Builders
£9.99 (Approx)
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Overview
What does it say on the tin?
Builders is a 12-week course for children of 7-11 years, based on the foundation stones outlined in Hebrews 6:1-2. It is suitable for children with a ‘new church’ background, for those from denominational churches, or those with little experience of church whatsoever. The material will allow them to explore what they believe and why, and to grow in their faith at their own level of understanding.
The subjects covered are:
- Repentance.
- Faith.
- Baptism.
- Praying and fasting.
- Being given a special job.
- Resurrection and judgement.
The teaching is arranged in blocks, with suggested games, craft activities, prayer suggestions and photocopiable worksheets provided for each week. Each session lasts approximately one hour and is suitable for use in mid-week group or on a Sunday morning.
What do you get?
Leader’s manual including song script, notes and photocopiable resources. Purchasable from Kevin Mayhew.
Who is it for?
Children aged 7-11 years old.
Cost?
£9.99
Review
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What is the overall quality of material presentation?
Simple, glossy covered leader manual. Easy-to-follow session layout of: Equipment, Welcome, Worship, Craft/Game, Word, Witness/Prayer.
How clear are its aims and outcomes?
Not explicitly stated in each session but the resource itself states that it has been created to allow children to experience the foundation stones of Christianity.
How accessible are the leader's notes?
Easy to follow and understand. A lot of detail on engaging children and good instructions for each section. Language used is readable by all educational levels.
Who could lead it?
Adults passionate about working with 7-11 year olds. A background on the topics covered would be beneficial as the sessions will provoke children to ask big questions about Christianity.
How helpful are the participants' resources?
Relevant to the course. Simple design, but may be more suitable for use with children who are more at ease with word based/logic tasks.
How good is any digital material?
No digital material is mentioned
How much prep will I have to do?
Equipment is clearly stated at the beginning of each session so that the leader is aware of what they will need from the start. Familiarity with the session would be beneficial. More time for preparation is needed if the leader decides for material to be substituted, as only one option is given for each section.
Is there website support? Links?
No website support or links are given.
Is it dated?
Song suggestions included are still available, however more recent children's worship songs may be more beneficial to substitute in.
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How well does it encourage interaction with the group?
Interaction is encouraged throughout but only as a group with the leader. Worksheets are suggested very much to be independently done, individual leaders may choose to change this format.
How well does it cater for a variety of both learning and delivery styles?
Best used on children's groups who learn well with crafts, songs and solving puzzles. Resource has a good variety of facilitatory techniques to aid learning.
How adaptable is it to my situation?
For use with children aged 7-11 years old with little to lots of knowledge about Christianity. The teaching is arranged in blocks, with suggested games, craft activities, prayer suggestions and photocopiable worksheets provided for each week. Each session lasts approximately one hour and is suitable for use in mid-week group or on a Sunday morning.
How well does it encourage people to work together in applying the material?
Worksheets are very much suggested to be completed independently while the leader highlights the ‘Word' for the session.
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How much of the material is Bible-based?
A third is directly Bible based. The rest is games, crafts, prayer and songs.
How well is the biblical material presented and used?
Presentation of biblical material is done alongside a worksheet as children are good at multi tasking! The worksheets then ask some gentle questions for children to answer which engage them in the topics raised in the session. Nothing too extensive or in depth is used with material presentation.
How well does it apply biblical material to everyday life?
Prayer sessions encourage the children to ask the Holy Spirit to live with them day-by-day.
Is there a particular theological perspective?
No, it is suitable for children with a ‘new church' background, for those from denominational churches, or those with little experience of church whatsoever. There is a positive slant on children praying and allowing children to minister. Some churches may have different views on this.
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How well does it inspire people towards whole-life discipleship?
Introduced by sessions on the relevance of Baptism and what it means to be baptised. Includes other key Christian challenges such as fasting and prayer.
How well does it encourage and enable people to grow in their faith?
Encourages children to consider and respond to the foundation stones of Christianity. Gives an honest introduction of what the end result of life and our choices can lead to; life or death.
How well does it stretch faith and vision of God and his purposes?
Lightly in each session by getting children to consider how what they have learnt can be applied to how they should live.
How well does it connect with real life issues?
Not a huge focus, this resource mainly helps children to understand the principles of Christianity and who God is. Understanding takes priority over application.
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How well does it encourage personal evangelism?
Not a huge focus, this resource mainly helps children to understand the principles of Christianity and who God is. Understanding takes priority over application and evangelism.
How well does it encourage local or network-based community involvement?
Introduced by a session on children having a role in the church.
How well does it connect with global issues?
Not a main focus.
How well does it encourage global mission?
Not a main focus