Choral Speaking: Call Of Matthew

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The Call Of Matthew (Levi)
C horal Speaking: Call of Matthew is a delightful way to teach such an important text. This is because the emotional expression in the performance makes the people of the bible come alive. In one way, it is a lot like singing in a choir. There are ‘soloists’ and there is a ‘chorus.’ In another way, it is a lot like acting on a stage. Choral speaking Call of Matthew is fun and effective in the classroom because it combines activities students enjoy.

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Embellish A Parable: The Good Samaritan

Embellish A Parable - The Good Samaritan
Embellish Parable Of The Good Samaritan  image
W hen we embellish a parable like The Good Samaritan, students will better understand the concepts of compassion and mercy within Jesus’s well-known story. Few teaching methods come as close to creating a you-are-there-moment.

Why and when should teachers embellish a parable?

Learning intensifies when students engage in deeper analysis of a bible story. That is because the struggle involved in this teaching method inspires them to “own” the message of the parable. Studies show that it is the mind’s struggle to understand and create that is the learning process. Struggling causes emotions that change the brain chemistry. It excites the brain of the person who is struggling, which makes it more accepting of ideas and concepts.

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Role Play: The Sin Of Moses

F or the role play The Sin Of Moses (Moses at Mt. Sinai) religion teachers have an opportunity to practice an effective teaching method that entertains and educates. Role play is similar to a stage play, but differs in that there is no written script or memorized lines. Students create their own dialog and actions. The bible stories come alive as your student actors play out their roles!

Role Play The Sin of Moses/Moses at Mount Sinai
Moses at Mount Sinai  image

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Classroom Teaching Methods

Classroom Teaching MethodsAs you read through this list of classroom teaching methods, you may recognize some that you use often. But have you named them? Naming elevates awareness of what you are doing. You begin to study your actions. You wonder: “when do I use these teaching methods? How well do they work?”

As we explore each of these methods in detail, you will understand your own methods better and apply them more skillfully. Hopefully, you will add a few more methods to your repertoire. Some of the classroom teaching methods listed here may be new for you. As you learn how and when to use more of them, you will become a better teacher, and your lesson plans will gain more attention from your students. Those who do not like to answer questions may enjoy a story or a film study, while those who like to answer questions may be bored by them.

“Different strokes for different folks” is as true in the classroom as it is in the larger world.

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The Power of Questions

I find crafting good questions to be the hardest part of developing a lesson plan. However, I persevere because I want to see that sparkle of curiosity in the eyes of my students. Captivating questions lead students further into that wondrous world we call the Kingdom of God on Earth.

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