The Curriculum Challenge

My husband and I occasionally entertain ourselves with a Lego challenge. We purchase two identical sets and sit across from each other at the dining room table. On the count of three we break open the packages, dump out the contents, and start building.

The sneaky thing about about these little Lego sets is that the directions often contain several additional steps that are totally unrelated to the main design. It can be confusing if you don't know what you're looking for. You might find yourself off-track, searching your little pile for a piece that's not even included in the set!

For many teachers, curriculum directions can feel the same way. Sifting through the options seems confusing, and sorting out the pieces takes more time than expected. With Legos, most of the fun is in snapping together all those brightly colored pieces, but for teachers, assembling the lesson isn't as much fun as actually sharing God's word with kids.

So what can you do to make lesson planning a snap?

Consider the components
With every new unit, spend a little time figuring out how all the pieces fit together. Flip through your leader's guide to find these components:

• A teacher's devotional and Bible background at the beginning of each session.
• Step-by-step lesson plans throughout.
• Leader's resources stapled into the middle (labeled by session in the top, right-hand corner).
• Music and lyrics used during the unit, included in the back.
• Reproducible pages in the back (labeled by session).
• Notes for the family in the back, included among reproducible pages.
  

* If you're teaching preschool, your supplies are all neatly stashed in the preschool box.

Along with your leader's guide you'll use:

• Student materials--these are new for every unit. The variety keeps kids interested.
• A CD for the year (unless you're a musician, then you can lead the songs yourself).
• Access to a supply cubboard, along with a few household items for lessons.
  

Have supplies handy
I keep construction paper, markers, crayons, scissors, tape, and glue in a bag along with my leader's guide, student materials, and CD at all times. This allows me to plan wherever I am since I already have most of what I need at my fingertips.

Break it into bits
Plan a little at a time throughout the week so that you aren't left with the complete lesson to plan on Saturday night. This also gives the Holy Spirit a little wiggle room to make this story an important part of your life before you share it with the kids.

Employ your imagination
Keep your kids in mind as you read each step and imagine how they'll respond to it. Ask yourself:

• Who will really enjoy this step?
• Who might need extra attention to make this work? What can I do to make that happen?
• Is there any other way I should tweak this to make it fit my kids?
• If there's an option, which is better for my kids--the original step or the option?
  

Plan with prayer
Planning is the perfect time to lift your kids up to the Lord. What are their concerns? What are your hopes for them? Ask God to make this story live in their hearts throughout the week!

Celebrate success
Our Lego Challenge usually ends with a bowl of ice cream for each of us. When you tackle the curriculum challenge--taking the time to pray and plan for a solid session--everyone wins! Instead of setting up last-minute props and stumbling through your notes, you'll be ready to greet each child and offer them the gift of God's word.

That's worth two scoops if you ask me!