Our curriculum is not “current”

Your Question:

“How do we ‘freshen up’ our current curriculum?”

The Issues:

The curriculum needs to be “fluid” enough to adjust to changes in the children’s “culture,” yet firm enough to prevent compromise. As you face cultural changes, you may need to adjust the curriculum if it doesn’t veer from your CM vision or biblical purity. Making your curriculum “current” is risky, though.  If you want to deal with current issues, you might be wise in getting counsel from your supervisor or pastor.  If you simply want to adjust the curriculum to reflect today’s kids, you can easily do that by adding some creative teaching techniques.

Scripture Foundation:

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”  Hebrews 4:12 

Short Answer:

The curriculum that has been used for a few years may feel “stale” because everyone is used to it.  The saying, “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” may apply.  Today’s culture wants things to be “fresh.”  The term “fresh” can be used for fruit, a cup of coffee, a new change of clothes, and even new ideas.  This culture somehow believes that “fresh” is better than “old.”  There are ways to “freshen up” the curriculum without completely changing it.  If your current curriculum is basically okay, but it just needs some “updating,” there are ways to make it feel more “current.” You can always add new techniques, or ancillary experiences (like videos, interactive activities, field trips, object lessons, guests, etc.) to your current curriculum to make it more “current.” You can change the name of the curriculum or your entire program, while still using your current curriculum as a “backbone” for what you do.  Look at your current curriculum as a bowl of white rice.  It is good, but it may need some “sauce” to make it even better.  You can purposefully add some “current” sauce to your curriculum by adding stories, interactions, or applications to the lessons. For more help, click on the links below.

View other articles in the “Developing The Curriculum APPENDIX”

Back to the “Developing Curriculum” page.

Support those who serve on your children's ministry team