The Praise Factory is a six year, multi-age children’s systematic theology curriculum for elementary school children. It is comprised of 104 key biblical truths -- called "Big Ideas"-- divided into 16 units, common to a systematic theology. These biblical truths expand the children’s understanding of the same 12 big questions and answers used in the two preschool curriculums and add four additional big questions and answers. Within each 3-week Big Idea, there is an Old Testament, New Testament and Church History/Missions story presented. Each week’s curriculum includes 8 different activities to reinforce the Big Idea concept and story.

Small Group General Information

The children are divided into same-age small groups of 10 or less children for the majority of the Praise Factory session. This gives teachers an opportunity to focus on the different needs and abilities of each age group. You may find it helpful to give each group the name of a biblical animal: Leviathans, Lions, Leopards, Lizards, etc.. The larger the animal, the older the child. The children enjoy this immensely and it is a fun and easy way to direct children during transitions. "Graduation day" to the next animal group is a very exciting day for them. Some churches choose to mix the ages of the children in the small groups. This has its benefits, too, allowing the older children to help the younger children with activities.

We find it best for the same teacher to stay with the same small group of children for a cycle. This allows for teacher and children both to know each other better and to build on the previous week's teaching. However, you may also choose to have teachers responsible for a particular activity and rotate to a new group of children each week.