Should Curriculum be Easy?

We all like issues which might be simple. The solely proof we have to assist this declare is that they put peanut butter and jelly into the identical jar for us. Come on, actually? Is it that tough? 

Quite typically, after I see individuals on the lookout for new curriculum, one of many standards they’ve is that it’s simple. But ought to it’s? Now, there’s nothing inherently fallacious with simple, however with regards to instructing children the Bible, simple may not be that nice in spite of everything. 

Curriculum shouldn’t be simple, however easy. 

For one thing to be simple signifies that it requires little to no effort. But instructing the Bible ought to by no means be simple like that. Teaching requires some degree of effort. Even the very best curriculum is not going to be plug-and-play as a result of each church context—certainly each child in a bunch—is exclusive. A trainer has to work, and work onerous at occasions, not solely to grasp what’s being taught, however methods to assist it join to every child and for every child to use it to his or her life. 

But on the identical time, an excellent curriculum mustn’t make life needlessly tough for a trainer to organize. Rather, it ought to be so simple as potential. The chief information shouldn’t be tough to comply with. Hours shouldn’t be wanted to collect obscure provides. Activities mustn’t want elaborate set-up. All of this stuff ought to be so simple as potential in order that the trainer’s prep time is invested the place it ought to be—praying earnestly for every child and dealing onerous to customise the content material for his or her distinctive setting. 

Curriculum shouldn’t be simple, however clear. 

Not solely ought to curriculum be easy, but it surely also needs to be clear. I take into consideration the Bible content material itself right here. Each session ought to have a principal concept that isn’t obscure. And every part in that session ought to hook up with that concept. A trainer mustn’t need to surprise what an exercise has to do with the Bible content material or how the primary concept is linked to the Bible story. A great curriculum will take even the extra advanced teachings of Scripture and current them in a transparent and compelling method.  

Curriculum shouldn’t be simple, however efficient. 

Good curriculum ought to be easy to make use of and clear to grasp. But greater than anything, it ought to be efficient. We need all three of those, after all, but when one thing has to present, that one thing ought to by no means be efficient. A curriculum that’s easy and clear however fails to level children to the gospel isn’t going to foster discipleship. We can’t overlook our objective of discipleship. There isn’t something simple about discipleship. It takes time and power. It may be disappointing and even irritating at occasions. It requires that we repeat ourselves again and again. But it’s what we’re after in partnership with dad and mom. 

When it involves curriculum, then, give me easy, give me clear, and provides me efficient, however you’ll be able to maintain the straightforward. 

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