Spencer Library: Faith Formation: Curricula

General Curricula

PowerXpress is a rotation model curriculum using seven stations (art, cooking, games, video, music/movement, science, storytelling) using a life to Bible format. For children grades K-6 with activities for both younger and older children. A favorite downloadable curriculum among churches for years!

Manna and Mercy: A Brief History of God's Unfolding Promise to Mend the Entire Universe

From Augsburg Fortress:

a full intergenerational curriculum
based on Daniel Erlander's beloved book Manna and Mercy
- a book about God and the continuity of God’s covenant of life, justice, and inclusion to all people and all of creation.

The curriculum includes:

leader sourcebook of lesson plans for all ages
interactive edition of the book for kids
four board books for young children
Erlander's original book
also available in a bilingual (Spanish) version with coloring pages, for parents at home or leaders

Michelle Gribble's Story and Stretch:

online videos
easy to share
enjoyment for all ages
movement together
a fresh perspective on ancient stories and truths

Sparkhouse Digital:

customizable
accessible for teachers and parents
engaging content available for pre-K-12

PC(USA) Store's Growing in Grace is appropriate for ages 3-5 or 5-10.

Relationally focused
easy to adapt online
use at home or a traditional church setting
download a sample session
see the breakdown of Bible stories by unit
check out the fall through spring units
download the free, customizable at-home kit guide for each unit

Provides curricula for all ages in a variety of progressive modes and topics.

Dwell at Home
Dwell Digital
subscription Sunday school curriculum
online access to all 360 lesson plans
lesson summaries for parents (here’s an example)
additional fun ideas and a guide for adapting to online

Narrative Lectionary Based Curricula

Spill the Beans

Narrative Lectionary
worship and learning
resources for all ages

Revised Common Lectionary Based Curricula

Mini Revolutions

intergenerational
monthly subscription or month-by-month
digital curriculum
based on the Revised Common Lectionary and the liturgical calendar

Download a sample.

Feasting on the Word is a lectionary based curriculum that allows all ages to study the same text each week. Preparatory materials equip leaders with the biblical background they need to feel confident with any age group.

Sample Sessions are available for:

The Free Guide offers tips for online use.

Spiritual Practices Based Curriculum

Follow Me: Biblical Practices for Faithful Living

whole-congregation curriculum
studies the Bible through the lens of biblical practices
Follow Me Overview video
visit the website
download the sampler
Components include:

The Godly Play® method is:

created by theologian, author and educator, Rev. Dr. Jerome Berryman
a curriculum of spiritual practice
explores the mystery of God’s presence in our lives
teaches us to listen for God and to make authentic and creative responses to God’s call in our lives

ProgressiveChristianity.org's A Joyful Path (ages 6 - 10):

behavior-over-belief curriculum
connects children with their own inner wisdom
works well in-person or online

It teaches:

interdependence
self awareness
respect for nature
stillness
forgiveness
prayer
meditation
integrity
utilizes the Bible and other wisdom stories

Choose Year 1 or Year 2 Full Year Version - Book, PDF or DVD

Year 3 (for ages 9-12) lessons offer:

a Christianity that is radically inclusive
a willingness to foster connections
questions in pursuit of "the Oneness and Unity of all Life" and includes:
- heart-centered and experiential practices
- informed by Christian mysticism and Earth-centered spirituality
- includes interfaith and inter-spiritual perspectives