Using the Curriculum

God has spoken strongly of his desire for children to learn in his presence, he wants children to encounter him in the classroom and at home, to increase in love for him, not just learn about him.  

There are three suggested ways of ordering themes for a three year cycle:-

i) Each of YEARS A, B & C: use  6–7 Nouns,  6–7 Adjectives,  6–7 Verbs  - website uses this format, click to see chart      

ii) YEAR A: 18–21 Nouns YEAR B: 18–21 Adjectives YEAR C: 18–21 Verbs  click to see chart

iii) Each of YEARS A, B & C use  6–7 Nouns,  6–7 Adjectives,  6–7 Verbs  grouped by Spheres of Influence. click to see chart

Materials can be spread over a year spending either two or three weeks on each theme.  When there are more than enough themes for a school year teachers/parents can prayerfully consider which themes to cover and in what order.  There are lesson ideas for each theme at three different class levels, teachers, parents, students can add more!  (To share lesson ideas or help write lessons for other languages and/or cultures please email icscurriculum@gmail.com.)

Meditation/memory verses, Bible passages and Bible stories for each theme are suggested for each theme. Ways of reading right through the Bible in a year are coming. The NLT Bible is used with permission. Meditation/Memory verses are attached to each theme as printable pdf files  (Large for wall, small for students) Verses should always be read in context. Some weeks students could meditate on a section of the Bible without any memorization, or they could memorize longer passages over 2-3 weeks.

Themes are intended to be a foundation for other areas of learning, flowing through writing, science, art etc. lessons and family life. Integration ideas are being added to each theme plan.

Planning a Lesson . . .

What you do with your students should flow out of personal revelation. DO take time as a teacher to meditate, and listen to God on each theme before the week begins.  

. . . pray . . .

1. MEDITATE: Use the downloadable Teacher Meditation page for personal reflection in the days leading up to any new theme – could be a one-off Bible study or part of your regular times with God … when you have personal revelation from God you will breathe his life to the children.

. . . pray . . .

2. PLAN with God:  

Carve out 30-40 minutes a week, definitely before a new theme begins. 

  • Look at the Outcomes page (Knowledge/skills/character) Ask God what does he want for these children?

  • Read through the Lesson Ideas page, see what leaps out for you, what you want to use & in what order? – could use a highlighter, have a pencil in hand to write down other ideas – God will give lots!

  • Verses – Which one first? How to introduce? What’s the context etc.?

. . . pray . . .

3. TEACH:  

  • Ask God for a creative, interesting way to introduce a new theme the first day (there is usually an idea at beginning of the Lesson Activities page) He is immensely interesting!

  • Use the lesson ideas in whatever order you want, there are some specific to each theme verse, others are general, add your own!

  • Remember we named the website where the materials are “enteringgodspresence.com” because God reminded us so strongly of his desire for children to learn in his presence, he wants these children to encounter him in the classroom and home, to increase in love for him, not just learn about him. Have quiet times listening to God, listening to worship songs, stop and pray, gather on the floor, walk outside and wonder at his creation etc.

  • teach the children to meditate on the word and listen to what God is saying “Say it – Draw it – Pray it – Write it – Sing it” (could have times when they listen quietly while you read out their verse several times)

Bible journal: some suggestions to use over 2-3 week theme:

  • to start a new theme take a full page to write the title, illustrate and color (do after you have introduced the theme so they know what to draw!). For younger children learning to write you could help them write the title in large bubble letters or print for them to glue in.

  • glue in a small copy of the verse then have children write it out underneath – could color/decorate

  • use pages to record anything suggested in lesson ideas, glue in handouts etc.

. . . pray . . .

Possible Weekly Schedule for using themes:- (3 or 4 class times of 15-45 minutes each week) 

Day 1: Look at Lesson Ideas for ways to introduce the theme. Find memory/meditation verses in Bibles - read aloud and write neatly and/or glue printed copies into journal. Talk, set in context.  

Days 2 & 3: Use Lesson Ideas. Meditate on the verse, listening to God. Illustrate and note things God says. Practical helps to meditate - Read it     Write it     Sing it     Say it     Pray it    Draw it     

Day 4: Continue with lesson ideas. Quiz verses by having students write on paper & hand in or speak out loud individually etc. (particularly if writing is a challenge)