Teaching the Bible creatively part 3

Continuing on with our discussion of creative ways to present your lessons, how about a GAME SHOW approach? Kids love the personal involvement, and a little competition never hurts! Think of some of the different game shows you used to watch growing up and do a spin-off of one of those- Price is Right, Family Feud, $100,000 Pyramid, Jeopardy, Weakest Link, and Deal or No Deal are just a few. This is a great way to incorporate a fun review of the lesson as well. Invest your time in creating a reusable gameboard to be used over and over again. Plan a game time every so often. Kids will really look forward to this time!
Keep in mind-
1)Along with the games can come poor winners/losers. This can be a great time to encourage positive team building and the practice of being a graceful non-winner (it sounds better than loser, doesn't it?). If you have a group who cannot handle the competitition aspect, just make it a fun, easy-going activity.
2)Sound effects and simple props can adds loads of fun and "authenticity" to your show. A microphone, buzzers, sparkly spinners, and prizes can add great appeal. A little dressing up as a game show host never hurts either!
3)Have the kids challenge you! There's nothing more fun than the teacher getting involved in the action. For some kids, the thought of trying to outwit, outplay, and outlast the teacher is a great motivator! I used to have a standing challenge with my 4th grade students with multiplication flashcards and the game 'Around the World.' If they could stop me from going 'Around the classroom' by beating me to the answer they would get some M&M's (I had an M&M candy machine in my classroom). This opportunity was all some of them needed to really want to practice those boring old flashcards!

There are so many ways to make your lessons come alive for the students. Think about the things that excited you as a learner. Think back to your school days. What things did your teachers do that you really enjoyed? What kinds of activities kept you engaged in the classroom? What classes did you look forward to each day? Take a minute to reflect on your own school experience and use that to improve your own teaching!