God Kids and Us [Large Print] [Paperback]

Janet Marshall Eibner (Author), Graham Walker Susan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1996 | ISBN-10: 0819217301 | ISBN-13: 978-0819217301 | Edition: USEpiscopal ed

A vital guide for all who care about the full inclusion of children and their families in the life of the church today. An engaging blend of theory, story, and practical resources for congregations committed to welcoming and nurturing children and those who care for them.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...this rich compendium fills the often expressed need for a manual from church school superintendentspractical and thought provoking, useful for leaders in children's work as a guidance manual and as a discussion tool among groups in the church. Highly recommended." -- Church & Synagogue Libraries

"God, Kids & Us is a delightful collection of stories, insights, and practical ideas that will appeal to anyone charged with the responsibility of building an effective Christian education program that listens to the voices of children, young people, and their parents." -- Episcopal Teacher

A book that blends the theory, story and practical resources for congregations committed to welcoming children. -- Anglican World, 1997

A lively blend of theory, story, and practical resources for full inclusion of children and families in... the church. -- News For You, September 1997

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Morehouse Publishing; USEpiscopal ed edition (January 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0819217301
• ISBN-13: 978-0819217301
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,713,607 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Teach the children well..., May 17, 2005

By 

FrKurt Messick "FrKurt Messick" (Bloomington, IN USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: God Kids and Us (Paperback)

I was assigned the book 'God, Kids & Us: The Growing Edge of Ministry with Children and the People Who Care for Them' as part of my seminary training. There were elements that were familiar, and elements that were new to me.

The exercises from the book Janet Marshall Eibner and Susan Graham Walker were eye-opening from the very start. Perhaps the primary thing I learned from the experience was one not really intended from the class I took - I learned how devoid my life is of children. There are the occasional grandchildren and great-grandchildren visiting the retirement community where I am chaplain, but I generally only see them for a moment or so (when families are visiting residents, I usually try to stay out of their way, since the residents tend to see me far more often). At the seminary, the community college where I work, and at home, there are no children, save by `accident'. In order to accomplish the worksheets required for class, I had to ask students in the Tutoring Centre at my college to take them home to their children and bring them back to me.

Eibner and Walker discuss in their chapter on pastoral care and paying attention the different kinds of learning styles that can be adapted for individuals within a communal setting. This relates well to learning styles and pedagogical analyses such as Howard Gardner's 'Frames of Mind' - it seems like it should be obvious, but it is often overlooked in planning, that children learn differently one from another. One might respond to visual art, another to music, another to activity, another to reading, and so on.

This is a very practical book, intended to help the educator take stock of the current situation and plan from there accordingly. One thing that is important is not taking things for granted, or assuming that one knows because one is the adult, teacher or parent. Elements such as choosing appropriate curriculum, selecting and training appropriate teachers and volunteers, and continuing to look after the training and effectiveness of the education programme are all contained here. Eibner and Walker include sample job descriptions, questionnaires and recommended readings - this book is clearly intended to be the start of the process, rather than the full process in and of itself.

Children can come up with questions and insights beyond what 'normal' adult parameters may be - these are to be encouraged, fostering a mutual learning experience between educator and child. Throughout this text, the idea of mutual process as part of a whole community is emphasised, and including children as full members of that community is of paramount importance.

This is a great book to use for those involved in or thinking about children's ministry and church school. It is also a good book for parents and grandparents, to see what kinds of considerations go into (or should go into) the composition of effective and nurturing church school experiences.

3.0 out of 5 stars Book More for Clergy and Leadership vs Parents, April 14, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: God Kids and Us (Paperback)

I was looking for books to help teach my child re holy communion. This book was recommended, but really dosen't have any reference to communion instruction in it. It would be helpful for Episcopalian Christian Education Leaders.