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Roundabout Online offers tips from the quarterly Roundabout newsletter
and additional information about the Gather 'Round curriculum. |
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| Curriculum Writers Needed! |
Interested in writing for The Gather 'Round curriculum?
Writers are needed for Preschool (ages 3-4), Primary (K-grade 2), Middler (grades 3-5), Junior Youth (grades 6-8) and Youth (grades 9-12). Find details and apply at www.gatherround.org/contactus.html. (Deadline: November 30, 2009.)
Share this information with qualified people you know, and encourage them to apply.
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New and noteworthy |
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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.
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Order now!
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It's time to order
Winter Gather 'Round materials! Check with your denominational publisher
or order online at www.gatherround.org.
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Plan ahead
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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.
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November 2009
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Make a joyful noise!
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The memory verse for the final weeks of the Fall quarter is Psalm 98:4: "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises." Singing our praises to God can be a wonderful, meaningful way to worship together. The annual Gather 'Round Music CD is provided to help teachers lead worship through singing with children or youth. If you're a superintendent, be sure each teacher has his or her own CD and CD player, and encourage them to use it. If you're a teacher, use the CD to help your group learn and sing songs each week. Each session references songs from the Gather 'Round Music CD that have been carefully selected to go along with the week's content and activities. Because the CD is used throughout the year, children and youth will have several opportunitites to become familiar with the selections. Try a variety of songs, and play and sing them many times so they become part of your routine. Play the CD as children are arriving or as they are cleaning up, as well as during the session. You may find that a few of the songs become special favorites of your group. Introduce new songs from time to time, but also allow children and youth to sing the songs they enjoy the most over and over--so they may truly experience what it is like to "break forth into joyous song"!
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Giving thanks in creative ways
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The November 15 session of the Multiage teacher's guide
includes this suggestion for helping children
think about giving thanks:
Talk about the many ways we say
"thank you" to God: in prayers, in songs, when we're outside in nature, through
spoken or silent thanks, with heads bowed or arms upraised, when we're
volunteering. See how many ways your group can name.
Responding options for the same session include a
"Thankfulness game" (a version of Duck, Duck, Goose), the opportunity to make
"Thankfulness sculptures," and a version of 20 questions called
"What am I
thankful for?"
Click here to read the complete instructions for these creative responding activities.
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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.
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