A guide to using themes

Transcription

1 A guide to using themes Cheryl Reid Beacon Media 2 Linton Court Berwick 3806 Ph. (03)

2 Resources aim to integrate God, His character, His nature and His word, into the school curriculum. This means that God can be encountered during study of any subject, and not only in the daily devotional period. Themes for Kids is a supporting resource which unfolds the character and nature of God. Twelve major themes have been chosen, which give the children a balanced understanding of WHO God is God is creator, love, wise, protector, powerful, truth, pure, patient, a servant, life, provider, peace. Each major theme has offshoots. e.g. God is love: kind, merciful and forgiving So in fact there are many more aspects of God represented. As students come to know God personally, they will reflect more of God's character in their lives. God has something to say on every topic we study. He should not be left out! The themes of the devotional program are intertwined with units of study. For example food relates to God is ; buildings relate to God is Protector the family relates to God is Love; Space relates to God is powerful God-centred education How is it different? God is at the centre of the learning process. He is not isolated to Bible study periods. What is Christian education? Integrating good morals into the curriculum? Helping students to become more Christ-like by providing a good Christian atmosphere? A Bible study period each day, or each week? The same as secular education, but with evolution and humanism removed? Finding appropriate Scripture passages to tack on the end of our lessons? - 2 -

3 While these things are good in themselves, they do not allow students to see God at work in their studies. God becomes separated out to morning devotions, or other more spiritual times of the day. Since God is the author of truth, it seems only right to let Him have a say in the knowledge we teach. A thematic approach provides tools for integration of the knowledge of God's world, the part man plays, and how the Bible relates. If we do not include God in all that we teach, then we are excluding Him. Instead of Christian education we have secular education, which places man at the centre of learning. A thematic, integrated God-centred curriculum integrates the knowledge of God with the educational process. It does not separate Bible study from the general curriculum. Instead it helps students to interpret the world around them through the eyes of the. It relates God's word, integrated with general studies, to life. It directs students into an intimate knowledge of God, His word and His character. Truly God-centred education does not treat 'Bible' and 'academic knowledge' as separate disciplines, but attempts to place God and His character at the centre of all education. How old is God-centred education? Biblical Truth... academic knowledge... Integrated... or separated...? - 3 -

4 In Old Testament times, God and the Bible were central to life. For the Hebrews, God was not separate from education. The whole of Creation, (man included), was regarded as being dependent upon God the. God was regarded as the measure of all things. The Greeks, on the other hand, believed that man was the measure of all things. Living for the present was all that mattered. Life beyond death was not thought to be important. God was pushed out of the centre of the educational circle to the periphery. Priority was given to man's interpretation of knowledge, while God was separated from education and given low priority. In education our children today we have the choice of two models: The Greek model Science Art English MAN History Maths The Hebrew model Science Art English GOD History Maths - 4 -

5 Children need to be exposed to a broad spectrum of topics based on the world around them topics like plants, people, animals, rocks, water, magnets and so on. A God-centred thematic approach attempts to link these topics with the Himself. We should look for God s perspective on everything around us. Themes for Kids provides resource material that can be blended with a Godcentered curriculum. The Bible stories and passages can provide a good basis for planning your program. For integrated curriculum, sections can be cut and pasted, rather than working through the program from beginning to end as you would for a Sunday School program. Note: Tables for curriculum planning can be found at the end of this document. How can I link the topic with the spiritual theme? It is important to put God first and not the topic first. Example: Theme: God is Specific spiritual focus: God is a faithful provider Topic: trees NOT... Topic: trees After thought: God made trees - 5 -

6 Flowchart Health Food from trees Science Trees: Parts of the tree Osmosis Photosynthe Geography Trees in the local environment Rainforests Art Paper making Leaf prints God is God is a faithful provider Exodus God provides food and water in the desert. Ref: Themes for Kids 5, pp Literature Biographies/Testimonies of provision Gladys Aylward Music The Journey (Sing a Joyful Song cassette) Maths Measuring area and perimeter of leaves The learning centre should visually reflect the theme. Make a large, colourful sign for the wall, saying 'God is '. Students can decorate each letter separately with colouful patterns. The sign serves as a daily visual reminder of the theme. As more and more work is completed, displays start to decorate the wall, including Scripture verses appropriate to the theme

7 These Scripture verses can become memory verses. How much more meaningful for students to learn a verse like, 'My God shall supply all your needs...' Philippians 4:17, while studying God is, than any memory verse at random. When can I teach the spiritual theme? (eg. God is ) 1. Devotional periods What does it mean to us personally? What bible passages speak about the theme? How does the creation reflect the theme? Are there any personal Christian testimonies that prove God to be true in this way? How does the theme relate to life's practical aspects? Can the theme be brought into language arts? Are there Christian biographies that can be studied? Is there one that stands out in particular as showing God as? Is there any other Christian reading material on the theme that can be studied? 2. Science/ sociology/history/geography Take the science/geography topic, 'trees' or 'rain forests'. Remind the students of the who made the trees, and His purposes for making them He is our provider. Make the link between the Creation and the. Ask: "Which Bible story did we read this week that reminded us of God's provision?" e.g. God provided for Ruth and Naomi 3. Music Choose songs that teach about the theme. See the Products page for song resources supporting the themes. 4. Art Make your program theme based, (God first), and teach the skills within the context of the theme. This approach does not undermine the teaching of - 7 -

8 skills.. Students will be more motivated, more confident and present work of higher standard. Examples: If you are teaching 'God is ' then illustrate the days of creation. Teach drawing and painting skills through the God is theme. For God is, make leaf rubbings or plant prints. Teach collage and design skills. 5. Prayer Thank God for who He is. Thank Him for His love, His protection, His provision. Ask Him for protection and healing. Ask Him to show you how to serve. Ask Him to help you in becoming more like Jesus. 6. Character development Constantly reinforce the teaching of God's character, weaving it into the daily educational process. Remind the students that God wants us to be more like Him. Examples: As we learn that God is loving, we are challenged to love others. As we learn that He is patient, we are challenged to be more patient. A full list of character qualities, and ideas for teaching these can be found in the Jesus First resource. How do themes work? In a secular setting: Sample topic: the weather You could Find stories based on the topic of weather. Study the weather in science. Measure wind speeds and rainfall in maths. Sing songs about weather. Stimulate art work around the weather theme. You could - 8 -

9 Make paper clouds stuffed with cotton wool, attack paper raindrops and hang them from the ceiling. Make snowflake designs on the windows. Do some creative writing about weather Borrow library books on weather. Make observation chart and weather maps in science, geography and maths. Make lists of 'weather' words for spelling. In a Christian setting we can do all this and more. We would begin by placing God at the centre. We would Teach about an attribute of His character, such as 'God is '. Ask the students how the weather topic reminds us of God's power. Read the Bible story of Jesus calming the storm, showing His power over all of creation. Discuss God's power working in the lives of Christians, and the power He can give to help us through the storms of life. Ask ourselves how an understanding of God's power can change our lives. Discuss the meaning of Jesus as a powerful Lord one who is in control of one's life. Discuss the topic of faith in a powerful God. Combining different aspects of God's character It is possible to study two aspects at the same time by linking attributes. An example would be, 'God is a loving provider'. Taking the topic, 'Rainforests', for example, we may want to study this topic for an extended period of time...perhaps 6 to 8 weeks. Placing 'rainforests' under the banner of God is a loving provider means that both love and provision can be studied throughout the theme. Problem It is possible to choose a topic, choose an attribute of God, to make an attractive display on the back wall... G o d is P r o v i d e r..... He provides for the plants and animals in our rainforests - 9 -

10 and then carry on teaching the topic with no further reference to God in the study. It is important to remind the student of God throughout the study and not just at the introduction point. Each time we begin a study session, ask the students, "What does the study of rainforests show us about God?" We need to ask God daily to reveal His mind and to get His perspective on everything we teach. Evaluation To ensure that the students are making the link between their academic studies and the spiritual theme, three key questions need to be asked regularly: 1. Which theme are we studying at present? (e.g. God is provider) 2. Which topic are we studying to remind us of the theme? (e.g. rainforests) 3. Which Bible passages and verses are we studying to show us that God is...? Maintaining a balanced program Just as we would plan our academic curriculum carefully, ensuring that we are covering a balance of skills and a wide range of topics, so too should we plan the spiritual dimension. Are we covering all the attributes of God's character over a one or two year period? Are we covering a wide selection of Bible passages? If not, we are presenting the students with an unbalanced view of God. If we only study God's love and patience for example, and never study His purity and holiness, then we are not presenting a true picture of who God is

11 Attributes List God is Love Wise Designer Shepherd Just Friend Guide Ordered Father All-knowing Awesome Faithful Truth Resourceful Kind Right Protector Truth Refuge Faithful Deliverer Healer Just Defender Lord and King Teacher Father Great and mighty The Way Pure Servant Holy Loving Faithful Righteous Kind Healer Good Forgiving Humble Light Persevering Sacrificial Life Peace Sustainer Father Reconciler Joy Faithful Forgiving Saviour Generous Protector Redeemer Resourceful Comforter

12 Suggestions for integration God is animal life; plant life; ecosystems human biology solar system air water fossil records; creation science technology; inventions God is Love myself; my family understanding different cultural groups understanding the aged and disabled the third world: giving and sharing friendship, fruits of the spirit biographies of those who have shown kindness and compassion technology; inventions (God's wisdom given to man) the balance of nature the age of discovery and exploration (God's guidance) God is Wise civil laws environmental responsibility safety money planning for the future; careers biographies of those who relied on God for guidance and wisdom God is Protector family shelter protection services the middle ages, (castles and fortresses) human biology sea voyages, ships and lighthouses environmental protection animal protection; camouflage God is force and motion electricity

13 magnetism solar system landforms change: chemical reactions weather transport; flight God is Truth friendship, (faithfulness and truthfulness) scientific method discovering real or substitute; fact or fantasy scientist who discovered the truth discovering the truth through archaeology creation science the media and advertising; consumer education God is Pure water, (symbol of purity) light, (symbol of purity) purity in relationships: loving and forgiving the fall of the perfect creation; environmental pollution heaven- study of precious metals, crystals and gems in the Holy City God is Growing things (patience in watching them grow) listening to others patiently listening, sound and the ear patience with people tolerance patience in hobbies and occupations people who have shown patience: pioneers gold- patience and perseverance development of technology God is Life cycle of life from birth to death animal life; plant life; ecosystems plant life requirements for life: air, water desert survival joy in life: celebrations and cultural festivals

14 God is food plants forestry fibres and fabrics animal husbandry fishing industry world food supply technology rainforests; ecosystems God is Peace home and family peaceful play trust, (inner peace) dealing with fears, (obstacles to peace) barriers to peace, (racial, national, cultural prejudices) national and international peace biographies of peacemakers and those who have struggled for peace Biographies and Christian testimonies Themes for Kids Levels 2 Helen Keller (God is Love) Themes for Kids Level 3 Florence Nightingale (God is Servant) Themes for Kids Level 4 Mary Jones (God is Truth); Granny Smith (God is Life) Themes for Kids Level 5 Caroline Chisholm (God is Love); Reona Peterson s Escape (God is Protector); Galileo (God is Truth); John Flynn (God is Servant); Gladys Aylward (God is ); Blondin (God is Peace) Themes for Kids Level 6 Christopher Columbus (God is Wise); Miracles in Java (God is ); Ian McCormack (God is ); William Booth (God is Servant); Hudson Taylor (God is Servant); Jim Elliot (God is Servant); Corrie Ten Boom (God is ); Don Richardson and the Peace Child (God is Peace) Themes for Kids Level 7 Brother Andrew (God is Protector); Simpson and his Donkey (God is Servant); Father Damien, friend of Lepers (God is Servant); George Muller (God is ); Mary Slessor (God is Peace); Martin Luther King (God is Peace)

15 Integrating topics and Christian themes WHICH TOPIC? WHAT IS MY SPIRITUAL FOCUS? MATERIALS FROM THEMES FOR KIDS Advertising/media God is Truth: honesty/dishonesty in advertising & Themes 6 God is Truth packaging God is Pure: discerning the truth and purity in the Themes 6 God is Pure world around us. Agriculture God is Love: God shows His love by providing through the land. Themes 4, 5 God is Air God is Life: God has provided Earth with the elements for life support. Themes 3 God is Life Themes 5 God is Life Animals God is Life: animal life cycles Themes 1 God is Life Themes 2 God is Life God is : Our responsibility towards animals. Themes 5 God is God is : God provides for us through animals. Themes 5 God is God is Protector: camouflage and defence mechanisms. Themes 5 God is Protector God is : animal kingdoms; balance of nature Themes 2 God is Ants God is Wise: ants are wise creatures. They prepare Themes 5 God is Wise for the future. Prov. 6:6 Archaeology God is /Truth: Discovering the truth through archaeology. Themes 7 God is Architecture God is : certain occupations require patience and precision. Look at historical buildings. Themes 5 God is Themes 4 God is Astronomy See Solar System Banking God is Wise: wise use of money Themes 4 God is Wise Balance God is Truth: a false balance is an abomination to Themes 5 God is Truth God (Prov. 11:1) Camouflage See Animals Careers God is Wise: making wise choices and decisions in Themes 7 God is Wise the choice of a career. Castles See Shelter Chemistry God is : powerful chemical reactions bring change. Heat; states of matter. God can change us! Themes 5 God is Protector Choices & God is Wise: choices in shopping, eating and Themes 2 God is Wise decisions choosing a pet. God is Wise: choices in choosing friends; right and Themes 7 God is Wise wrong; drugs and alcohol. Civil laws God is Wise: wise and responsible behaviour; traffic Themes 2 God is Wise laws; environmental responsibility Clocks See pendulums Clothes God is : God provides materials for clothes. Themes 3 God is Themes 4.God is Themes 5 God is Communications God is a Servant: technology serves us in spreading Themes 6 God is a

16 Community services the word. T.V. radio, telephone, computer. Missionaries and Bible translators. God is a Servant: People who serve in our community: medical services, fire fighters, police. God is Protector: People who protect us: police, fire fighters, life-savers. Servant Themes 2 God is a Servant Themes 2 God is Protector Consumer God is Wise: Wise choices in shopping. Themes 2 God is Wise education God is Truth: honesty in advertising/packaging. Themes 6 God is Truth Customer surveys; testing performance of products. Crafts/hobbies God is : hobbies that require patience. Themes 4 God is Creation/evolution God is : the flood; dinosaurs; arguing the case against evolution Themes 7 God is Crystals God is : patience in waiting for crystals to grow; limestone caves. Themes 1 God is Cultural groups God is Love: God loves all people unconditionally. God's love for different cultural groups. Our love and Themes 3 God is Love Themes 5 God is Love acceptance of different people. God is : God's patience with us. Patience required when two different cultures meet. Themes 7 God is God is Peace: racial and international peace Themes 7 God is Peace Dinosaurs See Creation/evolution Disabled God is Love: God wants us to show particular Themes 2 God is Love Disasters Drugs kindness to those with special needs. God is : showing patience towards the elderly and the disabled. God is Wise: safety precautions to avoid disasters; preparation for natural disasters such as bush fires and snow storms. God is Pure: natural disasters are a result of the fall and were not part of God's original perfect creation. See Choices and decisions Themes 2 God is Love Themes 3 God is Themes 3 God is Wise Themes 7 God is Pure Ecosystems God is : nature's perfect balance and the effects of the Fall. Themes 6 God is Electricity God is : God has placed with n the creation powerful sources of energy for our use. Themes 7 God is Environment God is Peace: appreciation of God's creation; Themes 5 God is Peace harmony, beauty and design. Environmental God is Wise: wisdom in caring for the environment; Themes 1 God is Wise responsibility pollution Explorers God is Wise: wisdom in allowing God to guide us. Themes 6 God is Wise God guided many of the early explorers. Fact and fantasy God is Truth: discerning between truth and fiction Themes 3 God is Truth Family God is Protector: Protection through the family. Themes 1 God is Protector God is a Servant: serving in the home. Themes 1 God is a Servant God is Peace: feeling secure with family; playing peacefully with siblings. Themes 1 God is Peace Themes 2 God is Peace God is Truth: honesty in the home. Themes 1 p Fibres and fabrics See Clothes

17 Food God is : buying food; preparing food. Themes 1 God is God is : plant foods Themes 2 God is God is : fruits and seeds Themes 3 p. God is God is : food from animals Themes 5 God is God is : food from the sea Themes 6 God is God is : world food supply; supply and demand; imports and exports; the third world. Themes 7 God is Force and motion God is powerful: powerful forces in the creation: tools, toys, machines, transport. Themes 1 God is Themes 6 God is Fossils God is : the flood; dinosaurs; age of fossils Themes 7 God is Friends God is Pure: purity in relationships; forgiveness and Themes 3 God is Pure honesty God is Peace: peace and harmony in relationships Themes 7 God is Peace Geography God is Wise: maps to guide us. The Bible is God's map for our lives. Themes 6 God is Wise Themes 4 God is Truth God is : powerful forces creating landforms: mountains, rivers, glaciers, volcanoes. Themes 4 God is God is Life: desert survival Themes 7 God is Life God is Love: people of the world. (See Cultural groups) The third world. Themes 7 God is Geology God is Truth: Rocks and soil. God's word is a rock. Themes 4 God is Truth God is Pure: purity of metals and minerals Themes 4 God is Pure God is Pure: salt. Salt is a cleansing agent. Themes 5 God is Pure God is : the Great Flood Themes 6 God is Themes 7 God is Growth God is Life: the cycle of life from birth to old age. Themes 3 God is Life God is Life: plant life. Themes 5 God is Life God is : Plants Themes 2 God is Themes 3 God is Government God is Peace: current affairs relating to peace Themes 7 God is Peace God is Wise: governments are elected to make wise Themes 7 God is Wise choices and decisions. Health See Safety; Human body; Food History of God is Love: The nation of Israel; Jews and gentiles; Themes 6 God is Love Civilisation (John 3:16) Hobbies God is : hobbies that require patience. Themes 4 God is Home See Family Houses See Shelter Human biology God is : We are created in God's image. Themes 4 God is

18 Israel International peace God is Protector: protective mechanisms; the blood God is a Servant: Jesus the healing servant. The body's ability to heal. God is Love: myself; my body God is Love: God's purpose for Israel and His love for the gentiles. God is Peace: peace makers; Australian Aboriginal Reconciliation Themes 4 God is Protector Themes 3 God is a Servant Themes 1 God is Love Themes 6 God is Love Themes 7 God is Peace Themes 7 God is Themes 2 God is Kings and kingdoms God is : royalty; fact and fantasy; good and evil; Jesus is our King. Law and order God is Wise: It is wise to obey God. Themes God is Wise Light God is : God created light. Sun, moon, stars, Themes 1 God is reflections, shadows, spectrum. God is Pure: Light, shadow, reflections: Light is a Themes 5 God is Pure symbol of purity. Walk in the light. Lighthouses God is Protector: Lighthouses protected ships. Jesus Themes 6 God is is the light. Protector Machines see Force and motion Magnetism God is : magnetism is a powerful force Themes 6 God is within the creation. Mapping See Geography Medical Profession See Human Body and community services Metals and God is Pure: metals are refined to remove impurities. Themes 4 God is Pure minerals Gems and crystals reflect light. The purity of Heaven. Middle ages God is Protector: Castles of the middle ages provided Themes 3 God is protection. God is our fortress. The armour of God. Protector Missionaries God is a Servant: missionaries serving God Themes 5 God is a Servant God is a Servant: serving with humility Themes 4 Servant God is a servant: spreading the Good News Themes 6 Servant God is Peace: The Peace Child Story Themes 6 God is Peace God is Love: missionaries to the third world Themes 7 God is Love Money See banking Multi-cultural See Cultural groups Nutrition See Food Occupations God is : jobs that require patience, precision Themes 5 God is and accuracy. Pendulums God is Truth: Galileo's discovery of the truth about Themes 5 God is Truth the solar system and pendulums Pets God is Wise: Wise choice of a pet; caring for pets. Themes 2 God is Wise Pioneers God is : patience and perseverance; tools, Themes 6 God is equipment, olden day technology. God is a Servant: people who made sacrifices to 'pave Themes 7 God is a the way' for others. Servant Plants God is : plant foods Themes 2 God is God is : fruits and seeds Themes 3 God is Life: Plant growth Themes 4God is Life God is : God provides for His creation Themes 3 God is God is : waiting for seeds to sprout Themes 1 God is

19 Pollution God is Pure: What happened to the perfect creation? Themes 7 God is Pure God is Wise: environmental responsibly Themes 1 God is Wise Protection services Police, fire brigade, life savers (See community services) Racial peace See Cultural groups Relationships See Friends, Family Road safety See safety Rocks See Geology Safety God is Wise: Be wise and take precautions. Themes 3 God is Wise God is Peace: Stranger danger. Recognise feelings Themes 3 God is Peace opposed to peace. Scientific method God is Truth: discovering truth through the scientific Themes 7God is Truth method Scientists God is Truth: scientists who seek the truth Themes 5 God is Truth Seeds See plants Senses See the human body Shelter God is protector: History of shelter. Houses and castles protect. Themes 3 God is Protector Themes 7 God is Protector Ships God is Protector: protection on sea voyages Themes 6 God is Protector Solar system/space God is : powerful forces. sun and planets, the earth in space, weather, time and seasons. Themes 3 God is God is Truth: Galileo discovers the truth about the Themes 5 p solar system Spiders God is : patience and perseverance shown by spiders in web building. Themes 4 God is Time God is Wise: using time wisely Themes 7 God is Wise Tools, toys See Force and motion Transport See Force and motion; ships; air Travel God is Wise: planning for journeys Themes 5 God is Wise Water The Water Cycle Themes 2 God is God is Pure: Water purifying methods Themes 2 God is Pure God is Life: Jesus the Living Water Themes 6 God is Life Water cycle God is : steam power; hydro power Themes 5 God is Weather/seasons God is : power in the creation Themes 3 God is