Roundabout Logo

Roundabout Online offers tips from the quarterly Roundabout newsletter
and additional information about the Gather 'Round curriculum.

Featured in this issue
Learning at every age!
Age group review
Help families link church and home
Sign up here
Join Our Mailing List
Quick links
More information: Read the current issue of Roundabout at www.gatherround.org/roundabout
Free resources! 
Download a free attendance chart, find a list of book and DVD suggestions for Fall 2009,
and browse tips for teachers at www.gatherround.org/forteachers.
New and noteworthy
Come, Gather 'Round DVD
available now!
 
See how groups are using Gather 'Round and learn about the curriculum and its specific components. This 12-minute DVD
is an overview of the curriculum and includes the following segments: 
  • Welcome to Gather 'Round
  • Getting started
  • Inside a teacher's guide
  • Preview Pack 
To view the video, go to www.gatherround.org. You can also order a free copy to show
to your Christian education committee and teachers.
 
Order now!
It's time to order Winter Gather 'Round materials! Check with your denominational publisher
or order online at www.gatherround.org.
Plan ahead
Be sure you have all the materials you need before the start of the quarter. Order extra student books to have available for visitors. Welcome new families with a Talkabout and a copy of Connect, the Bible guide for parents and caregivers.
October 2009
 

Learning at every age!

Fall 2009 Grow
Each week, Gather 'Round sessions help each age level connect to the Bible story in age-appropriate ways. This quarter, children, youth, and adults are experiencing stories of Exile and Restoration. Look
for these creative learning activities in children's
student books this quarter:
  • Primary children (K-2) will locate a hidden message from Isaiah in session 6 of Good
    News Reader
    .
  • In session 7 of Grow, Middler children
    (grades 3-5) will play a game using beans
    as they learn how Job remained faithful
    even in difficult times.
  • In session 11 of Call, Junior Youth
    (grades 6-8) will enjoy "Searching God's
    Word" using scripture references from
    Nehemiah as clues.
Click here to read an excerpt from Grow.


Resource packs enhance learning for each age level. Check Fall 2009 resource packs for these engaging items and more:
  • Preschool children will use "Shelter memory cards" with sessions 3, 4, 6, 9, 11, and 13.
  • Primary and Multiage groups will play the "Psalms Game" with various sessions.
  • Throughout the quarter, Middler and Multiage groups will use a "Bible Times Poster" to find interesting facts relating to the quarter's stories and characters.
  • Junior Youth groups will follow the "Old Testament Timeline" during their sessions this quarter.
Age group review
Handbook Cover
Fall is a good time to review age-specific teaching
tips. Read about the different ages in chapter 9 of the
Gather 'Round Handbook, and review what you and other
teachers can expect from the groups you teach. Jot
down reminders that will help you as you relate to
children and youth, and refer to them frequently.

Click here to read an excerpt on teaching Preschool children.


The Gather 'Round Handbook is filled with information
about the Gather 'Round curriculum, as well as tips and ideas for nurturing strong Christian education programs.
Be sure each teacher in your congregation has a copy
of the handbook.
Help families link church and home
Fall 2009 Talkabout The Talkabout is a unique at-home resource with scriptures, prayers, discussion questions, and activities designed to spark family faith talk and action around the weekly Bible stories. The Fall quarter's Talkabout is a set of interlocking cards on the theme "Exile and Restoration." Look in your Fall order for a special note about the Fall 2009 Talkabout to send home with parents and caregivers. This note introduces families to the quarterly theme and helps them use the Talkabout. Print one copy of the note for each family, and distribute it with the Talkabout.

Click here for a pdf of the Fall 2009 Talkabout letter to parents and caregivers.
 
Gather 'Round is a Bible-based curriculum nurturing children, youth, and adults in becoming followers of Jesus: people who know and love God, interpret God's word, belong to God's gathered community, and share God's good news. It is a joint project of Brethren Press (Church of the Brethren) and Mennonite Publishing Network (Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada).

 
Order Gather 'Round from your denominational publisher or at www.gatherround.org.
 
 
Forward to a Friend