Age-Level Resources

Ages 3-5

...learn through hands-on activities and enjoy routine and ritual. Because motor skills are developing and creative imagination is taking hold, sesions make use of songs, fingerplays, group activities, and simple craft projects. Bible stories are explored thorugh interactive storytelling, using puppets, art images, and drama. Posters include a storytelling poster each season. Now included in this age level is an online downloadable week-by-week supplement with specific ideas for engaging 3-year-old children.

Ages 6-8

...have longer attention spans, which allow them to be more self-directed in their learning. Friendships are important, and they are beginning to recognize a variety of viewpoints. Sessions provide opportunities for active exploration of Bible stories and encourage beginning reading and writing skills. Varied activities meet the needs of different learning styles, and service projects help encourage a connection to the wider community. Posters include a storytelling poster each season.

Ages 9-11

...have strong literal and concrete thinking skills, and are beginning to develop the ability to think abstractly. They enjoy working with a group of friends. As they enter the Bible story through imagination and life connections they are encouraged to develop Bible skills, ask questions, and explore faith traditions. Projects help them connect with issues. of justice anf fairness.

Ages 12-14

...benefit from a real sense of belonging and acceptance as they form important ties with peers. They are moving from concrete to more abstract thinking skills. Sessions engage biblical text through art, drama, contemporary story, and activities that connect with real life concerns. Spiritual development is nurtured thorugh ritual and encouraging relationship with peers and adults.

Ages 15-18

...are eager to explore beliefs and engage issues of life and justice. Session resources put the Bible in context. They are supported and challenged as they live with questions, explore commitments, and make key choices about their futures. Activities promote the development of leadership skills, and serving in the local and global ministry of the church.

Multiage

...is uniquely designed to meet the needs of a one-room group session with ages 5-12. The Multiage resource builds links to the full life of the church. Sessions offer storytelling scripts, and activities with art, music, and drama that address a variety of learning styles. Participants can engage in self-directed learning, and sharing across the ages is encouraged as children work together. Mulitiage is uniquely designed to meet the needs of a one-room group session with ages 5-12.

In addition to the age-level materials, Multiage includes:

• One copy of the Multiage Team Teaching suppllement
• Additional reproducible resource and activity sheets for different ages, interests, and ability levels
• More activity zones from which children can choose
• Hints for storytellers
• Helpful suggestions for including the younger children in activities
• Options for digging deeper into the Bible story – one that is leader-led and one that is independent

Adults

...enter Bible study from a variety of backgrounds and beliefs. Sessions invite adults to deepen their spirituality and explore their faith. The weekly lectionary readings are explored through activities and articles that encourage a rich engagement with the biblical text. Art images, contemporary writings, and consideration of current issues offer meaningful ways to link faith and life.

Congregational Life

The Congregational Life package ties worship, outreach, and education planning together.

Birth – Age 2

... material is a one-time purchase and is structured differently.