The Basic training course consists of 10 modules as listed below. All CRE teachers are required to be trained and accredited to teach in schools. For professionally trained teachers, there are some exemptions to some of the modules that will be granted. Please contact your Regional Advisor for details of this.

Basic Training Modules Outline

Module One "Setting the Scene"
1. The historical context of CRE in NZ’s education system
2. The current status of CRE in State primary schools
3. Learning about CEC
4. Code of Expectations of CRE volunteers
5. Schools today and accountability issues

Module Two "Unpacking the Curricula"
1. The structure of a curriculum suitable for CRE in State Schools
2. Finding your way around the CRE curriculum

Module Three "Ages and Stages"
1. Each child is unique and relates to God uniquely
2. The way a child of a particular age and stage is likely to behave, is likely to picture God, express faith and understand the language, culture and metaphor of the Bible
3. The implications of these developmental stages in relation to their own teaching strategies

Module Four "Planning and Preparation"
1. Evaluating a demonstrated session in relation to the skeleton session
2. Planning lessons

Module Five "Managing Your Class"
1. Confident in a range of classroom management strategies
2. Use of management techniques involving the voice, body language, praise and consequences

Module Six "Questioning Skills"
1. Understanding the importance of good questioning to encourage learning

Module Seven "Relating to Your Class/Multicultural Perspectives"
1. Being more culturally aware in order to communicate well with all children in the classroom

Module Eight "Effective Use of Prayer and the Bible in Class"
1. May pray with children in the classroom
2. Guidelines for praying with children in the classroom
3. Practical implications of praying in the classroom
4. Analysis of own prayer life
5. May read from the Bible in the classroom
6. Guidelines for reading from the Bible in the classroom
7. Practical implications of reading from the Bible in the classroom
8. Analysis of own living relationship with the Bible

Module Nine "Presenting Lessons that Communicate"
– Part 1: Music/Visuals
1. How to use creative expressions as a resource to prepare and present exciting, vibrant, life changing lessons
2. Music that enhances your teaching
3. Where to purchase and how to make visuals for lessons

Module Ten "Presenting Lessons that Communicate"
– Part 2: Drama/Storytelling/Puppets
1. How to use a tool kit as a resource to prepare and present exciting, vibrant life changing lessons
2. Use of this tool kit alongside their curriculum

Further Training for CRE

teachers

It is anticipated that Accredited teachers will continue to hone their skills by attending refresher training as often as they are able.
There are a range of opportunities for training including Scripture Union, Children’s Bible mission, Willow Creek, Kidsreach and others. Your regional advisor may also offer other opportunities and you may even enjoy attending some of the Basic training modules again as they have had a major revamp in the last twelve months. Let’s be the best we can so that the children we serve love it when we turn up on CRE day!

Please note that accreditation lasts for five years. At that point, your advisor will request that you have another observed lesson and may ask you to attend refresher training. Remember also that police vetting must be renewed every three years. Enjoy!