Teaching Missions

 Here are a few ideas and resources for teaching your children about missions.  Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples and I think it is important for children to learn at an early age to be a part of what God is doing in the world, that He made us for that very purpose.

Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) - This organization publishes material perfect for teaching about missionaries.  There are picture stories, often in 5 or 6 parts, that work well for Vacation Bible school or Sunday school type settings.  Our church used the one on Hudson Taylor this summer for our Mission Club.

Wycliffe for Kids - some downloadable curriculum to do with your kids or church group.  This summer I used "Bread for All" lesson and "Phonics Lesson"

Some books that our on our reading list for the future include some of YWAM publishing, a series of biographies of heros of the faith.

And a book that my husband and I are currently reading: Becoming a World Changing FamilyBecoming World Changing Family

Book Adventure

While scanning the web looking for language arts curriculum I came across a great website for encouraging reading!  It's Book Adventure, similar to the accelerated reading programs in the public schools.  Kids log in to the website and take a 5-10 question quiz on a book they have read to earn points.  There is an online prize catalog to redeem your points, things like books and games.  There is also a parent section of the website, where parents can input their own prizes to reward their children for reading progress.

We have read two short books and taken the quizzes.  So far, my daughter has 150 points.  Most prizes are for over 1000 points.  Now, of course, not every book your child read will be found on this website, but there is a pretty good list of books at all different reading levels.  You can search for books by reading level, category of book, title, author, etc.  Today, we tried testing on "The Little Red Hen" but discovered that it must have been a different version of the story - our version wasn't listed.

I have been impressed with this website thus far and intend to incorporate this into our reading curriculum for next year.  It will be great to combine computer skills with reading and comprehension.

Over in the Meadow

Here's a fun book if you like one with a sing-song rhythm.  Over in the Meadow by John Langstaff

We loved chanting through this book and then found that it has the music at the back of the book if you want to actually sing the whole book.   There is a repetitive pattern throughout, but unique words for each animal in the meadow. Our favorite library book of the week will probably become an all time favorite.