As the various holidays come near, whether it’s the upcoming Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, Bible teachers might notice some effects in the classroom. That leads to this question.
FAQ: Aren’t teaching times around holidays basically throw-away sessions?
To look at teaching times as throw-away sessions suggests that it’s senseless to plan an actual lesson. We might be more prone to just fun and games during those sessions, or simply letting students converse about their holiday plans. While the holidays might lead to a more relaxed environment, perhaps with a special emphasis, it doesn’t mean teaching is a waste of time. Before dismissing that any kind of learning can happen, think through the issues at hand.
The Bible Teacher’s Handbook of Frequently Asked Questions includes this question and helps you further think through what to do with the potential for absences as well as what to do if students are more distracted. In addition, this handbook also responds to the question, “How might the holidays affect teaching?”. You’ll find help with teaching in this resource as well, with 153 total questions covering 48 other issues in teaching.
To make the most of a holiday, consider teaching on a relevant theme. Go to Holiday Teaching Opportunities Resources for Bible lesson ideas appropriate for different holidays.
Teacher Training Resource: Intruders in the Classroom that Steal & Vandalize: Holidays & Other Special Events