Dear Diary,
Being a Sunday school teacher is one of the best opportunities of life. It is an opportunity that demands a sense of responsibility. It’s an opportunity that attempts to change the eternal destiny of boys and girls. Being a Sunday school teacher is exciting but also a hard work. In fact Sunday School is more like a construction site.
#Getting_Ready_to_Teach
Teaching children about God is service to God. Only He knows the degree of your commitment and faithfulness to the task.
Teaching children about God is service to God. Only He knows the degree of your commitment and faithfulness to the task.
The following preparations will determine the quality of your teaching:
A. Prayer preparation
- A teacher must prepare himself through prayer.
- As you prepare to teach children about God, pray for a teachable spirit (for yourself and the children you are teaching).
- Ask God to help you see wondrous things in His word, Psalm 119:18.
- Pray for the teaching help of the Master Teacher-the Holy Spirit, John 14:26. Only He can teach us the whole truth; the same way you pray for/bless food before partaking it, pray for the guidance in your leson study preparation. Spiritual truths cannot be understood apart from the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Finally, pray for the conviction of sin, John 16:7-11; for the impact of the word and for empowerment of the Holy Spirit upon the children you’re teaching.
- A teacher must prepare himself through prayer.
- As you prepare to teach children about God, pray for a teachable spirit (for yourself and the children you are teaching).
- Ask God to help you see wondrous things in His word, Psalm 119:18.
- Pray for the teaching help of the Master Teacher-the Holy Spirit, John 14:26. Only He can teach us the whole truth; the same way you pray for/bless food before partaking it, pray for the guidance in your leson study preparation. Spiritual truths cannot be understood apart from the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Finally, pray for the conviction of sin, John 16:7-11; for the impact of the word and for empowerment of the Holy Spirit upon the children you’re teaching.
B. Long range planning
- Try visualizing the bigger picture. Make proper plans for presentation of the word of God. Planning helps you to gather the necessary teaching aids/materials.
- Try visualizing the bigger picture. Make proper plans for presentation of the word of God. Planning helps you to gather the necessary teaching aids/materials.
C. Evaluate your previous lesson
- Before preparing lesson for your next class session, do an evaluation of your weaknesses and strengths, this is an indication of professional growth and a pursuit of excellence. If possible, you can ask your colleagues for honest constructive criticism.
- Before preparing lesson for your next class session, do an evaluation of your weaknesses and strengths, this is an indication of professional growth and a pursuit of excellence. If possible, you can ask your colleagues for honest constructive criticism.
D. Write the lesson plan/outline
- Each day set a side time and special place to do your bible and lesson study. It is better than cramming things on Sunday morning. Here are some helpful and indispensable steps to make a lesson outline:
- Each day set a side time and special place to do your bible and lesson study. It is better than cramming things on Sunday morning. Here are some helpful and indispensable steps to make a lesson outline:
Step 1. Write the lesson aim
Teaching is not a hit or miss endeavour. It is not just communicating content, it is aimed at making a decision. So, what decision do you have in mind for the children to make?. State your aim clearly and determine what you want the children to know (mind), to feel (emotions) and to do (will). A lesson aim gives direction, unity, order, and efficiency to your study.
Teaching is not a hit or miss endeavour. It is not just communicating content, it is aimed at making a decision. So, what decision do you have in mind for the children to make?. State your aim clearly and determine what you want the children to know (mind), to feel (emotions) and to do (will). A lesson aim gives direction, unity, order, and efficiency to your study.
Step 2. Study the Bible passage
Ask yourself what’s the context, central idea, problem, and practical application of the passage.
You can use commentaries, dictionaries, concordance etc.
Ask yourself what’s the context, central idea, problem, and practical application of the passage.
You can use commentaries, dictionaries, concordance etc.
Step 3. Arrange the lesson outline
Develop an organized content. Build an outline by using either a series of factual/opinion/discussion/exploration/interpretive questions or proposition statements.
Develop an organized content. Build an outline by using either a series of factual/opinion/discussion/exploration/interpretive questions or proposition statements.
Step 4: Write the Conclusion
Imagine going fishing without a hook, can you catch any fish? No! The aim of the lesson forms the basis of your conclusion. Summarize your main ideas, refresh the minds of your audience and invite them for decision. Loose ends can be allowed especially if they’ll drive the child to discover/seek answers and resolve issues for themselves.
Imagine going fishing without a hook, can you catch any fish? No! The aim of the lesson forms the basis of your conclusion. Summarize your main ideas, refresh the minds of your audience and invite them for decision. Loose ends can be allowed especially if they’ll drive the child to discover/seek answers and resolve issues for themselves.
Step 5: Write the lesson introduction
This is the second last part of lesson preparation. It should catch the attention of the child, inspire action, create a desire/interest to learn; and promise result(s).
This is the second last part of lesson preparation. It should catch the attention of the child, inspire action, create a desire/interest to learn; and promise result(s).
Step 6: Choose the Teaching Method
What method(s) can you use with your class to present the truth of the gospel? Have a variety. Choose a method that is:
- Best suited for your lesson aim
- Age appropriate
- Best suited for class environment and size
- Within your budget
- Best gets the children involved
What method(s) can you use with your class to present the truth of the gospel? Have a variety. Choose a method that is:
- Best suited for your lesson aim
- Age appropriate
- Best suited for class environment and size
- Within your budget
- Best gets the children involved
Enjoy your Teaching Ministry.
Regards,
NzakuNashipae
NzakuNashipae
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