Fall Into 7 Good Teaching Habits

Fall has officially arrived! Whether or not your area has begun to see fall color in the trees, there are things we know to expect this time of year:

• the start of a new school year
• the start of a new church Bible study year

Let’s think about the new church Bible study year… Teachers usually get a new set of class members and also have the opportunity to learn and “do better” than last year! With this scenario in mind, let me suggest 7 simple habits to develop that could result in one of your best years ever in teaching kids:

1. Place a high value on developing relationships with kids and pray for them and their parents by name.
2. Purpose to plan diligently each week including daily time in the Word and letting God teach you something through the passage(s) of Scripture to be taught.
3. Prepare the learning environment in your church classroom and make it fun and inviting.
4. Remember that each child is unique and one approach to teaching with all kids is never adequate. Provide a variety of learning experiences since different children enjoy different types of Bible-learning activities.
5. Never forget that dealing with unacceptable behavior with kids is just a part of teaching. Be consistent, fair and flexible.
6. Since most professions of faith are made prior to the age of 14, make sure that all of your teaching “always comes back to Jesus.” He is the reason we teach kids!
7. Relax and have fun. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Learn to laugh at yourself.

If this list of habits overwhelms you, simply choose one or two to really address and promise yourself that you will give special attention to doing better in these areas.