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Explorer users will notice that the reviews are organized in a collapsible
outline. Simply click on a question and the answer will appear below it.
Resource: Mustard Seed.
Published by: Curriculum Development Associates, Inc.
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Is this Sunday School curriculum affiliated with a particular denomination? Is it nondenominational? Ecumenical? A partnership among several denominations? Or what?
The Mustard Seed Series is a Sunday School curriculum spanning Kindergarten through Confirmation (9th grade). Neither the course itself nor the name of the publisher bear any explicit denominational references, but the fact that it is completed with confirmation gives us a clue. It can be inferred, furthermore, from the author’s being a woman minister that the course does not spring from Roman Catholic or fundamentalist traditions. Finally, the letters of recommendation used in the promotional material come from Reformed, Episcopal, and United churches. - What are the main goals, aims, objectives, or purposes
of this curriculum resource?
Written by the Rev. Anita Keire, the course aims to connect Bible stories with real life issues in an effort to develop a sense of discipleship in the children. - What is the main content of this Sunday School
curriculum? (for example, Bible
stories, books of the Bible, theological questions, Bible and life issues,
denominational identity, etc.)
Since the stated goal of building discipleship through the study of Bible stories, the stories themselves make up much of the course’s content. The characters are often the focus of the study and an effort is always made to present a real life application for the story’s lesson. - How is the curriculum organized?
(for example organized around the common lectionary, the Uniform
Lesson series of Biblical texts, topics, themes, etc.)
At each level both Old Testament and New Testament stories are presented, organized with attention to liturgical year. - What age levels are included in this curriculum, and
how are they grouped? (for
example, grades 1-3 together)
The levels of the program are Kindergarten, Primary 1 and 2 (Grades 1 and 2, respectively), Intermediate 1and 2 (Grades 3 and 4), Junior 1 and 2 (Grades 5 and 6), Senior 1 and 2 (Grades 7 and 8) and Confirmation (Grade 9). Each level can be used with an age group one grade lower or higher, so that a Primary 1 class, for example, could include Kindergarten or Second Grade students. The Confirmation level is even described as being appropriate for adults. - What is the structure of a typical lesson and what
kind of learning activities are generally included? (for example, a lesson might be structured around Opening,
Presentation, Exploration, Response, Closing.
Learning activities might emphasize reading, workbooks, and
discussion)
Although some variations exist from lesson to lesson or among levels, the weekly sessions follow a fairly consistent pattern. There is a time for Attendance and Sharing followed by a Review of the previous week’s lesson. Then students are asked questions or prepared in some other way for the story around which that week’s session is centered. At some point there is an age appropriate Activity related to the story and a Conclusion is also planned for. Lessons often include Handouts for younger students and a Discussion for older ones. - When you purchase this Sunday School curriculum, what
do you get? (for example,
teacher guide, learner books, packet of class resources, etc.)
Budget minded Christian Education Committees will appreciate the value of the Basic Package. For $1500.00, a church will receive 8 Student’s Books for each of Grades K-6. (It is assumed by the reviewer that this would be Levels K-Junior 2, but the promotional materials are not explicit on this point.) Also included are a Director’s pack including a Director’s Manual, Teacher’s Training Manual, a Teacher’s Lesson Book for each grade level, a Student’s Book for each level, and the books A Parent’s Guide to Prayer and Prophets, Poets, Priests and Kings. Teachers receive the Teacher’s Training Manual, Teacher’s Lesson book, Student Book, and their own copies of the two books on prayer and historical background given the Director. The kit is fairly comprehensive and is sold as a one-time investment, with only new Student’s Books needing to be ordered in following years at $10 per book. The Basic Package does not include Pre-Confirmation or Confirmation material, which can only be purchased separately (Student Books are $12 and $15, respectively). Optional Lesson materials such as filmstrips pose an additional cost. Any part of the course may be purchased “a la carte,” according to a complicated price system. - How much does it cost?
See the response to the previous question. - What theological tradition, perspective, or
orientation do you note in this material?
The material appears to be genuinely centered around Bible Stories, real life application, and discipleship, with no hidden denominational or theological agenda. But of course, the emphasis on the Bible is a theological perspective it itself. Again, based on the author and the recommendations, it can be assumed that the theological perspective is one of moderate Protestant one. Fiction from C. S. Lewis and Charles Dickens, classical artwork, and even Broadway Musicals are incorporated into the lesson plans, revealing a willingness to use popular culture in religious instruction. - Over all, what is your assessment of the strengths
and weaknesses of this Sunday School curriculum?
The curriculum is thorough and economical, and should be considered by churches coming from traditions sympathetic to its approach. There is no question that it is quite an accomplishment for one person.
