Creating new Christian teaching
materials involves a fair bit of thought and work as well
as the collaboration of a team of people with varying gifts.
Typically it involves four stages of development.
Planning
First a statement of philosophy is developed regarding
the Christian perspective on a particular curriculum area.
Teachers in our Christian schools are surveyed to determine
their needs. The planning team then examines the relevant
government standards for education in that field, and curriculum
materials from other publishers are examined. Finally, a
scope and sequence chart is developed so that there is an
intentional progression of concepts and skills that are
age appropriate for the students.
Writing
Experienced educators and authors within our Christian
schools are contracted to write the units of a given project.
Editing
Manuscripts are edited for their content and then reviewed
by critic readers. These critic readers are subject area
experts, such as professors from our Christian colleges
and universities, as well as grade-level teachers. The copy
is then edited a second time and the manuscripts are then
proofread.
Producing
Decisions are made on the format in which the materials
will be made available. Photographs and illustrations are
created and selected. The layout of each page is determined.
Now the whole textbook or teacher guide is ready for another
proofreading, after which the project is sent to the printer
for printing and binding.
The result is curriculum materials that are recognized
within not only our communities, but also the broader Christian
education community as top-notch curriculum materials –
excellent content and lesson ideas with a clear Christian
perspective, presented in a visually appealing and durable
format. The products clearly reflect the commitment of those
involved in producing these materials to Paul’s advice
that “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,
as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians
3:23).
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