Sheryl Haystead loved teaching kids God's Word. These writings are from her last years of teaching Sunday School and are full of wisdom and compassion for the little ones Jesus loves so dearly--Sheryl loved them, too.
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Sunday, March 28, 2010

Palm Sunday Fun

What did the preschoolers at your church do today? I saw kids shaking rhythm instruments, clapping to music, singing in the kids' choir and especially having fun waving palm branches! (Well, actually tickling each other with palm branches!) Excitement just builds and grows this time of the year. Kids are going on vacation, camping trips, enjoying Easter Egg hunts, even visiting the Easter Bunny at the mall.

Do you worry that the message of what Jesus did at Easter gets lost in all the excitement? I do, because it seems that the words about Jesus' love, and the people praising Him aren't even heard. But in all the playing and talking (did anybody listen today????) I know that the foundation is being built, one bit of awareness at a time. And at such a joyful time of year, where else would we want to be but with God's family, in His house, celebrating His love for us!

Monday, March 22, 2010

Where is Jesus?

This year at our church’s Happy Birthday, Jesus! Party, I overheard a little three-year-old boy asking his mom, “Where’s Jesus?” This little boy had come to the celebration hoping finally to see this amazing person who he’d heard about. Surely Jesus wouldn’t miss His own birthday party!

As we’re teaching stories of Jesus and as we get ready to tell the wondrous news that Jesus is alive, what can we say to help children understand? How do we explain that Jesus is with us--when we can’t see Him? I’d love to know the perfect words that would help every little child (and adult) fully comprehend the truth of Jesus’ presence. But for me, I’m thinking that some simple words start building the foundation on which a child’s faith can grow. So I’ll say:

  • "Even though we can't see Him, Jesus is alive. He is with us."
  • “The Bible is true. It tells us that Jesus is alive. Jesus is our Friend.”
  • “Jesus helps me every day. I know that He loves me. He loves you, too.”

And I'll remember that my love and care for each child teaches more about Jesus' presence and love than my words!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

What Teacher Do You Remember?

Last Sunday after Sunday School, I was sitting in church and noticed that a kindergartner from my class was in the row in front of me. (At our church, kids get to stay in worship for about 15 minutes, enjoy a short kids’ talk and then enthusiastically head out for a second-hour program.) I was glad to see my little friend in church, so during the greeting time, I sat down to be at her eye level, said hello and tried to shake hands. Nothing doing! Even a high five didn’t bring anything more than a shy smile. This little girl who talks nonstop to me during Sunday School, was as bashful as could be.

As I puzzled over this reaction, it reminded me of one of my Sunday School teachers. I have no idea if I was brave enough to talk to her outside of class, but I do know that she was quick to offer a friendly smile whenever I saw her around our church—even when I wasn’t in her class anymore. And guess what? Despite having gone to Sunday School my entire life, she is the only teacher I can remember!

I’ve decided I want to be a teacher kids remember, so I’ll keep saying hello and smiling!

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Just Right!

Do you ever find it challenging and even overwhelming at times to handle the wide variation of skills and abilities in preschoolers? I've experienced this in guiding kids to complete the TalkTime activity pages. In our class, we've got

  • -one child who prints her name very neatly, right next to the child who is determined to write his name--even though no one can read it!
  • -one child who loves matching activities, right next to the child who draws lines connecting every picture whether they match or not!
  • -one child who patiently colors every single white space on both sides of the page, right next to the child who makes a few marks on the page and announces, "I'm done!"

At first, I stressed out a little, trying to help every child get their pages done just right! But then, I realized, their pages ARE done just right, because every child has participated and accomplished according to their standards, not mine. So now, while I demonstrate how to do the page and offer help when needed (my help isn't always accepted!), I try to remember to focus on the "Let's Talk" questions. Because, really, I don't care so much if the pictures are matched correctly as much as I care about whether the kids get what God's Word means in everyday life.