I shared some similar comments as the ones below with my Sunday School Class last week after an inquiring question from one of my students.
What happened next after Jesus "died"? Well he appeared to many believers and others. Do you think he really rose from the dead? He was raised from the dead. Not only that, others were also. Take a look at Matthew Chapter 27 and 28 and Luke Chapter 23 and 24. There is much to the Easter story that we may leave out. Not only did Jesus rise from the dead, but others were resurrected as a direct result of his Crucifixion. The ones he met after his death sure believed it. I say they finally "got it". They finally understood Jesus' references to himself and Biblical prophecy (Old and New Testaments). They finally understood that his plan was somewhat different from what they thought would happen, at least on this visit to Earth. The disciples and others understood so well that the gospel is still spreading this very day. They got it so well that many have withstood an Earthly death for Jesus (God).
Hallelujah Christ Arose!
Greg
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Ideas to Engage Children in Bible Study
I am a Sunday School Teacher. In our class we teach 4th Grade children. We have 2 other teachers. One of the others is my wife, and the other is an male Engineering professor. I work in computer field as a Systems Analyst, and my wife works in Education as a Teachers Assistant.
This month I am not teaching, so I am the assistant. I get to observe and learn technigues by watching. The interesting things I watch for are what gets the children to listen. A few weeks ago, while I was teaching, things were getting difficult as far as the classroom focus. I began drawing the lesson on a white board we have in the class. The point is, this helps some kids understand the lesson better. We were studying how the Israelites knocked down the walls of a city, so I drew the method that was in the Bible story on the board. The students began to understand better. I began to get questions about how they did it, so we took the class outside and played out the scene ourselves.
Why does this work. It is not just a lecture. We added some key things that got the children engaged. The class heard the words. They saw how the words worked in action, and then we did it by taking action. Now if you think about it that is how we learn many things. We may read a book to learn about something. We then may draw up a plan to do it ourselves. Finally we take action by do something like the plan. This is a good example of how God teaches us. He gives us the knowledge. He tells us how to do it, and then he asks us to take action.
I encourage you to think about methods like this to teach your children the Bible. Don't just tell them, but give them the full picture and actions that go along with accomplishing the plan or lesson. I think you will find you will get more interest and more results.
In God's Love,
Greg
copyright 2009 Gregory Johnson
This month I am not teaching, so I am the assistant. I get to observe and learn technigues by watching. The interesting things I watch for are what gets the children to listen. A few weeks ago, while I was teaching, things were getting difficult as far as the classroom focus. I began drawing the lesson on a white board we have in the class. The point is, this helps some kids understand the lesson better. We were studying how the Israelites knocked down the walls of a city, so I drew the method that was in the Bible story on the board. The students began to understand better. I began to get questions about how they did it, so we took the class outside and played out the scene ourselves.
Why does this work. It is not just a lecture. We added some key things that got the children engaged. The class heard the words. They saw how the words worked in action, and then we did it by taking action. Now if you think about it that is how we learn many things. We may read a book to learn about something. We then may draw up a plan to do it ourselves. Finally we take action by do something like the plan. This is a good example of how God teaches us. He gives us the knowledge. He tells us how to do it, and then he asks us to take action.
I encourage you to think about methods like this to teach your children the Bible. Don't just tell them, but give them the full picture and actions that go along with accomplishing the plan or lesson. I think you will find you will get more interest and more results.
In God's Love,
Greg
copyright 2009 Gregory Johnson
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Kids Know Best?
Did you know kids know best? Let me tell you about what I learned from my Sunday School class kids today.
The kids were full of anticipation as I ask the first question. We were having a review of November Sunday School lessons, so I was asking questions about each lesson. As the kids answered a question correctly, I awarded them with a prize from my prize bag. I warned them that the first question was a hard one. After I read the question, one of my most troublesome students raised his hand with enthusiasm. He proudly answered correctly and I was very suprised by this. Again this was a hard question that only him and another child attempted to answer (the other child is most likely a genius). Not only did he answer this question, but he answered many more. He also gave away his prizes to some of his friends. Wow, he is getting it I thought. Although just a few minutes earlier he was shooting people with a stapler while I was not watching.
Lesson 1: Some teaching methods work for some children, while some only work for other students. This is why I feel that it is important to present your lesson with using as many methods as possible. While I thought I could not possibly be getting through to the child that answered above, it appears that he was learning.
As we went on, I continued to award the prizes. The prizes were given out as I found them in my bag, and I gave out 5 types of prizes. The prize types were lolipops, rubber bracelets with Christian messages, spiral hand-size notebooks with Christian messages on the cover, pencils with Christian messages, and ink stamps with Christian pictures and messages.
The children were happy with the lolipops and bracelets as I awarded these first. Once they saw the notebooks, pencils, and stamps though they began begging for these prizes. They even wanted to trade the lolipops and bracelets for them.
At the end of our quiz time the kids began to pass around the notepads. Everyone won because some of the answers that were given would win a prize for the whole class. By the end of the quiz everyone had a notepad and a stamp. They passed around the notebooks and each kid stamped all of the notepads with their stamp. They came up with this process, so what did I learn.
Lesson 2: If you watch the children they will show you ideas that you can use to teach them. Honestly I did not think the prizes we had would go over very well with our 21st century kids (our Sunday School Director had purchased them for us at my request, but I did not specify what to buy).
I have learned kids do know best about how they can learn. If we use a few different methods to teach during a teaching session we can probably reach more children with our teaching. Also, if we let the children have some time and freedom in class we can watch for methods to teach them more effectively. You know kids will still play with a stick in the yard, or dress up in old clothes and play. We do not have to have the latest and greatest teaching tool if we listen to God and use wisdom.
God's Love and Blessings,
Greg
The kids were full of anticipation as I ask the first question. We were having a review of November Sunday School lessons, so I was asking questions about each lesson. As the kids answered a question correctly, I awarded them with a prize from my prize bag. I warned them that the first question was a hard one. After I read the question, one of my most troublesome students raised his hand with enthusiasm. He proudly answered correctly and I was very suprised by this. Again this was a hard question that only him and another child attempted to answer (the other child is most likely a genius). Not only did he answer this question, but he answered many more. He also gave away his prizes to some of his friends. Wow, he is getting it I thought. Although just a few minutes earlier he was shooting people with a stapler while I was not watching.
Lesson 1: Some teaching methods work for some children, while some only work for other students. This is why I feel that it is important to present your lesson with using as many methods as possible. While I thought I could not possibly be getting through to the child that answered above, it appears that he was learning.
As we went on, I continued to award the prizes. The prizes were given out as I found them in my bag, and I gave out 5 types of prizes. The prize types were lolipops, rubber bracelets with Christian messages, spiral hand-size notebooks with Christian messages on the cover, pencils with Christian messages, and ink stamps with Christian pictures and messages.
The children were happy with the lolipops and bracelets as I awarded these first. Once they saw the notebooks, pencils, and stamps though they began begging for these prizes. They even wanted to trade the lolipops and bracelets for them.
At the end of our quiz time the kids began to pass around the notepads. Everyone won because some of the answers that were given would win a prize for the whole class. By the end of the quiz everyone had a notepad and a stamp. They passed around the notebooks and each kid stamped all of the notepads with their stamp. They came up with this process, so what did I learn.
Lesson 2: If you watch the children they will show you ideas that you can use to teach them. Honestly I did not think the prizes we had would go over very well with our 21st century kids (our Sunday School Director had purchased them for us at my request, but I did not specify what to buy).
I have learned kids do know best about how they can learn. If we use a few different methods to teach during a teaching session we can probably reach more children with our teaching. Also, if we let the children have some time and freedom in class we can watch for methods to teach them more effectively. You know kids will still play with a stick in the yard, or dress up in old clothes and play. We do not have to have the latest and greatest teaching tool if we listen to God and use wisdom.
God's Love and Blessings,
Greg
Monday, January 14, 2008
Yesterday in Sunday School
I was late. My wife went on time to Sunday School, and I came in 30 minutes late. Our other teacher was already there on time also. I was late, because I had stayed up late on Saturday. I did give my wife an activity that the kids could do while they waited for me, draw or write about courage, while they waited in our hour-long class.
I came in and it was a zoo. Neither my wife or my other teacher excel at providing "tough love" discipline. I quickly told them that I would not allow the bad behavior, and if they continued I was going to take them to there parents.
After we had them mostly settled we began our study on the courage of Ester. We also played the game, Who, What, Where, which is a true God send. I have included it in the latest version of 33 Ways to Engage Children in Bible Study, because I was so happy with it. This game was sent by God to me during the time the kids were at there most uncontrollable stage.
I have also included in the latest 33 Ways a future invitation to the ULTIMATE INFORMATION SHARING CONFERNENCE CALL. This will be later in 2008, and will include me and other 33 Ways owners. I hope we get some of our international owners on the call, because I would love to know how 33 Ways works in other countries. I will be posting more information in the blog, and in the monthly newsletter.
Praying God's Blessings for us all,
Gregory Johnson
I came in and it was a zoo. Neither my wife or my other teacher excel at providing "tough love" discipline. I quickly told them that I would not allow the bad behavior, and if they continued I was going to take them to there parents.
After we had them mostly settled we began our study on the courage of Ester. We also played the game, Who, What, Where, which is a true God send. I have included it in the latest version of 33 Ways to Engage Children in Bible Study, because I was so happy with it. This game was sent by God to me during the time the kids were at there most uncontrollable stage.
I have also included in the latest 33 Ways a future invitation to the ULTIMATE INFORMATION SHARING CONFERNENCE CALL. This will be later in 2008, and will include me and other 33 Ways owners. I hope we get some of our international owners on the call, because I would love to know how 33 Ways works in other countries. I will be posting more information in the blog, and in the monthly newsletter.
Praying God's Blessings for us all,
Gregory Johnson
Saturday, November 3, 2007
8 Year Old King Changes Everything
King Josiah was made King in Jerusalem when he was 8 years old, and he changed the course of the nation.
Read 2 Chronicles 34 for more information.
Greg here. I am so glad you stopped by. Tomorrow in Sunday School we are going to talk about this passage in 2 Chronicles. It is a great story about how God can change a country. We will be studying this passage from the perspective that God's Word is Forever (using the Lifeway Children's Bible Study material). Don't you think it would be great if the children would learn that they can have an impact like King Josiah. Do you know we can have the same impact for God today?
My wife and I, along with another teacher, teach 4th Grade Sunday School. As mentioned earlier we use the Lifeway material as a guide to teach from, but I like to use it as an outline. Tommorow, as I do most days, I am adding and/or changing many things to Engage (see our guide, 33 Ways to Engage Children in Bible Study) our students.
Here is my brief outline for tommorow's Bible Study: (as you can see if you use 33 Ways, it employs a few of the ways I discuss)
Read 2 Chronicles 34 for more information.
Greg here. I am so glad you stopped by. Tomorrow in Sunday School we are going to talk about this passage in 2 Chronicles. It is a great story about how God can change a country. We will be studying this passage from the perspective that God's Word is Forever (using the Lifeway Children's Bible Study material). Don't you think it would be great if the children would learn that they can have an impact like King Josiah. Do you know we can have the same impact for God today?
My wife and I, along with another teacher, teach 4th Grade Sunday School. As mentioned earlier we use the Lifeway material as a guide to teach from, but I like to use it as an outline. Tommorow, as I do most days, I am adding and/or changing many things to Engage (see our guide, 33 Ways to Engage Children in Bible Study) our students.
Here is my brief outline for tommorow's Bible Study: (as you can see if you use 33 Ways, it employs a few of the ways I discuss)
- Welcome children and have geniune conversation about the events of the week (33 Ways - Way 6)
- Kids Read 2 Chronicles 34 and list people, places, things, and events in the passage
- Pray
- Act out the passage as if we are the characters in the story, our stage will act as the temple (33 Ways - Way 18). We will read Deuteronomy 28:15 from the book of the Law (because my research tells me Deuteronomy could have been the text that was found in the temple)
- Tell the story and review key points (Points: God's word is forever, It is still true today, It still works today, God can do great things with obediance)
- Memory Verse: Isaiah 40:8
- Sing
- Mission's Story
- Craft Activity: Make a Cartoon or News Story about King Josiah and 2 Chronicles 34
We are going to have a great time in the Lord tommorow. Just think of how many other children and adults will be studying and praising God tommorow. I pray that you all will be blessed and successful in your worship!
Reminders:
- We will discussing children's ministry on The Christian Water Cooler talk show on November 17th
- Watch for updates on other media appearances
- Watch for updates on the store release of 33 Ways
- Get your copy of 33 Ways to Engage Children in Bible Study: A fun and effective guide that will help you Engage children in learning God's word
God is Power and Life and He Gave it to You,
Gregory Johnson
11.3.2007 9:13 A.M. CDT
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Listen to the Author of 33 Ways on Online Radio
I will appear on the WS Radio Show the Christian Water Cooler on November 17, 2007. I will be discussing children's Bible study with the host. I plan to be on the last segment. The show airs at the link below from 11:00 AM until Noon Pacific Time. Please join me, and watch the website for a Special Radio Listner offer.
Link to the Christian Water Cooler: http://www.wsradio.com/internet-talk-radio.cfm/shows/Christian-Water-Cooler.html
God's Blessings to You and Yours,
Gregory Johnson
Link to the Christian Water Cooler: http://www.wsradio.com/internet-talk-radio.cfm/shows/Christian-Water-Cooler.html
God's Blessings to You and Yours,
Gregory Johnson
Friday, October 19, 2007
New 33 Ways Available Now
Teaching Resources for fun Children's Bible Study
www.33waysonline.com
THEY ARE NOT FOCUSED! THEY DO NOT GET IT! I have thought the same thing while teaching children's Bible study, teaching Sunday school, and working in children's ministry. You can change that! I will show you how with my expert and experienced help. You can quickly and easily learn with my teaching children resources and tools. I give you a quick read e-book that tells you how to teach children and be successful. You will love this e-book. You will want to share it with your friends and co-workers in Christ. This is a great teaching resource for school teachers. Get it today at www.33waysonline.com. I also offer you 3 free bonuses with your purchase that makes this a great deal. You can also sign up for our free teaching children's bible study newsletter. So get your copy now, and tell your friends. We are a brand you can trust for your teaching needs.
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www.33waysonline.com
THEY ARE NOT FOCUSED! THEY DO NOT GET IT! I have thought the same thing while teaching children's Bible study, teaching Sunday school, and working in children's ministry. You can change that! I will show you how with my expert and experienced help. You can quickly and easily learn with my teaching children resources and tools. I give you a quick read e-book that tells you how to teach children and be successful. You will love this e-book. You will want to share it with your friends and co-workers in Christ. This is a great teaching resource for school teachers. Get it today at www.33waysonline.com. I also offer you 3 free bonuses with your purchase that makes this a great deal. You can also sign up for our free teaching children's bible study newsletter. So get your copy now, and tell your friends. We are a brand you can trust for your teaching needs.
*** Go to www.33waysonline.com ****
*** Delivered to You in 5 Minutes or less ***
100% Gauranteed or Your Money Back and Keep the Free Items.
That is easy and fun!
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