You Are Extraordinary – Board Book or Story Book Edition 

In You Are Extraordinary, Craig and Samantha Johnson use fun rhymes and colorful pictures to celebrate kids who have unique challenges and gifts. Every page in this book focuses on a different ability or diverse circumstance, such as autism, different ethnicities, unique sizes and body types, physical limitations, cancer, adoptions, and more. You Are Extraordinary is an inspiring reminder to treat others with kindness and live out the truth that you are loved! And a letter to parents at the beginning of the book will encourage parents and caregivers and remind them that they’re not alone.

As the parents of a child with special needs, Craig and Samantha Johnson understand that kids who are a bit different from others sometimes need extra reassurance that God has an amazing purpose for them—not just despite their differences but because of them! The authors are the founders of Champions Club, an international ministry of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, for kids, teens, and adults with special needs. Joel Osteen, the senior pastor of Lakewood, is one of the many well-known supporters of Champions Clubs around the country.

With its fun and uplifting message, You Are Extraordinary reminds children and adults alike that the world is a beautiful place when we treat everyone as the exceptional people they are!

 

A Celebration of Everyone Who Fulfills Their Purpose Through Unexpected Challenges

Until two years of age, Craig and Samantha’s son Connor was just like other kids—playful, verbal, and affectionate. Then everything changed. He stopped talking, displayed behavioral problems, and withdrew into his own world. The official diagnosis—autism. Faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, Craig and Samantha refused to believe a meaningful life for Connor was impossible. God confirmed their faith by revealing to Craig that Connor would one day touch the lives of thousands of people around the world. Craig and Samantha held that unlikely promise in their hearts during the agonizing years ahead. Champion is a spellbinding chronicle of the twists and turns of Connor’s journey—guided by his parent’s steadfast hope in God’s promises. Through the unexpected breaking of their spirits, The Holy Spirit was poured out, culminating in a miracle that has launched a global ministry to the disabled.

Ministering to exceptional students can be challenging without the appropriate tools to meet their unique needs. The Champions Curriculum does just that and so much more. The foundation of the Champions Curriculum is the belief that all students, regardless of their abilities and disabilities, can learn. We have a 26 week full scope Christian curriculum for special needs that you can use in a home, school, church or organization. It is based on the tested and proven 7 G’s developmental philosophy which are the “Goal”, “Grab” their attention, “Grasp” the concept, “Guided” practice, “Get” it(reinforcement), “Go”(Take Home), and “Gauge” their success.

Each of the lessons has a comprehensive seven step guide with accommodations and modifications that provide exceptional students access to the concepts taught. It also teaches the basic Cognitive Behavior Therapy concept that our thoughts control our feelings and our feelings have a direct influence on our actions. The curriculum emphasizes that in any situation Champions can be at peace when they trust God and meditate on His Word. Since many of our exceptional students have difficulties with social skills, the lessons in the curriculum were created to enhance these skills. Social emotional skills promote social competence which is the basis for making and maintaining positive relationships.
A bonus included in the Champions Curriculum is a Teacher Resource Binder. This provides valuable tips on how to create a successful learning experience. Finally, the curriculum includes an extensive section on resources available for the families of Champions and ministry volunteers. This curriculum will be a valuable tool to help you effectively minister to those with special needs.

The Champions Curriculum Instructor’s Manual provides a comprehensive detailed step by step tutorial on how to implement the curriculum and so such more.  The purpose of the manual is to equip instructors to confidently teach Biblical principles in an easy, relevant and creative way that engages students while transforming their lives to be committed Christ followers.

The manual was written to be used as a training tool for new and seasoned instructors, volunteers, and pastors. In the manual you will find the answers to; who the curriculum was written for, what skills are taught, how the curriculum was developed, and the numerous ways the curriculum can be taught in a variety of settings.  It provides research based information on tackling the behaviors some Champions may have that kept exceptional students and their peers from learning.  There is a special section on how to minister to parents.

We believe that the special needs ministries are a family ministry, so this curriculum has special instructions for every lesson that supports parents/caregivers as they minister to their Champions in the home. The manual gives special instructions on how to encourage families to minister to their exceptional children each and every day.

PDF Format – Digital download

The family is so important in today’s society. No matter what your family make up may look like God has a plan for you. Families blessed with exceptional children are given a great opportunity with helping them identify, understand, and fulfill their God-given destiny. When we speak blessings over our family members it will then speak hope and life into their future. These devotionals were written to provide the family with tools to achieve their purpose in life. The goal of these easy-to- read faith based devotionals is to increase the Champions and their family members’ love for God and each other as well as provide practical ways to share God’s love with others.

This devotional series includes 31 devotionals, one for each day of the month. Each devotional has a goal, a memory verse, object lesson, vocabulary development segment, practical application, family prayer and a declaration for the Champion and the family. We believe as you spend time developing your faith as a family you will see generational blessings follow you throughout your lifetime. God will accelerate His plan for your lives so dreams are realized and supernatural doors are opened. God has amazing plans for your family’s future.