Did you know there are over 50 kids ministry curriculum options each with their own unique way of doing things!?! Let’s explore the options and determine what questions you should be asking before you get started!

1. Why Curriculum? What purpose does it serve?
   1. Tool Belt Teaching
      1. The Lesson –  The scope and sequence, the strategy, the goals, repetition vs. redundant, age-appropriateness
      2. Games – Do they help kids connect? Do they serve a purpose? Do they further the teaching? Are they fresh?
      3. Small-Group Materials – Supply lists, well-crafted questions, fun? 
      4. Videos and Graphics
      5. Worship Songs
      6. Crafts
      7. Environments
      8. Scripture Memory
      9. Parent Resources
      10. Social Media Plan
      11. And so much more…
   2. Tool Belt Varieties
      1. Some are too big
      2. Some are old
      3. Some tools don’t fit
      4. Some you just don’t like
      5. Some you don’t understand
   3. A good fit has the right belt with the right tools. But still, it takes work. 

2. Question 1 – Will this curriculum help your kids learn the Bible?
   1. Is scripture read and taught?
   2. Will the lesson connect with your kids?
   3. Do the supplemental materials reinforce the Bible?
   4. Does the teaching lead to life-changing application?
   5. Will the kids be engaged and interested in the lesson?
   6. Does this curriculum make learning the Bible fun?

3. Question 2 – When your kids completely the curriculum will they produce the fruit you are desiring to see in their lives?
   1. Wise and foolish builder illustration
   2. Bible knowledge and application
   3. The vision of your church
   4. Begin with the end in mind

4. Question 3 – Will this curriculum be a good fit for your program?
   1. Does the lesson length fit your needs?
   2. Will the materials change lives or just fill time?
   3. Does the curriculum provide the service components you are looking for?
   4. Is it flexible? 
   5. Is it manageable?

5. Question 4 – Will this curriculum be a good fit for your kids?
   1. What age level is it designed for?
   2. Will it make sense culturally and socioeconomically? 
   3. Are their materials for children with special needs?
   4. Are there supplemental materials your kids will enjoy?
   5. Does it encourage community and build relationships?
   6. Will your kids be engaged and have fun?

6. Question 5 – Will this curriculum fit in your budget?
   1. What is the starting price of the yearly curriculum?
   2. What is the full and real cost of the yearly curriculum? 
   3. What is the cost of the supplemental materials and props?
   4. Are scholarships or flexibility in pricing available?

7. Question 6 – Do other churches, like yours, recommend this curriculum?
   1. What are churches in your denomination using or avoiding?
   2. What curriculum has your church used over the years and why did they change?
   3. Do churches a little larger than you recommend it? 
   4. What are the arguments against using the curriculum? 

8. VIII.Question 7 – Does this meet family needs? 
   1. Do the materials take the Sunday lesson into Monday through Saturday? 
   2. Does the curriculum matter for 1 hour a week or 168 hours each week?
   3. If a child attends every other week will they be able to follow along? 
   4. Are materials provided in the curriculum to equip the family?
   5. Will a nontraditional family feel included?

9. Question 8 – How do you access and edit the curriculum?
   1. Do you have the technology necessary to make the curriculum accessible to volunteers? 
   2. Do you need a CD-ROM drive, jump drive, or high-speed internet?
   3. Do you have the audio, visual, and technical supplies to present the lesson?

10. Question 9 – How much work will it take for you to make changes? 
    1. Is it editable and easy to alter? 
    2. Are there plenty of options if you don’t like a particular portion? 
    3. Are you going to be making minor tweaks or major rewrites? 
    4. Do you have the time and margin necessary for the changes? 

11. Question 10 – Do I really need to change?
    1. Are you the only one feeling the need to make changes?
    2. Could you add some flavor to spice things up or do you need to change the recipe? 
    3. Is now the right time?

13. A special note before making changes. 
    1. The change in your pocket illustration. 
    2. What’s at stake?
14. Let’s look at some options

A link to this full google sheet: HERE

In a recent KidzMatter Magazine, you can see a description and overview of many curriculum options.

This is a curriculum evaluation created by a team made up of 60 practitioners with years of weekly classroom experience.

What do you do from here?

1. 1. Pray
   2. Research
   3. Contact curriculum providers
   4. Explore samples
   5. Seek wise counsel
   6. Pray