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2 min: Intro & Prayer - Welcome, goals: Tips for teaching the Bible lesson; Safari Map to take notes - Pray now in preparation (prayer calendar/walk) - Pray at the start of each day - We can do our part, but it is up to the Holy Spirit to change lives 8 mins: Adventure Prep - Plan activities. Pray for wisdom & the Spirit’s help. Study the passages & know the activites well; have everything ready; mix up positions/activities often; have a back-up plan - Plan space. Set up space to focus on the teacher; not just cute; aimed for instruction - Plan the schedule. If you have multiple times in the room, teach the Bible lesson earlier in the day. Make sure needs are met (snacks/ bathroom); a child with unmet needs is unable to focus on Bible truths. 6 mins: Thrival Guide - #1 Teaching is Critical. - The Bible is God’s Word and is completely true. The events really happened. Teach this every time you teach. - Hold your Bible; Read from the Bible (or cut out parts of the lesson & stick it in your Bible) - This is the focus. Take your time. Discuss it and answer questions. - Include ways for them to interact during the lesson. Takes extra effort but increases engagement, recall, and comprehension. (act it out, respond when you hear key words, flannel board, thumbs up/down if your understand/don’t understand) - Start with the objective/whole and then teach the parts. - Avoid metaphors, similes, and “church” vocabulary (explain what words you need to use) - Challenge kids who know the passage to learn something new. - #2 Get Personal. - Everyone learn everyone’s names asap. - Welcome them at the door. - As much as possible get to know them personally and let them know you really care about them individually. - Develop environment by providing ways for them to own the room (names, art work). - #3 Manage the Situation. - Set expectations. Be sure to explain how you expect kids to sit/walk/listen, etc. Remind them each time. For example, “Remember, when we do our lesson, your bottom is on the floor, legs are crossed, hands are in your lap, lips are together.” - Have an attention-getting strategy (animal sound and echo, wind chimes) - Repeat the super-successful; If you see something that is really successful, do it again 3 mins: Adventure Take-Home - T - Take home things with value (Lifeway kits, valuable take-home; not trash) - A - Apply - How can they apply what they learned at home? (challenge & share tomorrow) - C - Connect - Think, Pair, Share & other ways to make connections Remaining Time: Conclusion - Questions and comments Training Day Lesson Plan: Teaching the Bible to Elementary Kids by Dr. Jennifer Cheatham Time Frame: 20 mins
