USING THE WAY OF THE CHILD
The Way of the Child: Helping Children Experience
God
by Wynn McGregor
Published by Upper
Room Books, June 2006
The Way of the Child recognizes that children have an innate spirituality with a natural acceptance of mystery, an amazing capacity for awe, a vital imagination, a longing to be their unique selves, and an ability to be open to and receive God's love.
The Way of the Child, for children ages 6-11 years,
- Takes seriously and joyfully children's capacities, deep needs, and spirits
- Leads children into a deeper relationship with God
- Instills in children spiritual practices to form lifelong habits
- Encourages children to respond to God in awe
- Helps children embrace all of life, responding to God's call
- Provides an experience of vital community
For churches, The Way of the Child
- Provides a balance to more informational models of Christian education programs for children
- Can be used in a variety of settings: Sunday School, weekday, camp, after school programs
- Is designed for broadly-graded or closely-graded groups
- Offers experiential sessions to use in a sustained program
- Provides guidance to adapt sessions for short-term use (Advent, Lent, day camp)
- Is user-friendly, like other Companions in Christ resources
- Supports families
- Is affordable and adaptable
Components of The Way of the Child
Leader's Guide includes five brief chapters on the spiritual nature of children, theory of faith formation, and how to plan and lead the sessions; 39 experiential sessions in modules on the themes of The Incarnational Nature of God, Parables, Prayer, Sacraments, Meaningful Passages of Scripture, Advent and Christmas, Lent and Easter. Daily Exercises for the leaders prepare them to lead the sessions each week.
Family Booklet helps churches support families, parents talk to children about spiritual matters, and families integrate spiritual awareness into their daily lives. It explains to parents what is happening in the sessions of The Way of the Child. Practical ideas for family practice and a bibliography are provided.
Resource Booklet provides handouts, patterns, and journal pages for reflection stations.
DVD Introduction shows set-up of room and how to be with the children.
Training DVD to prepare leaders in guiding children through The Way of the Child experience.
CD of music to use with the sessions.
Church Pack: Includes two Leader's Guides, ten Family Booklets, two music CDs, one introductory DVD, and two Resource Booklets
