Young Children and Worship

Rating:
Summary: Excellent -- with supplementation
Review: For those (like myself) trying to implement this program without the benefit of the formal training, I have found the following supplemental materials helpful.

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd offers a book/CD combination "Sing With Joy". Many of the 38 songs are suitable for Young Children and Worship. It is published by Treehaus Communications.

I've culled some appropriate songs from the CDs Wee Sing Bible Songs and Cedarmont Toddlers' Bible Songs. I found that Wee Sing gives the most bang (songs) for the buck, but the Cedarmont CD has Be Still and Know That I Am God. I'd never heard of this song before Sonja's book. Given its prominence in "Young Children and Worship", I was desperate to learn it. However, this song as well as O God, We Adore You and God is So Good are all in the "Sing With Joy" collection.

There is an excellent video teaching sign language for liturgical greetings and a few songs (including the ones I just mentioned). This video, "Lift Up Your Hands", may be obtained from the RCA Distribution Center. Also, the Wee Sing CD song booklet has the signing for "Jesus Loves Me", if you can figure it out from sketches.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Resource with All Patterns and Instructions!
Review: I have this book and the newer Godly play books. Young Children and Worship has been more useful to my small team because it includes the patterns and instructions needed to make the presentation materials for each story. (The Godly Play books simply direct you to use a set, presumably purchased online from Godly Play Resources). We are on a budget and have been able to use inexpensive materials (candles, construction paper, felt, cardboard, etc.)to make many presentations as we work on making some wooden sets.

Rating:
Summary: The best is simply the best...
Review: This is by far the most fruitful, simple, engaging, and theologically faithful tool for Christian education I have ever seen or used. I have personally constructed all of the elements patterned in Berryman and Stewart's book and after teaching with them for ten years have passed them on to my daughter, age 17, who is now teaching her first class. This book is "true riches" and well worth owning. I have 'used up' four copies and my daughter is using the fifth. Enjoy and grow!!!