As you know, I ALWAYS have some sort of EAA (Early Arrivers Activity) for my KIDDOS. I usually have the same EAA for 2 weeks. I try to CHANGE out the EAA'S often...yet keep a bit of consistency during a particular lesson.
If this is your first time coming to the HANDS ON BIBLE TEACHER website, let me explain what EAA'S are....If you have been here before, just SKIP ahead! :)
I believe it is very important to use EVERY minute of Bible Class time as TEACHABLE Moments. From the second a KIDDO comes into the room....it is time to be teaching. And, do to the fact that I have several "EARLY ARRIVERS" I want to make sure to have something that is relevant to BIBLE LEARNING for the KIDDOS to do....Thus became the need for EAAS.
By the way, these PERSONAL size whiteboards came from LOWES. I purchased a LARGE sheet of WALL BOARD and then had the very sweet and helpful guy, that ran the saw at the store, cut them down to size for me. There were several cuts that had to be made....but, when I explained that they were for teaching Bible Class...they did not even charge me for all that cutting!!! (We now have these personal whiteboards in every classroom!!!!!)
This past Sunday I wanted the KIDDOS to draw me a picture of their Favorite story about David. So, before Bible Class I coded each board with "Favorite Story About David." When the KIDDOS arrived they were instructed to draw their FAVORITE STORY about the life of David. 
He really enjoyed DRAWING me a picture of his Favorite Story About David. This KIDDO decided to draw a picture of KING David singing Psalms to The LORD. I LOVE David's ROBE and CROWN!!!...and the "LO, LO, LO, LO, LO, LO" is David Singing. (I LOVE KID DRAWINGS!!!)
This KIDDO decided to draw me a picture of David and Jonathan. She says she LOVES that they were BFF'S. I LOVE her drawing!!!! She said Jonathan needed curly hair!!!! :)
I was impressed at how much the KIDDOS remembered about the life of David. Even though the KIDDOS were having FUN drawing....this gave me an opportunity to SEE what the had learned about the life of King David. This was a way of TESTING my past teaching....gives me a way to know if they are really "GETTING" the lessons I am teaching. These "TESTS" are fun...and the KIDDOS do not even realize I am "TESTING" their memory!!! :)
I always try to find FUN and EXCITING ways to make sure the KIDDOS remember their past lessons. This just happens to be one of my FAVORITES!!
Blessings,
Ronda
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Oooo! I love this idea for so many reasons. I will see if I can get boards for my class the way you got yours! My kids love when they get the chance to write on our big classroom board so I know the individual boards would encourage participation.
ReplyDeleteMy Kiddos LOVE to draw on the board too!!!! This makes it possible for them ALL to draw on their OWN board. Saves a bunch of tears. Hope the guys at Lowes are as sweet to you as they were to us. Never hurts to ask nicely. :)
ReplyDeleteLove this idea. . . in fact I love SO many of your ideas! I'm so glad I found your blog today. I just went through the whole thing :) Looking forward to using some when I get back to teaching (next week is my last week before I break for the summer and having a baby). Your class must have so much fun. How long does each of your classes last?
ReplyDeleteWe do have a lot of "fun" learning in Bible Class. We only have 45 mins. on Sunday Morning. I wish we had more time!!!! :). That is why I try make every second count.
DeleteI would LOVE to see a sample schedule with how you use your time. We are supposed to meet from 9:15-10:15, but my kids almost all get there at 9:30 or so. I try to include a little snack time too. I am going to try to use your EAAs for the couple who get there on time (my own child and one other usually). I thought about sending out a letter to my new class this fall encouraging the parents to get there on time and start having snack time and an EAA time until 9:30.
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