What Shall I Tell Them?Sunday school teachers have a job that requires wholehearted effort, a great deal of time and a sincere desire for the mind of God to teach effectively. They very much need the prayers and encouragement of God's people since so much depends on them. Much responsibility is upon their shoulders, and many lives upon their hearts.
Sometimes teaching a lesson is considered a duty to be prepared for late Saturday night or "on the run" en route to class. Not surprisingly then, this lesson very often comes from the well known realm of David and Goliath, Samson or Jonah, often without any real consideration as to the content of the lesson, making it merely a story. This leaves much to be desired. Then there are those who, like the pendulum swinging to the other extreme, have taken the attitude that prepared and published lessons are better and more effective. Both are wrong, and concern me greatly for BOTH have the same flaw: taking the easy way and leaving God out.
I have nothing whatsoever against teaching the well known stories of the Bible, nor have I any qualms about teaching a well ordered series of lessons. The Lord Jesus Himself referred to the "serpent lifted up" and was orderly in His teaching and parables. I do feel that the teacher must take HIMSELF and HIS LESSON into the presence of God, there to evaluate and consider the lesson and course he desires to teach. We are not after all teaching children to believe, but in WHOM and WHAT they may safely trust their all. Teach a TruthMy lesson must revolve around a central truth, and be founded upon a clear verse of Scripture. One truth carefully taught and laid hold of, will lead the way to progress in an orderly way to set forth truth that develops upon the first, thus "line upon line and precept upon precept" is the principle. Prepare and ConsiderThis will necessitate that the teacher have a clear grasp of the truth as God unfolds it in the Word. This takes time, effort and dependence upon God. As well, it is necessary that the teacher, through questions and familiarity with the student, realize the depth of understanding that the child has. He must also come to grips with any particular problems that the student might have hindering him from grasping certain truths. These problems could easily be one or more of the following: background, environment, character, home life, religious error, or culture.
Though the difficulties are great, the sheer joy of seeing even one rest for eternity on the Rock that never fails, will more than compensate for the effort and endeavor.
| This item includes 1 comment
Related Items:
|
|
fTeachers That ExcelIt is impossible to exaggerate the importance of the teacher's work with the young. Yet very often this great service is neglected. Children have keen active minds and there are very seldom wrong doctrines to combat. A teacher must study three things carefully: his subject, his students, and his strategy. His SubjectSomeone once said boastingly to Spurgeon, "I never know what I'm going to say ten minutes before I speak." Spurgeon replied, "That is why no one knows what you've said ten minutes after you speak!" The scripture speaks plainly, "Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord negligently." The words of Solomon describe the ideal teacher: "Moreover because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed and sought out and set in order many proverbs. The preacher sought to find out acceptable words." Eccl. 12:9-10. Here we see the great necessity for the teacher to seek out and recognize plainly the main theme of the lesson, which should then be written down.
He should read his portion until totally familiar with it, acquainting himself with parallel passages and everything he possibly can about his subject. He should arrange his lesson so that every part of it emphasizes the central truth. START with a striking incident or question or fact to gain attention. A brief review of last week's lesson to gain and sustain interest. SPEAK plainly and follow your outline, yet leaving room for the Spirit's guidance. SEEK to illuminate with illustration. STOP just before time, give a clear conclusion or summary of the main point(s), leaving time for review, or student's questions. Lesson related homework assignments should be given that are not too difficult. Expect them to do it and don't, by any means, fail to recognize or acknowledge a completed assignment. His StudentsThe teacher who excels will not only pray for guidance and blessing from God, but he will continually pray for his pupils and their families. He will make every effort to visit their homes and understand the student's needs, background, habits and capacity. These things greatly affect the student's progress and ability to take in truth. Use as many means as possible to contact the family and pursue this objective. His StragegyIn this, the most important ingredient is utter sincerity. To this should be added a sprinkling of variety. Over all, there should be order, simplicity, and clarity. For this purpose it is wise to categorize and collect verses, lessons, illustrations, stories and pictures to emphasize definite truths. Don't forget homework. For younger ones, this might be objects (related to lesson) to color; for older ones, questions or readings with a short study or a report to the class. These crutches and keys for memory will be of invaluable help.
| This item includes 1 comment
Related Items:
|
|
QuestionsIn my older teenage class one day, sat a girl I'd never seen before. I'd hardly started my lesson when she interrupted, pouring out questions that seemed to disrupt my message, but galvanized the attention of the class. Within a month that girl was in eternity. How glad I was that we sought to answer her questions and that she found THE answer in Christ! Questions are a Wonderful OpportunityThat's hard to believe, says a "question-weary" mother. But it's pathetically sad when children stop asking questions. Have the children in your charge stopped asking? Children stop asking when repulsed, when ignored and when no real concern is shown towards the questioner! The questioner is more important than his question. The question may only be a desperate appeal for help and understanding. A child's problems and questions are just as real as an adult's. Their problems are multiplying in a sin-sick world. Don't assume you know why they want to speak with you. Hear them out, give them time, and answer as well as you can. The proper use and understanding of questions will deepen the relationship with the child and multiply your effectiveness. Sad to say, I know of several who have left our Sunday Schools for other places because their questions were not really answered. Questions and Answers"They found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors (teachers), both hearing them and asking them questions." Luke 2:46. Are we giving "stones in answer to a plea for "bread?" or "serpents" for "fish?" Matt. 7:9-10. The lack of an understanding teacher has turned many away to fall back on the standards of their peers or upon the habits of ungodly or unfaithful parents. Questions are seen in scripture as asking interpretation (counsel), Hosea 4:12, Judges 20:18, asking information, Luke 18:36, and asking to inquire, Luke 18:18. All require answers. Questions are Voluntayr FeedbackThe questions of children may be voluntary feedback so invaluable to the teacher who excels. This feedback will indicate the areas that are of concern to the student. These should be kept in mind or jotted down for further thought and prayer, to be dealt with in future lessons. Though a child's question may sound spurious, in reality he may be revealing the thoughts of his heart, the background and troubles in his life, or even pleading for the attention he craves! Matt. 20:22 is a question of this sort to which the Lord answered, "ye know not what ye ask!" and went on to deepen their thought and reveal himself more fully. May we imitate the teaching of Christ. Questions as a Teaching ToolThe Lord Jesus posed questions in this very way to INTEREST, ILLUMINATE and INSTRUCT his hearers. So the teacher can, in his lessons, use well-thought-out questions to advantage. Note, however, that the Lord did not use this tool with every lesson he sought to teach. We are not in need of "cookie cutter" methods but in search of spiritual tools. Questions for ReviewThese questions are a real check on the teacher and his teaching. The answers or lack of them will help him to correct weak or misunderstood points in his teaching. Some review is necessary each week, but a special quiz-time should be set aside periodically in the class. Possibly this could take the form of a competition, or "Question Bee", or game to review verses and lessons. This has a three-fold advantage: A. To find out how much the child retains; B. To promote class participation; and C. To discover if some have thought more deeply than others.
| No comments for this item
Related Items:
|
|
Make Your Students Special Eight ways are suggested to make them really special! 1. Love ThemAll the finest efforts and organization will fail in its real purpose if this is lacking! We only, who have the "love of God shed abroad in our hearts", can truly bestow God-like "love" upon others. Children often know nothing of this love in their own homes, so let us love them as God enables us. Mark 6:34; Mark 10:21. 2. Teach ThemPaul could say "I am a debtor" and he was "ready to preach the gospel." He knew His God, he knew the gospel, and he knew his great obligation. To teach them of course, you will have to maintain discipline. Children have no time or respect for those who do not demand order. On the other hand, do not see every little thing either. Give the mischievious some little thing to do, and if it is necessary, correct them privately and compellingly as this is more effective than before the class. Teach by your own example of respect and reverence for holy things. Teach by the Word, and redeem the time for God. 3. Know ThemEvery effort should be made to know the children as well as possible. Take a special interest in then. Make the effort to think the way they do and understand their problems the way they see them. I Cor. 9:19-23. Very often the percentage of boys in the Sunday School is a guide as to how effective you have been. 4. Pray for ThemDon't forget this. It will give you an increased sense of compassion, and deepen your perspective, and enlarge your abilities. 5. Welcome ThemYou'll have to get there early! It is especially necessary for the superintendent to be there in good time to take an interest, welcome and encourage the children. 6. Visit ThemHow necessary this is! Very often the parent has been reached in this way! The teacher will learn what the child's environment is. Use every possible excuse to visit. Take them calendars and invitations, make regular calls, visit whenever they are sick or when there is a birth in the family. 7. Follow ThemShow concern when they are absent. Be kind in your approach whatever the reason for their absence may be. Emphasize your interest and remiond them of you concern for their eternal welfare. When ill, don't only send a card, send yourself, leave a little booklet and if there is opportunity, pray for them in their home. You may well be sowing a seed, that will bear fruit and eternal blessing. 8. Encourage ThemShow them how pleased you are when they do well, or bring others. Make it your object to encourage them to learn verses, progress in the knowledge of the truth, and to listen carefully. Foster their interests with friendly chats, meaningful treats, and rewards that are fitting. Plan an outing the class can look forward to. These efforts will pay off in Eternal Reward. They will not forget you or what you have taught them | No comments for this item
Related Items:
|
|
| << Start < Prev 71 Next > End >>
| | Results 631 - 634 of 634 |
|
Joel Hovey
