Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 3
July 12, 1951
NUMBER 10, PAGE 11

Talk With Teachers

Marian White, 4667 - 12Th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, Fla.

How To Prepare A Lesson

The Bible teacher must be clearly understood in all that she says for she is teaching the plan of salvation. Therefore, she must know how to present a lesson that is scriptural, applicable and on the age level of the group she is teaching. Whether she uses a quarterly or writes her own lessons, she follows the same general methods that produce well prepared lessons.

Preparations For Studying

Time — Have a definite time for study each week. The earlier in the week the better to allow for further daily study.

Attitude — Never study a lesson without first praying for guidance in that study. An earnest prayer makes the teacher humble and careful that she teach only the truth:

Literature — Select a study course that is true with the Bible and written for the age level of the class: Lessons that are too hard or too easy will cause a sharp drop in class interest.

Reference Books — It is assumed that every teacher has access to the King James and the American Revised versions of the Bible and that copies of these are plentiful in the classroom. However, there are certain reference books which are valuable aids in helping the teacher present more clearly the background of the lesson. The following three should be in every teacher's library: A concordance, a Bible dictionary, an Atlas.

The concordance gives the scriptural reference background for the lesson; the dictionary, the historical background; and the Atlas, the geographical background:

Here are three books that I have found helpful: Hurlbut's "Bible Atlas', Lewis Browne's "The Graphic Bible' and Henry H. Hailey's "Pocket Bible Handbook.'

Studying

Lesson Plans —

Each teacher should study the lesson with the following divisions in mind:

1. Review: This is simply the connecting of last week's lesson with the one to be studied.

2. Introduction: This lays the chronological and historical foundation for the lesson. It should be done with an interesting question or comment.

3. Presentation: The lesson is told in simple language or brought out by leading questions. Facts should be accurate, pronunciation of words all proper correct and difficult words explained.

4. Explanation: This is the application of the lesson:

5. Summary: The main points of the lesson are re-emphasized.

The teacher who follows these lesson plans regularly will soon find that her teaching has been greatly simplified:

How To Study —

1. Read the Bible reference for the lesson three times:

2. Read the headings of each part of the lesson.

3. Re-read the headings and the comments under them.

4. Decide on the one purpose or aim of the lesson.

5. Review the lesson in your mind according to the lesson plans.

6. Identify all characters, places and events referred to in the lesson.

7. Locate all places on a map.

8. Check the pronunciation of proper words and words new to you.

9. Run the concordance on references related to the lesson.

Handwork Preparation —

Teachers of small children realize the importance of teaching through handwork. It must be simplified handwork and accurate in its portrayal of the Bible.

The teacher selects an object in the story that can be used to teach the lesson effectively: She makes a pattern of the object and a copy for each child: Usually it is best to let the child put the finishing touches on the handwork rather than do the whole thing.

For example, the child might color the cup found in Benjamin's sack, or put a flower sticker on a vase that Rebekah might have carried or fold open the tent flaps in Abraham's home.

All patterns should be ready (with extra copies) before class time.

Long Range Planning —

It is easier for teachers of younger children to plan their lessons in advance.

Take a large sheet of paper and divide it into four sections (four weeks). In each section, write two or three new thoughts to be learned for that day and handwork suggestions to go with it: Also note down the songs for each week and the memory verses to be learned during this period.

Teachers of older groups should study their quarterlies as a whole upon receiving them so they will know what the series, as a unit, is teaching.

NEXT MONTH: Interesting Tests