Group's Buzz FAQ's
What is Buzz?
Group’s new Buzz curriculum is an entirely new way to teach children the timeless truths of the Bible—a way that excites and engages kids. And that delights leaders!
We’ve designed Buzz for Sunday school, but its flexibility makes Buzz a great choice for children’s church…midweek…anytime you want kids discovering and applying Bible truth!
How is Buzz different than other Group curriculum?
First, here’s how Buzz is like other Group curriculum you love: it’s designed to help children know, love, and follow Jesus. And it’s designed with your volunteers in mind. But as much as thousands of churches love our curriculum, we knew something was missing.
That’s why we asked thousands of volunteer workers from across the nation to tell us their biggest frustrations about teaching Sunday school. Here’s what they said…
1) Kids are bored.
2) Lesson planning takes too much time.
3) Lesson materials are difficult to understand.
4) There are too many supplies to gather for each lesson!
So we started talking and praying, and we challenged ourselves to answer this question: What can we do to alleviate—or even eliminate—these teacher frustrations? The result: Buzz.
How exactly does Buzz solve those four frustrations? If those went away, signing up teachers for Sunday school would be easy!
Exactly! Here’s how it works…
- Buzz banishes boredom!
Buzz lessons are designed like a game, so lessons are packed with fun, surprise, and kid participation. Children even get to choose what activity comes next as the lesson unfolds! Kids are never bored because they never quite know what’s coming next!
- Lesson planning is quick and easy!
Buzz redefines the way teachers prepare for lessons. The classroom pretty much takes care of itself, so leaders are free to do what matters most: prepare their hearts to be with kids. With no need to run errands looking for supplies or props, volunteers have time to think about the topic, enjoy inspirational devotions, and look over a prayer-prompt for kids. That’s it—so even too-busy parents have time to volunteer.
- Lesson materials are simple to understand!
If you can play a board game, you can teach Buzz. Each lesson flows like a game—with bite-sized components and an intuitive structure. Simply pull out the Quick Start Guide and go! It’s that easy.
- If it’s in the lesson, it’s in the box. Guaranteed.
You told us you’re all set with the basics: Bibles, scissors, glue, crayons, paper, and tape. So we’ve designed Buzz so everything else you need—everything—is included in the box. No more late-night trips to the store, no more borrowing pillowcases or collecting egg cartons and paper tubes. If it’s in the lesson, it’s in the box. Guaranteed!
Sounds great … but are kids really learning—or just “havin’ fun”?
Ask kids yourself. After a Buzz lesson see if they can tell you what they learned…what it means…and how it’ll play out in their lives. You’ll be amazed. The learning sticks because Buzz lets you teach the way kids learn best!
Buzz comes with Group’s “R.E.A.L. Learning” guarantee. What’s that about?
R.E.A.L. learning guarantees each lesson is intentionally Relational, Experiential, Applicable, and Learner-based. Every Buzz lesson includes all four of those critical elements.
The result: Buzz lessons involve children—and effectively communicate the lesson’s biblical point in a way that sticks. Children don’t just “learn” a lesson; they discover how to live it in daily life.
What’s it like to teach Buzz?
It’s easy, because the spotlight isn’t on the teacher. You won’t be forcing your volunteers to become lecturers who cram information into passive young minds. Instead, volunteers are “faith-cilitators,” leaders who keep the lesson on track and help children discover God’s truth.
What’s in a typical Buzz lesson?
Every lesson follows the same general pattern:
1) Get Connected—does just that: connects kids with each other and you
2) God Sightings teach children that God’s at work in their lives
3) In the Bible engages kids with God’s Word
4) Apply It to Life helps children see how to live out what they learn
5) Let’s Pray gets children praying in creative, heart-shaping ways
6) Faith Buzz at Home carries the lesson home to share with parents
But lessons aren’t predictable—there’s variety and surprise and a chance for kids to choose what’s up next. Lessons are never the same twice…and that means they’re never boring!
Themes and activities are age-appropriate attention-grabbers. And each quarter features one of eight foundational attributes of God—so kids really get to know how amazing God is as revealed in the Bible.
Why are there no student books in Buzz?
Because you don’t need them. That means no extra cost for you, and no frustration trying to predict how many kids will show up on any given Sunday. Plus, visitors to class won’t feel like outsiders when they have to use a “loaner” book.”
OK, seriously: If it’s in the lesson it’s in the box? Really?
Guaranteed! With the exception of classroom basics (Bibles, scissors, glue, crayons, paper, and tape), if the lesson calls for a certain supply item, it’s provided in the box.
Even the cool, hard-to-find stuff.
Do teachers like teaching Buzz curriculum?
Yes!
Buzz is a highly relational curriculum that takes out all the things teachers don’t like. No more errand running. No tough searches for hard-to-find supplies. No last-minute prep work.
Buzz redefines preparation so teachers grow right along with the kids. And not only that, Buzz sets up teachers to experience success and deeper relationships with the children God calls them to shepherd.
And best of all, Buzz brings life-changing, biblical truth to kids in ways they understand and enjoy. When your teachers see the impact their lessons are having, they’ll be as excited about next week’s class as the children are!
How long does it take to prepare a lesson?
You could open the box and teach if you had to, but we encourage leaders to prepare their hearts by reading the Bible background and weekly devotion, and praying for their kids. This kind of heart preparation, coupled with the clear, fun lessons, makes it easy for teachers to facilitate faith development in children.
What’s “One Point Learning”?
Buzz lessons each focus on one specific Bible Point each week, and use a variety of activities to reinforce that simple message.
Cramming a number of points into a brief lesson usually guarantees children won’t remember anything because they never apply it. With Buzz, you’ll send kids home with one life-applicable Bible truth each week.
Weeks and months later, kids will still remember what they’ve learned—and be using it in their daily lives!
How do I train my teachers to use Buzz?
The best way is to let your teachers experience it!
Just open a box, pull out the Quick Start guide, and go through a lesson together. It’s that easy!
What ages is Buzz for?
Buzz curriculum is available for five complete age levels:
- Preschool (Ages 3-4)
- Pre-K & Kindergarten (Ages 5 &6)
- Grades 1-2
- Grades 3-4
- Grades 5-6
Can I combine age levels for a wider class age grouping?
Sure! You know your kids best. If children in your church are more mature, move them into an older class. If they’re not mature, move them into a younger group. Buzz accommodates your kids either way.
What size group works best with Buzz?
Buzz is designed for a group of 8-10 children.
How many volunteers do I need in a Buzz classroom?
We recommend two adults per classroom for safe child-to-teacher ratios. That’s the best practice for any curriculum.
In what sort of class formats does Buzz work?
Buzz is designed for any age-graded classroom, meaning it’s perfect for Sunday school, midweek, second service, or any other time kids are gathered at your church.
What version of the Bible does Buzz use?
Buzz uses the New Living Translation (NLT). We’ve found this to be an accurate translation of Scripture that’s also accessible and understandable for children.
How long are the lessons?
Each lesson of Buzz runs about 40 to 45 minutes.
How much does Buzz cost?
Buzz is extremely affordable when you consider that everything comes in the box. Each age level is $89.99 per quarter. But do the numbers yourself. The average curriculum costs between $45 and $75 per quarter…and that doesn’t even include teacher guides, student books, and supplies. The average quarter of curriculum typically comes in between $115 and $255 per age level when you consider the extras. But with Buzz, if it’s in the lesson, it’s in the box. So think of Buzz as doing all the run around work for you…and costing you less in both time and money.
What do I get for my money?
When you buy Buzz, you get everything you need to teach 13 theme-related lessons for an entire quarter. You’ll also get one “Faith Buzz at Home” sample item that extends the faith conversation to families in your church.
What’s Faith Buzz at Home?
Faith Buzz at Home carries faith conversations going beyond the walls of your church! And no empty promises here—it actually works because the take-home piece is small enough to be tucked in a pocket…and too much fun to leave there.
It’s a game—one kids play at home with mom, dad, or anyone else willing to play. The game reinforces the week’s Bible Point, and is played with an irresistible gizmo that each child takes home the first week of the quarter.
Unique. Varied. Kid-approved! Faith conversation finally makes it home each week with Faith Buzz at Home.
What does Buzz’s Scope and Sequence cover?
Buzz has a two-year scope and sequence that will give your kids a strong Biblical framework and an age-appropriate understanding of who God is.
During the two years, your children will hear 108 Bible stories. And even if they miss a few Sundays along the way, the structure and focus of Buzz ensures that children learn—really learn—about eight foundational attributes of God.
Each quarter spotlights a different attribute, one that’s repeated in every lesson so kids truly discover who God is. It's the buzz about God!
Here’s what your kids will encounter in Buzz…
Quarter 1: God is Loving.
Quarter 2: God is Perfect.
Quarter 3: God is Forgiving.
Quarter 4: God is Faithful.
Quarter 5: God Is Real
Quarter 6: God Is Giving
Quarter 7: God Is Powerful
Quarter 8: God Is Good
What if I buy Buzz and then don’t like it?
Buzz is 100 percent guaranteed. If you aren’t satisfied, send it back for a full purchase price refund. No questions asked!
I’m convinced…but I have to convince my church. In a nutshell, what should I tell them?
Buzz is engaging…easy…all in the box—so it’s easier to get volunteers. You may even have a waiting list of people who want to teach once you get Buzz!
Your kids will love Buzz. They’ll learn deep, biblical truths about God—and have a blast while they do it. They’ll want to come back week after week!
Buzz redefines lesson prep for your volunteers. No more trips to the hardware store or grocery to collect obscure supplies. (If it’s in the lesson, it’s in the box. Guaranteed!) The only preparation your teachers will do is heart preparation as they read the weekly Bible background, pray for kids they serve, and experience an inspiring devotion. And isn’t that what you want your leaders to do anyway?
And here’s the cincher: Buzz will lead your children into deeper, personal, lifelong relationships with Jesus. And that’s what your church is all about!