Preparation
Study the material to be presented. The quality of your teaching directly correlates to the amount of preparation time. Use the teacher's guide provided for your class as a guide, not as the fount of all knowledge. In any sort of teaching, knowledge is found from more than one source. Look up words, utilize a Bible atlas, check commentaries, etc. In order to be a good teacher you must first be an interested student. Check ahead of time to see what visual aids might be available such as filmstrips, maps, etc. Always remember to pray.
Before Class Starts
Be early. Parents dropping children off need time to get to their classes before they start. Some are teachers in other classes and need to be able to drop off their children in your class and get to theirs early. Set an example for the students. Take the time in the minutes before class to greet the students. Take an interest in them, a real interest, and you are likely to have a more positive class. Begin the class with a prayer. This sets the tone for the class and helps to focus the students.
Teaching: Reviewing
Review previous material. This both reminds them of what they already know and alerts you to what needs to be stressed in order to make a smooth transition to the new lesson.
Beginning with the review period to start the class, work to involve the students as much as possible by utilizing effective questions. It is often helpful to write out review questions as part of your preparation. Although necessary with younger children, limit the use of rote memorization queries (What is grace?). Rather, ask questions that require thought - especially with older kids. The definition of grace might be a fundamental but then ask them to put that knowledge to work (What do we mean by grace? What are some examples of grace? How was grace demonstrated in the previous lesson?).
Allow time for the students to answer. Don't give up too easily. Restate the question or provide an illustration. Positively reinforce correct answers. Encourage those giving an incorrect answer. As much as possible, involve all the students with the questions asked. Be gentle, but be persistent. Some kids are natural backrowers and have to be coaxed out of their shell.
- adapted, Brian L. Crispell
And he began to teach them - Mark 8:31