March's theme for K-5th grade--"Gather in Grace"

CrossTraining, the name of our children's Sunday education program, begins at 9:30 a.m. for preschool through 5th grade. All ages come together in the Sanctuary for a lively time of action-filled songs and a brief object lesson to introduce the week's message. Three and Four year olds attend a Preschool class that uses the "Hands-On Bible" Curriculum for interactive and age-appropriate activities. Our CrossTraining curriculum for Kindergarten through 5th Grade follows a Rotational Learning Model where children are taught the same Bible store or theme for several weeks. Each week, children visit a different station where they encounter the same story through a different experience. Children visit stations such as Song & Celebration, Christian Cafe, Goliath Games, Temple Tales, Creation Station, Science Center, and Techno Times. Each rotation is filled with activities to hold the children's attention and engage them in learning Biblical truths. Rotational learning builds on the advantages of repetition. The more ways children experience a concept, the more likely they are to remember it. Curriculum features:

• The lessons teach the message of Jesus Christ and the power of the corss across disciplines and to different learning styles.
• The impact of Christ's saving work for the world is revealed through Scripture exploration. Through hands-on age appropriate activities and lessons, students learn to trust God's word.
• The curriculum confronts children with their sin by teaching God's law. Each lesson also presents the Gospel - God's forgiveness through Christ, who obeyed the law perfectly for us.
• The lessons are life related. Through the power of the Gospel, Bible lessons and activities nuture and strengthen students in their faith, in their readiness to forgive, and in their ability to make godly choices.

Within a six year rotation, children who participate in this curriculum will also be taught the six chief parts of Luther's Small Catechism: The Ten Commandments, The Apostles' Creed, The Lord's Prayer, The Sacrament of Holy Baptism, Confession, and the Sacrament of the Altar (Holy Communion). The study of these concepts enhances children's regular worship participation and equips them in their life-long journey of Faith.