Frequently Asked QuestionsCurriculumQ. Where can I find sample lessons?
Q. Are color visuals available for CDG curricula?
A. Yes. Teaching aids and visuals (color and B&W) are in electronic format (PDF) on a CD included in the Teacher’s Kit. If you would prefer to have these teaching visuals professionally printed on cardstock, you may purchase a printed Resource Packet in either color or B&W.
For Teacher's Kits ordered before 2007, this Visual CD is available for purchase, $10 per curriculum, by phone only. Call 888.346.4700.
Q. What is the sequence of the CDG curricula?
Q. Why is Children Desiring God publishing children's curricula?
A. Since 1997, Sally Michael and Jill Nelson have been writing curriculum for use at Bethlehem Baptist Church of Minneapolis. Many other churches expressed interest to use the curricula. As a result, Children Desiring God was formed to publish the curricula and make it available to the wider church body. For more information about the philosophy of ministry behind this curricula, please read The Mission, Vision and Ministry of Children Desiring God.
For more on Bethlehem Baptist Church, click here. Q. Where can I find a printable price list?
Q. How long does it take for a teacher to prepare to teach this curriculum?
Q. How much time is required for a Sunday school class?
A. Class room time could run between 45 and 90 minutes. The two essential components of a class time are the teaching of the Word (lesson presentation) and the application (What did I hear? What do I understand about what I have heard? and How do I hear God calling me to respond?)
All other activities should be structured to support these two components. Other activities may include transition time (when you connect with the students as they enter class and review what you learned last week), worship, prayer, and other optional activities.
Q. How do we use the student workbooks?
Q. Why does Children Desiring God offer workbooks for students?
A. Workbooks are a valuable tool for Teachers or Small Group Leaders to use during Application time. They are useful for generating discussion, assessing student understanding, reviewing important concepts, and applying principles learned.
Workbooks also provide children with a lasting record of biblical truth. It is our hope that these workbooks will provide children with a graded "theological library".
Q. How can I use these curricula in a home or Christian school setting?
Q. Why are the elementary-aged curricula 40 weeks in length?
A. This system follows the pattern of typical school-year�September to May.
Q. What does Bethlehem Baptist Church do in the summer months?
A. Bethlehem Baptist Church uses a variety of summer Sunday school options that vary from year to year. CDG now has two 13-week intergenerational curricula for churches looking for a summer Sunday school option. For information on Children Desiring God intergenerational curricula, click here
Children Desiring God also offers three Backyard Bible Club/Vacation Bible School curricula. For information on Backyard Bible Clubs, click here. Q. Why are illustrations (object lessons) at the beginning of each lesson?
A. The illustration is designed to give the children an easy-to-understand, concrete example to direct their thinking toward the lesson theme. Material is presented in a deductive teaching style, leading children to make observations and draw conclusions as the lesson progresses. Therefore the illustration is an important bridge from what children see and understand (concrete thinking) to what they can't see and find hard to understand (abstract thinking). Children learn through the process of bridging this intellectual gap.
Q. Why aren't there any crafts included in the curricula?
A. We have deliberately chosen not to include "crafts" as a part of this curricula. Although crafts can be fun for children, they are often time-consuming, expensive, preparation-intensive, and may be of little educational or spiritual value. Because time and energy are limited, it is more important to employ resources in a way that will yield maximum value. For example, teachers are encouraged to spend much time in spiritual preparation and preparing to teach the lesson well. Also, preparation is needed for providing meaningful, God-centered transition activities, worship time, and small group application time. These elements are all time-intensive and should take priority in the class time.
Q. What is distinctive about the midweek curricula?
A. The midweek curricula include more activities and games. They are also of a more practical nature, dealing with specific discipling issues, such as using the Bible and how to fight the fight of faith. Midweek curricula can also be used as a club program with awards that can be earned.
Q. What are your plans for junior high and high school curricula?
PoliciesQ. Can we make a copy of...?
A. Teacher's Kits and Leader's Editions (printed or electronic) - are to be purchased for each Teacher and Small Group Leader.
Student Workbooks (printed or electronic) - are to be purchased for each student. However, copies of individual workbook lessons may be made for visitors.
Parent Resource Pages - are intended to be duplicated and distributed to parents.
Q. What is your policy on returns?
E-DistributionGeneralQ. What is Children Desiring God’s definition of electronic distribution?
A. Electronic distribution refers to a new method of acquiring resources for teachers and leaders. This method uses licensed electronic copies of our resources which can be purchased and then downloaded from Children Desiring God’s website. These resources are printable PDF files, allowing the purchaser to send the documents to teachers and leaders via email.
Q. Are all resources available for electronic distribution?
A. Currently, CDG only offers Leader’s Editions and Student Workbooks in electronic format, for every curriculum that currently has either of those resources. Teacher’s Kits, Resource Packs, and other curriculum components must be purchased in printed format.
Q. Can I use both electronic and printed resources?
A. Yes. Our electronic resources are designed to be an addition to the initial purchase of a Teacher’s Kit. Also, a church may prefer to use printed resources for those who do not have a high-speed internet connection (and might have a harder time downloading electronic files).
Q. Do you have any case studies to prove the effectiveness of electronic distribution?
A. Not at this time. We are offering electronic resources in response to many customers’ requests over the past few years. We encourage you to send us feedback about your experience with electronic distribution.
Q. Will I notice any quality difference between printed electronic resources and the traditional paper resources?
A. Please consider the quality of CDG’s traditional printed resources in comparison to those resources printed on your printing equipment. Our professionally printed resources are designed to endure for many years. For example, our Student Workbooks use 100# index paper (card stock), which is sturdy and prevents bleed through. Another example is the coil binding of our Leader’s Editions and Student Workbooks, which makes them more durable than a 3-hole punch paper version. Note that when CDG uses 3-hole punch paper, it is reinforced paper.
Q. What should I consider before deciding if electronic distribution is right for me?
A. Here are a few things you may want to consider (although the following list is not exhaustive):
• Internet Connection—We recommend using a high-speed internet connection for the initial download and for distributing these resources to your teaching team. • Benefits—Each customer must weigh the value of electronic and printed resources and consider which benefits are most important. • Quality—Please consider the quality of CDG’s traditional printed resources in comparison to those resources printed on your printing equipment. Our professionally printed resources are designed to endure for many years. For example, our Student Workbooks use 100# index paper (card stock), which is sturdy and prevents bleed through. Another example is the coil binding of our Leader’s Editions and Student Workbooks, which makes them more durable than a 3-hole punch paper version. Note that when CDG uses 3-hole punch paper, it is reinforced paper. • Usage—In order to experience the full benefit of electronic resources, churches should use them differently than they would our traditional printed resources. For example, a church that prints each workbook page, and then uses a 3-hole punch to insert the lessons into a binder, will not receive much benefit from the new format and may even spend more money than if they had just bought the traditional printed workbooks. However, printing the workbook pages as weekly worksheets would be an example of receiving the benefit of electronic workbooks. • Licensing—Be sure to read the FAQ section below on License Agreements and make sure that your church is willing and able to comply with the license agreements for each resource.
Ordering/PurchasingQ. Can electronic resources be returned?
A. Please order carefully, because electronic resources cannot be returned.
Q. What is the cost of electronically distributed resources?
A. E-Leader’s Editions are $45.00 each for elementary curricula, $40.00 each for Preschool, and $25.00 each for Intergenerational curricula. E-Workbooks are $3.00 per license (please see licensing FAQ section below).
Q. Aren’t you just passing the cost of printing to the customer?
A. No. We have lowered the purchase price of electronic resources beyond the cost of our printing.
Your cost to print resources is made up of many variables, such as brand and model of printer, quality of paper, cost of toner/ink cartridges, and how much ink is needed for each page. Keep in mind that each individual’s situation may vary.
Estimated cost for printing E-Leader’s Editions and E-Workbooks: For the following examples, we’ll assume that the typical printing cost for a decent, yet affordable, laser printer is approximately $0.02 per page. So, using regular (20#) copy or printer paper (approximately $0.01 per page), you’d spend: • $0.03 per simple (single-sided) page • $0.05 per duplex (double-sided) page Using card stock (110#) or index paper (approximately $0.04 per page), you’d spend: • $0.06 per simple (single-sided) page • $0.08 per duplex (double-sided) page Sample Cost Analysis: Using the approximations given above, let’s figure out what it would cost to print 1 E-Leader’s Edition. There are usually about 125 duplex pages in a Leader’s Edition. So, on regular copy paper the E-Leader’s Edition would be $6.25 to print. So, the purchase price ($45.00), plus the cost to print ($6.25) would still cost less than a traditional printed book. The resource would cost $51.25, whereas the traditional resource costs $75 (plus shipping). Now, using the same approximations as above, let’s calculate the cost of printing for a typical E-Workbook. The average number of duplex pages in a Workbook is about 45. On regular paper, an E-Workbook would cost $2.25 to print. On cardstock, an E-Workbook would cost about $3.60. We’ll assume that no binders are purchased to store the workbook pages in. In this case, the purchase price ($3.00), plus the cost to print ($2.25/regular paper or $3.60/cardstock) still costs less than the traditional printed resource. The cost would be $5.25 (copy paper) or $6.60 (cardstock), whereas the traditional printed resource would be $9.25 (assuming shipping is conservatively estimated at $.50 a workbook). Q. Can I phone in an order for electronic resources?
A. Orders must be placed online because you will need to download the electronic resources from our website.
License Agreement/Distribution PoliciesQ. How can I comply with the electronic license?
A. E-Workbook licenses and E-Leader’s Edition licenses are structured differently.
The license for an E-Workbook is a single-use license that will allow the printing and single use of one E-Workbook. Multiple copies require the purchase of multiple licenses – one license per child. Copies may not be reprinted or reused a second time. Note: Organizations may make additional E-Workbook copies for visitors—so long as they purchase a license when that visitor becomes a regular part of the class. The license for an E-Leader’s Edition is a single-user perpetual license that will allow the viewing, printing and use by an individual, of one copy of the E-Leader’s Edition and that this copy may not be shared among multiple teachers at the same time. However, this copy of the E-Leader’s Edition may be reused for teaching the same curriculum at a later time by the same, or another individual. During the ordering process you will be asked to abide by the license terms and that those in your organization will not make any more copies than permitted by the number of license(s) purchased and that your will take reasonable steps to ensure that those in your organization abide by these terms. You will also be asked that your organization use reasonable efforts to protect the electronic resource(s) from unpermitted use or misuse of any kind. Q. How will CDG enforce compliance of electronically distributed resources?
A. We view our customers as partners, and in our partnership we trust that you will use our resources according to the license agreement. We hope we have struck the appropriate balance of trust and prudence. By “prudence”, we mean that before you download an electronic resource, our system will insert the license information (name of the organization, city, state/province, country) into the first page of the resource as well as into the footer of each E-Leader’s Edition purchased. This will serve as a helpful accountability tool that our customers can use, and a reminder of when the license was purchased.
CDG is passionate about spreading our vision, not about making a profit. This is why we are a non-profit ministry – and all of our revenue goes right back into the ministry for operating expenses and resource development. We feel honored to have conscientious customers, and we wholeheartedly believe that “the Lord will supply every need of ours (and yours) according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
Q. What if I don’t use all my E-Workbooks in one year?
A. E-Workbook licenses are active until used by a student for the duration of one curriculum cycle. If you purchase 25 licenses and only have 20 students, 5 licenses remain active and may be used in future years.
Q. When is it OK for me to send electronically distributed resources to someone else?
A. By design, the resources can be sent to another individual within your organization to use in compliance with the number of licenses/copies you have purchased. Electronic resources cannot be shared with other churches, organizations, or individuals.
License Compliance ExamplesE-Leader's EditionsQ. What if my church owns a Teacher’s Kit and has three teachers who rotate teaching, once every three weeks?
A. Purchase 2 E-Leader’s Editions, one for each of the additional teachers.
Q. What if my church owns a Teacher’s Kit and has two teachers who rotate teaching every other week? When they don’t teach, they serve as small group leaders.
A. Purchase one E-Leader’s Edition. Assign the Teacher’s Kit to one teacher and the E-Leader’s Edition to the other. The Teacher Kit or E-Leader’s Edition can be used by one person for both teaching and small group leading.
Q. What if my church owns a Teacher’s Kit and has two team teachers and six small group leaders who rotate teaching responsibilities?
A. Answer: Purchase seven E-Leader’s Editions, one for the additional teacher and one for each of the small group leaders (E-Leader’s Editions cannot be shared by a team in one year. Each leader needs one license per year.)
E-WorkbooksQ. How many licenses do I need if my church has 14 children in a Sunday school class?
A. You should purchase 14 E-Workbook licenses.
Q. What if my church has purchased 12 E-Workbook licenses for the 12 children in a Sunday school class, but after four weeks the class grows to 16 children?
A. Answer: Because you previously purchased 12 E-Workbook licenses, you only need to purchase an additional four to maintain compliance. Because you have already downloaded the resource you would not have to repeat this process; just print out 4 additional copies of the workbook after purchasing 4 more E-Workbook licenses.
Q. What if I purchase 15 E-Workbook licenses (anticipating growth from the eight students I currently have), but at the end of the year I only have 12 regular students?
A. You have three more E-Workbook licenses than you actually used. The three unused licenses can be used in following years.
AdministrationQ. How do I keep track of how many licenses my church has?
A. Children Desiring God is happy to assist you in keeping a record of how many licenses of each resource you’ve purchased. After logging into your account, go to the Download Center to print a report that will detail how many and when the licenses were ordered. We suggest that one person per church manage the administration of the licenses.
Q. How would a church distribute E-Leader’s Editions to teachers and small group leaders?
A. The purchaser can send the resource as an email attachment, or burn it to a CD, or print and distribute it.
Q. What should churches do with the E-Leader’s Editions after the class concludes for the year?
A. This depends upon how the E-Leader’s Edition has been used, and whether or not the leader will be returning to teach the same curriculum again next year. Only one leader can use the license at a time each year. If the leader is returning, then he or she may keep the printed copy or electronic file and use it again. If a leader is not returning, then he should delete the electronic file from his computer and either return the paper copy to the curriculum administrator or destroy it. Please don’t hesitate to call us at 888.346.4700 with more specific questions regarding this policy.
Q. What criteria should I use to determine when a visitor becomes a regular attendee?
A. We leave this to your discretion. The appropriate time to purchase an additional E-Workbook license is the time in which you determine a visitor has become a regular attendee.
Download ProcessQ. How long does it take to download electronic resources?
A. It depends on the speed of your Internet connection and the size of the file (files vary between 1 and 10 MB). Most high-speed Internet connections (DSL/Cable) will download individual resources in a few minutes. A dial-up connection will take significantly longer and is not recommended for use with electronically distributed resources.
Q. How often do I have to download resources?
A. You will only have to download each file one time. After that file has been downloaded, you may print as many copies as you have license to use. For example, if you purchase 25 E-Workbook licenses, download the E-Workbook one time and then print 25 copies.
Q. Can you explain the process from order to download?
A. First, you add electronic resources to your “cart” online. You will then be prompted to agree or disagree with the license terms. If you agree with the license policy, you will continue to the checkout process. If you disagree, electronic resources will be removed from the cart. After purchasing electronic resources, you will be prompted to download the resources immediately.
ESVQ. Which CDG curricula are available in the English Standard Version (ESV)?
A. The following curricula are available: To Be Like Jesus, In the Beginning…Jesus, How Majestic Is Your Name, Faithful to All His Promises, Teach Me Your Way, The Righteous Shall Live By Faith, and Lord, Teach Us To Pray.
Q. Why offer the English Standard Version?
A. First, the ESV is a literal and readable translation, which means that it maintains the original wording as closely as possible while still being readable for those living in today’s culture. As an “essentially literal” translation, the ESV is based closely on the Greek and Hebrew texts of Scripture. Other Bible translations in the “essentially literal” category would include the New American Standard Version, the New King James Version, and the King James Version (which for centuries was considered the standard Bible version of the English-speaking world).
Second, the ESV is a translation that can be used from childhood into adulthood. This eliminates the need for a child to switch from the version he memorized and read as a child to a new version as an adult. In fact, there is an ESV children’s Bible that includes Bible learning aids used in our curricula. Finally, the ESV allows a church to use one version for older and younger people so the entire church can read and memorize the same version of Scripture together. The version an adult can enjoy using because it is literal is the same version a child can appreciate for its readability. Parents, teachers, students, and children can use the same version of Scripture at church. Q. What is similar between the NIV and ESV curricula?
A. The lessons in the new ESV curricula are essentially the same as the lessons in the NIV curricula. Solid theology and solid biblical content remain an excellent reason to consider these curricula.
Q. What has changed in the new ESV curricula?
A. Besides the translation changing, some of the wording in the lessons has changed to accommodate the new translation, which attempts to render the Greek and Hebrew wording the same way every time in English.
Q. Will the ESV curricula replace the NIV curricula?
A. No. Our elementary Sunday School and Midweek Bible curricula will be available in both ESV and NIV. Our Intergenerational curricula and Youth curricula will only be available in the ESV. And our Preschool, Backyard Bible Club, and Nursery curricula will only be available in the NIV.
Q. What if I’ve already purchased NIV curriculum, but would prefer to use its ESV equivalent?
A. First of all, we are grateful for our ministry partners who have invested in CDG’s NIV curriculum. We desire to make it as easy as possible for you to begin using the ESV. We are offering a conversion discount for those who have previously purchased an NIV Teacher Kit or Leader’s Edition and would like to convert to the ESV. These resources are designed to replace the original Teacher’s Kit and Leader’s Editions that are priced at $45 each. Please call us to receive this discount; our Resource Consultants will work with you to verify proof of purchase. This offer is not available online.
Q. What should I do with my NIV curriculum after I convert to ESV?
A. You can continue our partnership and further Children Desiring God’s mission of spreading a passion for the Supremacy of Christ. Here’s what you can do.
Option 1 (recommended)Discard the printed NIV Teacher Kit and Leader’s Editions and sponsor a missionary or ministry in a developing-world countryIdentify a missionary or ministry in a developing world country by providing us with their name and email address. CDG will contact and provide them with an electronic version of the Leader’s Edition(s) for each curriculum converted to ESV, identifying you as the sponsoring organization. Sending an electronic version of the Leader’s Edition has numerous financial and logistical benefits, if the recipient is able to access the Internet, download a 1-3MB file, and print the resource. Option 2Send the printed NIV Leader’s Edition to a missionary or ministry in a developing countryFor missionaries or ministries in developing countries that cannot meet the technical requirements listed in Option 1, this is a good option. Similar to Option 1, we ask that you identify the name and email address of the person to whom you will provide the Leader’s Edition, and then you will take on the financial and logistical tasks of getting this curriculum in their hands. Option 3Discard the printed NIV CurriculumWe prefer you choose options 1 or 2, but in the event they are not an option for you, we ask that you discard your printed NIV curriculum once it has been replaced by the ESV. Please do not re-sell NIV curriculum that is converted to ESV. Q. How does Children Desiring God define a “developing country”?
A. CDG realizes there are ministries in industrialized countries that may not have some of the same challenges. By all means, encourage them to contact Children Desiring God cdg@desiringgod.org to see what opportunities may exist.
Q. What will I receive when I order a conversion resource?
A. Teacher’s Kit
The conversion resource contains everything that is currently 3-hole punched in the Teacher Kit. In addition, a Visual Resource CD containing PDFs of the Resource Packet and Parent Resource Pages, and new spine and cover printed inserts are included. Leader’s Edition A new and complete ESV coil-bound Leader’s Edition. Q. Can I convert from printed NIV to Electronic ESV?
A. The conversion program is set up to manage the conversion from printed NIV to printed ESV.
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