“… for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” - Mark 10.14b

Weekday Ministries Resources

Curriculum

  • Wonder-filled Weekdays
    Developmentally appropriate, learning through activities while offering Biblical reference and prayers [Abingdon Press]
  • Creative Curriculum Program
    Many UM preschools use this and incorporate faith development through something like Seasons of the Spirit or Toddlers and Twos – available through Cokesbury
  • High Scope Curriculum
    Research-based program based on teaching and learning through hands-on experiences. It includes curriculum for infants through k-5, and is flexible enough for multi-age grouping. Music, movement, and literacy are also important components.

    • Director’s Manuals

  • Director’s Manual for Weekday Ministries by Barbara Snell McClain [Discipleship Resources]
  • Weekday Programs for Children Director’s Manual by Gloria V. Thomas [out of print, but worth asking around for old copies]
  • Policies and Procedures for Early Childhood Directors by Early Childhood Directors Association

    • Developmentally Appropriate Practice

  • Basics of Developmentally Appropriate Practice: An Introduction to Teachers of Children 3 to 6 by Carol Copple and Sue Bredekamp [NAEYC]
  • Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs by Carol Copple and Sue Bredekamp [NAEYC]

    • Activities

  • 101 Great Games for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers: Active, Bible-Based Fun for Christian Education by Jolene L. Roehlkepartain
  • Unplugged Play by Bobbi Conner
  • Building a Children’s Chapel One Story at a Time by Bill Gordh

    • Organizations and Agencies

    • Zero to Three – National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families
    • NAEYC – National Association for the Education for Young Children – promotes excellence in early childhood education
    • GBOD – General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church - provides resources, training, and support for leaders of children’s ministries – contact Melanie Gordon mgordon@gbod.org
    • United Methodist Association of Preschools-Florida – information and support in the area of accreditation for preschool ministry www.umapfl.com