Smithfield School curriculum: Gather Round

Top Ten Facts to Know About Gather Round

10.) The curriculum authors speak of the importance of story: "Sharing stories forms children's identities and lets them in on community secrets. Stories lead children out of their individual world into the larger world of faith. The story is important because it is not just a story. It is not even just their story; it is our story. It is a story that helps us remember who we are."

9.) All age groups study the same Bible story each week. For the first 6 weeks of Smithfield School 2008-09, for example, the stories focus on the kings and prophets of Israel, including David, Solomon, Elijah, and Isaiah.

8.) Teacher guides include a "Bible insight" section, giving a deeper look at the story for the day, written by a well-known Biblical scholar.

7.) Each week's lesson includes a choice of activities; teachers may choose to offer several activity stations simultaneously for students to choose from, or they may lead the whole class in an activity of the teacher's choice.

6.) The lesson plans are designed with "multiple intelligences" in mind, to appeal to students who learn in different ways. A single class session might include activities designed for visual, kinesthetic, musical, and interpersonal learners.

5.) Children will each use a full-color student book. It includes stories, activities, and even stickers. (The student books will stay in the classroom during the unit but can be taken home on the last day of the quarter.)

4.) It includes a family resource called Talkabout. Every household receives a Talkabout booklet to use during the week for family Bible study. it includes BIble trivia, stories to act out, as well as ideas for conversation and prayer together.

3.) It comes with a CD of catchy songs from all over the world. There are spirituals, folk songs, and even tracks without lyrics for your own karaoke-like interpretations!

2.) It comes highly recommended from the United Church of Christ. The curriculum was designed by the Church of the Brethren and Mennonite Church, so it has a strong emphasis on peace and justice issues. Occasionally, it needs adaptation to our UCC setting (e.g. infant baptism).

1.) It was the top choice of the Smithfield Education Team.

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