Smithfield School curriculum: Gather Round

Top Ten Facts to Know About Gather Round

10.) The curriculum authors speak of the importance of story: "Sharing stories forms children's identities and lets them in on community secrets. Stories lead children out of their individual world into the larger world of faith. The story is important because it is not just a story. It is not even just their story; it is our story. It is a story that helps us remember who we are."

9.) All age groups study the same Bible story each week. This fall, the stories are taken from the books of Exodus, Numbers, Joshua, and Judges, told in chronological order. They include well-known stories, like the parting of the Red Sea, and lesser-told tales, like the one about the daughters of Zelophehad.

8.) Teacher guides include a "Bible insight" section, giving a deeper look at the story for the day, written by a well-known Biblical scholar.

7.) Each week's lesson includes a choice of activities; teachers may choose to offer several activity stations simultaneously for students to choose from, or they may lead the whole class in an activity of the teacher's choice.

6.) The lesson plans are designed with "multiple intelligences" in mind, to appeal to students who learn in different ways. A single class session might include activities designed for visual, kinesthetic, musical, and interpersonal learners.

5.) Children in the age 3-K and grades 1-6 classes will each use a full-color student book. It includes stories, activities, and even stickers. The student books will stay in the classroom during the unit, and can be sent home with children on the last day of the quarter.

4.) It includes a family resource called a Talkabout. Every household receives a Talkabout to use during the week for family Bible study. This quarter's Talkabout is a map with fun stickers!

3.) It comes with a CD of catchy songs from all over the world, including songs in Spanish, Hebrew, and a West African language. There are spirituals, folk songs, and even tracks without lyrics for your own karaoke-like interpretations!

2.) It comes highly recommended from the United Church of Christ. The curriculum was designed by the Church of the Brethren and Mennonite Church, so it has a strong emphasis on peace and justice issues. Occasionally, it needs adaptation to our UCC setting (e.g. infant baptism).

1.) It was the top choice of the Smithfield Education Team - but it's not set in stone. We're going to give Gather Round a try this fall while we evaluate other curriculum options. If Gather Round is working, we'll stick with it in the spring; otherwise, we may make a transition to another curriculum.

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