Lesson 1: Vision and Preparation

Welcome! This course has been arranged to equip, encourage, and guide teachers in using Truth78 materials. Take your time and glean helpful strategies for discipling effectively while using the gifts that God has given you to serve your church family.

Full transcript and related links below

What a privilege and awesome responsibility we have to impart God's eternal word into the lives of our elementary students. Psalm 145:4 provides an important reminder as we seek to communicate these truths to children: "One generation shall praise your works to another."

Preparing your heart

Teaching God's works to the next generation should be an overflow of praise from a mind that has been instructed by the Word of God and a heart that has embraced it before getting in front of your students to teach. 

• Pray for God to teach you to embrace the truths presented in the lesson as you prepare. 
• Read the lesson as a devotional personally. 
• Reflect on truths in the teacher introduction and small group application. 
• Read the lesson a second time with your specific students in mind. 

Determine ways to encourage student participation and engagement.

For example, you can ask students to:

• Help with an illustration
• Hold one of the visuals
• Act out a role from that week's Bible story 
• Look up a Bible verse
• Read a Bible verse out loud

Do you have some children with developmental delays, limited Bible knowledge or special needs? Consider swapping out an illustration that is accessible to every child defining vocabulary or providing an alternative to written responses. 

[Read Welcoming Children With Special Needs]

Here's a suggestion: mark up the lesson. If you have a print teacher guide, you can make a copy including notes for yourself, highlighting things you want to emphasize. Many teachers find this helpful to keep on track while presenting. 

Another suggestion is to practice teaching the lesson with a timer to check your presentation for timing and flow. 

Finally, pray in expectation for God to work in your students. Like Paul, may you experience the joy of holding your students in your heart with the affection of Christ Jesus.