Apr
1
Written by:
host
4/1/2010 7:00 AM
Unless you have been hibernating for the last couple of years, you know what it means to “go green”. Persons of all ages, including children, know words like “recycle”, “carbon footprint” and “environment”. Green Church: Caretakers of God’s Creation is a six-week study for children that explores many ways to live a “green life”, and also conveys that God created us to be stewards of God’s creation. Daphna Flegal and Suzann Wade have written this children’s study which may be used as part of an all-church program along with Burst: Green Church for youth (discussed previously by Tim) and Green Church: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rejoice! for adults.
Green Church: Caretakers of God’s Creation is written as three lessons, each lasting two weeks.
- In the Beginning explores the creation story in Genesis 1. Children are encouraged to “Be Green” (week 1) and “Think Green” (week 2).
- In the Garden takes a look at the creation story in Genesis 2, focusing on the creation of humans as caretakers of God’s creation. Children explore what it means to “Act Green” (week 3) and “Live Green” (week 4).
- In God’s Name recognizes that all of creation praises God, as described in Psalm 148. Children are encouraged to “Turn Green” (week 5) and “Celebrate Green” (week 6).
The authors have done a wonderful job of making sure that the curriculum lives out its message. Art activities use recycled materials. Throughout the book, teachers and students are encouraged to reduce waste by using reusable products rather than disposable. The book is even printed on recycled paper.
Each lesson begins with ideas for learning centers designed to allow children a choice of activity. A period of large group activity is next in the lesson, followed by small group activity, with separate activity ideas for younger children and older children. A wide variety of engaging activities are designed to appeal to multiple learning styles.
Green Church: Caretakers of God’s Creation would be an excellent choice for summer Sunday School or midweek programming. Whether used alone or as part of an all-church study, I highly recommend this resource.
~Sally Hoelscher
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