HeartShaper Resources
Training for Teachers
New to HeartShaper Children’s Curriculum? Not quite sure how to use the different parts of the curriculum? Never taught before? Haven’t taught for a while? If you answered yes to any of these questions, take time to go through the overview for your age level.
Feeling confident about using the curriculum will help you as you shape hearts and change lives for God. Be sure to have your curriculum materials with you as you go through the overview.
Videos
Recruit Classroom Volunteers and Introduce the Importance of HeartShaping
Learn How to Reach Toddlers & 2s
Learn How to Reach Preschool Children
Learn How to Reach Elementary Children
Young Kids
Each lesson plan integrates easy-to-use options for teachers:
- Quick Steps™ for easy prep
- 2+ hours of material, including interactive Bible Discovery time
- Colorful visuals and weekly encounters with puppet friends
- Digital music tracks and printable files
- Built-in flexibility for special needs and any class size
Toddler / 2 • Ages 1-2 Years
Encourage little ones to sing, play, laugh, and talk in the way God made them to do!
Recommended Class Materials
- Toddlers and 2s Teacher Guide, one per teacher
- Toddlers and 2s Teacher’s Convenience Kit, one per class
- Take-home resources for families
- Companion activity books with coloring pages
*Note: Audio tracks and printable files previously found on the Convenience Kit CD are now provided as downloadable digital files.
Preschool • Ages 2-4 Years
Introduce preschoolers to Bible stories to learn that God made them, loves them, and cares for them.
Recommended Class Materials
- Preschool Teacher Guide, one per teacher
- Preschool Teacher’s Convenience Kit, one per class
- Heart Tugs take-home lessons, one set per 5 students
- Companion activity books with coloring pages, crafts, puppet scripts, and more
*Ask your Ministry Consultant about these kit materials also available separately:
- Preschool Resources with interactive visuals, audio tracks, and printable files, one per class
- Preschool | Pre-K & K Teaching Pictures, one per class
- Preschool Make-and-Share activity pages, one per student
*Note: Audio tracks and printable files previously found on the Convenience Kit CD are now provided as downloadable digital files.
Pre-Kindergarten—Kindergarten
Invite children to interact with Bible stories as they praise and thank God and do simple tasks to show love for God, Jesus, and others.
Recommended Class Materials
- Pre-K & K Teacher Guide, one per teacher
- Pre-K & K Teacher’s Convenience Kit, one per class
- Heart Tugs take-home lessons, one set per 5 students
- Companion activity books with coloring pages, crafts, puppet scripts, and more
*Ask your Ministry Consultant about these kit materials also available separately:
- Pre-K & K Resources with interactive visuals, audio tracks, and printable files one per class
- Preschool | Pre-K & K Teaching Pictures, one per class
- Preschool Make-and-Share activity pages, one per student
*Note: Audio tracks and printable files previously found on the Convenience Kit CD are now provided as downloadable digital files.
Elementary Kids
Each lesson plan integrates easy-to-use options for teachers:
- Quick Steps™ for easy prep
- Engaging activities and visuals to support Bible learning
- Integrated reading, writing, and Bible skills
- Digital audio tracks and printable files
- Built-in flexibility for special needs and any class size
Early Elementary • Grades 1-2
Engage children to find and read Bible verses for themselves and take action to do what God asks them to do!
Recommended Class Materials
- Early Elementary Teacher Guide, one per teacher
- Early Elementary Teacher’s Convenience Kit, one per class*
- Weekly Bible Reader® take-home resource, one set per 5 students
- Companion activity books with coloring pages, crafts, puzzles, and more
*Ask your Ministry Consultant about these kit materials also available separately:
- Early Elementary Resources with interactive visuals, audio tracks, and printable files, one per class
- Early Elementary Teaching Pictures, one per class
- Early Elementary Activities, one per class
*Note: Audio tracks and printable files previously found on the Convenience Kit CD are now provided as downloadable digital files.
Middle Elementary • Grades 3-4
Help kids have fun while they’re learning important truths, developing Bible skills, exploring Bible chronology, and discovering how they fit into God’s plan.
Recommended Class Materials
- Middle Elementary Teacher Guide, one per teacher
- Middle Elementary Teacher’s Convenience Kit, one per class*
- Kidz Chat® take-home magazine, one set per 5 students
- Companion activity books with crafts, puzzles, and more
*Ask your Ministry Consultant about these kit materials also available separately:
- Middle Elementary Resources with interactive visuals, audio tracks, and printable files, one per class
- Middle Elementary Activities, one per student
*Note: Audio tracks and printable files previously found on the Convenience Kit CD are now provided as downloadable digital files.
Preteens
Each lesson plan integrates easy-to-use options for teachers:
- Quick Steps™ for easy prep
- Integrated Bible discovery and study skills
- Bible timelines and posters, service project ideas, challenging activities
- Digital audio tracks and printable files
- Built-in flexibility for special needs and any class size
Preteen Grades 5-6
Guide tweens beyond right and wrong answers as you engage them in meaningful discussion and encourage their commitment to Christ.
Recommended Class Materials
- PreTeen Teacher Guide, one per teacher
- PreTeen Teacher’s Convenience Kit, one per class*
- Live Wire® take-home magazine, one set per 5 students
- Companion activity books with puzzles and more
*Ask your Ministry Consultant about these kit materials also available separately:
- PreTeen Resources with interactive visuals, audio tracks, and printable files, one per class
- PreTeen Activities, one per student
*Note: Audio tracks and printable files previously found on the Convenience Kit CD are now provided as downloadable digital files.
Special Needs
Whether you know it or not, there are probably kids with special needs in your Sunday school program. Children with auditory, visual, or other physical challenges. Kids who have developmental dealys or are on the autism spectrum. Children who struggle with learning for a variety of reason.
With HeartShaper, you can discover every child’s special needs—and their abilities. You can make a difference—in a child’s future, in a family’s worship experience, and in your church community.
HeartShapter provides the resoruces you need to adapt lesson activities and include kids with special needs in your Sunday school.
Special Needs Podcast Episodes
Programming for Special Needs Ministry
Host: Vangie Rodenbeck
Vangie discusses how to develop an approach that fully considers all parts of the ministry equation: people, programming, and prayer. In this episode, explore inclusion and self-contained models of programming, prioritizing a “strengths” approach to disability ministry, ministering with people who have disabilities, and surrounding your ministry in prayer.
Adapting Curriculum for Special Needs Ministry–Part 1
Adapting Curriculum for Special Needs Ministry–Part 2
Special Needs Ministry in the Church
Adaptation for Special Events
Practical Advice for Training and Working with Volunteers in Special Needs Ministry
Ministering to Families in Crisis
Host: Vangie Rodenbeck with guest Jolene Philo
Vangie and Jolene talk about practical strategies churches can employ as they come alongside families in periods of crisis.
Jolene Philo was a teacher for 25 years. She is the author of five books, including: A Different Dream for My Child: Meditations for Parents of Children with Critical or Chronic Illness and Different Dream Parenting: A Practical Guide to Raising a Child with Special Needs. Jolene speaks at regional and national parenting and special needs ministry conferences.
Keeping Peace on Earth at Christmas
Ministering to the Special Needs Parent
The Buddy System
More Special Needs Resources
“All About Me” Book »
“How-to” Brochure »
Making Your Class Special Needs Friendly—Toddlers & 2s »
Making Your Class Special Needs Friendly—Preschool, Pre-K & K »
Making Your Class Special Needs Friendly—Elementary »
Modifying Lessons for Kids with Special Needs »
Tips for Parents »
Special Needs Family Connections Letter »
Individualized Christian Education Plan »
Making Easter Accessible »
Seasonal Helps for Kids with Special Needs »
Puppets
Holiday Helps
Looking for fun holiday or seasonal ideas to use in the classroom? These craft ideas are simple, festive, and sure to be a hit!
Summer 2024
“Catch Me Doing Right” Game for Early Childhood »
Mixed-up Message Magnets for Early Childhood »
“Praise Jesus” Jellyfish for Early Childhood »
Sandwich Bag Play Scenes for Early Childhood »
Whale Surprise Box for Elementary »
Encouragement Windsock for Elementary »
“God Is My Strength” Pencil Holder for Elementary »
Hot Air Balloon Message Carriers for Elementary »
Summer
“Catch Me Doing Right” Game for Early Childhood »
Mixed-up Message Magnets for Early Childhood »
“Praise Jesus” Jellyfish for Early Childhood »
Sandwich Bag Play Scenes for Early Childhood »
Whale Surprise Box for Elementary »
Encouragement Windsock for Elementary »
“God Is My Strength” Pencil Holder for Elementary »
Hot Air Balloon Message Carriers for Elementary »
Family Connections Quarterly Letters
Keep parents informed about what their child is learning from God’s Word. Use these templates to customize your own newsletter.
For Families
Help parents continue conversations with their children all week long about what they’re learning in their HeartShaper Sunday school class.