1 Section Down, 11 to Go!

This past Sunday we completed Unit 1, Section 1! We're three weeks into Bridge 45. Over the past three weeks our students learned about why we study the Bible. They learned background information, and that the Bible is trustworthy and error-free. The final project on week three was making a timeline that represented the whole Bible. It was so neat to see how completely differently the two services made their time lines.

The response we're getting from the kids is great! I think they're really enjoying the way the program changes from week to week. Here are some discoveries/celebrations/things to work on:

-The 4th & 5th graders LOVE not having younger kids in the class with them. When you ask what their favorite part of Bridge 45 is, the most common answer is "No little kids".

-Dance, Dance Revolution: Disney Channel Edition is a HUGE hit--with both the boys and the girls. There's nothing like getting to play Kim Possible, Hannah Montana or Zach Efron!

-While a live worship band is a hit, some kids are struggling with saying goodbye to the CDs. Who'd have thought that after all the requests to have the band back, they'd miss track-led worship! We're working on finding ways to build a little more energy into the fast worship time since the room is so large (can't wait for the modular) with so few kids.

-Having the small group leaders play the role of facilitator rather than teacher is essential. The groups who have more freedom to talk with one another and discuss the topics amongst themselves are the ones enjoying Bridge 45 the most. The kids who's leaders tend to just talk about the material instead of allowing them to discuss it feel like they're in school. We're working on furthering the facilitator concept.

-Now that we're three weeks into it, we're looking for some new ways to add fun into the program. We're confident in the elements we have in the curriculum, we just need to raise the energy level in the room. One thing we're doing to help this is we'll start showing a video welcome that signals the kids to come in. It has high energy music in the background and has the kids participate in small groups for a competition. The winning small group will get a "trophy" to carry around for the day. The next week it'll be handed back and passed onto the new winning team (think: immunity idol from Survivor). This competition time will lead into worship, so hopefully this will help our lack of energy there!

So, that's where we're at! It's so exciting to start something brand-new. We've been video taping as well, so as soon as I'm able, I'll post some highlights.

Also, installation of the modular is a little delayed-- gotta love the permits process! But at least this'll make us appreciate it so much more when we finally do get it!