OUR JUNIORS, THEIR TEACHERS AND LESSON HELPS
Graded Instruction
Reasons for Having a Graded System
The reason for having a graded course of instruction for the Sunday school is that the children differ year by year in knowledge, capacity, interests, and needs. Graded lessons are simply an attempt to meet these differences with instruction suited to each year of the developing life. The aim of religious education is to fit the child for complete Christian living, to make him not simply a religious individual but a useful member of society, intelligently devoted to the highest welfare of his fellows and of mankind. In order that this may be accomplished he must have knowledge and his knowledge must lead to action. There is a broad purpose underlying the graded lessons which is thus stated in terms of the children’s religious needs.
The Purpose of the Graded Course
The purpose of the graded lessons is to meet the spiritual needs of the pupil at each stage of his development. The spiritual needs, broadly stated, are these:
1. To know God as he has revealed himself to us in his Word, in nature, in the heart of man, and in Christ.
2. To exercise toward God the Father, and his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, trust, obedience, and worship.
3. To know and do our duty to others.
4. To know and do our duty to ourselves.