We live in a “microwavable world.” Most everyone wants everything instantly — and free — if possible. Enter kids leaders in the local church. Do we think differently in the world of Christian education? Unfortunately, the answer would be “no” in many cases.
Many are heard to request, “I want a curriculum that requires no preparation!” Really? I personally don’t think that is best. Understanding that kids learn best through discovery and participation, a wise teacher concludes very quickly that because of the way God has wired kids to learn, kids need prepared teachers who prepare activities that involve discovery. Leaders are needed who involve kids in the learning process and do not simply buy into the “You sit still while I instill” method of learning.
Do we want teachers of adults in our churches who do not prepare? Absolutely not! Do we want student ministry teachers who do not prepare? Certainly not. Then why do kids deserve any less? Kids are not just to be tolerated. They have a dramatic need to be loved, led and taught through relationships with teachers. They need teachers who are willing to go the extra mile to make sure that kids are in an exciting environment that shares with them the gospel and involves them in the discovery process of uncovering truths in God’s Word.
In fact, the best teachers are those who not only prepare for the allotted time of teaching and learning, but always have a “little more” in their hip pocket or in the classroom cabinet just in case Plan A does not go exactly as thought.
Trust me, if you as teachers of kids do not have a plan … the kids do! Immediately upon finding out that you do not have a plan … the kids’ plan goes into effect. Many, if not most, of behavior challenges are directly related to unprepared teachers. Kids in an environment with plenty of things to explore and learn seldom cause discipline problems.
In a nutshell, here’s an effective recipe for teacher success:
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Prepare
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Involve kids
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Watch God work in their lives!
Great article. I have learned to keep games in my back pocket too. I’ve saved them from previous year’s VBS and teaching and some I purchased in the store. I have also learned to not be so rigid that I stick to my lesson plan, understanding sometimes kids have so many activities piled on them at home that it’s OK if we just play a game as long as it has a Christ-centered or bible-centered focus.
The suggestion on another Lifeway blog for the Don’t Break The New Testament Ice (using a Don’t Break the Ice game) has been a HUGE hit!!!!!! Most of the kids in my class had never played the game before (I guess because it’s not electronic).
A recent game in Bible Studies for Life Kids was a home made card game based on the card games “slap” or “speed”. It used the Books of the Law. I heard several “that was fun” comments so I’ve saved those cards.
We have a Ten Commandment game based on the game chutes and ladders and an Armor of God game that are both favorites.
One that I have almost worn out is Bible Authors based on Go Fish. I have searched high and low to buy replacement cards but can’t find any. I bought them at Mardel originally but they don’t have them anymore. Lifeway – this might be something you can find/create for us.