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| Sunday school silliness |
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This blog is to help me remember 1) how faithfully God provides, and 2) how much fun I’ve had teaching Sunday school to 1st/2nd grade kids.
I’ve been on the regular rotation to teach kids for 4 years now. I started teaching kindergarten, and moved up to the 1st/2nd grade class with my son. Last year he graduated, but I got left behind...
Every Sunday that I’m scheduled to teach, I feel slightly anxious at the prospect of preparing a fun and interesting lesson for the kids. For the most part, the goal is to captivate them and hold their interest for an hour. Believe me, for this grade, that is easier said than done! My tricks? Highly expressive reading, “good listener” questions, candy rewards for right answers, and liberal doses of silliness!! (Seriously, these kids get bored so easily!) Note to reader, none of these strategies are patented or trademarked.
God supplied our lesson and materials wonderfully this Sunday, as he always does!! After introducing the lesson with some personal questions, there was a fun game of “Pins and Monkeys”, similar to the card game “Go Fish”. All of the game pieces were there, miraculously!
Then we listened to a story on CD, to which I “acted out” the part of the narrator, mean ol’ King Saul. The children were so entertained! BUT THEY LISTENED!! A few candy questions proved it, as they gave all the right answers. The kids had a ball (so did I), plus they actually learned a very good lesson, about revenge and forgiveness!! (Rom. 12:17)
In our children’s Sunday school program, my role is simply making myself available for God’s use. God’s role is providing me with students, lessons, supplies, and most importantly… the Holy Spirit. I believe anyone can teach kids on Sunday morning, if only they are willing!
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| To add a comment to "Sunday school silliness" |
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| October 20, 2008 |
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| =DDDDD |
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| October 20, 2008 |
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Did you say candy rewards? They give out candy at church now? Wow, what else have I been missing?
Just kidding Mike. I admire your willingness to teach our youth. I commend your efforts. But how many adults attend also for their "treat" or perhaps a pat on the back? Just a thought.
I am reading Randy Alcorn's book "Heaven" right now and your post reminded me of the following quote.
"When I was a boy, the thought of Heaven used to frighten me more than the thought of Hell. I pictured Heaven as a place where time would be perpetual Sundays, with perpertual services from which there would be no escape" - David Lloyd George
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| October 20, 2008 |
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| This is so cute..I wanna be in your class. I do silly (smiles) |
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| October 20, 2008 |
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| Great blog Mike, My husband and I also teach 8yr olds so I can identify with you greatly! Here are a couple of fun lessons that held our students attention. When we taught on Noahs ark we had them rebuild the ark, we got legos playdough, and a couple of furry animal kits, we gave them the message, had them rebuild the ark, then we also asked questions and gave candy for each answer they got right, it was amazing the information they retained! Another time we taught them about Job, we outlined my husbands body on a roll of drawing paper, then we filled up balloons of gummy worms, liquids, and shaving cream that all represented Job's boils, had them throw darts to pop the balloons and each one they popped they had to answer a question relevant to the story and of course they were rewarded with candy, again the information that they retain when bribed with candy an have fun with hands on learning is amazing! |
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| October 20, 2008 |
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| This is grate bro. ! was superintendent of education at my church school and I taught church school since I was 16 the adult class!!! They like there candy to!!! |
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| October 20, 2008 |
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| I substituted as an assistant once in a first grade Sunday school class. A little boy named Sam asked for pray for his dog. The lead teacher, Cissy, asked what was wrong with his dog. Sam said his dog died. I was in my twenties and I nearly burst into laughter till I saw the tears in his eyes. Cissy who was older and wiser, said that his dog was with Jesus. He went into full blown tears and screamed NO, I want my dog back. He had an adorable country accent. I stared to cry and others although young got respectfully quiet and Cissy did her magic and consoled him. Years later, my son died. He was younger than Sam when I taught that class but 21 at his death. I thought about Sam and how the words initially didn't comfort but in time, I yielded to the idea of my son with Jesus like Sam did with his dog. Who taught who? I am fifty one now and wish I could thank Sam and Cissy for a powerful lesson. Sunday school is valuable and your dedication to the young is evident. Thanks for this blog. |
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| October 20, 2008 |
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Doyle, yes we grown-ups like our candy too! (I often mooch off my kids' Sunday school candy rewards!)
Angela, wow. You REALLY take that SS stuff seriously. Wish I had a teacher like YOU when I was a kid. MAN was my SS boring back then!!!!!
PT...those boys can really be a handful! Yeah I know what you mean. I recently ran into a girl who was in a youth group I taught 10-12 years ago. It was crazy to run into her again. Yep, I had at least some impact, for sure.
Terry my dear neighbor... would LOVE to have ya! :-) One thing's for sure, I keep it more interesting than any SS teach I ever had!!
Michael, I hear what you're sayin. Don't think it's a problem w/the kids, but perhaps the adults?? I don't know, I hate to make blanket statements.
PeaNut... ;-) |
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| October 20, 2008 |
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| Juanita, wow.....what a story. You made my night. I'm gettin ready to hit the sack (bedtime). I'll say a prayer for you before I do. God bless! |
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| October 20, 2008 |
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| I have a picture of my son, Landon, who died in 2001 on my profile. He did missions work for the Lord and was powerful in his walk but...for some unknown reason to me...he shot himself. |
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| October 20, 2008 |
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| Nice blog Mike...I enjoyed reading about your experiences ;o) |
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| October 20, 2008 |
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| Hi Mike
I still teach at our sunday school. I need some sharing of thoughts from you as to how one can make teaching more interesting. |
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| October 20, 2008 |
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| I used to share the SS teaching responsibilities with my pre-teen. Those were some of the best years! |
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| October 20, 2008 |
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| I've done my share of teaching among many other ministry roles, most of which I'd asked the Lord "why me?" . His reply was, "Because you were willing." Just as you stated, "anyone can teach SS if they are willing.: God always comes thru on His part if we are but willing on ours. :-) |
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| October 20, 2008 |
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| It is a great joy, isn't it? I always loved teaching Sunday school! Their little hearts are so open and you are planting seeds that will carry them through the rest of their lives! Can there be any better soil? Hats off to you Mike! |
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| October 20, 2008 |
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| Horay for you! I have always felt that men need to teach our young children. What a powerful influence and excellent role model! What a guy! Your stock when way up in my eyes now! Proud of you! |
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| October 20, 2008 |
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You rock Bro! |
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| October 21, 2008 |
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| Geat stuff Mike Kids relly do listen...my six year old grandaughter is ALWAYS asking me biblical questions...I think she knows the bible better than me LOL, love Stu! |
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| October 21, 2008 |
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Thx Birdie! It is a joy. They are eager students, when you bring it with excitement!
DeeDee, amen! If only we are willing. God provides, he really does!! That is perhaps the most exciting aspect for me!
Todd, thanks bro. I agree wholeheartedly!!! WHY is it that most children's teachers at church are.....women? C'mon man, women teach em all week long. You're right, more men needed! Love ya bro.
Hey Reb (Becky), my eldest daughter is my teaching assistant. She took over the job when my wife went into nursery duty.
You bless me Stu, thanks! Ditto what I said to Birdie!
Thanks Sue! I enjoyed teaching Jamie, tho' I think she's graduated to 3-4 grade? (I hope she said good things about me, hehe.)
PT, me too!!
Marjay, I too like to read of the experiences of others, esp. the good ones!
Rag, how old are your students? That makes a big difference. I've also noticed that humor speaks to kids of all ages. |
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| October 21, 2008 |
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| That's cool Mike. |
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| October 21, 2008 |
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Just having alot of younger siblings I KNOW candy works....everytime! lol.
One thing the little kids in my house absolutely love..is dressing up according to whatever they are being taught..or example, if it was Moses..the boys would bring out bathrobes and sheets..with a big stick..and walk around pretending they had a big, long beard lol. |
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| October 21, 2008 |
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PeaNut, GREAT idea!! Dress up! That is indeed captivating and interesting!!
Thanks Debora!
Is it just me, or do kids these days have really short attention spans? Was this also the case 40-50 years ago?? Just wondering! |
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| October 21, 2008 |
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| Mike,
There are three classes We teach in rotation- rotation because of availability or non availability of teachers.
1. Aged 6-12
2. 13-15
3. 16-17 |
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| October 21, 2008 |
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Wow Rag, that 6-12 class is tough! The wide difference in ages makes it difficult to talk to all of them at once, doesn't it? Ages 13 and up are pretty mature, generally I think you can talk to them almost like adults. I would also think that curriculums work better with older kids. The kids in your younger groups need more spontaneity, a more participatory experience. (Our little ones LOVE to participate in class!) |
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| October 21, 2008 |
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| Go Mike! I live with a 2 yr. old & a 7 monther , so I admire the brave souls like yourself who teach our babies. Personally, I love teaching teenagers most of all. As a pastor, it is refreshing break on Weds. when I am able tp teach the youth. I had a feeling there was an undercover silly side of you(lol)! |
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| October 21, 2008 |
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| Sounds like you got your hands full, but keep up the good work |
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| October 21, 2008 |
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Mike,
Jamie is in 5th grade. Dude, you have really been left behind!! :) |
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| October 22, 2008 |
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awesome work Mike. Working with littles ones is so rewarding. Yes and to keep thier attention is uff! My mom was a first garde teacher untill she retired 9 years ago.My friend is a 1st grade teacher and sunday school teacher and I help her thunk of things now and then to do with them. Love shopping for stuff
I was asked to help out in the kindergarten class but due to my low immune system I turned it down, at the moment. I use to teach challanged preschoolers I LOVED IT!! BUT i was alwasy sick and thats when Dr told me enough is enough.
Ya never know what God has instore for me, so I am still hopeful one day i will be back in that classroom and sunday school is where I hope to be!
God Bless you !! & Your lovely family |
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| October 22, 2008 |
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OMG Sue, that can't be. It seems like just yesterday...... I think your kids are growing up faster than all the rest. lol
Donna, you are a blessing to many people, and I can totally see you lighting up the Sunday school classroom! May the Lord grant you health and a stronger immune system...I pray it! |
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| October 22, 2008 |
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Jamie is just so little, she looks like she is a 3rd grader. I just wish I could say she got that from me! |
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