General Strategies for Teaching Biblically, Part 2

In our first article sharing tips and ideas from TeachBeyond educators, we covered ideas related to planning and being authentic while also maximizing spontaneous moments, and we remembered that all our efforts at teaching biblically must be rooted in the work of the Holy Spirit in our own lives. In this article, we’ll take a look at a few more methods of teaching biblically, some that include more direct use of the Bible and others that relate to the “home”[1] we are creating for our students.

“A pedagogy is a home in which teachers and students can live together for a while, a place to which students are welcomed as guests and in which they can grow.”
– David I. Smith, On Christian Teaching[2]

Weave in the Bible and a Biblical Worldview
One of the most effective ways is to follow the framework of Creation—Fall—Redemption—Restoration. As you prepare for each concept of study, you can reflect on the following:

• Creation: what is the design of God for this concept?
• Fall: how was this concept corrupted by the fall?
• Redemption: what are the available resources to address the corruption caused by the fall? How does the redemption of the Cross play an important role in this area?
• Restoration: Will the available resources fully restore the concept? How do I connect this to the full restoration that can only be found in Christ?  – Clauds A.

This might sound redundant, but just talk about the Bible! Referencing Scripture in class is only as forced as you make it. If we are meditating on Scripture daily, then it should naturally pop up in classroom discussions. I always try to view biblical connections as worthy tangents. – Jacob C.

Start with a biblical worldview foundation. Before teaching any subject, establish what Scripture says about truth, knowledge, and the purpose of learning. We view every subject through the lens of God’s truth—creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. Ask yourself and your students, “What does this reveal about God, His creation, humanity, or His purposes?” Asking worldview-shaping questions encourages critical thinking by framing questions that connect faith and learning, such as “What does God’s Word say about this topic?” “How does this reflect God’s design or show the effects of sin?” “How can we use this knowledge to serve others or glorify God?” – Name withheld by request

Tell a Bible story that fits with the lesson and grabs their attention, then follow up with the verse as a reference. – Maguy N.

At the onset of introducing any concept, I pose a worldview question that prompts biblical thinking and connection to the unit or lesson. Teachers are the intellectual gatekeepers who enable students to interact with the world around them. As Christian educators, we must lay a biblical framework in our lessons as it is the bedrock of knowledge. Proverbs. 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” – Rosemary O.

Use the Word for everyday moments including praise, correction and discipline. For example, focus on a monthly fruit of the Spirit to teach godly character; use language of forgiveness, mercy, and kindness as children play and interact; and point out positive behavior with biblical language. – Lisa O.

Engage modern culture for examples and areas of discussion (movies, music, etc.). Don’t create strawmen that will easily become problematic when they go to university. Don’t try to have all the answers for everything but be open when something is unclear. – Scott F.

Cultivate an Excellent Environment

One thing I strive to emphasize in any subject is the fact that different isn't necessarily wrong. We serve an infinite God who we get to image in many finite ways. It's alright to appreciate others for their unique reflections of God's glory and this doesn't detract from our own role bearing His image, rather it fosters flourishing in His body, the church. – Sarah R.

Teaching my middle schoolers is such a joy. They are in a very unique season where relationships begin to matter a whole lot more than they used to. Given this, I've found that establishing genuine trust and care in my relationships with my students has been so helpful in leading discussions and hearts to look to Jesus. My classroom is also an extension of who I am and how I want to best support my students. Hence, I enjoy decorating the room not just with “aesthetic/pretty things” but also with intentional spaces where I can help point my students to God. For instance, we have a prayer corner where students can (at any point) drop in a prayer request for me to pray for. We also have our “eternity reminder” in the middle of the classroom wall that helps us (myself included) to keep our eyes on the eternal. Overall, I believe creating this lifestyle and culture of being a part of God's Kingdom makes it easier and more effective to teach my lessons from a biblical standpoint. – Gabrielle F.

We begin each class with 1-2 minutes to refocus. We may have a moment of silent prayer, take a few deep breaths, I may say a breath prayer such as “Lord Jesus....You are welcome here.” Or “Help us to honor You, Lord, today in art class” (referring to our attitude, willingness/efforts, and creativity to do our best). I often need this moment myself as a teacher to reset for the current class depending on how my day is going. – Beth R.

I create a climate of trust with words of love and an environment that allows them to acquire knowledge through play. I strive to be a model of transformation and a magnet that attracts others through our transformed learners. – Jeanne N.

I ask God to see and speak through me as I look students in the eye, greet them by name, pay attention to nonverbal communication, and stay curious about who they are as a person. – Janice B.

Creating a home which welcomes and values students and allows them to see biblical truths as part of both daily life and educational study is a wonderful privilege and responsibility of transformational Christian educators. We invite you to use the above strategies in your classroom and to share with us both the results and any other strategies the Lord gives to you. Send us your comments at onpractice@teachbeyond.org.