Throughout this fall semester, I have been privileged to teach the Basic Life Principles class for second and third graders in our homeschool co-op at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. I have eight students, and we have surveyed many different character topics from generosity to respect, gratitude to self-control. With each topic I gave a lesson based on God’s Word, the only TRUE pattern for our lives, along with practical examples.
As a tough teacher, we had homework each class period as well! What is a class without homework? I attempted to make these homework assignments and projects very practical so that the children would understand the real-life meaning of each topic. Every homework page included questions, a practical definition, a key Bible verse, and a “hands-on” project applying the topic to their daily lives. For example, there is the topic of Gratitude:
1. Definition: Having a heart that is FULL of thanks to God and others.
2. Key verse: Psalm 92:1 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:
3. Project: Write a list of fifty things you are thankful for.
So we went on, week after week studying these Biblical character traits. And each week, upon reciting the verse and definition, and showing proof of having completed the project, the kids received a hole punch in their name card (created for just that purpose). Those to complete all eight punches in their card were awarded a Christmas Party at my house. Some struggled, but in the end, all eight students won the party!
Seven of the eight were able to attend the party, and we had a great time! We played board games, Christmas games, sang Christmas carols, listened to the Christmas story on a cassette tape, and had the chocolate fountain! I used white chocolate this time since that is what was on hand. And boy was it delicious!
Then, those at the party who could say all of the definitions and verses in a row by memory, received a homemade, completely edible gingerbread house!
(This was my first experience making the little constructions, and it was pretty simple! They held up real well, and we had a lot of fun doing it!)
Altogether, it was a good end to a good semester! It is a privilege to serve the Lord teaching children!
