Tips for Teachers

PREPARATION

          These are recommendations that I have found helpful. Start your preparations early. At the beginning of the quarter, look over the whole quarterly to get a general feel for how the lessons fit together and where they are going.

          Begin your preparations early in the week. Do not wait to the last minute. After prayer read the lesson clear through for content. Then study the Teacher's Guide. Next go through the lesson again thinking about the presentation. Prayerfully think about the content and the young people who are members of the class. Try to anticipate questions, but do not try to answer them before they are asked. Consult your superintendent or pastor if you have any questions.

OPENING

        Before starting the lesson the teacher sets the tone for the class. You need to welcome visitors and new members to the class. If any class members have been absent for a while, you need to let them know how glad you are to have them back. A short rewelcoming ritual or ceremony for this might be a good idea. Reinforce the class as a group that has an identity [you could suggest that the class choose a name, as choirs do], and cares about the well-being of its members. Ask about absent members to find out if they are sick.

         A time of sharing might be a good idea - that is, inviting members to share any concerns, such as sick friends and relatives, tests coming up, disturbing events in the news, etc., and closing with prayer. This might be a little awkward at first, but can be very meaningful. Young people need a group to identify with, which is the main reason gangs have appeal for them.

THE LESSON

         It is my firm belief that scripture should not be read, unless it is understood. We are sending the wrong message when we allow people to read through a passage without making sure they understand what they have read. We are saying that scripture is not important enough to be understood. ,

         The reading of the scripture is the single most important part of the lesson plan, and you the teacher have the responsibility for helping your students understand what God is saying through the scripture. 

 

KEYS TO THE KINGDOM

         A key is something that opens a lock. It opens the door so you get into your house. It makes it possible for you to start your car. Keys are different for different purposes, but if you have the right one you have control over the situation. Each lesson has three keys. The Key Verse provides a basic theme for the lesson. Often a second important theme is highlighted in the "message" at the end of the lesson as another verse. The Key Words provides definitions, explanations, and background that are keys to understand the scripture. The Key Idea is a basic concept taken from the lesson, which your students need to apply to their lives. All of these keys are important to opening up the lesson and making it go.

 

BIBLE STORY

In the Bible Story we try to restate and amplify the meaning of the scripture.  The only comment that I would like to add is that I see the Christian faith as a way of life, and not a set of rules. Christianity is the way we relate to others, are not some abstract set of values.  Therefore the questions raised are, "How does God relate to His People?" and "How do we relate to God and others through faith?" 

LIFE STORY            

This section deals with life application, although in many cases I find it not possible to strictly separate Biblical understanding from living our faith. While I have tried to make clear the implications of the Biblical story, I have not written very much on specific applications. I believe that you as teacher in discussion and conversation are in the best position to do this. Our goals are to teach our students how to make their own decisions in the light of their Christian faith, and to show them the consequences of these choices.

Of course for those who have not yet given their lives to Christ encourage them to do so.

 

YOUR STORY

            This is intended to bring the lesson down to the personal level.  It usually includes questions for thought.  Sometimes it suggests specific activities to be carried out.  I suggest that you help the class divide into pairs, Partners, to discuss the questions raised in this section. 

 

PARTNERS

I suggest that you help the class divide into pairs, Partners, to discuss the questions raised in this lesson.  This maximizes the participation of everyone in the class.  Have the pairs report back their thoughts.  Partners should covenant to pray for each other during the week.       

 

 

KEY IDEA

           This is an opportunity to review the important concept presented in the lesson.

 

DISCUSSION

            This is your opportunity to discuss in some depth the life application of the lesson with your class. I have not provided detailed suggestions for discussion in the lesson, because I would like to keep the discussion open for you and your students.

 

MUSIC I

            I have provided the names of two hymns or spirituals that relate to the lesson. Music is a powerful part of the AME tradition, and I want to show how our music relates to these Biblical concepts. Also I would like to encourage people to make our music an intimate part of their lives, as pop music is, and to understand the significance of the words they sing. The source of this music is the AMEC Hymnal.

            You might choose theme songs, one for the advent section and another for the rest of the quarter.  The theme songs might be taken from the music suggested in the lessons or elsewhere. 

 

QUICK QUIZ

            A short review usually based on factual content, but sometimes asking for an opinion. Sometimes a pretest is a useful tool, as well as a posttest.

 

TEACHING TOOLS

            Additional suggestions and helps for teaching.

           

SUMMARY

            Another Key message.

 

“BUSINESS TIME"

           Time for taking the offering, planning for the future, preparing for next week, etc.

 

CLOSING

            Song and Prayer