Preparing Your Lessons: Early Preparation is a Win-Win

The hardest part of lesson preparation is just getting started. There are lots of good reasons and good ways to get over that bump. Having the mind of Christ motivates us to do the best teaching we can. That includes being more than barely a step ahead of the kids.

Here are a few good reasons for jump-starting your lesson prep early in the week:

• You’ll sleep better
• Kids will learn more.
• Parents will appreciate you.
• You’ll have a gentle, quiet spirit.
• You’ll be nicer to your family on Saturday.
• You’ll teach better.
• You can spend Saturday night with family or friends.
• Kids will behave better.
• You’ll have time to delegate.
• God will be glorified.

The Ten-Minutes a Day approach:

Look for a pocket of time each day. Do the daily steps listed below and by Friday you’ll have things well in hand.

• Monday: Read through the lesson, choose the best activities for your class and note the supplies you will need. Add them to your grocery list or shopping list.
• Tuesday: Read the Bible story from the Bible, then from the teacher guide once more. Look at it from the perspective of how children can see what God desires for them. Be sure you can tell the story creatively. You may practice it throughout the week.
• Wednesday: Pray for your class. What are the kids struggling with right now? Jot down the Bible truth and memory verse from the lesson on a sticky note and put it on the fridge or a bathroom mirror - somewhere you can see it so that you can be reminded to pray.
• Thursday: Memorize the verse and think about the Bible truth. What trait does God want to give your children through this Bible story? Double check your supplies.
• Friday: Collect everything you’ll need for Sunday morning and put it in a tote bag. Set the bag in a convenient place where you won’t forget it. Do a quick scan of the lesson to set it in your mind.
• Saturday: Celebrate the fact that you’re prepared! Pray for each child in your class.
• Sunday: Focus on your kids and enjoy them! Ask God to shine through you.