I belong
What routines and rhythms in your room create a sense of belonging? Do you need to make changes in additions to these routines?
Make your classroom feel like they are at home
- Addressing students by name when you see them
- Addressing students as friends. Example: "Friends if you can hear me clap once."
- Envelope addressed to kids before school began with a note.
- Celebrate birthdays with a birthday book
- Having a student greeter rather than the teacher greeting
- Pictures of our class doing things together.
I know and understand
Think about your Bible curriculum. What current lessons are focusing on morals over God's story and salvation? There is a danger in thinking about dos and don'ts.
- For example: When the Israelites worship and idol. They may walk away with "I shouldn't worship gods" Instead of How is God working with his people and fulfilling his promises
Creating a timeline to use and help kids understand. Rather than thinking each story is on its own with no connection to the redemption story.
- Watch God work to see how he fulfills his promises. For example: He saves Joesph to save the line of Jesus.
I have Hope
What stories of hope can you share from your personal life or from the life of someone your students know? It spreads confidence that God is still at work not just in the Bible working.
Example: There was a girl serving in another country. She would go on "treasure hunts." A treasure hunt was a search for God's work. She would pray around the city for people during the treasure hunt. A man came up to her and asked her if she was praying. She answered, "Yes." He asked for prayer immediately because he was sick. The girl responded, "Do you want to be healed?" His response was not to be healed, but for his children to come back to him. He had reached out when he found out he was sick, but they wouldn't respond. He wondered what she thought about that. She paused and said, "I serve a God who pursues me relentlessly. He would never give up. You are a father, don't stop pursuing your children." This man walked away that day filled with hope to go see and reach out to his kids once again.
I am Called and Equipped
Who are your students called and equipped to Be in God's story?
- God Worshiper
- Bible Reader
- Prayer Speaker
- Creation Enjoying
- Community Grower
- Justice Seeker
- Servant Worker
- Disciple Maker
- Earth Keeper
- Beauty Creator
- Order Discover
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