According to God’s Word, the Bible, the sun did not always light the earth. It wasn’t made till Day 4 of Creation Week, while the earth was created on Day 1. This refutes ideas like ‘God used evolution’ and ‘God created over billions of years’, because they all assert that the sun arose before the earth.1 For the first three days of existence, the earth was lit by the light created on Day 1 (Genesis 1:3), while the day/night cycle was caused by the earth’s rotation relative to this directional light source. Then according to Genesis 1:14–19:
‘And God said, Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to divide between the day and the night. And let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years, and let them be for lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth. And it was so. And God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day and the smaller light to rule the night, and the stars also. And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night; and to divide between the light and the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.’
And in the New Jerusalem, there will also be no need for the sun, because God will provide the light once again (Revelation 21:23). But meanwhile, we can appreciate the wonder of the star God has provided for us.
========================================
editors note
The Creation Story for Sunday School
========================================
Recent research has called the sun ‘exceptional’. Our sun is among the top 10% (by mass) of stars in its neighbourhood. It is actually an ideal size to support life on earth. The sun is in an ideal environment. It is a single star—most stars exist in multiple-star systems. A planet in such a system would suffer extreme temperature variations. The sun’s position in our spiral Milky Way Galaxy is also ideal. Its orbit is fairly circular, meaning that it won’t go too near the inner galaxy where supernovae, extremely energetic star explosions, are more common.
Creation vs evolution
Tuesday, 1 April 2008
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
The Bible Our Blueprint for Today
The greatest manual/resource you could ever imagine is in your very own hands. Why not make the most of that book and use it the way it was intended by God? This book can open worlds of history packed with events that include everything from true love, war, total dedication, days in prison, beasts, hardships, to promises, and so much more. Use them to teach your children about history! That book, of course, is the Bible. Every page is filled with the exciting things mentioned above and lots more that will intrigue kids and adults alike. The Bible is the blueprint of how God wants us to live our lives daily, nothing has changed although it was written so long ago. It is still our blueprint for today.
As a child grows up going to church, they particularly start learning about the Bible in preschool. They are often taught "Bible stories," that teach important lessons, but the word "stories," is usually the phrase they hear repeatedly and it will undoubtedly become embedded in them. Children, especially at an early age, can understandably come to believe that that Bible is a book of stories, just as if they were reading books by Dr. Seuss or Eric Carle. You as a parent have the wonderful task of explaining to your child that the Bible is actually a history book, not a book of tall tales and fables with a good lesson at the end. The lessons they learn from the Bible are based on actual facts and explain why your family chooses to live according to the Bible.
=========================================
Editors note
Bible lessons
=========================================
The first step to making the Bible real to children is deleting the word "stories" from your own vocabulary when discussing the Bible with them. Choose words like events in history, Bible times, or adventure. These are great substitutes for calling biblical events stories.
If your child receives take-home papers or makes a craft to bring home at the end of Bible/Sunday School that goes along with what they learned that day, take time to talk about how what they learned really happened in history. How in-depth you go with this conversation will, of course, depend on your child's age. Young children will need a much more basic talk than older children who can really grasp the concept of Bible times and their place in history. Discussing each biblical event like The Flood, Creation, and Daniel in the Lions Den will have a whole new meaning to your child when they see that you believe these happenings really occurred.
So, you see, children can learn that Bible events in history are real, which in turn empowers them to become more solid in their faith. They can live the way God intends for us to live, and feel comfortable in doing so, knowing that they are following a true blueprint for their lives, and not just some "story" that they learned about in church and how to apply that "story" to their lives. Taking the extra time to teach them the history surrounding what they've learned will make the Bible real to them and, thus, make it easier to live for God.
Sunday school lessons
As a child grows up going to church, they particularly start learning about the Bible in preschool. They are often taught "Bible stories," that teach important lessons, but the word "stories," is usually the phrase they hear repeatedly and it will undoubtedly become embedded in them. Children, especially at an early age, can understandably come to believe that that Bible is a book of stories, just as if they were reading books by Dr. Seuss or Eric Carle. You as a parent have the wonderful task of explaining to your child that the Bible is actually a history book, not a book of tall tales and fables with a good lesson at the end. The lessons they learn from the Bible are based on actual facts and explain why your family chooses to live according to the Bible.
=========================================
Editors note
Bible lessons
=========================================
The first step to making the Bible real to children is deleting the word "stories" from your own vocabulary when discussing the Bible with them. Choose words like events in history, Bible times, or adventure. These are great substitutes for calling biblical events stories.
If your child receives take-home papers or makes a craft to bring home at the end of Bible/Sunday School that goes along with what they learned that day, take time to talk about how what they learned really happened in history. How in-depth you go with this conversation will, of course, depend on your child's age. Young children will need a much more basic talk than older children who can really grasp the concept of Bible times and their place in history. Discussing each biblical event like The Flood, Creation, and Daniel in the Lions Den will have a whole new meaning to your child when they see that you believe these happenings really occurred.
So, you see, children can learn that Bible events in history are real, which in turn empowers them to become more solid in their faith. They can live the way God intends for us to live, and feel comfortable in doing so, knowing that they are following a true blueprint for their lives, and not just some "story" that they learned about in church and how to apply that "story" to their lives. Taking the extra time to teach them the history surrounding what they've learned will make the Bible real to them and, thus, make it easier to live for God.
Sunday school lessons
Friday, 21 March 2008
Learning Memory Verses in Sunday School
The use of memory verses is a great tool for reinforcing lessons and Bible stories to your Sunday school class. The ability at remembering and retaining memory verses is easier for the older children, but preschoolers need a little more time. The following tips will help you teach your Sunday school children the memory verses, while retaining the lesson.
Keep it simple:
Keeping it as simple as possible is the first rule of thumb when teaching your class a new memory verse. The use of small simple word for Preschoolers is essential as they simply do not have the ability to remember long, complicated verses. Simple is always better. Look for scripture that has a single sentence or just a few words that gets the point of the lesson across. Examples of easy to remember memory verses include Luke 12:34: For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also. Or, Psalms 148:3: Praise ye Him, sun and moon praise Him, all ye stars of light. These are just two examples of how simple you can keep the memory verse for the children to remember.
===============================================
Editors note
Sunday school lessons for 3-11 year olds
===============================================
Have fun with it:
Its important, in order for preschoolers to retain a memory verse, that you have fun with it and not repeat it over and over again. Repetition can be boring at this age, so think of ways to incorporate the verse into your weekly activities. For the above examples, you could make a star and moon mobile for the children to take home, or stamp stars and moons in a black sheet of paper in glow in the dark paint. Make sure you include the memory verse on every craft, too.
Sing the verse:
Another great idea to help your children remember their memory verse is to come up with a simple song or poem that they can sing or say. Look for artist’s that have put together children’s songs that sing a scripture. Simply saying the verse may not do the trick, but put it with a catchy tune, and you may find they are able to remember it much faster and easier.
Give out rewards:
You might also want to consider giving out rewards for remembering memory verses. Having introduced them to the verse send them home to practice and learn it. If the child can repeat the verse the following week, let them add a sticker to a memory verse chart or get a small treat out of a prize box. Remember have realistic expectations of the children. On average, you can expect preschoolers to remember and retain one memory verse a month.
It is not impossible for your preschoolers to remember memory verses. Help them along by presenting these verses in a fun, easy to remember manner.
Printable Sunday school material
Keep it simple:
Keeping it as simple as possible is the first rule of thumb when teaching your class a new memory verse. The use of small simple word for Preschoolers is essential as they simply do not have the ability to remember long, complicated verses. Simple is always better. Look for scripture that has a single sentence or just a few words that gets the point of the lesson across. Examples of easy to remember memory verses include Luke 12:34: For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also. Or, Psalms 148:3: Praise ye Him, sun and moon praise Him, all ye stars of light. These are just two examples of how simple you can keep the memory verse for the children to remember.
===============================================
Editors note
Sunday school lessons for 3-11 year olds
===============================================
Have fun with it:
Its important, in order for preschoolers to retain a memory verse, that you have fun with it and not repeat it over and over again. Repetition can be boring at this age, so think of ways to incorporate the verse into your weekly activities. For the above examples, you could make a star and moon mobile for the children to take home, or stamp stars and moons in a black sheet of paper in glow in the dark paint. Make sure you include the memory verse on every craft, too.
Sing the verse:
Another great idea to help your children remember their memory verse is to come up with a simple song or poem that they can sing or say. Look for artist’s that have put together children’s songs that sing a scripture. Simply saying the verse may not do the trick, but put it with a catchy tune, and you may find they are able to remember it much faster and easier.
Give out rewards:
You might also want to consider giving out rewards for remembering memory verses. Having introduced them to the verse send them home to practice and learn it. If the child can repeat the verse the following week, let them add a sticker to a memory verse chart or get a small treat out of a prize box. Remember have realistic expectations of the children. On average, you can expect preschoolers to remember and retain one memory verse a month.
It is not impossible for your preschoolers to remember memory verses. Help them along by presenting these verses in a fun, easy to remember manner.
Printable Sunday school material
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
Is Change Good or Bad for Sunday School?
Is change good or bad in itself?
Everything we did yesterday was not wrong or inferior. The best change usually comes after going back to study the past—evaluating what we did right and appreciating what is worth preserving. Then we can make adjustments and new connections to reach people with the gospel. Looking at Sunday school yesterday helps us to look forward to how we can change it in the future.
People show initial interest because they have needs, or feelings of doubt, incompleteness, and questions. If they are seeking, they are looking for something they do not have. We must be willing to change to attract them and make them comfortable with us. However, we must not change so much that we endanger what we have now that they need.
Sunday school teachers have a demanding role as knowledgeable change agents. Their ministry is helping children to know who they are, where they came from, and how they fit in some on-going system of meanings and relationships, change, and continuity. Some change may be necessary in order to facilitate this. We should never be afraid of evaluating how we teach. What must not change is the basis of our biblical truths.
Sunday school resources for 3-11 year olds
Everything we did yesterday was not wrong or inferior. The best change usually comes after going back to study the past—evaluating what we did right and appreciating what is worth preserving. Then we can make adjustments and new connections to reach people with the gospel. Looking at Sunday school yesterday helps us to look forward to how we can change it in the future.
People show initial interest because they have needs, or feelings of doubt, incompleteness, and questions. If they are seeking, they are looking for something they do not have. We must be willing to change to attract them and make them comfortable with us. However, we must not change so much that we endanger what we have now that they need.
Sunday school teachers have a demanding role as knowledgeable change agents. Their ministry is helping children to know who they are, where they came from, and how they fit in some on-going system of meanings and relationships, change, and continuity. Some change may be necessary in order to facilitate this. We should never be afraid of evaluating how we teach. What must not change is the basis of our biblical truths.
Sunday school resources for 3-11 year olds
Saturday, 15 March 2008
Parents too can be involved in Sunday School
Parents can be more responsive than you think.
Ask for help: It may be obvious and you may be surprised that simply asking for help is a great way to get help in the classroom. Many parents don't mind helping, but need someone to tell them what needs to be done.
Teach them the lessons: Again one of the best ways to get parents involved in your Sunday school classroom is to let them know exactly what you are teaching. It is a good idea to give the kids a simple newsletter listing the Bible lessons, songs and activities that took place that day in class. You might also consider listing what will happen next week as well. This will give parents the opportunity to talk to their children about what they learned that day and what they will learn the following week. You may even find that there are some parents that enjoy particular lessons and are willing to come in and offer their expertise.
=========================================
Editors note
Sunday school lessons for 3 - 11 year olds
=========================================
Let your parents become guests: When you plan your Sunday school lessons, think about ways to invite the parents into your room as "guests". Perhaps you could invite one in to read a story to the classroom, or if you have someone willing, maybe one of your parents could dress up as a Bible friend and perform a skit. If you are talking about careers, cooking or gardening, find a parent that is particularly interested in that field and ask them to be a guest teacher for the day. The parents will enjoy it and so will the kids. You will also find that every kid will want their mom or dad to be the special guest and this will put gentle pressure on your parents to help.
Send stuff home: Parents can help even if they cannot come into the classroom on Sunday mornings. How about sending materials home for parents to prepare. If you are doing a craft project and need paper, craft foam or felt cut into shapes, let someone take it home and then bring it back to you. Most mums and dads are more than willing to help when they can do it on their own time.
Once you get your parents involved in your Sunday school classroom, you will create an organized and cohesive class.
Object lessons for Sunday School
Ask for help: It may be obvious and you may be surprised that simply asking for help is a great way to get help in the classroom. Many parents don't mind helping, but need someone to tell them what needs to be done.
Teach them the lessons: Again one of the best ways to get parents involved in your Sunday school classroom is to let them know exactly what you are teaching. It is a good idea to give the kids a simple newsletter listing the Bible lessons, songs and activities that took place that day in class. You might also consider listing what will happen next week as well. This will give parents the opportunity to talk to their children about what they learned that day and what they will learn the following week. You may even find that there are some parents that enjoy particular lessons and are willing to come in and offer their expertise.
=========================================
Editors note
Sunday school lessons for 3 - 11 year olds
=========================================
Let your parents become guests: When you plan your Sunday school lessons, think about ways to invite the parents into your room as "guests". Perhaps you could invite one in to read a story to the classroom, or if you have someone willing, maybe one of your parents could dress up as a Bible friend and perform a skit. If you are talking about careers, cooking or gardening, find a parent that is particularly interested in that field and ask them to be a guest teacher for the day. The parents will enjoy it and so will the kids. You will also find that every kid will want their mom or dad to be the special guest and this will put gentle pressure on your parents to help.
Send stuff home: Parents can help even if they cannot come into the classroom on Sunday mornings. How about sending materials home for parents to prepare. If you are doing a craft project and need paper, craft foam or felt cut into shapes, let someone take it home and then bring it back to you. Most mums and dads are more than willing to help when they can do it on their own time.
Once you get your parents involved in your Sunday school classroom, you will create an organized and cohesive class.
Object lessons for Sunday School
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
Keeping the Sabbath Sabbath
In todays world is not the threat of war, not the race issue, not the spread of violence and crime. I believe the gravest peril to any country today is secularism!
I believe the great symptom of this is seen in the secularization of the Lord's Day. It is this symptom, perhaps more than any other, which betrays the fact that the role of religion has been steadily diminishing.
Encroachments upon the Lord's Day have been gradual, subtle and devastating. Attitudes and practices regarding the Lord's Day have changed drastically over the past half century - and the trend has been in the direction of de-emphasis, rather than emphasis - upon the Lord's Day as a day of rest and worship.
This brings us back to the fourth commandment: "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy." (Exodus 20:8)
Remember is the key word here the tendency has been to forget. It is then a simple matter to liberalize the spiritual meaning and purpose of this Day. Then the next step is easy to appropriate it for ourselves instead of devoting it to God.
The sabbath (Lord's Day) is a reminder of God's place of primacy in the universe, in the nations, and in our individual lives. To neglect this reminder is to forget God's centrality, and thus, by default, to shunt him off to the periphery of life.
"In the beginning God..." This simple statement refutes the atheist who says there is no God; refutes the agnostic who claims we cannot know God; refutes the polytheist, who worships many gods; refutes the pantheist who says that all nature is God; refutes the materialist who claims that matter is eternal and not created; and refutes the fatalist who teaches that there is no divine plan behind creation and history.
=============================================
Editors note
Sunday school lessons for 3 - 11 year olds
==============================================
What does creation reveal about God? His wisdom and power (Job 28:23-27), His glory (Psalm 19:1), His power and Godhead (Romans 1:18-21), His love for insignificant man (Psalm 8:3-9).
"And on the seventh day God finished his work which he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done in creation. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all his work which he had done in creation." (Genesis 2:1-3)
The word "sabbath" simply means "to cease." God did not "rest" because he was weary, since God does not become weary. Rather, he ceased from his creative works; the task was not finished. He had blessed the creatures and man. Now he blessed the Sabbath by setting it apart as a special day.
God commanded it for a reason because we need to spend unhurried time in worship and rest each week. A God who is concerned enough to provide a day each week for us to rest is indeed a wonderful God. To observe a regular time of rest and worship in our hurried world demonstrates the importance of God in our lives while having the extra benefit of refreshing our spirits. This is a God who leads, who gives direction to life so it will bring a blessing to us.
To remember the sabbath day and to keep it holy is to remember God as Creator and Sustainer and to acknowledge that life continues under his reign and providence.
But do we forget? Today we see the turning of the Lord's Day into a fun day, forgetting that it is the day of the Lord, a day when we are to worship him. The sabbath should be different from other days. It shouldn't be simply given over to secular sports and business and work.
We have a God who cares and shares his love and power upon those who have been called by his name.
There is reason to remember the Lord's Day. We remember a God who reigns. We remember a God who guides. And we remember a God who loves us.
Printable Sunday school material
I believe the great symptom of this is seen in the secularization of the Lord's Day. It is this symptom, perhaps more than any other, which betrays the fact that the role of religion has been steadily diminishing.
Encroachments upon the Lord's Day have been gradual, subtle and devastating. Attitudes and practices regarding the Lord's Day have changed drastically over the past half century - and the trend has been in the direction of de-emphasis, rather than emphasis - upon the Lord's Day as a day of rest and worship.
This brings us back to the fourth commandment: "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy." (Exodus 20:8)
Remember is the key word here the tendency has been to forget. It is then a simple matter to liberalize the spiritual meaning and purpose of this Day. Then the next step is easy to appropriate it for ourselves instead of devoting it to God.
The sabbath (Lord's Day) is a reminder of God's place of primacy in the universe, in the nations, and in our individual lives. To neglect this reminder is to forget God's centrality, and thus, by default, to shunt him off to the periphery of life.
"In the beginning God..." This simple statement refutes the atheist who says there is no God; refutes the agnostic who claims we cannot know God; refutes the polytheist, who worships many gods; refutes the pantheist who says that all nature is God; refutes the materialist who claims that matter is eternal and not created; and refutes the fatalist who teaches that there is no divine plan behind creation and history.
=============================================
Editors note
Sunday school lessons for 3 - 11 year olds
==============================================
What does creation reveal about God? His wisdom and power (Job 28:23-27), His glory (Psalm 19:1), His power and Godhead (Romans 1:18-21), His love for insignificant man (Psalm 8:3-9).
"And on the seventh day God finished his work which he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done in creation. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all his work which he had done in creation." (Genesis 2:1-3)
The word "sabbath" simply means "to cease." God did not "rest" because he was weary, since God does not become weary. Rather, he ceased from his creative works; the task was not finished. He had blessed the creatures and man. Now he blessed the Sabbath by setting it apart as a special day.
God commanded it for a reason because we need to spend unhurried time in worship and rest each week. A God who is concerned enough to provide a day each week for us to rest is indeed a wonderful God. To observe a regular time of rest and worship in our hurried world demonstrates the importance of God in our lives while having the extra benefit of refreshing our spirits. This is a God who leads, who gives direction to life so it will bring a blessing to us.
To remember the sabbath day and to keep it holy is to remember God as Creator and Sustainer and to acknowledge that life continues under his reign and providence.
But do we forget? Today we see the turning of the Lord's Day into a fun day, forgetting that it is the day of the Lord, a day when we are to worship him. The sabbath should be different from other days. It shouldn't be simply given over to secular sports and business and work.
We have a God who cares and shares his love and power upon those who have been called by his name.
There is reason to remember the Lord's Day. We remember a God who reigns. We remember a God who guides. And we remember a God who loves us.
Printable Sunday school material
Saturday, 8 March 2008
Mistakes Sunday School Teachers Make and How to Avoid them (Part 5)
Teachers will tell you over and over the importance of getting to know parents. They can make or break your relationship with their child, because it is their responsibility to get their child to Sunday school each week! Contacting parents early on in the sessions opens the door to good communication throughout
the year. This good communication will encourage parents to make sure their child are in attendance each week. Supportive parents are also a great resource to help in the teaching and implementation of different ideas presented during Sunday school.
Teachers often forget the role that parents play in the development of their children’s spiritual lives. Ultimately, parents are the most important role model and influencer on their children lives. It is doubly important then for you, as a teacher and supplement to the education the children receive at home, to create and maintain a good relationship with those parents.
To create a good relationship with parents, there are several things you can do. During the first few weeks of the session, make a personal phone call home to talk to the parents about their child. Praise something unique that their child has done, such as, “Sally behaved so well in class last week, she got a reward!” or “John was extremely helpful in setting up the classroom for the day’s activity. I couldn’t have done it without him!” This will help parents to feel that their child is engaged, happy, and important to the overall classroom.
===============================================
Editors note
Sunday school lessons for 3-11 year olds
===============================================
Also, newsletters are a great way to stay in contact with parents. Send home a short newsletter once a month telling parents what events have just passed and what events are coming up. Let them know the lesson plans you have and the Bible passages that go along with the lessons, so that interested parents can read through the passages with their children before or just after the session. This is a good way for you to get extra help driving the ideas home to the children. Repetition is key to understanding, and if you can aid parents in repeating the lessons you have just imparted, the children will come back the
next session with a deeper understanding of the previous week’s lesson.
Schedule a meeting with all parents at the beginning of the sessions. When you have everyone together, tell them about yourself, your experience working with Sunday school or any other teaching setting, and tell them about your plans and goals for the year. Ask for their help and opinions. Parents know their children best, so take their advice and concerns seriously. Ask parents to contact you if something major changes in their home life that might affect their children. Often, you will notice a change in children, but without an involved parent to let you know the situation, you will not know the reason behind the change in behavior. Creating a relationship where parents feel comfortable sharing that information will help you and them, because it will better equip you to handle any changes in their child.
When dealing with parents, it also helps to have a documented log of any problems you have experienced with a child. If you jot down days and events when things have gone wrong, it will give you a better view of the entirety of a problem.
When you have to contact a parent about bad behavior, or perhaps when you meet with them for periodic conferences, you will have a record of any issues you have dealt with regarding their child. Parents often do not believe that their children are causing problems, so if you can show them a detailed account of each incident, they will be much more likely to believe you and give support in disciplining their child. This usually will not be a problem because of the environment of Sunday school, but you will always have problem children that you must handle. It is always easier to deal with these children with the help of their parents. Otherwise, the parents are likely to withdraw their child from your sessions or tell them that they need to continue going but provide no other support, leading the child to believe the sessions are worthless, and continuing the cycle of disruptive behavior.
Easter lesson for Sunday school
the year. This good communication will encourage parents to make sure their child are in attendance each week. Supportive parents are also a great resource to help in the teaching and implementation of different ideas presented during Sunday school.
Teachers often forget the role that parents play in the development of their children’s spiritual lives. Ultimately, parents are the most important role model and influencer on their children lives. It is doubly important then for you, as a teacher and supplement to the education the children receive at home, to create and maintain a good relationship with those parents.
To create a good relationship with parents, there are several things you can do. During the first few weeks of the session, make a personal phone call home to talk to the parents about their child. Praise something unique that their child has done, such as, “Sally behaved so well in class last week, she got a reward!” or “John was extremely helpful in setting up the classroom for the day’s activity. I couldn’t have done it without him!” This will help parents to feel that their child is engaged, happy, and important to the overall classroom.
===============================================
Editors note
Sunday school lessons for 3-11 year olds
===============================================
Also, newsletters are a great way to stay in contact with parents. Send home a short newsletter once a month telling parents what events have just passed and what events are coming up. Let them know the lesson plans you have and the Bible passages that go along with the lessons, so that interested parents can read through the passages with their children before or just after the session. This is a good way for you to get extra help driving the ideas home to the children. Repetition is key to understanding, and if you can aid parents in repeating the lessons you have just imparted, the children will come back the
next session with a deeper understanding of the previous week’s lesson.
Schedule a meeting with all parents at the beginning of the sessions. When you have everyone together, tell them about yourself, your experience working with Sunday school or any other teaching setting, and tell them about your plans and goals for the year. Ask for their help and opinions. Parents know their children best, so take their advice and concerns seriously. Ask parents to contact you if something major changes in their home life that might affect their children. Often, you will notice a change in children, but without an involved parent to let you know the situation, you will not know the reason behind the change in behavior. Creating a relationship where parents feel comfortable sharing that information will help you and them, because it will better equip you to handle any changes in their child.
When dealing with parents, it also helps to have a documented log of any problems you have experienced with a child. If you jot down days and events when things have gone wrong, it will give you a better view of the entirety of a problem.
When you have to contact a parent about bad behavior, or perhaps when you meet with them for periodic conferences, you will have a record of any issues you have dealt with regarding their child. Parents often do not believe that their children are causing problems, so if you can show them a detailed account of each incident, they will be much more likely to believe you and give support in disciplining their child. This usually will not be a problem because of the environment of Sunday school, but you will always have problem children that you must handle. It is always easier to deal with these children with the help of their parents. Otherwise, the parents are likely to withdraw their child from your sessions or tell them that they need to continue going but provide no other support, leading the child to believe the sessions are worthless, and continuing the cycle of disruptive behavior.
Easter lesson for Sunday school
Mistakes Sunday School Teachers Make and How to Avoid them (Part 5)
Teachers will tell you over and over the importance of getting to know parents. They can make or break your relationship with their child, because it is their responsibility to get their child to Sunday school each week! Contacting parents early on in the sessions opens the door to good communication throughout
the year. This good communication will encourage parents to make sure their child are in attendance each week. Supportive parents are also a great resource to help in the teaching and implementation of different ideas presented during Sunday school.
Teachers often forget the role that parents play in the development of their children’s spiritual lives. Ultimately, parents are the most important role model and influencer on their children lives. It is doubly important then for you, as a teacher and supplement to the education the children receive at home, to create and maintain a good relationship with those parents.
To create a good relationship with parents, there are several things you can do. During the first few weeks of the session, make a personal phone call home to talk to the parents about their child. Praise something unique that their child has done, such as, “Sally behaved so well in class last week, she got a reward!” or “John was extremely helpful in setting up the classroom for the day’s activity. I couldn’t have done it without him!” This will help parents to feel that their child is engaged, happy, and important to the overall classroom.
=============================================
Editors note
Sunday school lessons for 3 -11 year olds
=============================================
Also, newsletters are a great way to stay in contact with parents. Send home a short newsletter once a month telling parents what events have just passed and what events are coming up. Let them know the lesson plans you have and the Bible passages that go along with the lessons, so that interested parents can read through the passages with their children before or just after the session. This is a good way for you to get extra help driving the ideas home to the children. Repetition is key to understanding, and if you can aid parents in repeating the lessons you have just imparted, the children will come back the
next session with a deeper understanding of the previous week’s lesson.
Schedule a meeting with all parents at the beginning of the sessions. When you have everyone together, tell them about yourself, your experience working with Sunday school or any other teaching setting, and tell them about your plans and goals for the year. Ask for their help and opinions. Parents know their children best, so take their advice and concerns seriously. Ask parents to contact you if something major changes in their home life that might affect their children. Often, you will notice a change in children, but without an involved parent to let you know the situation, you will not know the reason behind the change in behavior. Creating a relationship where parents feel comfortable sharing that information will help you and them, because it will better equip you to handle any changes in their child.
When dealing with parents, it also helps to have a documented log of any problems you have experienced with a child. If you jot down days and events when things have gone wrong, it will give you a better view of the entirety of a problem.
When you have to contact a parent about bad behavior, or perhaps when you meet with them for periodic conferences, you will have a record of any issues you have dealt with regarding their child. Parents often do not believe that their children are causing problems, so if you can show them a detailed account of each incident, they will be much more likely to believe you and give support in disciplining their child. This usually will not be a problem because of the environment of Sunday school, but you will always have problem children that you must handle. It is always easier to deal with these children with the help of their parents. Otherwise, the parents are likely to withdraw their child from your sessions or tell them that they need to continue going but provide no other support, leading the child to believe the sessions are worthless, and continuing the cycle of disruptive behavior.
Easter lesson for Sunday school
the year. This good communication will encourage parents to make sure their child are in attendance each week. Supportive parents are also a great resource to help in the teaching and implementation of different ideas presented during Sunday school.
Teachers often forget the role that parents play in the development of their children’s spiritual lives. Ultimately, parents are the most important role model and influencer on their children lives. It is doubly important then for you, as a teacher and supplement to the education the children receive at home, to create and maintain a good relationship with those parents.
To create a good relationship with parents, there are several things you can do. During the first few weeks of the session, make a personal phone call home to talk to the parents about their child. Praise something unique that their child has done, such as, “Sally behaved so well in class last week, she got a reward!” or “John was extremely helpful in setting up the classroom for the day’s activity. I couldn’t have done it without him!” This will help parents to feel that their child is engaged, happy, and important to the overall classroom.
=============================================
Editors note
Sunday school lessons for 3 -11 year olds
=============================================
Also, newsletters are a great way to stay in contact with parents. Send home a short newsletter once a month telling parents what events have just passed and what events are coming up. Let them know the lesson plans you have and the Bible passages that go along with the lessons, so that interested parents can read through the passages with their children before or just after the session. This is a good way for you to get extra help driving the ideas home to the children. Repetition is key to understanding, and if you can aid parents in repeating the lessons you have just imparted, the children will come back the
next session with a deeper understanding of the previous week’s lesson.
Schedule a meeting with all parents at the beginning of the sessions. When you have everyone together, tell them about yourself, your experience working with Sunday school or any other teaching setting, and tell them about your plans and goals for the year. Ask for their help and opinions. Parents know their children best, so take their advice and concerns seriously. Ask parents to contact you if something major changes in their home life that might affect their children. Often, you will notice a change in children, but without an involved parent to let you know the situation, you will not know the reason behind the change in behavior. Creating a relationship where parents feel comfortable sharing that information will help you and them, because it will better equip you to handle any changes in their child.
When dealing with parents, it also helps to have a documented log of any problems you have experienced with a child. If you jot down days and events when things have gone wrong, it will give you a better view of the entirety of a problem.
When you have to contact a parent about bad behavior, or perhaps when you meet with them for periodic conferences, you will have a record of any issues you have dealt with regarding their child. Parents often do not believe that their children are causing problems, so if you can show them a detailed account of each incident, they will be much more likely to believe you and give support in disciplining their child. This usually will not be a problem because of the environment of Sunday school, but you will always have problem children that you must handle. It is always easier to deal with these children with the help of their parents. Otherwise, the parents are likely to withdraw their child from your sessions or tell them that they need to continue going but provide no other support, leading the child to believe the sessions are worthless, and continuing the cycle of disruptive behavior.
Easter lesson for Sunday school
Friday, 7 March 2008
Mistakes Sunday School Teachers Make and How to Avoid them (Part 4)
Being too friendly with the children is a big mistake. It is natural to want the children to like you, but it is essential that you, as a teacher, maintain distance from the children. Creating an environment of friendship and teaching in the same classroom is very dificult, and it usually results in failure. Teachers who attempt to be too friendly with children lose their credibility when they try to revert back to “teacher mode” to regain control or lead the session. When children see their teachers as friends instead of superiors, they can lose respect for the teacher.
Along with a loss of respect, your classroom environment will change dramatically if you portray yourself as a friend instead of a teacher. Your desire in being friends with the children is to create a safe, fun, enjoyable environment where children feel comfortable around you and look at you as someone they can trust. If you become too much an equal, they will see the space as void of any power figure and take advantage of the “no adults” feel. When children begin to take over, you lose the safety of the space, as they feel that they are then in charge instead of learning. While it may turn into a fun space for them, it is no longer a productive one, which makes it less fun for you. Your feelings are transmitted to the children, whether you know it or not, so they get much of their attitude about Sunday school simply from your body language, facial expressions, and perceived enthusiasm for the session.
===============================================
Editor note
Sunday school lessons for 3 - 11 year olds
===============================================
To keep yourself from becoming too much of a friend and too little of a teacher, try to strike a balance, in your mind, between the teacher you want to be and the teacher you know you need to be. You may have a perfect picture in your head of a teacher-friend who maintains control but does not need to, because
his/her children respect him/her to the point where rules are not necessary. While this is descriptive of a friendship, it is almost never the case in a classroom, where there is one teacher and many children. To maintain the respect and control you deserve in a classroom, you must be friendly with children but not overly so. Show that you are the boss by laying out specific rules, explained quite clearly, and enforce them. Tell the children that you have developed certain consequences for poor behavior, and do not hesitate to discipline children as you have planned. The first time you hesitate, the children will know it, and they will look at that as an example of how you plan to proceed in the rest of the sessions.
However, having said all that you can be friendly with the children. In fact, you must be. To run a successful classroom, you must develop a good rapport with the children, so that they feel comfortable sharing their feelings and ideas with you and other children. It is important that as a teacher, you make the children feel unique and cared about, something a friendship also provides. You must make an effort to get to know the children, learn about them and feel comfortable with them, but you must separate yourself from them from the beginning. There needs to be a clear distinction between your role as a supportive teacher and leader and them as children coming to learn. While this separation might not give you the level of intimacy you desire with the children, it will give you a classroom you can manage and a receptive audience for your Christian teaching.
Easter lesson for Sunday school
Along with a loss of respect, your classroom environment will change dramatically if you portray yourself as a friend instead of a teacher. Your desire in being friends with the children is to create a safe, fun, enjoyable environment where children feel comfortable around you and look at you as someone they can trust. If you become too much an equal, they will see the space as void of any power figure and take advantage of the “no adults” feel. When children begin to take over, you lose the safety of the space, as they feel that they are then in charge instead of learning. While it may turn into a fun space for them, it is no longer a productive one, which makes it less fun for you. Your feelings are transmitted to the children, whether you know it or not, so they get much of their attitude about Sunday school simply from your body language, facial expressions, and perceived enthusiasm for the session.
===============================================
Editor note
Sunday school lessons for 3 - 11 year olds
===============================================
To keep yourself from becoming too much of a friend and too little of a teacher, try to strike a balance, in your mind, between the teacher you want to be and the teacher you know you need to be. You may have a perfect picture in your head of a teacher-friend who maintains control but does not need to, because
his/her children respect him/her to the point where rules are not necessary. While this is descriptive of a friendship, it is almost never the case in a classroom, where there is one teacher and many children. To maintain the respect and control you deserve in a classroom, you must be friendly with children but not overly so. Show that you are the boss by laying out specific rules, explained quite clearly, and enforce them. Tell the children that you have developed certain consequences for poor behavior, and do not hesitate to discipline children as you have planned. The first time you hesitate, the children will know it, and they will look at that as an example of how you plan to proceed in the rest of the sessions.
However, having said all that you can be friendly with the children. In fact, you must be. To run a successful classroom, you must develop a good rapport with the children, so that they feel comfortable sharing their feelings and ideas with you and other children. It is important that as a teacher, you make the children feel unique and cared about, something a friendship also provides. You must make an effort to get to know the children, learn about them and feel comfortable with them, but you must separate yourself from them from the beginning. There needs to be a clear distinction between your role as a supportive teacher and leader and them as children coming to learn. While this separation might not give you the level of intimacy you desire with the children, it will give you a classroom you can manage and a receptive audience for your Christian teaching.
Easter lesson for Sunday school
Thursday, 6 March 2008
Mistakes Sunday School Teachers Make and How to Avoid them (Part 3)
Another major mistake is improper expectations. Classrooms are built on expectations from both the teacher and the children. Too often, the expectations
are unrealistic, unhealthy, or just plain negative. It is your job as a teacher to develop proper expectations for your class, which will translate into proper expectations by the children toward you. For your children, expectations are built on the answers to questions such as, “Why am I doing this project?”
“Does the teacher respect me?” “Is this a safe, comfortable space?” “What happens if I choose to misbehave?”
Childrens’ expectations in a classroom have been built for years. They are the product of past years of Sunday school sessions as well as their experience in other types of learning settings. Those expectations have been based on teachers’ explicit words, body language, results of certain actions, etc. As a
teacher, you set your expectations for the class from day one, depending on your reactions to the children, your verbal expectations, and the tone and feel of the space that you create.
Too often, teachers build negative expectations because they handle problems ineffectively. When a teacher is frustrated, tired, or worn down, he/she is much more likely to handle things with a moment-to-moment discipline system instead of focusing on the larger expectations of the class and the space in general. While this is effective at stopping children from misbehaving in the very near future, it fails to stop the larger problem and even shows children that they can get away with misbehavior, even though it will be punished at some point.
===============================================
Editors note
Printable Sunday School material for 3 -11 year olds
===============================================
Constant yelling or getting frustrated with children creates a negative space that they will not like to return to. When children know this is the environment they will be entering, they will be less likely to attend Sunday school, less likely to pay attention while they are there, and will give you less respect than you deserve. They respect you less because they feel the yelling and frustration is respecting them less, and even though there is a clear hierarchy of power in the room, the children still deserve respect and a safe environment.
To create positive expectations in your sessions, work with the children to make things as clear as possible. When you begin your sessions, sit with the class and outline your ideas for the sessions. Let them know that there will be lots of learning and lots of fun. Explicitly state to them that they are in a safe space where they are free to discuss ideas and develop opinions. Explain your methods for discipline and ask them to help contribute to the discipline system you are creating. They must buy into the discipline idea or they will feel threatened by it, thereby negating its usefulness. For each individual session, begin by stating your objectives in a way they will understand, such as, “Today we will be learning about the importance of Easter for Christians and doing an activity that shows us how Jesus’ tomb being empty is one of the greatest signs for Christians everywhere!” By telling them what is coming up, you set the stage for an exciting day that they will find useful. You must, in telling the children what is coming next, validate your reasons for choosing it. Only then will children also find it important enough to pay attention to and involve themselves in.
Another way to create positive expectations is to use positive statements regarding behavior. When the class as a whole is being helpful or doing what you asked, make sure to recognize it through a simple statement. You do not need to say anything more than, “Thank you for listening so well. The class runs much more smoothly when everyone is quiet enough to hear directions. You are doing a great job!” A statement like this encourages the whole class, instead of singling out one child for their good behavior. While this type of praise is effective and can set a good example for the class, praising the class in general is the best way to make everyone feel appreciated and recognized.
Expectations are everywhere in your Sunday school classroom, though you might not recognize it immediately. You can do your job to help frame those expectations in a positive light by being painfully clear on your directions and your expectations from your class on a day-to-day basis and for your sessions
as a whole. You can also make sure to praise your class for their positive behavior, making sure to recognize all good behavior, especially that which you did not specifically request but that is part of the expectations for the class that you explained at the beginning of the sessions. This is a great way to remind
the children of the expectations you laid out in the beginning and to reinforce the behavior that respects those expectations. With these two simple tips, you will have a healthy, happy, respectful class in no time
Object lessons for Sunday School
are unrealistic, unhealthy, or just plain negative. It is your job as a teacher to develop proper expectations for your class, which will translate into proper expectations by the children toward you. For your children, expectations are built on the answers to questions such as, “Why am I doing this project?”
“Does the teacher respect me?” “Is this a safe, comfortable space?” “What happens if I choose to misbehave?”
Childrens’ expectations in a classroom have been built for years. They are the product of past years of Sunday school sessions as well as their experience in other types of learning settings. Those expectations have been based on teachers’ explicit words, body language, results of certain actions, etc. As a
teacher, you set your expectations for the class from day one, depending on your reactions to the children, your verbal expectations, and the tone and feel of the space that you create.
Too often, teachers build negative expectations because they handle problems ineffectively. When a teacher is frustrated, tired, or worn down, he/she is much more likely to handle things with a moment-to-moment discipline system instead of focusing on the larger expectations of the class and the space in general. While this is effective at stopping children from misbehaving in the very near future, it fails to stop the larger problem and even shows children that they can get away with misbehavior, even though it will be punished at some point.
===============================================
Editors note
Printable Sunday School material for 3 -11 year olds
===============================================
Constant yelling or getting frustrated with children creates a negative space that they will not like to return to. When children know this is the environment they will be entering, they will be less likely to attend Sunday school, less likely to pay attention while they are there, and will give you less respect than you deserve. They respect you less because they feel the yelling and frustration is respecting them less, and even though there is a clear hierarchy of power in the room, the children still deserve respect and a safe environment.
To create positive expectations in your sessions, work with the children to make things as clear as possible. When you begin your sessions, sit with the class and outline your ideas for the sessions. Let them know that there will be lots of learning and lots of fun. Explicitly state to them that they are in a safe space where they are free to discuss ideas and develop opinions. Explain your methods for discipline and ask them to help contribute to the discipline system you are creating. They must buy into the discipline idea or they will feel threatened by it, thereby negating its usefulness. For each individual session, begin by stating your objectives in a way they will understand, such as, “Today we will be learning about the importance of Easter for Christians and doing an activity that shows us how Jesus’ tomb being empty is one of the greatest signs for Christians everywhere!” By telling them what is coming up, you set the stage for an exciting day that they will find useful. You must, in telling the children what is coming next, validate your reasons for choosing it. Only then will children also find it important enough to pay attention to and involve themselves in.
Another way to create positive expectations is to use positive statements regarding behavior. When the class as a whole is being helpful or doing what you asked, make sure to recognize it through a simple statement. You do not need to say anything more than, “Thank you for listening so well. The class runs much more smoothly when everyone is quiet enough to hear directions. You are doing a great job!” A statement like this encourages the whole class, instead of singling out one child for their good behavior. While this type of praise is effective and can set a good example for the class, praising the class in general is the best way to make everyone feel appreciated and recognized.
Expectations are everywhere in your Sunday school classroom, though you might not recognize it immediately. You can do your job to help frame those expectations in a positive light by being painfully clear on your directions and your expectations from your class on a day-to-day basis and for your sessions
as a whole. You can also make sure to praise your class for their positive behavior, making sure to recognize all good behavior, especially that which you did not specifically request but that is part of the expectations for the class that you explained at the beginning of the sessions. This is a great way to remind
the children of the expectations you laid out in the beginning and to reinforce the behavior that respects those expectations. With these two simple tips, you will have a healthy, happy, respectful class in no time
Object lessons for Sunday School
Wednesday, 5 March 2008
Mistakes Sunday School Teachers Make and How to Avoid them (Part 2)
Another major mistake Sunday school teachers make is inconsistency. One minute, you’re in control and rewarding the children, the next, you feel overwhelmed and forced to threaten them with punishment. Your nerves are fried and you do not know how to balance your role as leader and teacher with discipliner and peace keeper. Because young chidren so often go from happy to rowdy in the blink of an eye, it is important for teachers to set out guidelines for their own behavior for dealing with problems.
Before your classes begin, sit down for a while and make a plan for discipline in your classroom. You should have different ideas for different discipline problems. For misbehaving, for example, one reaction could be to ask the child quietly, directly to that child, to please follow directions and pay attention. Quickly explain that the child’s actions affect everyone in the classroom and that he/she is a distraction.
Let him/her know what the next punishment will be. Obviously, you will often have multiple children acting up during an activity, so the one-on-one discussion is not always appropriate. However, for those children who seem to be a continual problem or who you think may be displaying these problem behaviors as a sign that something else is wrong, the one-on-one tactic may be best.
==============================================
Editors note
Sunday School Easter lesson for 3 - 11 year olds
==============================================
When you have devised your plan for discipline in the classroom, let all the children know what you plan is. They do not need to know every detail, but let them know that you take your job as their teacher seriously and that it is your responsibility to keep things running smoothly. Inform them of your system of consequences, based on different infractions, and make sure that the children know that misbehavior is a choice. Children need to understand that their behavior and their actions are a reflection of their decisions, and they need to be willing to accept any consequences that come from their choices.
Now that the children know of your plan, do everything in your power to stick to your plan. If you treat some children more gently than others, other children will notice and use it against you if you try to discipline them later. Once you have made a decision on how to handle punishment, maintain that plan unless you see clear evidence that it is ineffective. Discipline is hard, and certainly the least-fun aspect of a teaching job, but it essential to running a successful room that promotes learning and values. Through this experience you can also teach children how to discipline effectively without being too harsh or overly cruel, an important lesson they will carry with them for life.
If you find yourself making threats or giving warnings that you do not follow through on, sit down again, alone, to think about why you are not following through. Is the punishment not effective for the child/situation? What is causing you to change your mind at the last second? Does the punishment need to be changed, or just your approach to discipline? What would motivate to follow through on your threats? If you find it necessary to change the punishment, devise a new plan that you feel you can
commit to. When you answer these questions for yourself, it should give you a better idea of what has gone wrong and how to fix it next time.
Printable Sunday school material for 3 - 11 year olds
Before your classes begin, sit down for a while and make a plan for discipline in your classroom. You should have different ideas for different discipline problems. For misbehaving, for example, one reaction could be to ask the child quietly, directly to that child, to please follow directions and pay attention. Quickly explain that the child’s actions affect everyone in the classroom and that he/she is a distraction.
Let him/her know what the next punishment will be. Obviously, you will often have multiple children acting up during an activity, so the one-on-one discussion is not always appropriate. However, for those children who seem to be a continual problem or who you think may be displaying these problem behaviors as a sign that something else is wrong, the one-on-one tactic may be best.
==============================================
Editors note
Sunday School Easter lesson for 3 - 11 year olds
==============================================
When you have devised your plan for discipline in the classroom, let all the children know what you plan is. They do not need to know every detail, but let them know that you take your job as their teacher seriously and that it is your responsibility to keep things running smoothly. Inform them of your system of consequences, based on different infractions, and make sure that the children know that misbehavior is a choice. Children need to understand that their behavior and their actions are a reflection of their decisions, and they need to be willing to accept any consequences that come from their choices.
Now that the children know of your plan, do everything in your power to stick to your plan. If you treat some children more gently than others, other children will notice and use it against you if you try to discipline them later. Once you have made a decision on how to handle punishment, maintain that plan unless you see clear evidence that it is ineffective. Discipline is hard, and certainly the least-fun aspect of a teaching job, but it essential to running a successful room that promotes learning and values. Through this experience you can also teach children how to discipline effectively without being too harsh or overly cruel, an important lesson they will carry with them for life.
If you find yourself making threats or giving warnings that you do not follow through on, sit down again, alone, to think about why you are not following through. Is the punishment not effective for the child/situation? What is causing you to change your mind at the last second? Does the punishment need to be changed, or just your approach to discipline? What would motivate to follow through on your threats? If you find it necessary to change the punishment, devise a new plan that you feel you can
commit to. When you answer these questions for yourself, it should give you a better idea of what has gone wrong and how to fix it next time.
Printable Sunday school material for 3 - 11 year olds
Tuesday, 4 March 2008
Easter in Sunday School
What is Easter?
Children need to know what Easter really is. As adults, we are obligated to demonstrate the meaning of Easter to our children. Looking in the dictionary, I found several meanings for the word Easter. Here are a few: the word Easter is actually derived from Old English and means "spring festival". For the Christian, it is the heavenly jubilation of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This celebration is an ancient Christian holiday that is the prominent triumph of the church year. For all the Faithful, it is an observance of new life and deliverance and redemption through Jesus Christ.
WHY IS EASTER MEANINGFUL?
The heart of the Christian philosophy is the remembrance of Christ's resurrection and the promise of his everlasting presence. Easter is a time for remembering. As Christians, we must bear in mind the last days of Jesus here on earth. We remember His acts of love for us. We remember His suffering, anguish, and agony that was all for us. We recall His Crucifixion for us. Above all else, we remember His triumph over death. In celebrating Easter, we are also experiencing faith, hope and restoration or renewal. We have reason to celebrate triumph over transgression. So let us make Easter as blessed as we can, while teaching our children the true meaning.
Check out Sunday school lessons for 3-11 year olds
Children need to know what Easter really is. As adults, we are obligated to demonstrate the meaning of Easter to our children. Looking in the dictionary, I found several meanings for the word Easter. Here are a few: the word Easter is actually derived from Old English and means "spring festival". For the Christian, it is the heavenly jubilation of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This celebration is an ancient Christian holiday that is the prominent triumph of the church year. For all the Faithful, it is an observance of new life and deliverance and redemption through Jesus Christ.
WHY IS EASTER MEANINGFUL?
The heart of the Christian philosophy is the remembrance of Christ's resurrection and the promise of his everlasting presence. Easter is a time for remembering. As Christians, we must bear in mind the last days of Jesus here on earth. We remember His acts of love for us. We remember His suffering, anguish, and agony that was all for us. We recall His Crucifixion for us. Above all else, we remember His triumph over death. In celebrating Easter, we are also experiencing faith, hope and restoration or renewal. We have reason to celebrate triumph over transgression. So let us make Easter as blessed as we can, while teaching our children the true meaning.
Check out Sunday school lessons for 3-11 year olds
Friday, 29 February 2008
Mistakes Sunday School Teachers Make and How to Avoid them (Part 1)
We know that as a Sunday school teacher, you are a unique type of person who understands the complexity of being both a leader and a friend, but all teachers make mistakes. The first major mistake I can think of that will take your classroom from being a space for love, learning, and fellowship, to a place of frustration, negativity, and oppression, is being too serious. I know that you are doing everything you can to make your sessions enjoyable and fruitful for the children, so I encourage you to read through these articles. With each one there are several suggestions about how you can improve your classroom so that it becomes more like the space you imagined it would be.
The first thing to do is ask yourself some simple questions to get your class back on track. “Why am I doing what I am doing?” “What about my tactics is working, and what is not working?” “How can I change my own behavior and attitudes to achieve the environment I wish to create?” These questions may be all you need to get your classroom and your teaching style back on track. Everyone makes mistakes. Take the time here to learn how to fix them!
===========================================
Editors note
Checkout Sunday school lessons for 3-11 year olds CLICK HERE
===========================================
Often, teachers focus only on the lesson throughout their sessions, and while the lesson is the most important part of the session, having fun is also allowed! If teachers focus too much on the serious, faith-filled side of Sunday school, children are bound to become bored of lessons and their attendance will drop off. When they do come, they will be rowdy, unproductive, and unhelpful. This will stop you from doing your job as a teacher, because you will have created an environment not conducive to growth and education.
Sunday school is a serious place and one where children can learn a great amount about their lives as children of God and about Christianity in general, but it also needs to be a place for fun. Even the most normally well-behaved children need to let off steam now and then. While your lesson should be focused on Christian principle and values, children need to understand that Sunday school is a safe place that they can learn while they relax.
To create a safe space where children feel comfortable, make it clear to your students at the beginning of your sessions that Sunday school is supposed to be a place of learning and fun mixed together. Tell the children that you will have a lesson each week that will be the focus of the session, but let them know
that there will be fun activities that go along with each lesson, and that you hope they will make suggestions and help make the sessions enjoyable. Remind them that Christianity isn’t a boring or useless lifestyle but one that can combine moral living with regular life and produce normal, fun-loving people just like themselves. Just as Christian living does not mean trading fun for faith, nor does Sunday school. This should be an important part of your Sunday school lessons.
Also, taking yourself too seriously can hurt the dynamic in your sessions. Keep in mind the audience that you are speaking to. While most teachers know a great deal about Bible theology and are comfortable discussing Christian principles with a group of their peers, remember that your audience is a group of children, some with very little exposure to Christian thought before your classroom. For that reason, simply speaking the words is not enough to get them to understand. You must be able to loosen up yourself and find different ways to explain things, or else the children will feel overwhelmed. Tailor your lessons to the children and be prepared to explain things several different ways; all of those ways should be something they can relate to.
The first thing to do is ask yourself some simple questions to get your class back on track. “Why am I doing what I am doing?” “What about my tactics is working, and what is not working?” “How can I change my own behavior and attitudes to achieve the environment I wish to create?” These questions may be all you need to get your classroom and your teaching style back on track. Everyone makes mistakes. Take the time here to learn how to fix them!
===========================================
Editors note
Checkout Sunday school lessons for 3-11 year olds CLICK HERE
===========================================
Often, teachers focus only on the lesson throughout their sessions, and while the lesson is the most important part of the session, having fun is also allowed! If teachers focus too much on the serious, faith-filled side of Sunday school, children are bound to become bored of lessons and their attendance will drop off. When they do come, they will be rowdy, unproductive, and unhelpful. This will stop you from doing your job as a teacher, because you will have created an environment not conducive to growth and education.
Sunday school is a serious place and one where children can learn a great amount about their lives as children of God and about Christianity in general, but it also needs to be a place for fun. Even the most normally well-behaved children need to let off steam now and then. While your lesson should be focused on Christian principle and values, children need to understand that Sunday school is a safe place that they can learn while they relax.
To create a safe space where children feel comfortable, make it clear to your students at the beginning of your sessions that Sunday school is supposed to be a place of learning and fun mixed together. Tell the children that you will have a lesson each week that will be the focus of the session, but let them know
that there will be fun activities that go along with each lesson, and that you hope they will make suggestions and help make the sessions enjoyable. Remind them that Christianity isn’t a boring or useless lifestyle but one that can combine moral living with regular life and produce normal, fun-loving people just like themselves. Just as Christian living does not mean trading fun for faith, nor does Sunday school. This should be an important part of your Sunday school lessons.
Also, taking yourself too seriously can hurt the dynamic in your sessions. Keep in mind the audience that you are speaking to. While most teachers know a great deal about Bible theology and are comfortable discussing Christian principles with a group of their peers, remember that your audience is a group of children, some with very little exposure to Christian thought before your classroom. For that reason, simply speaking the words is not enough to get them to understand. You must be able to loosen up yourself and find different ways to explain things, or else the children will feel overwhelmed. Tailor your lessons to the children and be prepared to explain things several different ways; all of those ways should be something they can relate to.
Friday, 15 February 2008
Goals of Sunday School
Have you ever stopped to think about why your church has a Sunday school?
It is the wish of most of us to see Sunday school grow and expand, but before we can se such growth, we need to take time out to think about our purpose and goals for our Sunday school.
During the past 20 years, the overall Sunday school attend has been in decline. It has been estimated that this decline means that today roughly one in three persons attends church, but only about one in nine attends Sunday school.
In spite of the decline in Sunday school, many surveys tell us there is a need and hunger for spiritual guidance in today's society. A recent survey undertaken by the Princeton Religion Centre asked teenagers what they would like to study and discuss. The top three responses were 64% - "Is there really a God", 56% - "What is the meaning of my life?", 55% - "Is there really a heaven or hell?". All have significant religious implications.
Another survey found that 46% of all adults had at least one problem or question for which there was no answer or solution.
==============================================
Editors Note
Check out the resources for Sunday school here. Object lessons, skits, colouring pages, activities, games and recipes for 3 - 11 year olds.
==============================================
The Bible has the answer to any problem or question that any of us might have about living our lives in the way God wants. For the person who doesn't know the Bible well or how to apply it to their lives finding these answers can be difficult. That is exactly where Sunday school should come in.
Read more
It is the wish of most of us to see Sunday school grow and expand, but before we can se such growth, we need to take time out to think about our purpose and goals for our Sunday school.
During the past 20 years, the overall Sunday school attend has been in decline. It has been estimated that this decline means that today roughly one in three persons attends church, but only about one in nine attends Sunday school.
In spite of the decline in Sunday school, many surveys tell us there is a need and hunger for spiritual guidance in today's society. A recent survey undertaken by the Princeton Religion Centre asked teenagers what they would like to study and discuss. The top three responses were 64% - "Is there really a God", 56% - "What is the meaning of my life?", 55% - "Is there really a heaven or hell?". All have significant religious implications.
Another survey found that 46% of all adults had at least one problem or question for which there was no answer or solution.
==============================================
Editors Note
Check out the resources for Sunday school here. Object lessons, skits, colouring pages, activities, games and recipes for 3 - 11 year olds.
==============================================
The Bible has the answer to any problem or question that any of us might have about living our lives in the way God wants. For the person who doesn't know the Bible well or how to apply it to their lives finding these answers can be difficult. That is exactly where Sunday school should come in.
Read more
Thursday, 24 January 2008
5 Problems Sunday Schools Face Today
A recent survey gave an insight into the problems that face the local Sunday school. Here are some of those problems with possible solutions.
Lack of good Sunday school literature and resources.
Its hard to believe that some schools have a problem with all the resources available today, from denominational and independent sources. If you are not happy with what is provided for you don’t be afraid to look around and try new materials. It’s a good idea to look at your own denominational beliefs – but if it does not fill your needs, keep looking.
Lack of money.
If this is a problem in your church, have a good look at your total church budget. How does your Christian education budget compare to other expenses of your church? Take a look at how your Sunday school is spending its money. Is money being spent on unnecessary or unused items? Are members of the congregation aware that you need funds for the Sunday school activities.
Lack of space.
This is not a problem that is easily solved short of a major building programme, which space and money may prohibit. Have a good look at the area you currently use. Can this be better utilised? Are all rooms used, even a kitchen can be used for a small class. Are there classes that can be combined? Can the room be divided?
Lack of support by local leaders and congregation.
In many churches only one-third or less of the persons who attend the worship service are a part of the Sunday school. Do these persons who are not in Sunday school understand and appreciate Sunday school and its needs? Positive promotion and information about the Sunday school will do much to help others learn more. The best way to help others become more supportive is to get them involved.
Lack of good Sunday school literature and resources.
Its hard to believe that some schools have a problem with all the resources available today, from denominational and independent sources. If you are not happy with what is provided for you don’t be afraid to look around and try new materials. It’s a good idea to look at your own denominational beliefs – but if it does not fill your needs, keep looking.
Lack of money.
If this is a problem in your church, have a good look at your total church budget. How does your Christian education budget compare to other expenses of your church? Take a look at how your Sunday school is spending its money. Is money being spent on unnecessary or unused items? Are members of the congregation aware that you need funds for the Sunday school activities.
Lack of space.
This is not a problem that is easily solved short of a major building programme, which space and money may prohibit. Have a good look at the area you currently use. Can this be better utilised? Are all rooms used, even a kitchen can be used for a small class. Are there classes that can be combined? Can the room be divided?
Lack of support by local leaders and congregation.
In many churches only one-third or less of the persons who attend the worship service are a part of the Sunday school. Do these persons who are not in Sunday school understand and appreciate Sunday school and its needs? Positive promotion and information about the Sunday school will do much to help others learn more. The best way to help others become more supportive is to get them involved.
Sunday, 20 January 2008
A Fresh Start
With every New Year comes the inevitable new resolusions. Is that you? Have you made some decisions that you want to make changes in your life?
Have you already abandoned them? It is not always easy to make changes and then stick to them. Ask the perpetual dieter. It is best to make little steps to change, one decision at a time and not because "it's that time of the year", or because everyone else is doing it.
In the words of that popular song:
One Day At A Time
I'm only human--I'm just a man/woman.
Help me believe in what I believe and all that I am.
Show me the stairway that I have to climb,
Lord, for my sake, teach me to take, one day at a time.
One day at a time, sweet Jesus, that's all I'm asking of you.
Teach me today, to do all the things that I have to do.
Yesterdays gone, sweet Jesus, and tomorrow may never be mine.
Lord, for my sake, teach me to take, one day at a time.
Do you remember, when you walked among men?
Well, Jesus you know, if you're looking below, It's worse now than then.
There's cheating and stealing--violence and crime.
So for my sake - teach me to take one day at a time.
One day at a time, sweet Jesus, that's all I'm asking of you.
Teach me today, to do all the things that I have to do.
Yesterdays gone, sweet Jesus, and tomorrow may never be mine.
Lord, for my sake, teach me to take, one day at a time.
Have a blessed day.
Have you already abandoned them? It is not always easy to make changes and then stick to them. Ask the perpetual dieter. It is best to make little steps to change, one decision at a time and not because "it's that time of the year", or because everyone else is doing it.
In the words of that popular song:
One Day At A Time
I'm only human--I'm just a man/woman.
Help me believe in what I believe and all that I am.
Show me the stairway that I have to climb,
Lord, for my sake, teach me to take, one day at a time.
One day at a time, sweet Jesus, that's all I'm asking of you.
Teach me today, to do all the things that I have to do.
Yesterdays gone, sweet Jesus, and tomorrow may never be mine.
Lord, for my sake, teach me to take, one day at a time.
Do you remember, when you walked among men?
Well, Jesus you know, if you're looking below, It's worse now than then.
There's cheating and stealing--violence and crime.
So for my sake - teach me to take one day at a time.
One day at a time, sweet Jesus, that's all I'm asking of you.
Teach me today, to do all the things that I have to do.
Yesterdays gone, sweet Jesus, and tomorrow may never be mine.
Lord, for my sake, teach me to take, one day at a time.
Have a blessed day.
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