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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Saturday, January 30, 2010

What's Easiest?

What's easiest for you in your Sunday School class: playing, listening or talking?

Well for me, it's probably talking! As teachers, I think we're tempted to be giving directions, asking questions, talking about what's going on in the class all too often. And it's not that any of those things are bad--but for me, I need to remember to stop and listen more than I need to remember to stop and talk! Because when I listen,

  • I hear what Daley has done this week at home,
  • I discover what James most enjoys playing with,
  • I learn what Ella's perspective on life really is

And those discoveries are the clues I need so that my words can connect what is in God's Word with the everyday lives of the kids I care about.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Signs of Spring?

We didn't really have signs of spring in our class today--but we had our bright yellow Daffodil duck puppet who always brightens up our room and children's faces.

It's so amazing to me the interest that can be attracted by one friendly puppet, even when used by a teacher who isn't skilled with puppets. Today Daffodil was scared by a loud noise. Gradually throughout the class a child here and there would talk about his or her own fears--storms and big dogs were at the top of the list. We acted out (over and over) the Bible story of Jesus showing His power and love by stilling the storm and the disciples' fears. I'm praying that the message of this lesson sticks close to these children.

What I learned today: Doing anything with water or beanbags are sure-fire methods for involving children. And even when I had tired of repeating these fun play activities--the kids hadn't! As adults, we often think "once and done." But not preschoolers--repetition really is the way they learn best!

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Echoes

If you had been in our Sunday School class today, you would have heard the sound of many voices:

  • "Teacher Sheryl, can I show you what I made?"
  • "Let's go on a music parade and sing about God's great love."
  • "Thank you for waiting your turn to open the flap."
  • "Look at the colors on my flowers."
  • "We build with blocks instead of kicking them."
  • "Can you help me write my name?"
  • "Teacher, you forgot about me. I've been waiting for a turn."
  • "If you want to play this balloon game, catch the balloon before you tap it back to me."
  • "We fold our hands and close our eyes when we pray to help us remember who we are talking to."
My favorite voices, however, were the echoes of our Bible verse both spoken and sung:

  • "I will sing of the Lord's great love forever" (Psalm 89:1)

I hope that the echo of God's Word keeps sounding throughout all our lives this week.