lessons if: 1) there were no outside resources used besides the Bible study lessons; 2) I provided no visual images'; 3) there were no stimulating or challenging questions to talk about other than those in the curriculum; and 4) I didn't summarize and give examples to try and explain the big picture about the lesson.
: |
| Portion of sculpture from Central Riverside Park, Wichita, KS. |
We're studying Isaiah-which if you know your Bible, covers 66 chapters. The church has provided us with the quarterly Bible lessons. We have four lessons for Isaiah this month. We began with Chapter 6; then skipped to 12, 29 and will end with 65 this Sunday. My challenge has been how do I cover the spaces between these chapters? My students need to know the big picture. How can the whole book and what happens somehow be tied together? I consulted my books: Matthew Henry's Commentary, 3 versions of the Bible, an art book on the Old Testament, and have found some info on the Web to use.
So, thinking about planning, organizing materials, and teaching: Are your students lost without knowing the goals or objectives of a lesson? Think about it: Even as adults, we need to know the ultimate reason for what we are going to learn, or study. I find that even good teachers fail to tell and show students the big picture. What is the big picture?
For me, it is providing exactly what is the purpose/reason; the goal/objective; the why-we-are-here-and- what-we-are-doing-it- for statement. The quarterly gives the purpose of our lesson and a key Bible verse, yet I use more. I have been using graphic organizers--which is a great visual that compares similarities/differences (Venn Diagram, Flow charts, pie charts, etc.) I then add an extra an section of how we can relate it to today. I use visuals that give short summaries and images that connect to the lesson or story. I use outlines, maps, anything that will help students see how it all connects. No one wants to read a lengthy document in small print or just sit there. Involving the students in inductive thinking, and doing something--writing, drawing, teamwork. There are many possibilities. I'm without technology, but may bring some in, just to aid in the lesson.
 |
| Copyright 2013 Lydia Gates All rights reserved |
So, what will my students see for the Isaiah lesson? A map of the kingdoms, an outline of the book of Isaiah with important events summarized in the chapters, and a page about who Isaiah was, and art prints of Isaiah, etc. This is in addition to the quarterly curriculum. Is this a lot of work? No, it's setting the ground work for the study. It's helping provide the big picture. The important big picture.
Do you think providing the big picture is not worth it? Try teaching your students and not tell them the big picture, they will fail, and you will be failing your students. Teaching means you have to not only tell them what you know, but you have to show them, too! Aren't we supposed to help them achieve? Think about it. And if it doesn't seem to work, then formative instruction begins (the adjusting to make it work by the teacher to ensure students get it--you have to change your methods.)
Wish we luck! I'm hoping to have a good lesson for them on Sunday.
No comments:
Post a Comment