Every day I am in awe at my students and how much wisdom they already have about their faith. I absolutely love teaching Bible, and love starting each day with prayer. And I can pray with my kids...we can hold hands, we can pray for each other...it's so neat to see and be a part of after teaching in public schools. (Not that I don't love public schools...I do like the challenge of sharing your faith in other creative ways with students....but this is neat to be part of as well!)
The 4th grade Bible curriculum centers around theology...with topics like heaven, hell, angels, salvation, the Holy Spirit...etc. I was thinking at first it would be too difficult and too advanced for 4th graders, and I was wishing I could teach some fun stories in the Old Testment instead, but it's been a joy to hear their thoughts on these topics. I love their enthusiasm and eagerness to share what Jesus means to them. Their thoughts are beautiful and refreshing, and make me smile. And we have been able to integrate many stories too.
This week we were learning about mercy and forgiveness, and how David showed Saul mercy when he could have killed him, but instead just took his spear and water. I had the students write a journal topic about a time when someone else has shown them mercy, and also a time when they've shown mercy to another person. The answers were sweet and thoughtful....but this one in particular made me laugh. (I think I need to review the concept a little more with her!)
"Once I showd mercy to my family when I sorted everyone in my familys clean clothes and poot them in all ther rooms. no one tolld me to do it i was just bored so i did it." :-)
We did another journal on what they already think/know about different topics relating to our Bible curriculum. I am amazed at how mature many of them are in their walk with God. Reading what they write helps me affirm what I know and believe. The innocence of a child is so sweet!
Their thoughts on heaven...
"Heaven is God's wonderful, enchanted home, like a tall white building, and he's making it nice for you and me so when we get there we will feel at home."
Thoughts on God...
"God is the best and most loving Father ever. He's my very best friend, and the most amazing person ever made." Amen to that!
My favorite discussion this week was in Science. We have been planting different types of flowers and plants, and discussing parts of the plant. Yesterday we looked at a grown flower and picked out the different parts....stem, flower, root...etc. We talked about how the roots are underground and you can't see them but they are very important and you don't want to pull them up because the plant will die. One of my girls raised her hand and said, "Ms. Griggs, I think that the roots on a plant are like your heart, because the good stuff is in your heart, and whats in your heart makes you grow closer to God everyday if your heart is right, just like the plant grows taller and taller to reach God every day too." My kids are soo sweet! The presence of God is here for sure, in 4th grade this year!
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