Now what? Often the curriculum provided does not include everything you need to teach the lesson. Whether you are teaching children, youth, or adults; whether you are teaching on Sundays, a mid-week program, or a youth or adult Bible Study, you may benefit from utilizing some additional resources.
Supplemental resources provide the Biblical background you need to understand the story, or to see how others have interpreted a particular passage. For example, if you teach youth or adults, they may benefit from researching a passage or story in the Bible to help them understand it for themselves. In that case, you should have research materials in your classroom for your students to use.
Additional resources can also provide you with extra activities, a special craft project, or songs to go along with the lesson you are teaching. All of these types of resources can enhance a good curriculum and make you feel more prepared and better equipped to teach your class.
Most Christian Education curricula include a background section for teachers, providing a brief Bible study on the passage being taught. This Bible study may or may not provide enough for you to understand the background behind the passage, the culture and setting of the text, and how others throughout time have interpreted this scripture. If you want to delve more deeply into a text, have questions about the meaning of particular words or concepts in a text, or want to understand more about the geography, culture and customs surrounding a Bible story, you can find many types of resources to help. Check with Bible dictionaries, encyclopedias, Bible word books, atlases, and commentaries on the particular book of the Bible to do such research. These types of resources are not only helpful to you as the teacher, but can assist you in encouraging your students to grapple with a text and find answers for themselves. Students always learn more when they investigate for themselves rather than being given all of the information from a knowledgeable teacher.
Howard Gardner’s research on multiple intelligences reminds us that people learn in a variety of ways (Gardner, 2006*). Therefore, your lessons should include learning activities from a variety of styles, not just the ones with which you feel most comfortable. If you need a creative learning activity, there are many books available including such activities as scripture written to familiar tunes; simple dramas for acting out Bible stories; craft ideas that help connect children to a particular Biblical concept or story; games that reinforce a scripture passage; sign language for scripture verses; snacks or meals that reinforce Biblical customs; ways to encourage memory verses; prayers to use with children and youth; modern day stories that relate to Biblical stories; and commentary explaining Christian symbols and holidays.
You may locate these resources in a number of ways. If your church has a church library or curriculum closet, you may find these resources there. Ask how you can get access to these resources. If your church doesn’t have a library, ask your church pastor or church educator if they would be willing to lend you some books that would be helpful in your study. If the resources you need are not available in your church, contact your presbytery’s resource center. Many presbyteries within our denomination have lending libraries, which allow presbytery church members to borrow books, curricula, and video resources. Many resource centers will mail these resources to members of their congregations if they are not close enough to visit in person. A minimal charge to cover shipping may be required. If there is a PC(USA) or other seminary near you, inquire about utilizing their library for your research or borrowing books for your class. If you are planning to purchase resources for yourself or your class, these resources can be purchased at bookstores that carry mainline denominational publishers or online. Be sure, however, that you review them carefully to insure that the theology taught or implied aligns with Presbyterian and Reformed understandings. Ask your pastor or church educator to take a look at any resources about which you have questions. Just because your town has a local Christian bookstore, doesn’t mean that the resources available there will be in line with your church’s teaching.
The Internet has quickly become a fast and convenient way to access information. This includes information on the Bible and resources for church school teachers. As with any topic you research using the World Wide Web, be sure that your resources are reliable and consistent with the theology taught by your church. When utilizing Web sites for Biblical commentary, look for a statement of beliefs or a denominational affiliation, in order to better understand the assumptions underlying the information. Ask your pastor or church educator to check out the site and provide you their feedback. While the amount and variety of information available on the Internet can be overwhelming, using these guidelines will help you sift through it and choose appropriately for your needs.
As you can see, the possibilities for additional resources for teachers are endless. Next time you are scheduled to teach, study your lesson. Then, think about what types of resources might help you improve your understanding of the scripture, help your students become more involved in their own learning, and create variety in your teaching style. Seek out these resources in your church, presbytery, community, bookstore, or on the Internet. You will feel more equipped to teach and your students will benefit from the extra effort you made.
*Multiple Intelligences: New Horizons. New York: Perseus Books Group, 2006.
Kathryn McGregor is associate for education and resourcing, Providence Presbytery, and a board member of the Ecumenical Resource Ministry Alliance. She is currently working on becoming a certified Christian educator in the PC(USA).
