When you are first handed the folder of curriculum:

• Glance through the lessons and get an over-all idea of main truth (Jesus is our Friend, Places Jesus visited, God created the world, etc.)
• Become familiar with the book itself:    How is it laid out? Is there a quick reference page? Is there a section on leading a child to Christ? Are the games separate?
• Pray about the lesson and the Bible story.  What does God want to communicate about Himself to you and to the children you will be teaching?

A suggested order on Sunday mornings:

• Review of over-arching truth - this might be an introduction if it is the first week of the quarter.
• Review of previous week’s story. Do this as a class activity; stimulating their memories.
• Bible Story--Read from actual Bible.
• Bible Verse Activity (try to do something to get them moving).
• Talk about meaning--Do a “memory” activity where children actually say the verse repeatedly.
• Have the verse written somewhere in the room.
• Prayer Time--Might be corporate or small groups
• Craft : have at the tables with children usually standing up and try to have craft be meaningful. If the suggestion in the book is not meaningful, I think of something better.  The craft must tie to story, Bible truth, prayer or Bible verse. I like to have something the children will look at again and not just throw away. 
  
• Game:  I save this for last since time may be running short.  Kids usually love the game.  Just try to make it meaningful like the craft ideas.
  

Finally:  Feel free to make your own favorite schedule.  Arrive early to set up your classroom as you like.  Set up your activities and take home materials so that they are ready for the morning.  PRAY!  Then enjoy being with the great Hope Chapel kids.
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Hope Chapel
6701 Arroyo Seco
Austin, Texas 78757
512.377.3900
www.hope.org