Whether the children are able to read or not, write the lesson’s main verse(s) on the board and say the verses together. Children learn by seeing and saying. For example, by writing Genesis 1:1 on the board, the students will learn how to read the book (Genesis), chapter (1), and verse (1). You are making a great impression upon them with this simple act.
Using their Bibles, the students can open up to the week’s lesson with or without help, depending on their age. At times it may seem that this a lot of trouble, but by placing a marker in the student’s Bible, marking that week’s lesson, you are emphasizing that the lesson is from God’s Word and you can explain that anyone can read the same story that you are studying in class “right here” in the Bible. While the students are finding the verses in their Bibles, this is the perfect opportunity to review a few repetitious questions, such as, “Does anyone know the two main divisions in the Bible?” (Old and New Testament) “How many books are in the New Testament?” (27) “How many in the Old Testament?” (39) “If our lesson today is in Jonah, is that in the Old or New Testament?” (Old) By asking these questions, you are reinforcing information that the students can use their entire lives, and you are applying that knowledge at the same time. Don’t be surprised! Four- and five-year-old students can learn these answers as well as the older ones!
Then, for the next few minutes, you teach the lesson. This is the reason you are in this classroom: To teach God’s Word in simple language, bringing to life the words that you have diligently studied from the Bible. A diligent study has been mentioned in the post, “Preparing for Bible Class” under the “Older Posts” at the bottom of this blog. Are you prepared to teach this lesson to young, tender hearts who take your word as Truth? (Matthew. 19:14; James. 3:1) What a responsibility we have in teaching God’s Word! Always make certain you can prove what you are teaching with book, chapter, and verse!
As you teach, look into the children’s faces. Are they interested? Are they listening? This is your answer to the questions, “Am I doing a good job?” and “Have I studied enough?” If you know the lesson well, you will be able to make any Bible story come to life…and the students will listen and learn. Visual aids will help, of course, but nothing will take the place of good, solid Bible lessons told by someone who believes the story and can tell the lesson simply. Can you do this? Yes, you can! Determination, study, a love of children, a love of God’s Word, and prayer will help you. You are needed! Do the very best you can and you will be rewarded many times over—here on this earth and in your future home, Heaven.
