The mission of our church school is to aid parents and the congregation in the Christian nurture of their children in accordance with their baptismal and membership vows. It is the duty of all of us (teachers and the congregation at large) to “provide training for the children of the church throughout their childhood that will lead to a personal commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, to an understanding of the Christian faith, and to an appreciation of the privileges and obligations of church membership.

   

 

 

Our preschool children use the Cokesbury curriculum, Rock Solid: Building a Heart of Faith. The colorfully illustrated storybooks included with each lesson introduce the youngest church schoolers to traditional Bible stories. During their church school hour each week, the preschoolers are invited to participate in games, crafts, and songs as they learn about God’s love for them. Spring '10 themes include the Easter story and stories of Jesus and his friends. The preschoolers also have a weekly music lesson with the church's Children's Music Director.

 

The children in kindergarten through grade 5 participate each week in a dynamic multi-intelligence rotational model of learning. This model provides children opportunities to know God and understand God’s Word through varied learning experiences. One major Bible story or theme is taught for a five-week period (a “rotation”) in a variety of kid-friendly workshops, such as art, drama, music, games, storytelling, science, and cooking. The children attend a different workshop each week that reinforces the Bible concept under study.  Click here for descriptions of upcoming rotations.

 

Our junior youth class consists of 6th and 7th graders. The class leaders engage the children in in-depth studies of Bible stories they may (or may not) be familiar with, providing greater insight and perspective into the Bible’s “big picture.” In the spring '10, the class will look at extraordinary people of the New Testament.

 

 

For questions about our church school program, or to inquire about volunteer opportunities throughout the year, please contact Heather Ryan, church school coordinator at heather@simsburyumc.org.