
willing to read when prompted. Deuteronomy 4:10; 6:6-7; Matthew 19:14;
Mark 10:14; Luke 18:16; Luke 2:40b
[BREAK]
United Methodist Ministry with Children District Leadership Training - GBOD
©2012 by the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. Permission is granted for use of training in UM congregations, districts, and annual conferences. For any other use, please contact
mgordon@gbod.org12
The Presence of Children in the Community
Read Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
[SAY]
For children, how do you think this book might help them think about
God’s love?
Allow for answers and short discussion.
[SAY]
As people of faith, we are called to teach children through scripture, our
tradition as Methodists, the Social Principles, the ritual of baptism, and
our concern for families. In responding to the call set before us, we will
provide environments for children to be nurtured in the faith and to
grow as children of God.
Call on those who were given scripture to read to share with the group on
cue. Ask participants to listen for what they believe God is saying through
these words of scripture.
[SAY]
Some of you were given scripture to share with group. As you are able,
please stand and read as I call on you.
Scripture tells us to teach children the words of God as in Deuteronomy
4:10 and 6:6-7
Not to prevent them from discovering Jesus as we see in three of the
Gospels - Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:14; and Luke 18:16
We can also help children to grow as Jesus grew as in Luke 2:40
Allow a few minutes for people to respond to the question posed before the
scripture readings.
United Methodist Ministry with Children District Leadership Training - GBOD
©2012 by the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. Permission is granted for use of training in UM congregations, districts, and annual conferences. For any other use, please contact
mgordon@gbod.org13
[SAY]
John Wesley set the example for us as Methodists as he began health
clinics and schools for the children to learn to read and encouraged the
pastors to meet with the children regularly. His call to meet the needs of
people where they were stands as a marker for us today. Using our
buildings that otherwise might sit empty six days a week to meet the
physical, mental, and emotional needs of children and their families
clearly meets Mr. Wesley’s expectations.
We promise “We will surround these persons with a community of love
and forgiveness that they may grow in their service to others . . .” (The
United Methodist Hymnal, page 40). In recognition of this promise and in
response to the sacredness of all children as set forth in scripture,
through the teachings of John Wesley, and in our Social Principles, our
vision for child care must include a vision of services available to all
families on an equitable basis. Through the particular ministry of child
care, we extend the nurturing ministry of the church and proclaim
justice to children, families, and communities.
What I would like for us to do now is to work in groups of three or four.
Take a piece of chart paper and a marker, and talk about practical ways
to involve children in the life of the church outside of the nursery.
Decide on three to five ideas and chart them. Then, write out the
possible stumbling blocks and how to move those blocks out of the way.
Allow about 10-12 minutes for this. As groups finish, give them the list of
resources that you will be discussing in the next segment of the workshop.
At the end of the 10-12 minutes, ask the groups to share, and put their
chart paper on the wall. Follow up with assuring words about their
responses.
United Methodist Ministry with Children District Leadership Training - GBOD
©2012 by the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. Permission is granted for use of training in UM congregations, districts, and annual conferences. For any other use, please contact
mgordon@gbod.org14
Resources That Support Ministry with Children
[SAY]
So, what are the “tools of the trade”? What do we need in order to equip
us to serve as guides for children? I would like to turn your attention to
the resource list that was distributed a few minutes ago. You can also
find this on-line through the Children’s Ministry site at the General
Board of Discipleship.
The suggestion here is to download the list and become familiar with
some of the resources. Most of them have detailed descriptions. If you can
have them on hand for participants to explore in groups, that would be
quite helpful.
If you have the ability to connect to the internet, sharing the internet sites
would also be helpful.
[SAY]
It is always important that we have the tools needed to work with
children. It takes a little more effort than making sure that two
unrelated adults are in the nursery on Sunday mornings. Here is a list of
resources that you will find helpful. Remember, children come to us
with an innate sense of who God is. We are their guides as they grow
into deeper relationship with God. We are here to help them "do it
themselves"!
United Methodist Ministry with Children District Leadership Training - GBOD
©2012 by the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. Permission is granted for use of training in UM congregations, districts, and annual conferences. For any other use, please contact
mgordon@gbod.org15
ALL of these, and additional resource s can be found at
ministrywithchildren.wordpress.com
Staff Development Resources
GUIDELINES FOR UNDERSTANDING MINISTRY WITH CHILDREN
What Every Child Should Experience: A Guide for Teachers and Leaders in United
Methodist Congregations - This resource contains a comprehensive guide to
scripture significant for children as they develop cognitively and theologically. It is
meant to closely follow the three-year lectionary cycle. This resource also contains
a chart of what children need and understand developmentally around the beliefs
and concepts of God, Worship, The Bible, Home and Family, Everyday Life,
Community and Wesleyan Heritage.
Childcare and the Church– This is the official document of the United Methodist
Church that outlines the church’s responsibilities in initiating, encouraging, and
participating in the highest quality of child care for children and families, not only in
the local community but also nationwide.
Safe Sanctuaries – Reducing the Risk of Abuse in the Church for Children and Youth -
Practical guidance is provided in developing and implementing a substantive,
holistic action plan of abuse prevention. Available through Upper Room Books
The United Methodist Task Force on Disabilities Ministries – Resources, support, and
guidance on actively including people with disabilities in the life of the church.
“Some people came in, carrying a paralyzed man in a chair. They wanted to bring
him to Jesus, but they were not able to find a way in because of the crowd. So they
went up onto the roof and let him and his chair down through it! — Luke 5:18
Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation: Children’s Ministries- This booklet
concentrates of the basics of ministry that help children grow in faith. It is the
beginning point for organizing for ministry and is designed to help congregations
use their own gifts to respond to God’s call to care for the children, on Sunday
morning, through the week and for special events.
United Methodist Ministry with Children District Leadership Training - GBOD
©2012 by the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. Permission is granted for use of training in UM congregations, districts, and annual conferences. For any other use, please contact
mgordon@gbod.org16
Job Descriptions and Leadership Training in the United Methodist Church – A Leader
Development Guide 2013 – 2016 – In this guide, each job description includes: Result
Expected, Spiritual Gifts and Qualifications Helpful for this Position, Responsibilities,
Support to Expect from the Congregation, Getting Started, People and Agencies That
Can Help, and Resources for Help. In addition to individual positions within
congregational life, the book explores biblical roots and dimensions of leader
development. It includes new thinking based on field research and training leaders
in a variety of settings.
BOOKS AND E-NEWSLETTERS FOR UNDERSTANDING MINISTRY WITH
CHILDREN
The Children’s Minister- Children yearn to be noticed and recognized as individuals
who have an important place in the church. Remember the vow the congregation
takes at a baptism or dedication of a child? The church declares a commitment to be
a part of the lives of the children in their midst. Senior pastors, church staff and
volunteers, children’s pastors — all will find a treasure trove of tested guidelines to
help you effectively offer the presence of Christ to children. Available through Upper
Room Books
Real Kids, Real Faith – Practices for Nurturing Children’s Spiritual Lives – Drawn from
a three-year study of children’s spirituality, as well as the best in theological
tradition and literature, Real Kids, Real Faith provides insight and a variety of helpful
tips for nurturing children’s spiritual and religious formation. In addition to its
wealth of practical advice on how to engage children in authentic faith practice, Real
Kids, Real Faith helps parents identify their own important role in a child’s
deepening life of faith. This book forges a path for a child’s spiritual life and invites
parents to share the journey. Available through cokesbury.com
Ministry with Children E-Newsletter– This free e-newsletter provides information,
and a Christian perspective on current issues facing our children, and is made
possible by World Service Giving.
CURRICULUM AND FORMATIONAL RESOURCES
United Methodist Curriculum Resources Committee – This site offers curriculum
approved by the Curriculum Resources Committee (CRC) of the United Methodist
General Board of Discipleship for use in the Christian education ministry of The
United Methodist Church.
United Methodist Ministry with Children District Leadership Training - GBOD
©2012 by the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. Permission is granted for use of training in UM congregations, districts, and annual conferences. For any other use, please contact
mgordon@gbod.org17
The Way of the Child - The Way of the Child is a formative study for children ages six
through eleven that recognizes that children have an innate spirituality with a
natural acceptance of mystery, an amazing capacity for awe, a vital imagination, a
longing to be their unique selves, and an ability to be open to and receive God’s love.
Available through Upper Room Books
Godly Play - Teaches young children the art of using religious language – parable,
sacred story, silence and liturgical action – helping them become more fully aware of
the mystery of God’s presence in their lives.
Children Worship and Wonder - Young Children and Worship is a program
curriculum that 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. Since the sacraments differ from
those of the United Methodist Church, you will need to rewrite these lessons as is
appropriate.
Pockets Magazine - Pockets is the devotional magazine that helps children ages six
through eleven learn more about God by encouraging them to read the Bible,
practice spiritual disciplines, act compassionately, and exercise their creativity. This
magazine also includes an on-line component. Available through Upper Room Books
The Little Christian Magazine - The stories in this magazine are meant to be read by
or with children, so the text is simple or rhymed. The art is vivid, bold and engaging.
The stories are faith-based, so you’ll be helping to nurture a child’s spiritual
awareness from a young age. In addition to stories, it contains prayers, songs,
Christian biographies, activities, rituals and more to help children become aware of
God’s presence and activity in and around them. Available through the Evangelical
Lutheran Church of America
TRAINING, FORUMS, AND EDUCATIONAL AND FORMATIONAL RESOURCES
General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church Resources, training, and
support for leaders of children’s ministries
United Methodist Conference on Ministry with Children (Formerly FOCUS) Bi-Annual
National Conference for those engaged in ministry with children. Offers cutting-
edge workshops, certification classes, and experiences applicable in different
ministry contexts.
United Methodist Ministry with Children District Leadership Training - GBOD
©2012 by the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. Permission is granted for use of training in UM congregations, districts, and annual conferences. For any other use, please contact
mgordon@gbod.org18
UMC Ministry with Children Forum and Group Teachers and Leaders in United
Methodist congregations sharing resources, information, and ideas daily!
First Steps Spirituality Center The Certification Course is designed by Rev. Leanne
Hadley, using the skills and techniques used at First Steps with hurting children and
teens
National Association for the Education of Young Children [NAEYC] Annual training
for educators of young children, ongoing professional development, online
community forums
Association for Childhood Education International [ACEI] Annual Training for
educators of young children; radio/internet accessible lectures and discussions
United Methodist Ministry with Children District Leadership Training - GBOD
©2012 by the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. Permission is granted for use of training in UM congregations, districts, and annual conferences. For any other use, please contact
mgordon@gbod.org19
Evaluation of Workshop
On a sheet of chart paper or on the board, record class responses to the
following three evaluation questions concerning today’s workshop.
What went well?
What did you learn?
What could be improved?
Thank participants for attending the workshop and indicate your
willingness to help them with special concerns with their faith
community’s ministry with children.
United Methodist Ministry with Children District Leadership Training - GBOD
©2012 by the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. Permission is granted for use of training in UM congregations, districts, and annual conferences. For any other use, please contact
mgordon@gbod.org20
Closing Prayer
Leader: In the Gospel of John, we read Jesus’ post-resurrection words to
the disciples. How might they call us to new life, new hope, and a new
day for ourselves and for all children? Listen!
Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
Friends, we know the commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Every child is our neighbor and deserves and needs our love. Let us love
the children as we love ourselves.
People: We will love God. We will love our neighbor. We will work
toward a community where children know the love of God. Amen
United Methodist Ministry with Children District Leadership Training - GBOD
©2012 by the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. Permission is granted for use of training in UM congregations, districts, and annual conferences. For any other use, please contact
mgordon@gbod.org21
The district leadership training model for ministry with children was designed by:
Melanie C. Gordon
Director, Ministry with Children
General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church
Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Website: www.gbod.org/minister-to-people/childrens-ministry
Email Address: mgordon@gbod.org
Workshop Resources:
Stages of Faith: The Psychology of Development and the Quest for Meaning by James
Fowler http://www.amazon.com
Erik Erikson’s Stages of Development
http://www.learningplaceonline.com/stages/organize/Erikson.htm
The Way of the Child Introduction Video
http://www.companionsinchrist.org/WOC/index.html
Click on Introduction to The Way of the Child
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney http://www.amazon.com
Supplies:
Chart Paper
Markers
Pens
Copy Paper
Post-It Notes
Symbols of Our Faith
Photos/Illustrations of Symbols of Our Faith
Bibles