This year I am going through the book of Matthew with my Bible and Art Club students. You may remember that I started the club up last March at the school I used to teach at before Eliana came. I really, really, REALLY missed teaching, and this provided for that outlet. I'd teach art, my favorite subject as a child. Plus, I'd be able to share with them what I wasn't able to openly do for the five years I taught.
I initially thought we'd cover a chapter a week, but I realized a chapter was too much. So, I choose part of a chapter, print it, have the kids take turns reading parts of it, and we discuss it as we go along. This past week we read Matthew 11:25-30.
Jesus Gives True Rest
25 At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. 26 Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. 27 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
The week before I'd tried to cover about 31 verses, and since I didn't feel we got to deeply understand what we were talking about I went for fewer verses with deeper understanding. I also realized that I was 99.9% sure the kids would have no reference to oxen and yoke. So, I brought in an object to help get the point across. Now, when you think of an old school teacher, what object comes to mind? Yard stick anyone? Well, since I'm not in the classroom currently, I borrowed one from a good friend. We read verse 28 and 29 and then I asked if anyone knew what a yoke was. "It's part of an egg" said one student. Yes, she was right, and then I explained that it was a multiple meaning word. I asked if they'd ever since a picture of two cows or oxen or even horses stuck together and pulling a wagon or farm equipment. A few nodded their heads. I then asked for two volunteers. I had the two girls stand facing the same direction with the yard stick spanning the distance between their shoulders. I then asked them to try and walk together. The yard stick fell immediately. I asked the kids what they thought was the problem, and they explained that one girl was much taller than the other. I gave them a few more tries, and they were able to get a few feet before the yardstick fell. I asked what the difference was. They told me that the girls were looking at each other and talking to each other so that they would step with the same foot at the same time. I had two boys come up who were close in height, but after several tries they didn't make it a step. Then I had two girls of similar height come, and I had them wrap their arms around the yard stick as they walked. I explained that this like the relationship between us and Jesus. The more we pray and talk to Him, the easier it is to walk with Him. Although the initial reaction to the kids (particularly the two boy volunteers) was that it wasn't fair that these girls got to use their arms, the point was clearly made. I then had the kids write in their journals at least one way that they can make their communication with God better.
It has been four days since our last meeting, and I got around to responding to the kids journals. Part way through, I got quite teary eyed as I read, "You can ask God to come into your heart." You have to understand, most of these kids don't go to church on a regular basis. I'm not sure that all of them have ever been to church. Some times I walk away from our meeting wondering if they kids learned anything about Jesus. Two Wednesdays ago, I left so discouraged that Kyle asked me over and over again if I was okay that night. There are many weeks that I question if I am even getting through to these kids. Reading this journal today reminds me, that I am just the messenger, and the Holy Spirit is the one who draws people to Himself. It is God who does the work with in these students, and I am privledged to be vessel of it.
Showing posts with label Bible and Art Club. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bible and Art Club. Show all posts
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Abraham put Jesus in Mary's stomace
Yep, that is what I read today. I had my sixteen Bible and Art Club students write down one thing they learned yesterday. I chuckled when I read this sentence. The good thing about the journals is that I read and respond. I was able to clarify that Abraham was an ancestor of Jesus's, and the Holy Spirit put Jesus in Mary's tummy. Apparently, my student was working closely with another student, because later I read, "Today I learned that Abraham put Jesus in Mary's stomach."
I realized during the lesson that talking about the genealogy of Jesus is hard with students who have never heard of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, or Solomon. It would be one thing if they already knew those key men and I could enlighten them about Josiah or other not as well known kings. I was able to capture their attention when I explained that God uses imperfect people like Abraham and Isaac. Both men lied to a king and said their wives were their sisters. The king thought these women were so pretty that he had them come live at his palace. You should have seen their faces as they imagined this happening.
I'm looking forward to next week when we talk about the birth of Jesus in Matthew 1. It will be easier to have discussion about what we read, because they won't need to have prior knowledge.
I realized during the lesson that talking about the genealogy of Jesus is hard with students who have never heard of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, or Solomon. It would be one thing if they already knew those key men and I could enlighten them about Josiah or other not as well known kings. I was able to capture their attention when I explained that God uses imperfect people like Abraham and Isaac. Both men lied to a king and said their wives were their sisters. The king thought these women were so pretty that he had them come live at his palace. You should have seen their faces as they imagined this happening.
I'm looking forward to next week when we talk about the birth of Jesus in Matthew 1. It will be easier to have discussion about what we read, because they won't need to have prior knowledge.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Missing Teaching, but Blessed to be Home
As many are gearing up for going back to school, I've been asked if I miss teaching. Without hesitating I honestly answer that I do miss teaching. Knowing that my former coworkers went back to school this week was a little hard on me at times. Although I love teaching, I don't miss the grading or the time it took me to lesson plan. It isn't that I didn't enjoy lesson planning; it is that I didn't like that it took up almost all of every Saturday during the school year. I'll be starting up the Bible and Art Club again in September, and that will fill the need to teach. I'll get to be around students for an hour teaching my two favorite things in the world. Plus, I'll only have students who want to be there. There is a definite advantage to having students who want to be there!
On the flip side, people ask if I love every moment I am a stay at home mom. My common response it that I enjoy most days. I am so gratefully that Kyle and I made choices when we were first married so that I can stay home. True, we don't have new cars, fancy things, or a big house, but I get to be with Eliana. I have the pleasure and responsibility of raising her. We play, wrestle, read, walk, and eat together. Her favorite chore has always been the laundry. When she first joined our family, she loved to see of the bright colors moving as I folded clothing in front of her. These days she is delighted to take her daddy's socks out of the basket. I'm working on teaching her to help me put clothes away. As I carry a stack of clothes, I give her an item to carry as she follows me down the hall. She normally makes it half way down the hall with the item before it gets dropped. So, I'd say we're making progress from just helping to take clothes out of the basket.
Not all days are bliss. I do have seasons of loneliness that our little one just doesn't fill the same as a classroom of kids. Thankfully, those seasons of loneliness aren't as frequent or severe as they were in Eliana's first year. Teaching once a week, being part of Bible Study Fellowship, having a daily quiet time with Jesus, starting a play group, and getting out of the house more often have helped me tremendously. Oh, and I try new things like the recipes recently posted about. I even decided to try my hand at a little gardening. You've got be to pretty creative when you live in an apartment to garden. I planted cilantro and some peppers recently. Yes, I know it is a bit late to do so, but I'm okay with that. I was SOOOOO excited to see some sprouts yesterday!!!
I know this photo and the one below don't have anything to do with this post, but I love sun sets and geese! Kyle capture the sunset as we walked a neighborhood near a delicious frozen yogurt shop.
As Elizabeth and I walked during our play date, we saw these beautiful geese. I used to hear them often in our former one story apartment. Now that we are in a downstairs apartment, it is a special treat to hear and see them.
On the flip side, people ask if I love every moment I am a stay at home mom. My common response it that I enjoy most days. I am so gratefully that Kyle and I made choices when we were first married so that I can stay home. True, we don't have new cars, fancy things, or a big house, but I get to be with Eliana. I have the pleasure and responsibility of raising her. We play, wrestle, read, walk, and eat together. Her favorite chore has always been the laundry. When she first joined our family, she loved to see of the bright colors moving as I folded clothing in front of her. These days she is delighted to take her daddy's socks out of the basket. I'm working on teaching her to help me put clothes away. As I carry a stack of clothes, I give her an item to carry as she follows me down the hall. She normally makes it half way down the hall with the item before it gets dropped. So, I'd say we're making progress from just helping to take clothes out of the basket.
I know this photo and the one below don't have anything to do with this post, but I love sun sets and geese! Kyle capture the sunset as we walked a neighborhood near a delicious frozen yogurt shop.
As Elizabeth and I walked during our play date, we saw these beautiful geese. I used to hear them often in our former one story apartment. Now that we are in a downstairs apartment, it is a special treat to hear and see them.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Bibles for the Bible and Art Club
I remember during an April lesson asking my students how many of them had Bibles. Most of my students didn't. I thought, "How are my students supposed to learn more about God's Word if they don't even have access to a Bible?" As the lessons progressed, I wanted to give each of my students a Bible for our last meeting. About a week before our last meeting I went to a local Bible store and found that although I could purchase some Bibles for $4, there were NKJV Explorer's Bibles that was more accessible to my students for $13.99. There are inserts on various topics and boxes that helped to explain what verses meant. The salesman explained that they had seven in stock, but that he believed he could get the other eight from another store they have a few hours away. I told him I'd think about it and get back to him. I went home and checked online and for that Bible it was the best price I could find. I sent out an email to friends and family updating them on the progress of the club and the tremendous blessing it has been for me to teach my two favorite subjects. I asked them to pray about if the Lord would have them help purchase a Bible for each of my fifteen students. Within twenty four hours, nine of the Bibles had sponsors. I was blown away as I marveled at God's faithfulness.
The next day I called to request the Bibles. The salesman took my contact information and said that he was only able to locate one other copy of the Bible I was looking for at his other store. So, I headed over there to see what else I could find. He did have NIV Bibles, but the pictures looked more accessible for younger students. I had a friend come with me, and we talked about the pros and cons of various Bibles. There were a few leather bound versions of the NKJVs I was looking at. I had the salesman see if he had enough of the leather bound at his other location to make 15 Bibles. He had exactly enough with the combination. So, even though the seven leather bound copies would make the price a bit higher, I went ahead and purchased them.
Over the next few days several people emailed and said they'd be willing to help out. Friends of ours were telling others about the Bible and Art Club, and two people who don't even know me or my students wanted to help buy Bibles. A relative let me know that he'd be willing to cover whatever wasn't purchased, even if it meant buying all fifteen. On the day I was passing them out, six more people said they'd help out. With all of the extra support, the cost of the Bibles was completely taken care of. There was actually more than enough, so I let a friend of mine know who was planning on purchasing eight Bibles, one for each child in their home, that she only needed to pitch in to cover 2 and 1/2 of the Bibles.
I wish all of the sponsors could have seen my students faces as I explained that the Bibles I was passing out were for them to keep. I wish the sponsors could have heard the chatter of excitement as they showed one another things they were finding in their Bibles. One of the neat things about the Bibles was that I got a little message from the sponsors to write in the Bibles they helped purchase. I explained how the table of contents works so that they can find books like Obadiah and Ezra. We explored the concordance/glossary so that they could find Abed-Nego from our first Bible lesson. I showed them the inserts and told them that they were there to help them understand the Bible, but they weren't part of all Bibles. I compared it to mine, so they could see how my commentary notes were different than their's.
The last passage I shared with them was from John 15:1-10. The key verses I focused on were verses nine and ten, "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love." I explained that when I was a little older than them, I remembered feeling completely alone. I know that is kind of hard to fathom since I come from a family with seven kids. I felt like no one, not even my friends, understood me. I felt like no one cared. Was it all true? No, but that is how I felt. I remember being drawn to read my Bible. I read John 15 for the first time that I could then remember. I was amazed to read that Jesus loved me. I had heard for years that God loved me, but I had never seen where it said so. I shared with my students that I hoped they knew that God loved them, that He sent His Son Jesus to live a perfect life, and to die for our sins. I hope they remembered the best part, and that is that Jesus then rose again and conquered death. I pray that my students will learn to love God's Word.
As we left that last meeting one of my most enthusiastic fourth graders headed over to a group of seventh graders to show them his new Bible. As I walked by, one of my former fourth graders was skimming through God's Word. Inside, I was jumping up and down singing Hallelujah, and outside I was beaming.
The next day I called to request the Bibles. The salesman took my contact information and said that he was only able to locate one other copy of the Bible I was looking for at his other store. So, I headed over there to see what else I could find. He did have NIV Bibles, but the pictures looked more accessible for younger students. I had a friend come with me, and we talked about the pros and cons of various Bibles. There were a few leather bound versions of the NKJVs I was looking at. I had the salesman see if he had enough of the leather bound at his other location to make 15 Bibles. He had exactly enough with the combination. So, even though the seven leather bound copies would make the price a bit higher, I went ahead and purchased them.
Over the next few days several people emailed and said they'd be willing to help out. Friends of ours were telling others about the Bible and Art Club, and two people who don't even know me or my students wanted to help buy Bibles. A relative let me know that he'd be willing to cover whatever wasn't purchased, even if it meant buying all fifteen. On the day I was passing them out, six more people said they'd help out. With all of the extra support, the cost of the Bibles was completely taken care of. There was actually more than enough, so I let a friend of mine know who was planning on purchasing eight Bibles, one for each child in their home, that she only needed to pitch in to cover 2 and 1/2 of the Bibles.
I wish all of the sponsors could have seen my students faces as I explained that the Bibles I was passing out were for them to keep. I wish the sponsors could have heard the chatter of excitement as they showed one another things they were finding in their Bibles. One of the neat things about the Bibles was that I got a little message from the sponsors to write in the Bibles they helped purchase. I explained how the table of contents works so that they can find books like Obadiah and Ezra. We explored the concordance/glossary so that they could find Abed-Nego from our first Bible lesson. I showed them the inserts and told them that they were there to help them understand the Bible, but they weren't part of all Bibles. I compared it to mine, so they could see how my commentary notes were different than their's.
The last passage I shared with them was from John 15:1-10. The key verses I focused on were verses nine and ten, "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love." I explained that when I was a little older than them, I remembered feeling completely alone. I know that is kind of hard to fathom since I come from a family with seven kids. I felt like no one, not even my friends, understood me. I felt like no one cared. Was it all true? No, but that is how I felt. I remember being drawn to read my Bible. I read John 15 for the first time that I could then remember. I was amazed to read that Jesus loved me. I had heard for years that God loved me, but I had never seen where it said so. I shared with my students that I hoped they knew that God loved them, that He sent His Son Jesus to live a perfect life, and to die for our sins. I hope they remembered the best part, and that is that Jesus then rose again and conquered death. I pray that my students will learn to love God's Word.
As we left that last meeting one of my most enthusiastic fourth graders headed over to a group of seventh graders to show them his new Bible. As I walked by, one of my former fourth graders was skimming through God's Word. Inside, I was jumping up and down singing Hallelujah, and outside I was beaming.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Creation Story Circles
While reading Genesis 1, I had students stop and think about what colors could represent each day. For example, black and white might represent darkness and light in day one. We then traced seven circles to represent each day. Then I had students trace their circles and map out which day would be where and what colors they thought of. The colors within the circle represent things created in the day. The above picture is my sample created with marker. I had the students make their paintings with tempera on canvas. Below is a diagram of what each color represents.
I liked my work, but I found it hard to tell the circles apart. I did another example in which I picked a color to represent each day and then I used various values of that color so that the circle would be eye catching.
When I first taught this lesson, I walked away thinking the lesson was rather bland. I liked the art piece, but I had changed up how the lesson was taught and there wasn't a lot of dialogue about the verses. I retaught the same Scripture the next week and loved having conversations about how God created everything. I also emphasized that not everyone believes that, and in fact their science books don't. I explained that some scientist believe God created everything, but many of them believe in evolution. When I told them that some people believe we came from monkeys, they laughed. In high school and college I argued with teachers about this. My students wanted to know if I got in trouble. I explained that I was respectful in disagreeing with their perspective.
The Bible and Art Club Spring Exhibit is tonight during Open House! I'm so excited for my students' work to be displayed!!! I'm hoping that the students will have an opportunity to talk with others about their work and the Bible! Yesterday's mini lesson was on Matthew 28:18-20 in which Jesus tells us to teach others about Him. I told my students that they might get a chance to do that since their art work is being displayed. Initially many of them looked a little scared about that. I asked them if they could why there were seven circles on their paintings. "Yes, God made the earth in seven days." What about the colors, could they explain them? "Yes, the represent what was made in each day!" Oh the sigh of relief when they knew they'd have something to share. I asked if they remembered learning some things about Daniel a few weeks ago. It took a moment for them to go that far back into their memory banks, but yes they had something to share about Daniel too!!! Wahoo!
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