Faithful Blogger

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Prayerful Teaching Inspires Students to Shine

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Matthew: 5: 14-15 (NKJV)

Prayer

One cannot move forward without light.  Especially at this time of year we are reminded that Jesus is the light of my world.  May I have the wisdom to lead, to give direction, and to guide my students into the light no matter what form of darkness may surround them or smother their potential.  This is my mission as a follower of Jesus.  This is my mission inherent in my calling as a teacher. 

The Actions of Prayerful Teaching

  • Give students enough wait time when responding to a question or taking part in a discussion.  We have a tendency to rush, to “cover” curriculum. Neither students nor adults can instantly “uncover” their responses.
  • Create opportunities for all students to perform tasks and contribute offerings that light up the classroom atmosphere.
  • Recognize that shy students need to be made to feel safe and secure.  The shy students are often the forgotten students.  Shyness may be a means of self-protection or a way of escaping from pain.  Discover the light that brilliantly burns within them.
  • Bring to light and honor achievements.  They may be social, academic, or acts of caring and kindness.
  • Speak in a normal voice.  Raising your voice will not uncover the  light.  Often times it will blanket and snuff out the light.

Challenge of the Week

Select one student who seems to lag behind others, whose light is not so readily seen.  Assist that student in bringing the light out from under their basket and into the classroom.


God Bless and Prayerful Teaching,


Elizabeth A. Wink

No comments:

Post a Comment