All-in-One Bible Fun (Review)

The folks over at United Methodist Publishing House contacted me back in early August about reviewing their Sunday School curriculum.   I received my free copy on August 26 and then it got lost in my pile of things to do.  So my most sincere apologies for taking so long to get to it!

All-in-One Bible Fun boasts that it "includes everything but the cookies", and quite honestly, that is a pretty accurate description!  I received the "Stories of Jesus" curriculum for elementary aged children.  Each of the 13  lessons is laid out in an easy to understand way.  The reproducibles and crafts are simple enough that even a "craft challenged" teacher can enjoy craft time without being overwhelmed; but not so simple as to be boring to the kids.  For example, Lesson 1 (In the Stable)  has reproducibles to color and cut out; and then using a shoe box or other small box, each student can produce their own Christmas creche.  (My kids will SO be doing this in December!)

In the front of the teacher book is a comprehensive supplies list if you choose to do all the activities.   There is also a suggestion of how to break the book up if you'd like to  do short term unit studies.

Each lesson includes a central truth that is mentioned throughout the lesson.   Songs are a big part of the curriculum as well.  Not to worry if you're not a gifted singer, the songs are simple and are sung to familiar tunes like "Old McDonald" and "Three Blind Mice".  

My favorite part of the program is that prayer is a scheduled part of the learning experience each week!  There are also wonderful narrations, and opportunities for children to do small plays during class time.  There's a little something for all the learning styles!  

All-in-One Bible Fun was created to respond to the needs of churches:

feeling the budget pinch in their children’s ministry

unsure of the number of children in Sunday school each week

working with a Sunday school program that doesn’t meet each week  

At just $10 each, this low-cost children’s program is available for preschool and elementary age children and features:

Thirteen complete lessons in each book

No additional components to buy

Includes a plan with opening, story, activity, and craft

Undated material so teachers can use throughout the year

The following curriculum choices are currently available, or soon to be released, both in preschool and elementary school versions.

Stories of Jesus
Favorite Bible Stories (available December 2009)
Fruits of the Spirit (available December 2009)
Heroes of the Bible (avalialble Spring 2010)

Disclosure: This product was provided to me for free . Reviews and opinions expressed in this blog are my own.