Quick Info:
Number of weeks: 3
Price: $50
CEUs: 1.0
Required books?: No
Live video session?: No
Part of a certification or series of courses?: No
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If you are a new Sunday school teacher or an experienced teacher who wants to grow, this three-week course is for you. Sunday school superintendents and CE directors may also find the course useful for teacher training. We will be looking at teaching children from preschool through 6th grade as a calling and ministry. You will be able to access this course at your own convenience; a minimum of four to five hours per week is necessary to benefit from the course content.
Week one will cover faith development as well as children’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual age level characteristics. We’ll also explore ways of using prayer and spiritual practices with children. An overview of the Bible and Church History will be covered during week two. We will also look at the different types of curriculum available and the advantages and disadvantages of the different types. During the third week, we will cover lesson planning and the teaching environment including physical, spiritual, and social space. Finally, we’ll look at ways to partner with our students’ families and the rest of the congregation in their faith formation.
Take this opportunity to grow as a teacher, as you meet and interact with others sharing the blessings and challenges of children’s ministry!
This course is eligible for 1.0 CEU.
Price: $50
About the Instructor
Debbie Kolacki is a Certified Christian Educator and Certified Lay Servant in the New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. She has a BA in English from Wagner College and completed the courses for her certification as a Christian educator through Columbia College in South Carolina. She has taught children, youth, and adults and served in many areas in her local church for over twenty years.
Debbie is the senior consultant for Practical Resources for Churches where she works with people in all areas of ministry and leads webinars, workshops, and retreats. Her blogs include Faith Geeks and Practical Resources for Churches. She loves doing research of all kinds for church folks. When Debbie is not working for the resource center or doing church things, she enjoys being at home with her family, writing, reading, and doing faith geek things.
Past Students Said…
“I learned how to be more effective at what we do, how to look at our children not only developmentally but spiritually by age, and what to expect! I learned ways to integrate the church family with our children, ideas for outreach to our congregants, ways to involve our children in missions, and so much more!!!!”
“The course work was relevant and easy to follow. The instructor gave valuable facilitation as she provided feedback, and shared many resources, as well as provided guidance in response to questions, queries and need for clarification. The instructor’s highlighting key areas and re-submitting links each week proved to be an asset. The Course went beyond its title and dealt with content, curriculum, environment, connecting with the wider church community – this made it more interesting and enlightening.”
“This workshop was very good. Getting a better understanding of why you do what you do, from planning our activities, knowing the children, setting boundaries for discipline, knowing your Bible, knowing your church history, but most important having a personal relationship with God.”
“The instructor offered a wealth of knowledge along with practical resources that we can begin using right away. I would recommend anyone who has a heart for teaching children to enroll in this online class.” – Delores Rock
“I feel this course was very worthwhile. I enjoyed the discussions on each of the topics and the selection of topics seemed very relevant to the current needs of our Sunday Schools and churches. Everyone was very supportive and encouraging. Thank you.”
“This course was exactly as advertised. It has a ton a value for the minimal course fee. As a new teacher and youth ministry leader, I am more confident in ministering to children and working with my fellow teachers to grow their faith.”