Christian Education Resources for Teachers of Children

101 Great Games for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers: Active, Bible-Based Fun for Christian Education by Jolene L. Roehlkepartain (2004)

Always in Rehearsal: The Practice of Worship and the Presence of Children by James H. Ritchie, Jr. (Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 2005. ISBN 978-0-88177-42706). A foundational resource designed to help leaders think through the inclusion of children in the worshiping life of the congregation. Reading this book will not only bring laughter but a new awareness of how easy it is to include children (and all people) in acts of worship.

BibleZoneLive. A fun, inspirational way to teach the Bible to children. Kits include Teacher's guide and kits available from Cokesbury. Preschool, younger elementary, and older elementary.

Boys and Girls Learn Differently! A Guide for Teachers and Parents by Michael Gurian (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2001. ISBN 0-7879-5343-1 ). Includes information about how boys and girls develop, how their brains develop, and social and educational activities for boys and girls.

Campaign for Children -- Phase III ($5.00) 1-800-305-9857. Special emphasis of United Methodist Women.

"Childcare and the Church," The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church, 2008. The official statement on weekday ministry of The United Methodist Church. (Check also with your pastor.)

Children Worship! by MaryJane Pierce Norton (Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 1997. ISBN 978-0-88177-223-4). Thirteen-session worship education resource helps congregations incorporate children (ages 5–8) into the worshiping community. Can easily be adapted for parenting classes and intergenerational retreats.

The Children's Minister by Rita B. Hays (Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 2007. ISBN 978-0-88177-527-3). A foundational book for all persons who care for, work with, and lead ministry with children. This is an excellent guide in relating to children through the difficulties and joys of life.

Children's Sabbath Yearly planning manual available from Children's Defense Fund.

Community with Children and the Poor: A Guide for Congregations by Deborah Smith (Nashville: Cokesbury, 2003. ISBN X516543). A resource in support of the Bishops' Initiative on Children and Poverty, relating beyond local settings to systemic and global issues.

Director's Manual for Weekday Ministries by Barbara Snell McLain (Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 2003. ISBN 978-088177-383-5). Excellent book to guide congregations and tuition based weekday ministries.

Equjpped to Lead: Children's Sunday School Guide compiled by The Consultative Group on Ministry Among Children (Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 2008. ISBN 978-0-88177-542-6). This is a concise, comprehensive training program for education for those who work with children. The book includes seven two-hour training sessions.

Exploring L.I.F.E. This midweek resource helps children apply the Bible lesson to their daily lives. Download from www.cokesbury.com.

The First Three Years: A Guide for Ministry with Infants, Toddlers, and Two-Year-Olds, Mary Alice Donovan Gran, editor (Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 1995, 2001. ISBN 978-0-88177-324-8). A comprehensive manual for the congregation's ministry to young children and their families. Completely reproducible.

Information: Children's Ministries. A newsletter for leaders of children's ministries. Published by the General Board of Discipleship. Request a copy by contacting Mary Alice Gran by e-mail at mgran@bgod.org or in writing to Mary Alice Gran, PO Box 340003, Nashville, TN 37203

Joining Children on the Spiritual Journey: Nurturing a Life of Faith by Catherine Stonehouse (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1998. ISBN 0-8010-5807-4). It's hard to find books that cover the basic theories of child development and formation. This one does in a very approachable way.

Let the Children Give Time, Talents, Love and Money by Delia Halverson. (Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 2007. ISBN 978-0-88177-501-3). Provides adults with a resource to demonstrate stewardship. This book supplements the ongoing ministry of a congregation with practical ways to help children use the gifts they have to show their love for God.

Let There Be Peace in the Classroom by Jenni Douglas Duncan. (Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 2002. ISBN 9780881773859). Written for children's Sunday school teachers, Jenni addresses classroom planning so that discipline does not become an issue.

Pockets magazine (Nashville: Upper Room). A devotional magazine with Bible study, games, activities, and stories specifically for school-aged children. Available by individual or group subscription.

Postmodern Children's Ministry: Ministry to Children in the 21st Century by Ivy Beckwith (Zondervan. 2004). This resource offers a vision that helps children ministry leaders meet children -- preteens and younger -- where they are and gives them the tools to sustain their faith into adulthood.

Raising Children to Love Their Neighbors by Carolyn C. Brown (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2008. ISBN 978-0-68765-142-9). This resource offers visionary plans and practical help for churches that want the children in their congregations to grow up experiencing service and mission as integral parts of the Christian life.

Real Kids, Real Faith: Practices for Nurturing Children's Spiritual Lives by Karen Marie Yust (Jossey-Bass, Families and Faith Series, ISBN 0-7879-6407-7). A thoughtful and practical book that helps parents and children ministry leaders enrich the spiritual lives of the children entrusted to them.

Safe Sanctuaries Anniversary Edition: Reducing the Risk of Abuse in the Church for Children and Youth by Joy Thornburg Melton (Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 2008. ISBN 978-0-88177-543). Outlines policies and procedures to help congregations be safe places for children and youth and for the adults who care for them.

The United Methodist Children's Fund for Christian Mission. A packet that includes a map and 6 annual projects for mission education for children. When used each year, children receive a mission education that provides for long-term habits in caring for others. Request a packet by e-mail from Mary Alice Gran at mgran@gbod.org or in writing from Mary Alice Gran, PO Box 340003, Nashville, TN 37203. Click here to download the 2009 United Methodist Children's Fund for Christian Mission Packet (pdf)

Unplugged Play: NoBatteries. No Plugs. Pure Fun by Bobbi Conner. (New York: Workman Publishing, 2007. ISBN 978-0-7611-4390-1).

Wonder Filled Weekdays. 65 lesson plans for teachers of preschoolers in Christian preschool ministries. Download from www.cokesbury.com.

Your Baby is for Loving by MaryJane Pierce Norton (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2005. ISBN 978-0-687-07646-8). This excellent book will help parents navigate the new world of babyhood. It not only helps families prepare for the birth but also offers practical suggestions and spiritual guidance for the time that follows. Excellent gift from the church to new or expectant parents.

Websites and Organizations

National AfterSchool Association. Professional association for those in after school and summer care of school age children. 529 Main Street, Suite 214, Charlestown, MA 02129. 800-617-8242 or www.naaweb.org.

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Accredits high quality early childhood programs. Its membership organization publishes the magazine Young Children, as well as books, pamphlets, videos, and posters. Write to NAEYC, 1313 "L" Street NW, Suite 500, Washington DC, 20005. Telephone 1-800-424-2460 or www.naeyc.org for membership information and resource list.

School Age Notes: Resources for After School Professionals. Excellent newsletter resource for after-school and summertime weekday ministry for school-aged children.

School or Health Kits, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), UMCOR Depot, 101 Sager Brown Road, P.O. Box 850, Baldwin. LA 70514-0850. Phone 800-814-8765. http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/work/sagerbrown/.

UNICEF, 3 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017. Phone 212-326-7000 or www.unicef.org.

Zero to Three -- National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families

List updated 2-27-09

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