More about the Placemat Curriculum: Key features

 

It only looks like a Placemat! But we think that's a good thing: It invites doodling and writing and connecting. It has the look and style of a lively page on the web with lots of visual and written stimulus to engage church school students in a whole new way! Plus, it looks outside the Bible for similar themes and story arcs that make it relevant to today's youth, in a way that sends the lesson out of the classroom and into the rest of their week. The Bible, and Jesus' example to us, is an active guide for living in this world, and discovering our own reason to be here and share our unique gifts and contributions. A drill-down on a Bible story can help them know the story, but may not give our young people a reason to think it is knowledge they need to keep in their minds once Sunday School is dismissed for the day. Let's change that!

 

The Placemat format is a big difference from other curricula. But its ease of use and the variety of materials used in the lessons makes a big difference, too. Here's a sample lesson sheet, with some typical features you'll find each week:

 

Discussion questions built right into the captions and paragraphs

(The leader doesn't need to read pages of preparation and juggle a separate discussion guide)

 

Background information and comprehension checks are also there

 

The Bible passage (NRSV) is on the same page for constant reference

 

A "call to action" for living the example in today's world, from the Social Creed

 

Pop culture, book, movie, science and trivia items add to the fun, change the discussion

(every answer can't be "God?.... Okay, then, Jesus?") and provide relevant and contemporary

context for the insights and teachings from the Bible.

 

Lots of visual variety, craft, game or activity ideas ... because "hands on" creates community and

a different kind of learning experience, while it adds to the fun!