Momma T's Top 3 Teaching Tips

     Theresa May has worked in Children's Ministry for over 30 years. She told me, "Back then, we had to memorize all the lessons since paper hadn't been invented yet." Ha! ;) Theresa, or as she is affectionately known around these parts- Momma T, played a vital role in my involvement and development in Children's Ministry. She has also helped develop teachers and kids ministry leaders all throughout the Florida District UPCI. Where would I and countless others be without her?!

     Momma T has seen a lot of new programs and ideas come and go over the years, so I asked her to give me 3 of her top teaching tips. These are 3 things that can be applied whether you lead a group of 2 or 200 kids. These are timeless truths that I pray we make sure are implemented in every class and program of our children's ministries. I hope every church and district is blessed with a Momma T. Until then, enjoy a few words of wisdom from her below...

Momma T's Top 3 Teaching Tips

 1. Don't be boring. 

Keep their attention! It doesn't matter if you have the greatest story ever told or the coolest game ever played, if you have lost their attention you are wasting your time. It's not always about getting to the point of your story or skit if they are not getting to the point with you. Sometimes you have to stop and change directions. Maybe it's time to throw in a few questions, bring someone else in to do the game or have one of the kids join the skit and help act out the lesson. Always be aware of the attention of the class. If you have lost them, stop what you are doing, go find them and drive your point home with everyone on board!

2. Know your stuff. 

Know what you are talking about. You can't keep their attention if you don't know what you are talking about or how to play the game. Put your heart and soul into that lesson as if you are the one who wrote it or the game as if you are the one who created it. Don't just stand in front of them and read it. Put that paper down and tell it from the heart. If there are times that you must read something from the book, bring it alive by master story telling. Change your voice to the characters, be the movie star and have all eyes on you. Otherwise, you are just wasting your time and theirs and they will think you are boring. A successful Sunday School Teacher can never be boring! Know your stuff and know how to do it right.

3. Love them all. 

Find something to love about each child that walks in your room.  Let's just face it, not every child seems lovable. There may be a time that a child walks in your room that seems to get on your very last nerve, find something to love about that child. That child needs your love. Does that mean that child can get away with being an unruly or bad mannered child while in class? NO! Set the boundaries and rules for the class that everyone must follow and show love to each and everyone. You are not alone in thinking that you just can't wait for one certain child to have the next birthday so they can move on to the next class. We have all been there a time or two, but when that young child grows up to be an anointed, Holy Ghost filled Child of God, working in God's Kingdom, it will be worth it. It will be worth it when that child returns to you to say it is because you showed loved to them when no one else did. You will find that to be the most rewarding moment ever. How are they going to believe that God loves them if we can't find something in them to show them that we love them too? Find it and show it.

1) Don't be boring. 2) Know your stuff. 3) Love them all...even the unlovable! 

  *Momma T pictured with Lloyd Squires (The King's Clown). 

A little trivia: Bro. Squires gave her the nickname- Momma T. I love them both!