Holidays tend to disrupt the learning environment as students may come to class more distracted or more inattentive than normal. What’s a Bible teacher to do?
What Teachers Need to Provide Over the Holidays to Foster an Environment Conducive to Learning
God tells us to “make the most of every opportunity” (Eph. 5:16). “Every” would include the holidays. Use the following acrostic as a reminder of what will help you foster a more conducive learning experience over holiday seasons.
H – Honor
Since students come already distracted by it, which especially happens with children, acknowledge the holiday rather than ignore it. Do it, however, in ways that not only honor the holiday but also the Lord.
O – Openness
Realize that people have different ways of celebrating as well as different views about the various holidays. Demonstrate respect.
L – Listening
Give students time to share rather than shut them down. Taking a short time to listen to their excitement or concerns could pay off in the long term to be able to then proceed with the lesson.
I – Insight
Come prepared with tidbits of information about the holiday (i.e., its origin, meaning of symbols, etc.).
D – Direction
Transition students from talk about the holiday to the lesson. Point them to relevant truths about God to get beyond the secularization of the holiday.
A – Adaptability
Be prepared to make adjustments due to fluctuation in attendance, inattentiveness of students, etc.
Y – Yardage
Make the most of the unique opportunity the holiday presents to point people to the Lord. That can be through guided conversation or designing a lesson around the holiday with relevant truths.
S – Sensitivity
Remember that certain holidays can be quite difficult for some people due to losses or other circumstances. Be considerate and compassionate.
For a Helpful Teacher Training Resource, Check Out: Intruders in the Classroom that Steal & Vandalize: Holidays & Other Special Events Download (Please note that the resource does not include the acrostic in this post.)