Objects That Teach

This article was published in the Winter 2011 edition of the Christian Educator magazine. Thought I'd share it with you. Blessings...

Objects That Teach

Is your classroom filled with glassy-eyed pupils? Do you need help engaging students in discussion and connecting them with lessons? Using objects that teach in the classroom adds some oomph to instruction—and a little oomph can go a long way when it comes to imparting biblical principles to your students.

Seeing is better than just hearing; and “gizmos,” “doodads” and “things” have the ability to convey ideas, morals and concepts where words alone fall short. Concrete, tangible objects can help teachers communicate abstract concepts.

Teachers who introduce the unexpected or unusual arouse curiosity in their students. Questions, even those unspoken, help young people develop critical thinking skills and spiritual discernment. Good teachers don’t just give hungry students “fish” (lessons); they teach them “how to fish” by opening their eyes to the world around them—seeing God in His creation, His Word and the everyday things of life.

FIRST STEPS

To effectively use objects that teach, begin by becoming a student yourself. Ask God to awaken in you a fascination with the world around you—that you would see the lessons in His creation and how to apply them in life and in the classroom.  The parables of Jesus are an excellent source of material, as well.

Keep in mind kids love hands-on learning. Experiments and projects transmit physical concepts that can be used to convey spiritual principles. For example, a simple bouncing ball illustrates the ever present force of gravity. Once the natural example is proven, use it to relate the pull of gravity on creation with the pull of the world on the spirit. If possible, give each student their own bouncy ball to help them remember your lesson.

EXAMPLES

Thumbs Up! Of course, we need to be age appropriate when teaching, but some lessons have universal appeal. To teach the importance of walking with Jesus, masking tape and a coin will do the job for almost any age. Lightly tape students’ thumbs down, then have them try to pick up a coin from a table with one finger. After everyone tries, explain that no matter how strong and healthy a finger is, it still needs a thumb—and in this illustration, the thumb represents God.

Plant a Seed! Jesus compared the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed. This parable provides a great teaching opportunity that’s both easy and inexpensive. Round up seeds of any kind. If it’s not planting season, you can get some from the spice or bean aisle at the grocery. These will show your students something very small can grow into something very big and useful…just like them! Include seeds or nuts in your treat; and for a craft, make seed packets out of paper students can decorate and fill. These make fun sounds and will remind them of your lesson with every shake.   

It’s in the Genes! A DNA model illustrates God’s divine order. Order begins at the base level of cellular structure and affects so many areas of life, including the roles of husbands and wives—Christ and the Church. A game where students follow patterns (audible or visual), Tinker Toys, or play dough and straws, will get them interacting with this important biblical concept.

Lights Out! A flash light is a wonderful teaching tool. No batteries = no light. No Jesus = no Light. We need the Holy Ghost inside just like that flashlight needs batteries: for our own direction and to bring light into our world. Darken the classroom and make cardboard stepping stones for children to follow with their flashlights, some with batteries and some without. They’ll get the picture.  

Fringe Benefits! Some objects could be used for multiple lessons. Muslin cut into prayer shawls could teach:
- the importance of personal prayer time,
- the Shema [Deuteronomy 6:4-9],
- God’s call to holiness represented by fringes [Numbers 15:37-40], and
- the Old Testament names of God often embroidered on the edges. Grab a permanent marker and go for it!

A Rock in a Hard Place! Something as simple as a bag of rocks could be used several ways:
1. Build a memorial to show the importance of remembering God’s words and deeds. Let students write on their own stones—creating personal memorials of special words, promises or things God has done or given them.
2.     Teach on the importance of foundation stones.
3.     Tell them about the Rock in the desert that provided water to the Israelites.
4.     There’s a lesson in the rocks David used to overcome Goliath.
5.     Finish the series with smooth colorful stones—an illustration of polishing “rough edges” and becoming something beautiful in God’s hand.

With a few rocks, the Word and a bit of creativity, you can put something in a young person’s hand and heart—a physical object that reveals spiritual truths. Some may throw their stones in the driveway on the way out of church, but others may cherish them for a lifetime.

There’s almost no limit to what you can use. Look to the seasons and holidays. A nativity set provides great teaching objects—Mary, Joseph, wise men and shepherds exemplify obedience, trust, loyalty, giving, worship and compassion. Meditate on the spiritual lessons in snowflakes, dogwood trees, butterflies, chlorophyll, and more. Be sensitive as you go through your days and the Lord will show you what objects will touch the lives He brings to your classroom.