Alternative Curriculum Plan for 6th Graders

Made possible by the generous Cooperative Missions gifts of Virginia Baptist Churches affiliated with the

Baptist General Association of Virginia.

www.vbmb.org

For more information contact Diane Smith,

Children’s Ministry Strategist, Emerging Leaders Team

800.ALL.BGAV Ext. 2256, diane.smith@vbmb.org

Alternative Curriculum Plan for 6th Graders

I’ve been thinking.

I’ve been thinking, “If I were responsible for designing curriculum for 6th graders, what might I design?”

I think I might develop my own curriculum for 6th graders. Why would I even consider doing such?

Let me share a few thoughts:• Many of our 6th graders are in middle school; they are yet in the Youth division in our churches. • Because 6th graders are in middle school, they don’t “feel” like children.• Curriculum isn’t the printed materials that we use with children. Curriculum is everything we do with children. Curriculum is composed of our relationships with children, participation of children as valued and capable people, worshiping with children, serving with children. Curriculum is alive and always changing.• Our emphasis should be on the children we teach rather than the content we teach. We teach people. We teach people about the Bible. Teaching implies a learner.

Potential FrameworkI’ve sketched a potential framework for an alternative curriculum for 6th graders, knowing their developmental needs, social, cognitive, and emotional.

September: “Character Chronicles” (6 sessions)This is a wonderful study to begin a new venture, being a middle schooler! The study deals with honesty, courage, integrity.

October & November: “When I Get Mad: Helping Children Control Anger” (6 sessions)All of us need help in dealing with our anger, especially as the emotional needs vary greatly in these pre-teens.

December: Christmas UnitWe may have guests in our 6th grade group who do not know the wonder of the Holy Season.

January: “Talent Search” (6 sessions)This study deals with spiritual gifts and helping pre-teens to use their gifts in ministry to and with others.

February & March: “Monies and Me” (Cooperative Missions) [written by Anne Tonks for VBMB]Pre-teens receive allowances; they often do extra chores to earn extra money. How we help pre-teens develop an understanding of tithing and a desire to tithe as obedience to God.

April: Easter UnitNever, ever do we omit the Resurrection story from our teaching!

May: 2004 Consider Your Call materials (www.consideryourcall.org)How did God call out Bible people? What is God asking of pre-teens? What is God’s plan for pre-teens?

June: “Get the Picture” (1 Corinthians—conduct God’s wants from His followers) (6 sessions) This study relates to how a Christian should live.

July: “Heritage Seekers” (Virginia Baptist Historical Society –www.heritageseekers.org)Pre-teens look at important persons in our Christian roots, their struggles and victories.

August: Service ProjectsWhat ministries might pre-teens perform? Pre-teens will participate in hands-on projects designed to help others.

What if, after careful review of these printed resources, I determine that there is too much repetition of Bible people, what other choices do I have?

Some additional possibilities:• “What Baptists Believe” (Judson Press Publishers)• A study on Prayer• A study on “purity” (body and mind)

I hope “my thoughts” start you on your own journey of evaluating curriculum materials and designing a living curriculum to grow children to love God with their bodies, minds, and souls.

Diane SmithChildren’s Ministry Strategist, Virginia Baptist Mission Board

How might I design a time with both parents and 6th graders?

• Perhaps the parents and 6th graders meet together during the Sunday morning Bible study time every 5th Sunday (once a quarter)?

• What is the purpose or focus of pre-teen and parents being together for learning?

• Purpose will determine content and format.