I am a Primary teacher who really appreciates the informative teacher's guide. There are lots of options for flexibility in my classroom. It would be helpful to have a transition piece at the end of each quarter so we can prepare for what's coming next. This would be especially useful as we move from Old Testament to New Testament texts, usually between fall and winter quarters.
Signed: Out with the Old, Ready for the New

Dear Ready for the New:
You must be one of those teachers-becoming rarer these days-who teaches for more than a quarter at a time! Thanks for your suggestion. We'll keep working at ways to help you with that.

In the meantime, be sure to read ahead in the next teacher's guide before you finish the quarter you're on. In addition to the Bible outline chart inside the front cover, there is a summary of the quarter's theme in each teacher's guide introduction. This may help you prepare yourself and your group for the next quarter's material.

Gather 'Round writers work at providing continuity from week to week as well as between quarters. Frequently the writers begin sessions by referring to material covered in the previous session or sessions. This is especially helpful with so many children not present every week-and it's a useful reminder for busy teachers as well.

I wish the age groupings for summer quarters were handled in the same way as fall through spring. The Multiage level is too broad for my liking. I teach a first-grade class and found the workbooks way over their heads. Could you please reconsider your summer curriculum?
Signed: In Favor of Graded Curriculum

Dear In Favor of Graded Curriculum:
If every church maintained the same program in the summer as in the rest of the year, we certainly would offer the same age group units. The reality, though, is that many churches either change their programs or don't have Sunday school at all in the summer. Because we can't provide a complete range of products for the summer, we've steered a middle course, offering Preschool, Multiage, Parent-Caregiver, and a Summer Supplement for Youth and Junior Youth.

The Multiage student book, Together, provides a range of activities for older and younger children, with activities each week for both readers and nonreaders. Younger children can't do every activity-and older children probably won't want to! But there is always something for everyone.

Would you be open to some adaptation of your summer program, such as pairing your first-graders with an older group? Some churches deliberately change their style for the summer and find that it's a nice break from their regular routine.

I teach primary children. I like to emphasize scripture memorization. Do you have suggestions for different ways to teach the memory verses? What are some reward ideas other than candy for learning verses?
Signed: Looking for Alternatives

Dear Looking for Alternatives:
There are many fun, creative, and collaborative memory activities you can try. Make puzzles with the words and have children organize them. Pass or toss a balloon or beanbag around the circle, inviting children to say the words of the memory text in order. Clap or march around the room, developing a rhythm as you repeat the words. For more creative ideas, refer to pages 111-112 in the Gather 'Round Handbook.

Good idea to move to another reward system! How about decorating a prize box and filling it with items such as small toys, pencils, erasers, coins, bookmarks, and stickers? Children will find the opportunity to choose almost as much fun as the prize they select.

Our church loves the Gather 'Round curriculum. Our problem is that families are not coming to Sunday school. They do come to worship, so we plan a junior church for the children. What materials could we use with them during junior church?
Signed: Wanting Hands-On Materials

Dear Hands-On:
The Multiage Teacher's Guide is an excellent resource for meeting the needs of a variety of ages. Focus on telling the Bible story and include other elements of the sessions as time allows. Purchase a variety of student books to fit the age levels of the children who attend. If you have regular attendees, assign a student book to each child. If not, simply keep a supply of student books on hand to be used by different children over the course of the quarter.

Send the quarterly Gather 'Round Talkabout home with each family at the beginning of the quarter. Encourage parents to take time each week to talk about the Bible story and how faith can be lived out at home. The more you connect with parents, the more likely they are to bring their children to Sunday school as well as to church.

Has Gather 'Round given any thought to supplying the music on the CD as downloadable MP3 files?
Signed: Taking on New Technology

Dear Taking on New Technology:
Budgetary issues and copyright rules influence our music decisions. At present, it's not possible for us to do a CD and downloadable files, but we'll keep on exploring the options. Thanks for asking.