Christian Formation
Diocese
of Eastern Michigan
Ministries
Resource Center
Subject:
Christian Formation
Topic:
CF Theory & Parenting Resources
Theory
The
following items are located at the Diocesan Center, Saginaw:
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Ministries Resource Center Home Congregational/ Leadership Development Stewardship/Mission and Outreach An
Introduction to Godly Play Theory Curriculum:
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The Religious Potential of
the Child - Sofia
Cavalletti, Liturgy Training Publications, Chicago IL; 1992 This is a discussion of children and their
ability to relate to God and how they are brought to understand God. It
includes both of drawings by children and photographs of children in a
worship center environment, but does not describe how to set up such a
center. It is intended to explain the "why", not the
"how." God, Kids, & Us - Janet M Eibner & Susan G Walker,
Morehouse Publishing, Harrisburg PA; 1997 This book is designed to help you set up your Christian Education
program; it includes a discussion of styles of programs, what is needed to
get organized, looking at recruitment of volunteers, and evaluating the
program. Many worksheets are included to be used or adapted as needed, and a
list of resource books. It also has a copy of The Children's Charter for the
Church. 3 copies New: The First Three Years – Mary Alice Gran, ed, Discipleship
Resources, Nashville TN; 1995, 2001 This book is called “A Guide for Ministry with Infants, Toddlers, and
Two-Year-Olds”; it gives all the information needed to set up a safe and
comfortable nursery for very young children including discussions of the
children’s development and the needs for a caregiver in the area. It also
includes a variety of check lists and forms to use in this ministry.
Everything you need to know to take care of the youngest and most vulnerable
in our congregations. (Note: see also The
Most Important Space in the Church for more theory about using nursery
space.) Creative Christian Education
– Howard Hanchey,
Morehouse Publishing, Harrisburg, PA; 1986 This book includes both theory and practice in organizing a Formation
program based on the Church year and the lectionary texts. The 1st
half of the book looks at the "why" of Christian Formation and how
to get started; the 2nd half deals with the particular lessons to
be used. Many ideas for a program are presented, but not spelled out in
detail; teachers would need to be creative or to have additional resources The Most Important Space in
the Church – Rita B.
Hays, Discipleship Resources; 2009 Hays discusses how to welcome and nurture infants, toddlers, and
preschool children and their families into the church through the nursery
space; she then shows how the techniques used in the nursery may be used to
welcome ALL people into the church. Creative Teaching Methods – Marlene D. LeFever, David C. Cook Publishing Co; 1985, 1996 Begins with a discussion of why it is helpful to go beyond lecture or
“fill in the blanks” style teaching in a Sunday School classroom and talks
about a variety of ways to get students-both child and adult-up, moving, and
involved in the lesson. Includes discussion about and examples of drama, role
play, mime, simulation games, discussion, creative writing, “joyful noises”,
and art. Helpful and practical. Learning Styles – Marlene
D. LeFever, David C. Cook Publishing Co, Colorado Springs CO; 1995 A thorough discussion of four ways of learning followed by sample
lessons which teach to all learning styles; also looks briefly at uses of
this knowledge outside of the classroom; and at other learning styles. New:
How to Lead – Living the
Good News, Denver CO; 2000 Pre/K; Primary;
Intermediate; Young Teens; High School These age-graded booklets offer practical information for teachers and
group leaders to help them lead more effectively and to know their students a
bit better. While aimed specifically at using Living the Good News materials the suggestions offered can be
helpful getting any teacher/leader started. New:
How to Recruit, Train, and Retain Leaders – Living the Good News, Denver CO; 2006 Also focused on the Living the
Good News materials, this book is designed for DCE’s or Sunday School
Superintendents who wish some help in getting started recruiting and training
leaders. It is effective for working with most programs as it focuses on the
teachers and teaching, not the materials themselves. Offering the Gospel to Children – Gretchen Wolff Pritchard, Cowley
Publications, Cambridge MA; 1992 Pritchard took a serious look at Christian
Formation for children in the late 80’s to early 90’s and found it was not
helpful for most children; she offers a variety of ways to reform our classes
to help children grow spiritually. Many of her objections have been answered
in many places by greater use of Godly
Play, J2A, and other such programs, but her objections still ring true in
places. The joy of this book is that it not only raises questions and points
fingers, but it also offers possible answers. Part 3 is a lovely compendium
of ideas that can be used more or less as presented or adapted in a variety
of ways. Her greatest objection, however, is one we all have to continue to
wrestle with constantly, and that is that we “dumb down” our teaching, our
Bibles, our worship, before we allow children to use them; she believes they
learn and grow when confronted with true Christian mystery. An excellent book
w/a long list of good resources at the end The New Prayer Book Guide to
Christian Education – Joseph
P. Russell, ed.; 1996 This is a "how to" book based on the Church year with
references to Years A, B, and C. It provides the themes of the lections,
phrases for memorization, key words, ideas, and concepts to explore, stories
to tell, Christian practice and liturgical tradition, and formation in
baptismal discipleship. An appendix has a discussion of how to set up a
teaching situation. It appears to be aimed at adults, or possibly older
youth, with an emphasis on discussion and not activity. I Love to Tell the Story - Lois A. Stephens, Center for Christian
Formation; New York NY; 1994 This is a more practical discussion about starting or revitalizing a
Christian Education program; it discusses "The content of learning and
teaching," The process of learning and teaching," and
"Resources for learning and teaching." The author was an education
consultant with much experience, a pioneer in developing lay ministry, and a
gifted storyteller. New: Christian Education in the Small
Membership Church – Karen B. Tye, Abingdon Press, Nashville TN; 2008 Tye, a seminary professor and a member of a small congregation, writes
with great clarity about helping formation for all people take place in even
the smallest of churches. She discusses “Sunday School” but also looks at all
the other ways that small congregations can foster learning, reflection, and
growth in the spiritual life. Appendices include bibliographies and
evaluations of both the church and possible curriculum resources; each
chapter ends with a series of discussion/reflection questions. An excellent
resource for small congregations but also useful for Christian Formation
leadership in all size congregations.
Parenting and Faith Development Splash! Pack – Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis MN; 2004 Splash! is faith formation for children from
birth to three years; each pack includes 12 monthly parent newsletters and a
music CD. There are 3 sets: 1-12 months, 13-24 months, and 25-36 months. Each
parent paper includes a discussion of things to look for during the next
month, a “Bible study”, simple age appropriate things to do with your child,
a word in several languages, and a book reference. It’s a great way to
connect new parents with the congregation and support them as their child
grows. Gently Lead – Polly B Berrends, Harper Collins, New
York NY; 1991 This book tells
of ways to include faith formation with our children in the everyday
activities of our lives. Each section begins with a brief introduction to the
topic and then includes poems, prayers, stories, and ideas to try with our
children. The author feels that faith of the parents will grow along with the
children’s. 10 Principles for Spiritual Parenting – Mimi Doe & Marsha Walch, Harper
Collins, New York NY; 1998 Another book that helps parents help their
children grow spiritually; these authors give parents ways to guide and nurture
their children’s innate spirituality within the context of the routines and
unexpected surprises of daily life. Each chapter offers a variety of ideas
and practical suggestions to try. The Faith of Parents – Maria Harris, Paulist Press, Mahwah NJ;
1991 This book is
intended to help parents with their own faith and spiritual development so
that they can then help their children. Since many parents in the more recent
generations have had little or no Christian Formation, the author helps them
build on what they know or understand and encourages their continuing this
journey of faith. Helping Children Find God – Helen Oppenheimer, Morehouse
Publishing, Harrisburg PA; 1994 Oppenheimer sets a whole series
of questions before parents and also the church community to help them see
what needs to be said/done/understood in order to help children grow in their
faith. It may be a bit overwhelming for parents on their own, but within the
community of the church it allows for the development of strong programs for
children that are shared between the church and the families. As with all
these books, as parents struggle with the questions their own faith can grow. To Bless a Child – Roy G. Pollina; Morehouse Education
Resources; 2009 Pollina shows parents how they can bless their child each day to
remind the child that he/she is a child of God and to establish a tradition
of praying good things for them. Faithtalk for Children – Youth and Family Institute, Minneapolis
MN These 96
faith-sharing cards are designed to spark conversation with the younger set
(ages three to 11) and focus on four areas: memories, wonder, actions and
growing together. The cards come in a sturdy canvas case, which makes it
ideal for bringing to a friend’s house or for traveling. The
following are available at St John’s Midland: The Busy Family’s Guide to Volunteering - Jenny Friedman, 2003 Many families are so busy that trying to fit volunteering into an already overburdened schedule becomes difficult. Friedman talks first about why volunteer and how to get started before providing ideas on the many different ways that families can volunteer. If you would like to raise compassionate caring kids who give back to the community this book is for you! Growing Compassionate Kids - Jan
Johnson, Upper Room Books;
2001 The author looks at what compassion is
and how we might develop it in our children by our own attitudes and by
including them in serving others. Discussion questions follow each chapter,
and there is a long list of resources in the back of the book. Reaching Teens in their Natural Habitat - Danny Holland, Waterbook Press; 2006 Although this book appears to
be for parents of teens, it should actually be read when our children are much
younger-by 8-10 years at least-and reread as kids hit the teen years. Lost and Found - Amanda Hughes, Cowley Publications; 2002 Amanda Hughes, the developer of Journey
to Adulthood, wrote this book in which she reflects on raising her own
children and on working with youth. She has many wise insights into
adolescence and ways we can help. Some of her emphases are “telling the truth
with love”, “having courage” and knowing what your children’s world is like.
She suggests listening to their music, watching the movies and TV shows they
watch, etc, not all the time, of course, but being aware and dipping into
their world often. The book, a personal reminiscence is written informally
and shows a great love for adolescents. It is highly recommended especially
for those who already have adolescents, but also for anyone who has or works
with children. |
For more information or to borrow a
particular item, contact Marnie Bash,
Coordinator,