What Curriculum in 2011?

We are always in search of excellent curriculum material and the end of a year is the opportunity to review what we have been using.
You will never find curriculum that 'has it all' (whatever 'all' is) yet there are a few important guidelines to remember as we dive into the sea of options. (Hint; don't stop reading till you hit the final point of this article; it contains perhaps the most important consideration.)

1. God centered themes.
Too much of the curricula I have seen treats the Bible like a set of fairy stories ending with the words, "and the moral to the story is ....;" at which point they give a little child centred application such as, "be good, don't lie, trust God." Yet the Bible is essentially a story about God. A curriculum must make God and his wonderful plan in Christ its main theme. For example, through the story of David and Goliath children need to get a sense that God was raising up his anointed king to save his people, not, "... you don't have to be afraid when you face giant obstacles in your life" (Of course, in God's king, Jesus, we overcome in all things, but that is only true when we realise who God's king is!) A curriculum must be true to the purpose and intent of 'His-story' as it unfolds in Christ.

2. Depth of application
How deep can you go with a five year old? Answer: as deep as you can. Much of the material we use is like an express train that rockets through story after story without pausing in any depth to explore how it applies to a child's life. Consequently, we end up with children who raise their hands to tell you, "I know that story" and then switch off. We must find creative ways to apply the word to life.
There should be depth in a number of different areas.
Firstly, a multi faceted deepening relationship with God. Paul's prayer must be our goal, "...that you may know him (God) better" (Eph. 1:17.) Not just factual knowledge, but a personal, practical knowledge that is demonstrated by trust and obedience. How do our lessons engage children to explore and respond to God at a personal deepening level. Does the story lead to prayer (what kind of prayer?) worship (in what way?) thoughtful meditation, reflective writing (a poem, a story?) creating, a particular response of obedience, and so on. Do not finish with a story or theme (even if it means stretching it over a few lessons) unless you've applied it to their relationship with God.
Secondly, application should be age appropriate. For example, ask yourself, for what does a five year old need to trust God; what about a ten year old? The curriculum should apply the same story or theme to children in different ways according to their age and context. In this way children are taught that they never 'know it all' but rather discover that in ever relevant ways, the Bible applies to them.
Thirdly, the curriculum should guide and explore different ways children can respond. Always having a list of questions to answer, or a sheet to colour in, or a craft to complete is not sufficient. The story or theme should lead us in this, and as it does so we can apply it through different means such as, creative play, skits, drawing, making, journaling, writing, serving,.... and so on.

3. Parental involvement.
Take home questions, information, prayer and discussion suggestions are invaluable to enhance the impact of what you are teaching and to endear your ministry to parents.

4. Actually reading the Bible.
Reading from a Bible may not explicitly be mentioned in the material, yet it's worth mentioning as vital to any teaching we do. By getting children to bring their Bibles, read them and work with them ensures they are hearing God's word in the form in which it comes to us as well as learning to use their Bibles for themselves.

5. It is taught by teachers who have a rich and real walk with God.
A teacher impresses young children with who they are. Our passion for Christ, his word and the way we live it is the key to ANY curriculum. In some ways, a fully prepared curriculum removes a powerful and necessary process in teaching; the teachers personal investment and connection with the material which often only comes through the hard work of study and preparation. The material we use must never be allowed to become a substitute for reliance on the Holy Spirit and personal conviction about the truths we teach. One set of material I have investigated calls this dimension 'teaching from the overflow.' I think they've got it in one. Throughout the year, regardless of the material, leaders need to maintain and build their spiritual life and work hard to teach out of a personal rich and real walk with God.

Do you think there are other important considerations?
What do you think about 'pre-packaged' vs 'do it yourself' curriculum?