Teaching Youth, Children, and Preschoolers

Each of these three groups are unique in their stages of development; therefore, each must be taught quite differently. The HBLT approach may be used to teach all three age groups, however, it must be tailored to fit the developmental pattern of the students involved.

Of youth, children, and preschoolers, with which group do you have the most experience teaching? How have you altered the HBLT approach to fit the age group you teach the most?

Motivation in Learning

What have teachers done that have motivated or demotivated you as a student?

A Great Teacher

One of the main things my husband, Bryan, and I have in common is our love of teaching. We both absolutely love to teach! However, that's where the similiarities between our common profession end.

I am a devoted planner--when structuring a lesson, I have to write everything out, make a checklist, and go strictly by it. Bryan, on the other hand, makes plans, but only in his head. With the exception of his sermons, he never writes out how he's going to teach a lesson, and his best illustrations come to him "on the fly"--so to speak--rather than from research. I sometimes have a hard time filling up an entire hour when teaching a lesson, whereas Bryan could teach for three hours straight without stopping and keep on going. Because of my shy nature, it's often difficult for me to initially warm up to my students; it takes longer for me to develop a deep relationship with them. Bryan, however, has never met a stranger and forms immediate trusting relationships with his students. While most attempts on my part at humor in the classroom fall flat, Bryan has his students roaring with laughter at every quip.

Although I profoundly admire my husband's engaging teaching style, I must admit that at times I am a bit jealous. Teaching seems to come so easy for him! Observing Bryan, however, helps me to continue to stretch to be a better teacher myself.

Pros & Cons of Published Curriculum

In your opinion, what are the pros and cons of using a published curriculum?

The Importance of Application

It’s difficult to motivate students to examine their own lives and make personal application of Biblical truths. We as humans are too prideful to recognize sin in our own lives; it’s much easier to point out sin in the lives of others. Jesus spoke pointedly regarding our hypocritical nature in Matthew 7:3: “And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?”

Considering our tendency to ignore our own sin while eagerly pointing out the sin of others, as teachers of the Word we must seek to guide our students to personal application all the more. To teach strictly Scripture without applying it leads to only gaining head knowledge, not true change in the believer.

HBLT Approach

What do you believe are the strengths of the HBLT approach? How would you modify it to better fit your teaching style or needs?

Bloom's & the Holy Spirit

I thought the author's explanation of Bloom's Three Domains of Learning in conjunction with Acts 2:37 was excellent. We not only want our students to have "head knowledge" of the Word, but we also want them to be "cut" by the Word in their emotions so that they will be spurned to "do" the Word.

As stated in the text, we cannot, however, play the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of our students. Often teachers--through their own selfish efforts--will try to "push" their students into confessions of faith or commitment to change or service. Our job is not to force our students into being Christlike; rather, our work is done through diligent prayer to God, study of His Word, and planning for the lessons we are to teach. We must end our job there and let the Holy Spirit do His own work.