In the Box: Manipulatives

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     In the classroom, every inch of space is important..and every moment a teachable moment. The dread of every teacher is dead time..that lag in events or activities. Such laps in creative, productive energy give way to chaos and madness. To prevent laps and lags in time, especially if you end up with some 'extra' time on you hands..I keep a few tricks in my bag.

      Be it plain wooden blocks, a tub of sand, or a box of packing peanuts, manipulatives are handy items to keep little hands busy. Kids are amazingly intuitive and need no real instruction in this activity center. Setting out the items, children quickly begin to stack, poor, touch and tumble with vigor and imagination. 

      Over the years many forms of hands on manipulatives have traveled in my box: tantagrams, popcorn kernels/rice with cups and funnels, blocks, Legos, foam shapes, sand, packing peanuts with small toys tucked down in them, even play dough. 

       Despite the commercial notion that kids need the latest and greatest marketed play thing, raw materials draw out the inner workings of a child's mind opening the door to invention and imagination. Give them the box and the foam that came it..step back..and see what their amazing little minds conjure up.

What's Not in the Box?

   We have been looking into the box I use to teach my classes..now let's look at somethings not found in my box: modern media. I am well aware of nursery and children's programs using power point, television, and other contemporary media to get the message across. Many curriculum packets have cutesy music or cartoon-like pictures to assist their planned lesson. When faced with these items I smile and walk away. Modern media propaganda are never found in my box, and as it is my conviction, it never will be. But why?
     Media vies for our attention in so many ways- phones, Ipods, Ipads, computers, TV. These things are in our hands and in our faces all day every day often from rising to resting. Kids, and adults alike, get enough of this in their daily life- they just don't need it at church as well. A long standing conviction held by my family is that what stands as our entertainment should not be part of our worship and discipleship. Oh yes, gasping and balking are normal reactions. It's okay.
      When teaching the Bible and the truth of God's love/sacrifice for man we are trying to teach truth. In a media driven world the lines between truth and reality are very blurred. If Jesus looks just like the character from a child's cartoon channel, how do they grasp the concept Jesus is real, but the cartoons are fantasy?
       Spend a little time with children and we start to see that entertainment/media is abundant but opportunity to explore/imagine is short. Some children are afraid to make a mess or are unsure how to play without lights and whistles. I understand families are busy and play/explore is a messy thing..yet.
      In my classroom my conviction leads me to set up opportunity for learning fact from fiction..to explore from raw material..to create and participate. I am prepared for mess making, and cleaning up. Letting the children take a break from the noise and the entertainment won't hurt them...it gives them opportunity to do things they naturally long to do.

Home Living Applications

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   Children in a classroom come from all walks of life and all kinds of homes bringing with them unique insight and imagination. Many years ago I introduced the concept of a home living 'center' to my classroom set up and watched the responses to it. I loved what I saw- the imagination, interaction, role play. Children are amazing and when given the opportunity they show us just how amazing they are.
    A home living center offers us an opportunity to learn the value of family and home while applying Biblical concepts..and sometimes offers an avenue for children to step into the life of a Bible 'character'. Here the elements of our lesson become applicable to our daily lives, homes and relationships. Very little guidance, if any, is needed here...maybe an occasional cue as to the purpose of the center or a comment as to how the activity relates to the lesson.
     So how does this make it in the box? Prayer and contemplation. For example, my last lesson was in Genesis when God made Adam and Eve. So, as my week of study and prayer came to a close the idea stuck me to plan setting up a picnic play area. Basket, play food/dishes, blankets and a few baby dolls would fit the bill. Adam and Eve lived in the garden, God provided them food, and they were a family. Okay, we packed it - now how does it work?
      Set it out and they will figure it out. Children entered the room eager to explore the various things set about. One mentioned playing picnic..one decides to be daddy..one is a son. A little girl gathers food to put in the basket as a boy spreads a blanket. They cut food and share things- feeding the babies when, one exclaims the baby is sick and needs a doctor. One boy jumps up getting a spoon (car key) to drive them to the doctor, but along the way the car breaks down. Another boy puts the blanket on his shoulders and proceeds to fix the car (he is Robin, Robin helps). It's the battery..looking to a teacher he expresses need for a battery. She hands him plastic celery..no, he says, that is a screwdriver. Does that not crack you up?
       In the end we chatted about Adam and Eve, the kids are just sure they loved picnics in the garden and maybe God loved seeing them have picnics with His food. I loved the creative imagination they shared using simple items and little if no direction from any of us.

        Other items often found in the home living box....
                  fabric of all shapes, color, and size
                  dress up items and accessories
                  play tools, wood blocks or pieces
                  buckets, bowls, funnels and rice
                  dolls, kitchen items, table/chairs

       The point here is play- children love play. It's a valuable tool for interaction and learning I wound not want to do without. Some days are less elaborate, and we do have to mix things up to keep from developing boredom. Home living is a regular, but not necessarily a constant in my box.

Discover the Discovery Table

   One of the joys of childhood is the wonder of curiosity. To get close and personal with something- touch it and move it around. Children love discovery- and God offers us so many wonderful things to ponder. As we take a look at what's inside my box, one of the first things children get to know about me is I love to discover. Inside my box there is always found items for a discovery table.
   The purpose of my discover table is to draw their attention in. Families have hustled and bustled to get where they're going and children can be reluctant to separate from their parents. Having a table scattered with various items to touch and explore offers an opportunity to spark that curiosity God has given them. Items on the table engage their senses and spark conversation easily guided toward the day's lesson. It also lends well to cooperation and sharing..we have to take turns with the items on the table.
   Planning a discover table is a process I really enjoy. The text being studied and prayed about opens itself to so many adventures. Elements of the story become the elements of the table.. bark from a tree, sand from the river bank...insects from the field. As I daily read and pray over the upcoming lesson a few ideas pop in there and there..I am a note scribbler, so a notebook is always nearby for taking down ideas with.
   The process is so easy. I place a table just inside the door of the classroom and set various objects on it. Build it and they will come. Kid's love to run over and see what is there. Just this week we held an emu egg and inspected a dragon fly..there were flowers and leaves to explore. Every detail is fascinating to them..and God made every part. The veins of a leaf or the petals of a flower- lacy wings and bulging eyes..kids love this stuff.
    My table isn't always leaves and pine cones. Sometimes it is packing peanuts with little objects hidden inside for the children to dig around in. or a plastic tub of rice to drive cars through. This week we had a glittery bottle the children loved rocking back and forth to see the movements of the liquid. The point is discover tables are for discovering and not for breaking the bank with.

   Two Sample Table Set-ups

"God Made the Heaven's and Earth"                                                   "John the Baptist"

         leaves/bark/flowers                                                                         fur/leather

                soil/water                                                                                insects in a jar

          fruit/veg/plants                                                                            honey/honeycomb

            feathers/nest                                                                              foliage/sand/water

   As you can see from my sample list, a discover table gives a jumping off point for a lesson. It can open conversation about the settings, characters or lifestyle surrounding the lesson. I love this part of my classroom because the kids are comfortable sharing and talking through their thoughts and questions..we learn from each other and sometimes they just crack me up. You can get really caught up in the fact mint leaves smell like gum or how a no one can find the ears or the butt on a dragon fly...and that's okay, just guild them a bit it will work out.

    Discovery items are always part of my lessons, but they are never the only thing. Join me again next week for another peek inside the box.

**To make the bottle pictured above, simple fill a water bottle 3/4 full with corn syrup and pour in 4 tablespoons of glitter (any color). Food coloring can be added for a different twist. Children love this.. this week my class mentioned it looked like waves on the ocean, how fun is that?

What's In the Box?

   The box, the bag, tote...paper sack- kids see me coming a mile away (and they know me well). I may have one or two or ten totes to travel with drawing curious eyes from others in the parking lot. In the classroom kids know those bags are packed with strange and unusual things that will somehow become elements of our lesson.
   Why a box? Isn't every classroom stocked with toys and supplies? Maybe. I carry a box because it fits my teaching style. A common classroom may have plenty of things to use, but they are there every week- the children see them every day. I don't know about you, but when I see the same things day after day they become dull and boring to me..kids are no different. Bringing new and fresh items to the room sparks interest encouraging participation.
   Whether my classroom has a curriculum or not, there is always room to add new elements bring their attention to the subject. My box is emptied after every class- always ready to be filled with something new. When I fail to empty it..it can tend to become routine with items used again and again. So what's in the box?
   Three basic themes run in my box filler- a Bible (the heart of every lesson), interactive objects, and crafty goodness. Over the next several weeks we will take a closer look in the box to see various items I use and how they apply to lessons.
   The box isn't for everyone..the elements need attention and energy to employ them in the lesson and to train the children to know the boundaries. These items are not costly or fancy, they come from my home, barn or yard. Some items are delicate and need to be use carefully..some are sturdy and open for rugged handling. Either way, they serve a purpose given by God...to train them up in His Word with a desire to know Him more.
  

How I Teach

   Many a Sunday morning I can be seen toting this and that from car to class in preparation for a wonderful learning journey. The beguiled glances lead to curious questions ... What on earth do you do? I teach. When I teach my desire is to engage the entire being of the child..I want them to experience the lesson with every fiber of their being. My husband use to say I would stand on my head if it meant they would remember it..and he is absolutely right! Let's walk through a sample Sunday lesson.

   The room is set and little ones are arriving. First thing in the door each sweet face is greeted and welcomed, but name if possible. Right inside the door a 'discover table' awaits them. This week we are learning God made heaven and earth from Genesis 1, so our discover table holds a zip bag of soil, some leaves, some pine cones...an orange, apple and carrot. Generally this catches their eye right off the bat, sparking questions. Here is my opportunity to introduce the lesson concept..we share how God made the orange or the soil. They have the freedom to play creatively .. touching, talking, and sharing.
    Just off to the side from here a kitchen area is waiting for those who lose interest in the discovery table and are ready to move on. Home living/family skills are an important part of play and learning ..and can be tied to most any lesson we share. God made our earth where our homes are and our families live..He made our family. As children play with baby dolls and kitchen items teachable moments are captured.
     A book nook is always available for a child who needs some one on one (or a distraction). Some children just want to sit close to you and read...sometimes it's just talking about the pictures, but here is an opportunity for one on once interaction. Good quality books - relating to the lesson, if possible are on hand.

     Everyone has arrived and attendance is taken..we have had plenty of little chats while they freely choose from the available activities. I am blessed with helpers in the room, so together we work toward tidying up the room and getting everyone on their feet in the classroom open area. Finger play and traditional children's hymns are sung with active enthusiasm. We giggle and sing all while getting the wiggles out before the lesson time. I keep a hand made flip book to help children choose a song or game to do next...sometimes we just draw a blank and this little tool is a great tool.
     Winding down we head for the story board; finding our spot on the floor with eager eyes and listening ears. Today we are using flannel pictures to help us with the story. The Bible open, we tell how God made the trees..and a child comes to help place a tree on the board. The next verse tells of flowering herbs..so a flower is placed on the story board..etc. Images are taken down as we review what we have learned...sharing other things they may have thought of (such as, God made the clouds in the sky).  Prayer is given thanking God for His beautiful creation and His Word.

      Today we have a puzzle to share with pictures of Old Testament lessons. Eagerly the children work to find parts that go together- each of us helpers choose a section of the puzzle and as children find the ones that go together, we all work to put them in place. Often the puzzle is taken apart an redone several times before we put it away..here, cooperation and identification bonds the class together offering unique interaction.

      If time still remains before we go home, a craft comes out. This give the children a visual reminder to take home and share. Today we have a coloring page with images from our story board to color. We sit with the children allowing conversation to flow freely. As the craft winds down, play dough is requested..and, of course, I have mine on hand. We mold and shape snails and trees, leaves and snakes...cleaning up just in time to head home.

       I love teaching..it is my passion, and I believe you should share what you are passionate about. Having been in classes again recently myself, the professors that truly stirred my soul are the ones that flow with energy and enthusiasm about their subjects. That's the kind of teacher I want to be. Hearing and seeing the imagination and creativity of these little hearts feeds my soul and drives me forward to the next time we meet. It always amazes me when their thinking gets going and wonderful nuggets of wisdom start to pop out.

  

Be 'Real'

  In my experience..kids can spot fake a mile a way. If my desire is to reach their hearts with the love of Christ, showing He is real, then I need to be real as well...but what does that mean?
    Being real to a child means showing them who you are. I am a farm girl and through the years of sharing the realness of my every day life: gardens, flocks and stocks, has opened doors for conversation and sharing. It shows them where we have a common bond..i.e. a love of animals, pets in our lives or growing things. Simple aspects that spark conversations and give us a connection we might not have had. Children may only see me in my classroom..so being real gives them a glimpse into the me they have not seen. Glimpses of my life enter my classroom through objects shared in a story, pictures that aide in a lesson, or conversations had during play.
    Some time being real is in the response to things. One day a child shared their hurt feelings over her parents' correction in response to her action. Now, to the child the parents were unfair because her intention was to play with her sibling not harm her. We talked about the reality that her parents responded to what they saw and understood..not out of unkindness or cruelty. Parents are real..they make mistakes..and so do I. Sharing my own humanity about making mistakes helps, and sharing that we I needed forgiven for my mistake helped this little one to forgive as well. They don't need too many details or too much information, but knowing we struggle in the same way gives validity to the lesson shared.
   Real can is being honest. Admitting your having an off day or your tired. My classroom atmosphere is generally energetic and creative, but there were just days I didn't have it in me. Here in come being honest...sure we did our work and we learned and played- not with the usual level of vigor, but I was honest with them in that I wasn't mad at anyone or sick.I was just having a tough day. Again, no details are needed and the issue doesn't need to be overly dramatic..but reassurance comes when it is clear no one is mad or in trouble. We got through it and returned to normal the next time. They have off days, and there is strength in the reality we do too.
   Finally, being real- in my opinion- means being forgiven. I mess up..sometimes I react before I have the details..or correct without the whole picture..I need to be forgiven. The most powerful message can often be admitting our weakness/mistake and making it right by seeking that forgiveness. If I have wrongfully corrected a student and the truth has come to my attention, I believe in admitting that wrong and asking forgiveness. Modeling this simple yet difficult act teaches far more powerfully than simply talking about it.
   In the end, most things are caught rather than taught. I would rather what they caught was real in hopes they realize the realness of their parents, siblings, friends, and ultimately their Savior.

  

Making the Room Work

    I am an interactive teacher who loves creative interaction. For me, a classroom holds opportunity and promise...but also a great challenge. The room is a first impression that can either intimidate or welcome..it can inspire or stifle. Preparations for a lesson always include making the room work for me; getting the right setting for engaging every aspect of a child and sparking their interests.
    First consideration: what's available? Tables and chairs? Open floor space? Shelves or a sink? Some classrooms are equip with toys or books. Along with the available elements, layout is important. If I share a space with another ministry then I need to be mindful about the set up. Knowing the elements that already exist and how they are arranged help me set my mind to the next order of business.
   My next consideration: What do I have at home? Basic art/craft supplies, paper goods, and some toys can easily be toted back and forth. Cookie sheets and magnets, rice in a tub, simple every day items can be creative avenues for little hands. It is amazing what house hold goods have traveled with me to aid in the lessons of the day.
   Another question on the list: Do I have help? This helps me determine how far apart to set creative stations, not to mention some activities are just easier with a few more hands.
   When a child enters my classroom there are tables or corners of activity waiting for them... a kitchen set up, a table with water colors, a reading corner and maybe a dress up nook. Each area relates in some way to the lesson at hand..this sparks conversation that prepares for the lesson and gets them engaged in the learning process. If the children are young, then plenty of open space is left for music and movement - getting those wiggly bodies some relief from quiet activities.
   Carpet on the floor and paint on the walls really don't matter when it comes to welcoming a learning environment. I prefer a simple room that allows me the freedom to tote things in and change the objects as the need calls for it. It warms my heart when a little one enters the classroom asking 'what's in the box today'.. they know me..and know we are going to learn, grow, and engage our hearts. There in I know I have made the room work for me.

What I Teach.. A Conviction

   I love a good story..even more so if it is a true one. Guess what..children do too. There is a growing concern in my heart over the mindset that children cannot handle stories from the Bible, but instead need cartoon edited, watered down happy thoughts. They don't. I have never seen benefit or purpose in using such 'curriculum'...therefore I do not intend to. So, instead of the 'popular trend' what do I teach?
   Since the beginning of my journey of serving through teaching it has been my practice and passion to teach the Bible..as it is in its true form..line upon line, precept upon precept as it is written. Period. From creation to crucifixion to His glorious revelation the Bible itself is filled with amazing stories, truths, and instructions little ears need to hear and know. Can they handle it? Yes.
    When I prepare for a lesson my first step is to read it. I read my text as soon as I know it is my task then I read it again and again over the days until I teach it. Familiarity with a passage lends me freedom to engage my group with eye contact and interaction..it frees me from being 'tied to the page'.
     Once the passage starts to become familiar I ponder the setting, the historical surroundings and happenings..get in touch with the background of the timeline. These things are important and very interesting, not only to me, but to the children. Example, when discussing the fact that Jesus grew, the children were fascinated to hear what a house from that time would have looked like..the furniture, the kitchen.
     My next focus of preparation is application..what does this mean for me today? Everything in the Bible is given to us to glean from and apply...and the earlier we are introduced to this concept the better. We learn that Jesus grew and learned and served..those are lessons and examples to guide our own growth and behavior.
     As my day draws near to teach, I seriously consider my audience..the personalities and behaviors of the age group. Here is where I start to consider objects and activities to engage their eyes, ears, hands and even their wiggly little bodies. Action, play and repetition are keys to learning..why not apply them here?
     I firmly believe that I need to know it before I teach it..so I do place a lot of time and emphasis on searching out the Word. This happens long before Saturday night...but, what about those days when the phone rings right before bed..a teacher needs a sub. No problem. I have been teaching and learning for many years. Since I am teaching straight from God's Word there is no worry over what I need or passing along curriculum. As for activities..and entire shelf of my sewing room is set aside for teaching items. Things I use and have used over the years reside here for my gathering. Any child I have ever taught will tell you ..she has boxes. Guess what's in those boxes..lots of wonderful things to help guild our learning and our remembering.
      This is my heart. This is where God has burdened and grown me. No greater joy- aside from teaching my own children- has ever been found in me than sharing with others. Oddly enough, even when I teach adults I use the same format..same layout..the objects and activities are just different. I am ever so grateful for the opportunities He has given..and for the opportunity to share it with you.

"Just"...A Beginning

   I was young..just starting to sort out my life, my faith, and where things would lead me. The church I was attending asked me to consider volunteering in their children's ministry. Concern struck me at once..I wasn't prepared..I didn't know enough..how can I share what I am not sure I understand. Let me just say, I do not recall what I was wearing or the color of the carpet..or even very much of the conversation, but there is a part of that conversation burned into my mind that haunts me to this day...it is just the nursery.
   Over the years of serving and loving my Lord, that particular phrase has reared its ugly head...it is just... God has used that conversation and that reoccurring phrase to spur me on over the years..because the reality is..to Him..nothing is just. It isn't just a nursery, or a home visit, or serving a meal. It isn't just singing, or praying, or even a hospital visit. It isn't just vacuuming a floor or scrubbing a toilet. It is something so much more.
   When I accepted that time in the nursery those many years ago it was a serious step for me and a definite time of growth. Those moments in the room with precious souls was an open door..an opportunity to share God's grace and love and abundant mercy. I was giving worn out parents time to refresh and renew..I was giving children love and affection and compassion. There were days I walked the floor with a fussy baby so that a mother could attend service and find the grace to face the afternoon. Rocking a baby and changing a diaper isn't the only purpose though.
   My heart churned with deep desire to teach and to share. During the week my mind would race with ideas and notions to share with the little ones. Plastic fruits to touch and see..learning God made these wonderful things for us and gave us the eyes to see them and hands to touch them. Little stuffed animals to talk of His creation and their relationship to us. Every week I served totes of 'stuff' came along with new items to learn with..an 'object lesson' for little minds to grasp. These efforts did not always meet with favor, but my obedience to my Lord is so much more important to me than the opinions of others.
   The nursery was only the beginning. I have cleaned the church, gone on mission/ministry trips, sang at convalescent homes and taught Bible studies. With each opportunity God has granted me, He also granted me the conviction that it is never 'just' anything...it is His divine opportunity..and it should not be wasted.
   During the past few months God has been working on my heart restoring my focus..my gift from Him..teaching. With this renewing came a deep burden to share my journey, my heart, and my process. I hope you will join me weekly as I dig deep into my 'tote bag' and pull out the tid-bits and lessons learned along the way. In addition, I invite you to share your heart as well..share your projects, ideas, and experiences..we are all in this together..and learning from each other is a wonderful gift.