Lee and I have been looking at curriculum options for our children’s church. I had looked at kids4truth awhile back, but couldn’t figure out what it was all about. A few weeks ago, I got back on and started looking around. I got really excited about this program, so I thought I’d pass it on. (BTW, you may notice the similarity to my blog name, but I don’t contribute to kids4truth in any way.)
Here is the website: www.kids4truth.com. There are a lot of fun things to look at on the site, but if you click on the button that says “clubs” on the top right side of the screen, you’ll get to the part I’m talking about.
It’s a program with four components:
- Bible lesson time (called “Truth Time”).
- Q & A Time (where we work as a group and individually on catechism questions and memory verses. Each child has a workbook with age appropriate Q&A and verses.) The Truth time and workbook time go through twelve doctrinal themes: the Bible, the greatness of God, the goodness of God, and so on.
- Song Time (including songs written specifically for each theme)
- Award Time: Children earn badges, similar to Awana.
That’s it. Now, there are a few things I would say. First, it’s a bit hard to grasp all the components. The workbooks (you can view them all online) for all but the youngest level include “extra” workbook/ devotional type material, not just what they’re supposed to memorize. It’s great stuff, but it’s unclear when and how students do this material. My biggest critique is that the second level seems like a big jump in ability from the first, and not significantly different in ability from the third. A first grader could not do the workbook on his own. I’d like to see Level 2 with a bit less text, and simpler material. But those are minor concerns, really. We’re looking into the possibility of using this for children’s church, but you could also use it for home devotions (all the grades study the same themes, just with greater detail).
You can find the lessons on a related site (called EQuipU). Once you register, you can download these for free. These are fantastic, with well-written stories and activities that illustrate the truths.
Michelle,
We (I) started using K4T in Sunday School a couple months ago. I am really excited that now I can ask the children, “What is the Bible?” and “Does God tell any lies?” and they can answer me as well as give Scriptural support by quoting verses that they have learned. I’m taking it really slowly and haven’t “figured it all out.” I think the cool thing is that they intended for it to be very flexible this way so everyone can use it in a way that will fit their needs.
Karen
I am so glad you’re using it! We’re going to try it out in our children’s church, so I might be emailing you for advice. Do you do all of the books and rewards? Several of the parents were interested in purchasing additional books for older children so they can do it at home. (Our children’s church is only through second grade.)