Yesterday in our Middle School Sunday School class we decided to change up the curriculum a bit. We haven't been thrilled with the lessons since we took over the class, but hadn't been able to find a program we were happy with. So after much prayer, we feel that God is directing us to produce our own lessons each week.
Asking the students 20 questions dealing with different aspects of the Bible and Christian life is where we started out yesterday. With all the chatter and questions from the students, this took the entire 50 minutes of class. This group is a challenge to keep on task ~ one of the reasons why we felt a need to try a different path of teaching. We fight the chatter every week and need to keep them focused. The fact that they feel so comfortable around us is great and we enjoy it. However, it makes finishing a lesson and driving the point home a challenge. They didn't seem to understand that they were to simply answer the questions that we asked ~ if they didn't know the answer, they were told to write "I don't know", not ask a thousand questions about the question :) With all 20 questions finally asked, it was time to dismiss and head up to church.
Back home, we took a look at the answers. DH and I weren't sure exactly where or with what we were going to start, but these definitely helped us make our decision ~ at the very beginning. It seems that even after years of Sunday School and AWANAs, the kids are missing the basics of the Bible. Some didn't even know which book told the story of the creation. Needless to say, we were shocked. God has lead us down the right path (like He would lead us down the wrong one, right?!). So, we feel very secure with our decision to move away from pre-planned lessons. I'm very excited to see where this will lead. DH and I were beginning to feel burned-out and had thought maybe it was time for someone else to take the class. However, after today, we are feeling energized and that this is where we are supposed to be. I will keep you updated with how things go!
Now ~ onto this week's Goodwill Goodie Makeover. This is something that I picked up for $1.99. Imagine it with 2 lovely country geese and hearts on the front (I forgot to take a photo before I removed the glued on wood figures). It is already painted, as I had some extra time last week to dedicate to it. I just have to decide what to use it for. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I had thought of a plate holder, but I don't have any plates yet. Leave me a comment with your ideas!
Keep checking back this week ~ I may do a sneak peek at the end result!
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