Introduction:
One of the main reasons we come to Bible School is so that we can learn about the Bible. This would include hearing Bible stories and doing activities that would help us better understand whatever we have heard or read from the Bible. To make this time meaningful, it is important that the teacher carefully plans how she or he wants to present the Bible story. This article shares tips that every teacher needs to remember to make their Bible story time the best time of the class.
Tips:
- The most important step that any storyteller must remember is to know your material. In this case, the Bible class teacher must know the True Word, the Bible. Before every lesson, make sure you take the time to read the Bible story or event from God’s own Word. Do not accept a paraphrased version for what is the Holy Scriptures. Know the material well enough that you do not need to read from a script. Be prepared
- Also, remember that the story you are sharing is not some made up fairy tale. This actually happened and has been found to be historically accurate. It is an event that occurred. I like to tell my class that the story I am about to tell them really happened and I read about it in God’s book, the Bible. Never, ever diminish the value of the Bible.
- Next, think about what visuals you will use. What do you want to use to help you relay the events that happen in the story. Yes, we know that no one knows what Jesus looked like, but we can say this is what an artist thinks He may have looked like. We can use pictures and models to show children how buildings from long ago looked. It helps children better understand what the story is about when we add background information. You can use slide shows, flip charts, blacklight stories, pictures, books, flannelgraph, cut paper stories, magnet stories, models to act out a story, puppets to have a conversation, stand up figures, and so many other things just to share the Bible story with your class.
- Remember to change your visuals up from time to time. It is easy to get in a rut. The picture shows a model created from a box, figures from a variety of sites but mostly from Danielle’s Place, and a lever system Mr. D created to tell the story of the Four Friends who lowered their Paralyzed Friend through a roof to see Jesus. Mr. D cut the hole in the cardboard roof and I kept it closed until we got to that part of the story. I opened it when the men let their friend down through the hole and I was able to slowly lower the paralyzed man with the rope bed. The children were mesmerized by the whole story. This model worked beautifully and was an asset to the Bible lesson.
- When telling the Bible story, use your voice. When Jesus says, “Peace be still.” make your voice louder. When you want to get the children’s attention, whisper. When Pharoah is speaking to Moses and says “No” he won’t let the people go, sound angry. Your voice can captivate the children and draw them in. If you are busy reading the script you are not able to tell the Bible story at its full affect. Think of this as your moment to draw your class into the world of the Bible so they see things as the characters of the story would. Your voice is your best tool.
- Actively involve your class in the story. Abram is moving to Ur. Pack his trunk together. What would he put in there? Ask your students to help you think about what might be in Abram’s trunk. If you are teaching young children, they can use their hands to clip clop along like the camel’s or donkey’s feet would as they carried Abram’s and Lot’s trunks. When Peter is sinking in the water after he tried to walk out to Jesus, get the children to help Jesus pull him out of the water. Keeping your class actively involved in the story, means they are active listeners and there are fewer behavior issues to manage as well.
- Practice the material beforehand. If you are unsure of yourself or until you become comfortable with storytelling, practice or act it out. This is expecially true if you are using a new visual. You will definitely feel more relaxed when you present the Bible story to your students if you practice beforehand.
- Finally, when you conclude the Bible story tell the students how the Bible story affects them. Jesus loved His disciples so much that He was willing to wash their feet. Does Jesus love us that much? Yes, He does? Noah obeyed God and built an ark just like God said. Should we obey God? Yes, we should. I always explain why the lesson we are studying is important to know. If I take my eyes off Jesus, will I sink like Peter? Absolutely!!! I need Jesus just as much as Peter needed Jesus. Find ways to make sure your class understands the meaning of the Bible story. Isn’t that why we are sharing God’s word?
Closing
I hope you have found this article helpful and can spice up your Bible story time. Try these tips out and hopefully you will see positive changes in your Bible story time.
Check out our Noah’s Cut and Tell Story.
