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| I got my curriculum last week and didn't have time to check it all, but I got disappointed with the package. The first thing that came to my mind was: Is that IT? Packing means a lot for me... and the size, so small, simple... I didn't like it. I was expecting more stuff... cool stuff. I'm definately checking everything, but just want to share my first impression.
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| | | Junior Member
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Last Login: 1/16/2008 11:07:53 AM
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| | Once we did our research, and knew the direction a preteen curriculum needed to go, we began work on the physical size, shape, length, etc. of the Grapple Pak. Honestly, we struggled a bit a bit at first with the small size of what we ended up with. But, then a light bulb went off for us...it's the experience and life-change of a curriculum that truly defines its value. In today's high-tech world, bigger doesn't mean better. We didn't want to unnecessary add pages or pictures or this or that if it wouldn't benefit the experience. Grapple lets preteens and God come together in a natural, organic way. And, with the web component, their grappling can take place 24/7. I encourage everyone to give it a try. It is unconventional, in the best sense of that word! Tim, Group Publishing |
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| Another thing that I didn't like and I didn't like it at all, is some of the lessons themes. I will agree with all of them being in the kids' mind and I do know that is real questions, but having them as a theme?! I'm talking about the ones about Jesus and God. I think that they are offensive, because we will profess them, repeat them and maybe offend some kids that really loves the Lord! I remember when we did JM we had our Pastor as the Rabbi, and having him doubt about the Lord (as a Rabbi) really bothered the kids, they didn't like it at all. I don't know if I'm clear, I wish I had a better English to explain my thoughts, but I really don't like to think in saying that God could be a Party Pooper. This could be a sub-theme, but I think we need to be positive when we are teaching and I don't wan to be going around repeating this question or "What if Jesus is a Loser?" I don't know... I'd love to know your thoughts about this...
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| I was just talking to my son (15) about and he didn't agree either. I told him, but there is the other side, kids that don't know the Lord at all and he said, "but even them would not say that. They know that God exist and need to be respect, we can think but we will never express like that."
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| | | Forum Guru
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| | Denise, You're right that preteens are grappling with their faith and thinking about questions they never have had before. And they're tough questions! Preteens are wondering "what if the Bible isn't true?" or "what if it's all a plan to take away my fun?" (i.e. Is God a Party Pooper?), and more! We've talked to preteens extensively to discover what matters to them most. And we've nailed what they want to grapple with by using these questions. And we've found that the edginess of some of the questions captures kids' imaginations and their desire to grapple with their faith. Now...what are we up to? Do we want preteens to believe that God is a party pooper? No! That's why we ask the question they're already asking and then lead them to grapple with what God's Word says--quite the opposite in fact--God is a God of abundant joy! We lead them into preteen-appropriate Bible study where they discover truth. Then we wrap up the lesson with a strong affirmation of truth and a challenge for them to live out the truth! For example, from the actual Grapple lesson that asks kids to grapple with "Is Jesus a Loser?" (the point is Jesus Is the Biggest Winner!), we wrap up with this... Some people believe that Jesus is just a big loser. And they think that Christians are big losers, too. That we’re on the losing team. We just learned, though, that Jesus is not the biggest loser. He’s the biggest winner. Jesus took on death and conquered it. He died on the cross and came back to life so he could stomp out death. No one has ever done that but Jesus. I think that’s worth a giant Super Bowl kind of cheer! Let’s cheer for Jesus because he’s bigger than any winner on earth. (Lead kids in cheering with “holy” spirit!) And for the GRAPPLE DARE, we give them this: Here’s your Grapple Dare: I dare you to act like a winner this week because you are a Christian—a follower of Christ—the ultimate winner! What would that look like for you to act like a winner this week? Maybe there’s someone who makes fun of you because you’re a Christian and you’ve felt bad. This week, you’ll know that you’re a winner and you have nothing to feel bad about. Maybe you’re embarrassed to tell kids that you love Jesus…this week, be a winner and let people know! You’re on the winning team! Denise, let me know if this helps at all or if you have more questions. I love to grapple with you! Christine Yount Jones |
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| Denise Silva (6/12/2007)
Another thing that I didn't like and I didn't like it at all, is some of the lessons themes. I will agree with all of them being in the kids' mind and I do know that is real questions, but having them as a theme?! I'm talking about the ones about Jesus and God. I think that they are offensive, because we will profess them, repeat them and maybe offend some kids that really loves the Lord! I remember when we did JM we had our Pastor as the Rabbi, and having him doubt about the Lord (as a Rabbi) really bothered the kids, they didn't like it at all. I don't know if I'm clear, I wish I had a better English to explain my thoughts, but I really don't like to think in saying that God could be a Party Pooper. This could be a sub-theme, but I think we need to be positive when we are teaching and I don't wan to be going around repeating this question or "What if Jesus is a Loser?" I don't know... I'd love to know your thoughts about this...That was my first impression, too, way back when I recieved an email link using the new logo and all. I actually thought it was some kind of scam making fun of Group and Christ! I thought the lesson themes were a little too..what's the polite way to say it...edgy? Anyway, the bottom line is that the preteens need someone to care about them, and stick with them. Whatever helps! |
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Last Login: 9/17/2007 1:21:35 PM
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| | I just wanted to say that our leaders love the topics. These are actual questions that kids are asking. Preteens are smart! They are dealing with so much more than we did at their age. If your students are like mine, they are already asking the tough questions...and they need the real answers. The questions may seem a little rude, or blunt, but I believe that it is our responsibility as leaders to show them that no, God isn't a party pooper. If we don't show them why He's not a party pooper, someone in their schools will convince them that He is. |
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| | | Forum Newbie
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Last Login: 9/25/2007 9:03:17 AM
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| | One of the major factors in our decision to use grapple was the topics themselves. We believe that they are right on track with the issues and questions that our kids are dealing with. We have used most if not all of the curriculums that are out there for 4th and 5th graders and found them to be geared for less mature audiences. We were very encouraged to see a curriculum publisher focusing on kids in this age group and not simply looking at 4th and 5th graders as an extension of the elementary program. We have found that indeed our kids are as close to being teens as they are being elementary students. Also I loved the packaging! It looks current and even a little edgey. |
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