Hand in Hand: Helping Children Celebrate Diversity

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Resource:  Hand in Hand: Helping Children Celebrate Diversity.

Published by:   Reformed Church Press.

  1. What is the title of the resource and who publishes it?  Is the publisher affiliated with the Christian church in any way?  If so, is it denominationally affiliated ?
    This resource is a joint publication of CRC Publications and Reformed Church Press: Affiliated with the Reformed church, but applicable to all denominations in content..    

  2. What issues, questions or challenges are the main focus of this resource? (the central content) 
    Diversity, multiculturalism, prejudice- all children are exposed to all aspects of multicultural society (ex: difference in language, skin color-racism, and way of dressing, etc.). 
  3. Just what IS this resource -  (for example, is it a six-week study, an idea book, a guide for a retreat, or what)? 
    Hard to define what this IS, but this resource is the closest to an idea book.  This book can be used as a five-or-more session course or as a supplement to other curricular.
  4. What are the learning goals or objectives of the resource?
    To assist children in forming positive understanding of persons different than themselves.
    To provide experiences that enable children to learn to respect all people.
    To help children acknowledge that all people are part of God’s creation and are treasured by God.
    To help children understand that people share both likenesses and differences.
    To provide models for problem solving and working out  differences.
    To affirm and celebrate that we are one body in Christ.
    To model that diversity and cross-cultural relationships are important.
    To present issues about which Christians and the church should be concerned.
  5. Who are the intended learners?  (include things like ages, cultural context, interests, abilities, developmental stage, etc.)
    Written for children in grades 3-6, but it is adaptable to the use of both younger and older children.  The resources and ideas can be developed according to age level, with diversity and difficulty. 
  6. For what settings is this resource intended?  (for example, Sunday School?  Bible study groups?  Families? Retreats?  Intergenerational events?  Etc?)
    This resource can be used in a wide variety of ways and settings –church school, vacation Bible school, a weekday program or club, day-school or home-school and any program the church provide for children in grades 3-6.    
  7. What kinds of teaching/learning activities does it use?  If there is a typical lesson plan format, what is that format/flow of a session? 
    Includes a wide array of learning activities - art activities, Bible stories, computer exploration, cross-cultural dialogue, cultural-based stories, drama, games, music, off-site options, puppets, etc. 
    Format/Flow:
    1. Session Theme
    2. Scripture - a listing of supporting Scripture of theme
    3. Session Goal
    4. A Helping Hand for the Learner - provides background for the Scripture passage and relate it to the session theme and goals.
    5. Two Suggested Formats are provided - 45 mins & 90-120 mins.
  8. What kind of teachers/leaders do you need, to use this resource?
     1. Leaders should have an open mind toward our cultural diversity.
    2. Leaders should be a good hearers of various learner's cultural experiences.
    3. Leaders need to be aware of the experiences in our lives that keep us from being open to people from cultures different from our owns.
    4. Leaders should be models of the attitude and actions as they teach about. 
    5. Leaders should spend much time for the successful use of this resource.
  9. Does this resource draw on the bible?  If so, how?
    The Bible seems to be drawn as a norm and a final authority.  Bible passages are used to support themes.  Especially, authors offer five main passages with the title of "five preparation" in the introduction section.  As for interpreting the Bible, historical-critical methods are not used.   
  10. What theological concepts, doctrines, questions, or themes does the resource include?   How are these related to the issues the resource is exploring?  Do you detect any specific theological or denominational perspective?
    This resource deals with the matter of diversity.  According to authors, learning to live well diversity is no longer an option for a few but a necessity for all, required by our Christian.  For supporting this belief, they use many Bible passages, especially from Lukan corpus.  Because the Gospel of Luke and Acts have many compatible verses about the issue of diversity. Even though most of authors are affiliated with the Reformed tradition, specific denominational perspectives are not found.   
  11. What strengths and weaknesses do you see in the resource?
    <Strength>
    1. Strongly biblically-based resource.
    2. Flexible format - can be used various situation (place, time...). 
    3. Includes a wide array of learning activities.
    4. Six authors have various cultural backgrounds!  But unity and consistency in content!
    5. Includes wide period of music (1969-1996).
    <Weakness>
    1. Includes only 5 sessions.
    2. Too much activity material and resources – leaders may have difficulty in choosing and adapting these resources.
    3. Many of questions for discussion in learning activity option part are somewhat abstract for 3-6 grades.   
  12. To whom, in what situations, might you recommend the resource?
    We want to recommend this resource especially to the leaders who minister in multicultural society like America.    

 		              

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Last updated: 04/08/02