This is a test… but who is being tested?

As noted in the schedule we are doing something different for the month of May with the Sunday’s Cool Disciples. This week we’ll all be playing a game called “Are You Smarter Than a Sixth Grader?”

But wait, you ask… Isn’t the TV game show called “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?”
Well, yes and that isn’t the only thing that will be different about our game! For instance, the questions won’t be asked of the adults and we won’t use elementary school textbooks as a source for our queries. (And sorry, but the prize winners won’t receive a million dollars.)

Though I hear that everyone gets a prize for showing up, and the winning team members each receive a coupon for a free drink at the World Peace Café!

So what is the purpose of this game (besides a little fun)?

It’s two-fold: First off, to recognize our 6th graders who will be moving on to the youth program next year.   And secondly to see how much kids have learned about the Bible stories we’ve studied since September.

You mean like, this is a test?

Yes. But don’t worry, it won’t be graded. This is a test for us as educators: how are we doing with our teaching? Do kids know what we THINK they know?

For example we would expect that 6th graders who are regular attendees can…

• Name the first four books of the New Testament.
• Understand the meaning of the word “Gospel.”
• Tell the basic story of Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection.
• Name a couple of Beatitudes and can incorporate them as “keys” to how we should live.
• Define a “parable.” (It’s a story that teaches with a hidden meaning.)
• Re-tell the parable of the Good Samaritan in his/her own words.
• Define a prophet (God’s messenger) and name a couple of prophets.
• And the list goes on…

How about attending our “game show” this Sunday with your kids (in the Social Hall; after the Children’s Moment in church) and see if you are smarter than a sixth grader?