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Resource: Children Worship!
MaryJane Pierce Norton. Discipleship Resources, 1997.
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What is the purpose of this resource?
The purpose of this resource is to prepare children to understand and participate in the community’s worship life. - What characteristics
or components does this resource view as essential to worship and/or the
sacraments?
The material is organized around certain movements or activities of worship: gathering, praise and thanksgiving, praying, proclaiming, responding and sending. Learnings about the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are included in some sessions. - What, if any,
particular theological perspective or agenda is present within this
material?
The primary theological understanding in this resource is that worship is the whole community’s response to God’s gracious acts, and children should be included as full members of this community. - For whom is this
resource intended (age group, interests, etc)?
In what settings (classroom, home, etc.)?
Although the material is designed primarily for use with children between the ages of 5 and 8, the author indicates that this study can be done very effectively with parents and children, or as a congregational study on children and worship. Parents receive letters each week asking them to do certain things with their children at home that will reinforce learnings in class each week. - What type of learning
activities are included in the lessons?
The author notes her reliance on multiple intelligences theory, and therefore a wide variety of activities are included. Activities such as reading, writing, discussion, movement, games, art, listening, and music are a part of most sessions. - How is the resource
structured? (Lesson plans,
retreats, weekly meetings, worship services, etc.)
The material is designed for use in 13 sessions that the author recommends be taught in as close a time period as possible. (In other words, try to meet weekly.) Each act of worship is dealt with in two sessions, so that there is some repetition, which the author feels is complementary to the way children learn. It is possible to use this study in seven weeks if the two week studies are done in one week. The lessons assume a 45-60 minute time frame. - How much does this
resource cost, and what is included in the price?
This book costs $21.95. It comes with a teacher training session, complete lesson plans for 13 sessions, reproducible activity sheets and bulletin inserts, and sample letters for parents. - What kind of
leadership is necessary for the material?
What does the leader need to know or do prior to each week?
Leaders need to know and appreciate children and support efforts to include them in the corporate worship life of the congregation. Each session gives clear instructions about what leaders need to do to prepare for a session and a list of materials necessary for activities each week is included. Preparation will include such things as copying activity sheets, preparing art activities or gathering resources for those activities, and coordinating some activities with the church pastor. There are usually only a few paragraphs of background material for the leader to read in preparation for the session. - What strengths and/or
weaknesses do you find in this material?
This reviewer is firmly in the camp that says children of this age belong in and can participate in corporate worship, so the basic premise of the material is a strength! The organization of the material is strong, and a variety of learning activities are a part of each week’s plan. There seem to be several activities in which reading is necessary, so if five year olds are included in this study, it would probably work best to pair them with either an adult or an older reader. Several of the sessions looked weak in terms of the variety of activities (or length of time they might take), but each session includes an “if you have more time” section which would help to create a more complete session. This is recommended as a worthwhile resource for any congregation serious about helping children prepare to participate in worship.