I can’t believe it, but it’s already time for school again! Here are 9 tips to help you start the year off right.
1) Gather the supplemental supplies (books, craft supplies, games, Bible) suggested for each curriculum. I found it easiest to putting craft supplies in a plastic tote for quick use. Also, place on hold the needed books at the library or order to create a home library.
2) Familiarize yourself with the online Lesson Plans and print the worksheets. Or, order the ABCJesusLovesMe Complete Curriculum in book form for easy use and planning. Read over Week 1 of the Lesson Plan multiple times so you understand the what, why, and how.
3) If using the 3 and 4 Year Curricula, make or order tactile letters and numbers. If using the Complete Curriculum, print the digital downloads.
4) If using the flannelgraph to tell the Bible stories, cut out the flannelgraph Bible characters needs for the week’s story.
5) Do not stress. Start slowly, if needed. This is not a 100-yard dash race, but a marathon of intentional teaching, loving, and “impress” the truths of God’s Word on your child.
6) It is best for the child to have an appropriately sized table for craft and handwriting time. Be sure that the child’s feet can touch the floor and arms can rest at a 90-degree angle.
7) Join the ABCJesusLovesMe Facebook Group and subscribe to this blog and podcast so that you can ask questions and learn from others.
8) Remember that consistent intentional play and reading provide much more value than intermittent sit-down learning. This blog series gives beautiful examples for each age group.
9) Invite the Holy Spirit into your time. He wants to guide you.
Read more…
Teaching Tips
Start of School Prayer
What are you doing to prepare for using the ABCJesusLovesMe Curriculum?
This will be my first year doing something this organized with my daughter. I taught Kindergarten for 5 years and I'm feeling that come back to me a little. I've got my lessons ready and in folders for each day with the books and supplies that I'll need. Thank you for providing this. I think my daughter is going to love it…and it get's me back into teacher mode, which I loved.
We are making a folder for each area of study (i.e. #s, ABCs, etc.) so that as I have time I can print the weeks activities in each area and pull from them as we have time to work on each activity that is planned for the week. On the outside of the folder, I am making notes. For example on the #s folder I have written the number rhymes (0 = Around, around, around you go. That's the way to make zero).