PreK-3rd Grade Sunday School (South Basement) Teacher’s Roles
For Each Session—2 Bible Story Teachers & 2 Hands-on Discipleship Teachers
Bible Story Teachers:
Teach the main theme of the Bible story and the application for the children’s lives. For teaching tools, North church has flannel graphs, Bible picture books, and many other resources to take advantage of. Mary Mohlke’s resource center is particularly a great place to check out.
For example: Session 1’s main theme is love. The first class is on John 11, the raising of Lazarus. There are many things going on in that passage, but concentrate on Jesus’ love. Jesus actually weeps, partly out of his love for Lazarus, and partly because the rest of the crowd (whom Jesus also loves) doesn’t trust him.
Jesus’ tears are for others; it’s not all about himself. The children could ask themselves. What or who do they love? If they cry over not getting a toy, then what’s their love for? That’s just an example for application, and there are many more possibilities.
For each week of that session a teacher will explore the theme of love, and show the children how love is developed in the Bible story for the day.
Hands-On Discipleship:
Come up with fun activities (crafts, music, painting, dramas, etc) that will enable the children to learn the lesson actively and creatively. Much of the time teachers in this role prefer a craft exercise, which is awesome, but we want to leave the option open for other things as well.
For example: Session 1’s main theme is love. The first class is on John 11, the raising of Lazarus and Jesus weeping for him. A craft could work, such as something involving tears but those who enjoy music could do a music exercise, like have the kids sing a song about tears and sadness. Or perhaps those passionate for missions could devise a time exploring tears and providing water for those who need it. These are just suggestions: there are many ways to teach our children from your own abilities and passions!
4th-8th Grade Sunday School (North Basement) Teacher’s Roles
For Each Session—2 4th-6th Grade Small Group Leaders & 2 7th-8th Grade Small Group Leaders
Peter Martin will teach the Bible story for 10-15 minutes, then the children will break into two smaller groups divided by grade—4th-6th grade and 7th & 8th grade. Note the small groups may sometimes have to be divided differently, e.g. 4th & 5th graders and 6th-8th graders.
Every week Peter emails the teacher the scripture text, the lesson outline, and suggested discussion questions. The teacher will walk the kids through the discussion and is encouraged to add any extra activities, anecdotes, or thoughts of their own. After small group wraps (should also be 10-15 minutes), the teachers will socialize with the kids while they hang out, play 4-square, shoot pool, etc.
