Teaching Notes are Bible studies we taught before GraceLife Ministries began publishing articles online in 1995. Some were presented as sermons, others as group studies.
Our hope is that these older studies will be a blessing to you in your life and ministry. Please use them in any way God leads you.
These teaching notes are part of a clinic for parents and volunteers involved with Vacation Bible School programs during the 1970s.
[These notes are from a clinic we led more than 40 years ago. The notes are in outline form.]
#1
In the sphere of Christian Education, Vacation Bible School is part of a larger process of developing our children in the teachings and ways of Christ and is a seed-planter in the minds and hearts of non-churched boys and girls.
VBS is more than just a place for words to be given out.
It is a place where children receive a permanent mental image of Christianity through the modeling role of Significant Adults and School Atmosphere.
(Discussion)
#2
Every child has value and importance and God places His stamp of wrathfulness on every person He creates.
Children can either be objects to push and pull to meet our schedule and expectations or they can be opportunities to develop into full personhood.
(Discussion)
#3
A person is a sum total of his/her life experiences and how they respond to them.
Younger children develop concrete thoughts about an abstract God through the actions of significant adults.
People are always in various stages of process. (Chart)
(Discussion)
#4
People learn through what is called the Sensory Learning Process. All people learn and retain best when the most senses can be brought into the learning program.
Learning has not taken place until the child:
- Knows
- Feels
- Responds
Luke 8:1-21
(Discussion)
#5
What affects the learning process?
- Physical needs: activity, rest, food, water, touch
- Safety and Security: The atmosphere surrounding the child affects their safety in a physical way. The attitudes surrounding the child affects their safety in an emotional way. Never ridicule or shame a child. Help them feel secure in your love and protection. When you remind a child of certain limits, do so in a positive rather than negative way.
- Love and Acceptance: A child must experience your love and acceptance in order to understand God’s love and acceptance. The love and acceptance need to be unconditional. Offer honest, specific praise when a child does something positive. Listen to the child when he or she speaks to you and use his or her name often as you talk with them. Bend down (or kneel) to their eye level to show your genuine interest in what they have to tell you. Acceptance is not the same as approval!
- Esteem: Treat the child with respect. Never label them as bad. Remember the respect God has for them. He knows who they are, where they’ve been, and what they’re going to become.
- Uniqueness: Remember that God develops each one of us differently. We are unique and so is the child in our VBS class. Don’t compare him or her with other children. Accept their uniqueness as a gift of God and work with their individuality.
(Discussion and Dismissal)
[Thank you for reading these teaching notes from more than 40 years ago. My prayer is they will be a blessing to you and your ministry.]
Published by gracelifethoughts
Founder & Director of GraceLife Ministries View all posts by gracelifethoughts
