Sunday School Curriculum Changes to Suit Diverse Needs
To more effectively nurture children in faith and better suit the diverse needs of today’s students, Great Commission Publication (GCP) is modifying its Sunday school curriculum starting this fall.
For nearly 50 years, the Show Me Jesus curriculum was divided into two parts: grades 1-3 and 4-6. However, the GCP directors decided to change the structure into three 2-year parts.
“With the spectrum of educational and spiritual needs of children today, these wide spans have become increasingly difficult to teach,” said Rev. Tom Patete, Executive Director of GCP. “Most Sunday school publishers have made similar modifications.”
Under the new structure, first and second graders will be placed in the "Younger Elementary" group, third and fourth graders in the "Middle Elementary" group, and fifth and sixth graders in the "Older Elementary" group. The younger and middle groups will be launched in the fall of 2005; the older group will be launched in 2006.
In addition, Patete said the curriculum materials have also been revised to better suit the children and their parents.
“The revised materials enhance student interaction with God’s Word and development of Bible reading skills and prayer -- both individually and in their families,” said Patete. “We are strong on connecting with parents and providing helps so they can reinforce the weekly lessons at home.”
One of the greatest challenges was making the changes while preserving the scope and sequence of the curriculum.
“We wanted to keep our focus on the whole of Scripture as the unfolding story of redemption in Christ and also incorporate a new structure and expanded teaching components,” said Patete.
However, Patete believes the changes will be beneficial overall.
GCP is a joint ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, but is used across all denominations. All of its publications contain strong Reformed Biblical content and a Christological focus.
For more information—including a free video presentation and sample packets—go to www.gcp.org.
