Yet, pragmatic and traditional factors usually steer churches into this mold. For one, grouping kids with same-age peers and teaching them all the same thing makes for an efficient use of space, whereas individualized learning necessitates kids spreading out and is resource-intensive. And, most parents expect that kids who spend time in church will learn something - and thus, church is expected to be somewhat "like school".
All of this to say that on weekends, our options for individually tailoring content or giving kids choices is pretty limited. As a teacher, I have to teach to the masses. Sometimes the subjects connect with a vast majority of kids, and sometimes they miss. But I remain convinced that kids learn best when they're learning something they want to learn, when the teaching is answering the questions they're already asking. There needs to be a flexibility in church programming to meet kids at the point of their curiosity, and to let them be who they want to be. This is the thinking behind STEAM.
STEAM started this fall and grew out of last year's midweek program, the Thursday Night Thing. Our Thursday night program was small groups-based, but still pretty uniform. Our move to the new property has allowed us to spread out and spread our wings. The difference has been fabulous. No more games in the parking lot dodging the Ralph's delivery truck. No more squeezing small groups into stairwells or under exterior building lights (although we still are quite creative when it comes to using space). STEAM is a program where individual interests and explored, gifts are exercised, and hopefully, kids grow closer to God and to one another.
Our spring session is about to begin (this Wednesday), so if you're not familiar with how the program works, here's a primer:
The first 45 minutes (6-6:45), kids go to one of three activities. They choose their activity when they arrive. Usually one or two are physical games, and there's always an arts and crafts project. This is where kids get to "blow off steam". At 6:45 we shift into electives, where kids "take on steam". And at 7:30, we go home. Fall was a 12-week session and Spring will also be 12 weeks, with a few more breaks in between for Easter and outreach nights. Once STEAM wraps up in late April, we'll have some group events (parks, beach, pools, etc.) to celebrate the end of the school year.
What are kids saying about STEAM? We asked some of our Junior Leadership Team kids to answer questions in writing about the program. Here's what they said:
“What are you allowed to do at STEAM?”
Bring a friend, pray, go to class, go to the bathroom, go to an activity.
Play
Have fun and learn about God
To play and have fun!!!
Play and always listen to your leaders
To be friends with everyone and hang out with friends
Go to the bathroom and sign in
To have fun and make new friends
Play games, do stuff
Ask important questions, pray to God, and even more
You are allowed to obey the rules.
“What are you not allowed to do?”
Fool around
Go on the stage
Not follow the rules and go crazy and attack the leaders
To hurt others, say mean things, or disobey the leaders
Hurt others
Tease the leaders
You are supposed to stay in the gym for when your parents come to pick you up, and you are not allowed to go to the bathroom during class.
To disobey the rules
“What’s different about STEAM than what happens here on the weekend?”
You have fun and wear yourself out
It’s the same thing I think because we play, go to small groups, and a snack, but the only thing that is different is that we do an activity first and everything is in a different order.
Here we play dodgeball
More running around
At STEAM we get to choose an elective
We have electives
Nothing
At STEAM you get to worship God and play kickball and other games and on the weekend you don’t
You do worship on the weekends
On the weekend you worship God and sing to him and STEAM you learn about things
“What happens when you’re on JOLT?”
You clean up at Sunday or Saturday service
We clean up
You do special stuff
You do lots of jobs to help the leaders during church
I get to lead people and be a leader
You help others
You are a leader and you do work at the church
You get to help put away and take out things on the weekend
I get to experience the feeling of a leader
Get free food
You help clean up and set up and greet new kids
You enslave yourselves and go to parties
And below are some descriptions of the electives we're offering for Spring Session. You can also download the entire registration brochure here.
The Young Peacemaker, part 2 (every week)
Principles of Biblical peacemaking in a course designed especially for kids. Kids will learn what to do when friends fight or siblings squabble, how to mediate, how to apologize and restore relationships. This is a proven program. You do not have to have taken Peacemakers in the fall to join the spring session. $15 materials fee if enrolling for the first time.
Stumped by the Bible: The Old Testament (Offered 1st 6 weeks and repeated 2nd 6 weeks)
What's the story on the Old Testament? Can your kid tell the difference between Solomon and Saul, the Exodus and the Fall? This is all about the OT's big story, its books, and who wrote them. $20 one-time materials fee (same book is used in the OT & NT classes).
Stumped by the Bible: The New Testament (Offered 1st 6 weeks and repeated 2nd 6 weeks)
What's the story on the New Testament? This class focuses on the growth of the church, especially the life of Paul, and the difference between NT history and letters. $20 one-time materials fee (same book is used in the OT & NT classes).
Sign Language (first six weeks)
This class will introduce kids to the Deaf culture and American Sign Language. Kids will learn words and phrases and how to sign a worship song. No charge.
Cooking (first six weeks)
Each week focuses on a different Bible event as kids make a dish or treat that will help them remember the story. $15 materials fee. Enrollment is limited.
Beginner Guitar (first six weeks)
Learn basic chords and strumming. No charge. A tuneable acoustic guitar is required.
Dramatics (first six weeks)
Become part of a team that will present dramas in the K/1 and 2nd-3rd grade classrooms in the spring. We will rehearse and stage on Wednesday nights. You must be available to perform February 25* and be motivated to perform on-stage. No charge. Enrollment is limited.
(* new date)
Drawing, part 2 (every week)
A continuation of our popular fall elective, but an all-new book (so fall students are welcome, as well as new students). $10 for book and materials.
Topical studies for pre-teens (every week)
Topics change each week: Following God as our shepherd, Showing Christian love to those around you, Setting priorities according to God's will, Fully and totally worshiping God, etc. Kids will be divided into small groups each week. No charge.
Just Who Do You Think You Are?
A class for Moms & Daughters (second six weeks)
Using the book "Just Who Do You Think You Are?" author Karen Howard will guide moms and daughters through the process of discovering a girl's true identity. What is beauty? How can a girl understand her own unique personality? How do you lead, and how do you responsibly follow? A powerful opportunity for moms to connect with their daughters and each other. $15 materials fee.
Stumped by the Bible: How to Read & Understand Your Bible (second six weeks)
This class "puts it all together" and teaches kids how to read and comprehend the various books of the Bible. Kids must have taken BOTH the OT and NT classes (in any order) to sign up for this one. Uses the same resource as the OT/NT classes.
