Teaching Archives - Teach 4 the Heart

#3: Conquering Mental Challenges: Your Questions Addressed

Reduce Disruptions Crash Course

#1: Navigating Classroom Management: Answers to Your FAQs

from SERIES: Answers for Your Top Teaching Questions

Are you facing these common classroom management issues?

Constant classroom chatter
Small group instruction
Lack of support from admin
Classroom rewards that won't break the bank
A school that doesn't allow traditional consequences

Classroom management is one of the most puzzling and frustrating issues that teachers face. How do we control our classrooms? What do we do when we are not getting the support we need? How do we reward these kids when they are doing well? And, how in the world do we stay consistent? Linda's got some answers for you in this podcast!

In this episode of the Teach 4 the Heart podcast, you will learn that many teachers are facing these issues and you are not alone. Better yet, Linda will provide some powerful mindset shifts and solutions for whatever problem is plaguing you the most.

Tune in, and get answers to your classroom management issues today!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Consequence Idea List

60+ Classroom Reward Ideas

Classroom Management 101

#1: Navigating Classroom Management: Answers to Your FAQs

FREE CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT CRASH COURSE

You can reduce disruptions and get to the point where you can actually teach and your students can focus & learn.

And you can do all of this without yelling, begging, or bribing!

We'll show you how in this crash course that you can get done in less than 50 minutes.

Check it out now here.

Answers for Your Top Teaching Questions
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES:

table of contents

#3: Conquering Mental Challenges: Your Questions Addressed

Free Webinar: 5 Time-Saving Practices to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed

#2: Unlocking Balance: Time Management Q&A

from SERIES: Answers for Your Top Teaching Questions

Time management has always been a challenge for teachers! It seems like the responsibilities of teaching are never-ending and always bleed into our personal lives. This week, Linda answers a few more questions on this topic from our community!

1. How do you get both planning AND grading done? I've been focusing too much on one and not the other!

2. I want to become more involved in my church, but teaching takes up all of my time! What should I do?

3. Any suggestions for catching up on school work so that I have time with my family and to take care of household duties?

4. How do I give my students more ownership in the classroom so I have less to do?

Linda tackles all these questions in this week's podcast episodes and shares the tools and tips you need to improve your work/life balance.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Course: Reclaim Your Time 101

Membership Course: Teach4theHeart+

Facebook Group: Christian Teacher's Lounge

Book Series: Trapped in a Video Game

FREE TIME MANAGEMENT WEBINAR

Teachers, register for 5 Time-Saving Practices to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed to discover effective strategies for overcoming the challenges of teaching and reclaiming a sense of balance in your professional life. Gain valuable insights and practical tips to stop feeling overwhelmed! Sign up here.

Answers for Your Top Teaching Questions
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES:

table of contents

#1: Navigating Classroom Management: Answers to Your FAQs

#3: Conquering Mental Challenges: Your Questions Addressed

#1: Navigating Classroom Management: Answers to Your FAQs

#3: Conquering Mental Challenges: Your Questions Addressed

from SERIES: Answers for Your Top Teaching Questions

Right now so many teachers are struggling with anxiety! If you're one of them, you'll want to listen in as Linda addresses some of the common questions we've gotten from teachers, like...

How do I overcome the anxiety related to perfectionism?
How do I handle feeling unappreciated?
What do I do if I'm in a stressful, somewhat unsafe teaching environment?
How do I stop taking everything personally?
How can I keep negativity from taking over?
What do I do with feelings that I'm not an effective witness for Christ?

Listen in and get Biblically-based mental health support today!

To be notified via email when the next episode is released, sign up here.

You can also subscribe to the Teach 4 the Heart podcast in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast app.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Teach Uplifted

BANISH STRESS & TEACH WITH JOY

We cannot afford to wait for our circumstance to change. Instead, we must learn to trust God in our challenges and experience His joy, peace, and rest despite them. Join us in Teach Uplifted- your six-week path to banish stress and teach with joy - even in a crazy school year!

Answers for Your Top Teaching Questions
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES:

table of contents

#3: Conquering Mental Challenges: Your Questions Addressed

from SERIES: Answers for Your Top Teaching Questions

This episode will release November 27, 2023 (Lord willing!).

To be notified via email when the next episode is released, sign up here.

You can also subscribe to the Teach 4 the Heart podcast in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast app.

susbcribe to the podcast

To be notified via email when the next Teach4theHeart podcast episode is released, sign up here.

You can also subscribe to the Teach 4 the Heart podcast in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast app.

HERZOG FOUNDATION

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Herzog Foundation, which supports Christian education in a variety of ways. One way I highly recommend is their leadership trainings. They offer free, in-person trainings to Christian school leaders on a variety of important topics like donor development, marketing and enrollment, strategic planning, culture building, and more.

Not only are the trainings free, but lodging and meals are also covered by the Herzog Foundation. That means your school's only cost is airfare to get to the event. I've heard first-hand from people who have attended these events telling me that they are fantastic! If you're at a Christian school, check them out at herzogfoundation.com/events and be sure to recommend them to your admins.

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The post Answers for Your Top Teaching Questions appeared first on Teach 4 the Heart.

Hope for the Anxious Teacher: Getting to the Root of Anxiety

Alexx Seipp — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Have feelings of anxiety become your status quo? Many of us feel like they are, but with God’s help, they don't have to be! If you've been struggling to experience the peace God promises His followers, you won't want to miss this bonus podcast with Crystal Kershaw. Crystal, counselor and former teacher, examines common causes of anxiety and shares scriptural insights & practical tips to help you overcome it.

LISTEN HERE:

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Blog: Please Pass the Mustard Seeds

Website: Fieldstone Counseling

Instagram: Crystal Kershaw

Session Notes: Truths, Lies, and Practical Strategies

Don't miss this FREE challenge!

Take five simple but powerful actions so you can rekindle your love of teaching.

susbcribe to the podcast

To be notified via email when the next Teach4theHeart podcast episode is released, sign up here.

You can also subscribe to the Teach 4 the Heart podcast in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast app.

ABOUT CRYSTAL KERSHAW

Crystal is a Christ-follower, wife, mother, counselor, and friend. She is passionate about connecting others with the truth of God's miraculous power and sustaining presence. Biblical Counseling allows her the opportunity to see the Gospel impact lives, and bring beauty from ashes. Crystal has a background in women's ministry and Christian Education, and is the founder of Spirit & Strength, a Christ-centered weight training ministry.

She has authored a repertoire of studies and conferences on topics including authentic faith, combatting anxiety, attaching to God, engaged parenting, and overcoming lies. Crystal counsels with a focus on women, anxiety, and adoption.

In addition to her counseling work at Fieldstone, Crystal serves as FC's Director of Strategic Initiatives. In this role, she fosters relationships with individuals and corporations who share and support Fieldstone's unique vision for biblically-based, Christ-centered, clinically informed care. Crystal's blog, Please Pass the Mustard Seeds, features faith builders for the real world. Crystal and her husband have three adult children, and make their home in Northeast Ohio.

HERZOG FOUNDATION

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Herzog Foundation, which supports Christian education in a variety of ways. One thing I highly recommend is their leadership trainings. They offer free, in-person trainings to Christian school leaders on a variety of important topics like donor development, marketing and enrollment, strategic planning, culture building, and more.
Not only are the trainings free, but lodging and meals are also covered by the Herzog Foundation. That means your school's only cost is airfare to get to the event. I've heard first-hand from people who have attended these events telling me that they are fantastic! If you're at a Christian school, check them out at herzogfoundation.com/events and be sure to recommend them to your admins.

spread the word!

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The post Hope for the Anxious Teacher: Getting to the Root of Anxiety appeared first on Teach 4 the Heart.

This Little Light of Mine: Shining for Christ in the Classroom

Alexx Seipp — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 09:00:00 +0000

I don't have to tell you that our world is getting darker. Truth is neglected, confusion abounds, and the future feels uncertain. But rather than shrinking back in fear, this is the time to stand and SHINE!

Whether you're in a public school or Christian school, you have the incredible opportunity to shine for Christ & impact students with the light of His love.
Join us in this series as we explore what it looks like to let our little light shine in the classroom - and what we need to make that happen.

This Little Light of Mine: Shining for Christ in the Classroom
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES:

table of contents

#3: Tackling the Distractors that Keep Us from Shining

#4: Fostering Healthy Relationships in Your Classroom

Learn more & purchase an All-Access Pass at a special Podcast Listener rate!

#1: Fueling Your Mission as a Teacher

from SERIES: This Little Light of Mine: Shining for Christ in the Classroom

Most teachers feel discouraged at some point in their careers. Some teachers maybe even feel discouraged daily. Truth: our jobs are difficult and overwhelming. So, even though the idea of shining for Christ sounds good in theory, executing it in real life may feel impossible.

In the latest podcast episode, Linda invites us to make some mindset shifts concerning work, where our focus lies, and how we view discouragement. Plus, you'll learn how focusing on the reason we are here (and why we teach) can change EVERYTHING.

If you want to feel seen in your struggles, shine consistently for Christ, and make a difference in your school, then this podcast has the strategies you need. Listen in today!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Pray & Plan

Join us at the Rise Up Summit

Join us to discover anew the hope that is found in Christ as well as practical solutions to navigate specific challenges that occur when teaching in a confused world with an All-Access Pass to our online teaching conference! Whether you're in a public or Christian school, you will be encouraged to rise up and shine a light in your classroom.

This Little Light of Mine: Shining for Christ in the Classroom
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES:

table of contents

#3: Tackling the Distractors that Keep Us from Shining

#4: Fostering Healthy Relationships in Your Classroom

#2: The Foundation You Need to Shine

from SERIES: This Little Light of Mine: Shining for Christ in the Classroom

Do you have a passion to reach others for Christ? Developing your credibility where He's placed you can have an immensely powerful eternal impact! When you're good at your job, you increase your credibility... which God can and will use for eternal benefits!

Listen to this week's podcast for ideas on how to improve your foundational teaching skills for His benefit, and at the same time avoid some common traps.

If you find it hard to strike a balance between being complacent with your level of teaching expertise and striving toward unattainable perfection, this episode's for you. Listen now to hear Linda's perspective on seeking and finding that balance while increasing your workplace credibility!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Winning the Battle Against Student Empathy

How to Reduce Disruptions without Yelling, Begging, or Bribing

This Little Light of Mine: Shining for Christ in the Classroom
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES:

table of contents

#3: Tackling the Distractors that Keep Us from Shining

#4: Fostering Healthy Relationships in Your Classroom

#3: Tackling the Distractors that Keep Us from Shining

from SERIES: This Little Light of Mine: Shining for Christ in the Classroom

What keeps us from shining God's light in our classroom? For teachers, some common reasons are stress, overwhelm, and discouragement. In this podcast episode, we will look at how to combat these obstacles with both spiritual and practical tools.

Be inspired and equipped as we explore four essential questions to strengthen our spiritual foundation, hear practical tips to reduce our stress and overwhelm, and gain a renewed perspective that God is on this mission with us. Listen now!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Overcoming Anxiety: Examining its Roots and Shoots and Ways to Make it Leave

How to Reduce Disruptions without Yelling, Begging, or Bribing

Fieldstone Counseling

5 Time-Saving Practices to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed

Reclaim Your Time 101

FREE WEBINAR: 5 TIME-SAVING PRACTICES TO STOP FEELING OVERWHELMED

I firmly believe you can be an amazing teacher and do it in a reasonable amount of time. Let me show you HOW in this free training.

Watch the training now!

This Little Light of Mine: Shining for Christ in the Classroom
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES:

table of contents

#3: Tackling the Distractors that Keep Us from Shining

#4: Fostering Healthy Relationships in Your Classroom

#4: Fostering Healthy Relationships in Your Classroom

from SERIES: This Little Light of Mine: Shining for Christ in the Classroom

Even though God created us for relationships, that does not mean having relationships is easy. In fact, building connections with our students is some of the hardest work we ever do.

This podcast episode is a great chance to look at the way the gospel not only reconciles us to God, but also allows us to be reconciled to one another. Using the framework of the gospel, the fruits of the spirit, and practical teaching techniques, Linda will walk you through how to build deeper relationships with your students.

Want to live out your mission to shine the light of Christ in your school? Listen in for practical ideas and the encouragement you need to keep going!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

A Relational Response to Racism

3 Powerful Words to Build Relationships & Shine for Christ

Beyond Classroom Management

This Little Light of Mine: Shining for Christ in the Classroom
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES:

table of contents

#3: Tackling the Distractors that Keep Us from Shining

#4: Fostering Healthy Relationships in Your Classroom

from SERIES: This Little Light of Mine: Shining for Christ in the Classroom

Discouragement can be hard to overcome if you feel like the eternal impact you're having on your students is minimal. This can be particularly true for teachers in public schools, but can be a struggle for those in private schools as well.

Whether you're in a private school and are able to openly help students seek, find, and grow in Christ or in a public school where you need to represent Christ to your students without speaking His name, this is your highest calling as a Christian teacher.

If you're like many Christians, you might tend to think you've only made an eternal impact if you've helped someone move from unsaved to saved. Listen to this week's podcast episode to hear Linda explain why this is a limited understanding of the impact you have on your students' spiritual lives.

Be encouraged as you listen to this episode and start to gain a more complete picture of the fruit you're producing as a Christian & how God's using you daily in your students lives for their spiritual benefit...even in a public school. Listen now.

This diagram is explained in the episode. Image credit: https://pjtibayan.wordpress.com/2011/12/06/trellis-and-the-vine-application-move-every-member-to-maturity/

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Religious Liberties Handout

Christian Educators Website

This Little Light of Mine: Shining for Christ in the Classroom
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES:

table of contents

#3: Tackling the Distractors that Keep Us from Shining

#4: Fostering Healthy Relationships in Your Classroom

susbcribe to the podcast

To be notified via email when the next Teach4theHeart podcast episode is released, sign up here.

You can also subscribe to the Teach 4 the Heart podcast in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast app.

Herzog Foundation

spread the word!

Did you find this series helpful? Bless your fellow teachers by sharing this post directly (just copy the URL) or by clicking one of the buttons to automatically share on social media.

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#1: Does Discontentment Mean I'm in the Wrong Place?

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The post This Little Light of Mine: Shining for Christ in the Classroom appeared first on Teach 4 the Heart.

Teach without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Faith & Wisdom

Alexx Seipp — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Do you ever feel overwhelmed, anxious, or unqualified as a teacher? You are not alone.

Join us on this podcast series as we explore common fears that teachers face and share scriptural truths and practical steps to help you banish your anxieties and approach this year with confidence and faith.

Teach Without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Fear and Wisdom
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES:

table of contents

#7: Standing Strong Amidst the Fear of Cancel Culture

#8: What if Death or Disaster Happens at my School?

#1: Does Discontentment Mean I'm in the Wrong Place?

from SERIES: Teach Without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Fear and Wisdom

As the summer slips through our fingers, have you had moments of anxiety creep up about next year? Okay, let's be honest. Some of us have been filled with absolute dread. Does that dread and your unhappiness mean that you are not where God wants you to be?

Today's episode is the first part of a brand-new series dealing with fear. And let's face it, the thought of not being where God wants us can be terrifying.

No matter how you are feeling this summer, if you listen to this podcast, you will learn strategies to deduce whether your struggles are a sign to go or a way to grow in your faith.

When we are facing hard times, it can be tempting to think, "I need to get out of here." But, the Bible speaks of hard times as times that refine and grow us as well.

Romans 5:3-5 says, "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."

For more, listen to the full episode here.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Pray & Plan

PRAY AND PLAN

Our Pray & Plan is a great way to keep focused on scripture in the midst of anxieties around teaching. We can help you organize your spiritual, home, and classroom life with our planner created for Christian educators. Pray & Plan integrates practical planning with your spiritual walk to help you teach each day in partnership with the Holy Spirit.

Check it out now here.

Teach Without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Fear and Wisdom
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES:

table of contents

#1: Does Discontentment Mean I'm in the Wrong Place?

#7: Standing Strong Amidst the Fear of Cancel Culture

#8: What if Death or Disaster Happens at my School?

#2: How to Stop Fearing Classroom Behavior Issues

from SERIES: Teach Without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Fear and Wisdom

Have your back-to-school nightmares started yet? I can vividly remember dreams about my students literally climbing up the walls while my administrator observes. Ahhhhh!

Classroom management is one of the most stressful issues for teachers! It can feel so out of your control, but you have more influence than you realize (both on HOW your class behaves AND your fears around it).

On this week's podcast episode, we tackle fears about student misbehavior both from a Biblical and a practical perspective. You will find out why a classroom management plan will help you stop being scared of student behavior, be encouraged to create your own plan, and learn to face these fears head-on, knowing you aren't alone! Listen now here.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Back-to-School Classroom Management & Motivation Training

Classroom Management 101

JOIN US IN CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT 101

In Classroom Management 101, you'll implement a classroom management plan that works so you can stop being frustrated by student misbehavior & actually enjoy teaching again!

Teach Without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Fear and Wisdom
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES:

table of contents

#1: Does Discontentment Mean I'm in the Wrong Place?

#7: Standing Strong Amidst the Fear of Cancel Culture

#8: What if Death or Disaster Happens at my School?

#3: Navigating Parent-Teacher Communication

from SERIES: Teach Without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Fear and Wisdom

Be honest...like many teachers, you're more afraid of communicating with ONE parent than you are teaching THIRTY students, aren't you?

This week’s podcast (all about how to overcome the fear of interacting with parents) is just what you need! Using the fear framework, I’ll be diving into five super practical ways to move past the intimidation factor when it comes to parent communication.

Listen now to get prepared to meet families this fall!

God wants us to seek to please Him - not be afraid of people and what they think.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Prayer Challenge

JOIN US IN THE PRAYER CHALLENGE

The challenge is simple. We're committing to pray every day - for as little or as long as you'd like.

Each day, we will ask God to work in our students' lives, in our lives, and in our classrooms (no matter what form them take).

We will pray for strength, wisdom, and endurance. We will pour out our hearts to God and find in Him a strong refuge.

The challenge starts Sunday. Click to join us.

Teach Without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Fear and Wisdom
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES:

table of contents

#1: Does Discontentment Mean I'm in the Wrong Place?

#7: Standing Strong Amidst the Fear of Cancel Culture

#8: What if Death or Disaster Happens at my School?

#4: Am I Even Making a Difference?

from SERIES: Teach Without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Fear and Wisdom

As a teacher you pour so much of your heart and life into your students, but sometimes it just feels like all your effort isn't making a difference.

That can be incredibly demoralizing, but in this episode you'll learn how to develop a different perspective that can free you from these fears.

Listen now to learn how to let go of persistent concerns about the impact you do or don't have in your students' lives - a mindset shift that will bring you so much peace!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Classroom Management 101

Rise Up Christian Educators Summit

Join us at the Rise Up Summit

Join us to discover anew the hope that is found in Christ as well as practical solutions to navigate specific challenges that occur when teaching in a confused world with our free online teaching conference! Whether you're in a public or Christian school, you will be encouraged to rise up and shine a light in your classroom.

Teach Without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Fear and Wisdom
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES:

table of contents

#1: Does Discontentment Mean I'm in the Wrong Place?

#7: Standing Strong Amidst the Fear of Cancel Culture

#8: What if Death or Disaster Happens at my School?

#5: Winning the Battle Against Student Apathy

from SERIES: Teach Without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Fear and Wisdom

Are you one of the many teachers who have noticed less motivation and more apathy in students since the pandemic? Are you worried about this trend continuing into the next school year?

You're not alone and we can help! In this week's podcast, Linda interviews author Dave Stuart Jr., who shares the 5 key beliefs students need to cultivate in order to care about their learning and persist when it gets challenging.

He also shares ideas for helping students who need to build these beliefs! By implementing these strategies, you will lower your anxiety for next school year and understand the framework behind student motivation.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Article: Moments of Genuine Connection

Book: The Will to Learn: Cultivating Student Motivation Without Losing Your Own

Conference: Register for the Rise Up Summit

Join us at the Rise Up Summit

Teach Without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Fear and Wisdom
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES:

table of contents

#1: Does Discontentment Mean I'm in the Wrong Place?

#7: Standing Strong Amidst the Fear of Cancel Culture

#8: What if Death or Disaster Happens at my School?

#6: Can I Be a Teacher AND Have a Life?

from SERIES: Teach Without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Fear and Wisdom

Do you find that your heavy workload as a teacher is keeping you from enjoying other parts of your life? Are you so busy and exhausted that you worry you will burn out sooner rather than later?

In this episode, we will learn to combat the many fears that may be keeping us too busy and too overscheduled. We will also take a good look at how to allow God to direct our steps so we can find peace in our planning, prioritizing, delegating, and maybe even deleting (gasp!) some of our tasks from our overflowing to-do lists.

Find freedom from the insanity that plagues so many of us by learning to create space to enjoy both your career and your life. Listen now!

God models for us a balance of hard work AND rest. That model of rest can free us from working when we would otherwise be exhausted, stressed, and desperate for a break.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Full course: Reclaim Your Time 101

FREE Training: 5 Time-Saving Practices to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed

Podcast Series: Balance

Join Reclaim Your Time 101

Designed for teachers, Reclaim Your Time 101 is your step-by-step plan to reduce stress & establish balance. In this program, you will cut 3-10 hours off your workweek without sacrificing your effectiveness so you can stop feeling stressed and preserve time and energy for your family and personal life.

PLUS - We know your plate is already full, so we've designed this course to be fast & flexible - and to work with your schedule.

Learn More about Reclaim Your Time 101

Teach Without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Fear and Wisdom
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES:

table of contents

#1: Does Discontentment Mean I'm in the Wrong Place?

#7: Standing Strong Amidst the Fear of Cancel Culture

#8: What if Death or Disaster Happens at my School?

#7: Standing Strong Amidst the Fear of Cancel Culture

from SERIES: Teach Without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Fear and Wisdom

In an increasingly "cancel culture," it can feel scary to disagree with whatever the approved cultural narrative is at any given time.

This may bring up a lot of fear for you- what if I face a situation where my faith goes against the approved cultural narrative?

One area this is showing up more and more commonly for teachers is with students who are claiming to be transgender.

What used to be a rare instance is now shockingly common - and many of us are facing pressure to affirm students' choices in this area without question - and in some cases to even overtly teach unBiblical viewpoints.

In today's podcast episode, Linda applies the 3 part framework to dealing with these anxieties as a Christian. Listen in to feel less alone in these struggles, reassured that God is in control, and better prepared to face these situations.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Podcast episode: How to Navigate Gender Identity as a Christian Teacher

Podcast episode: How to Navigate Gender Identity as a Christian Teacher (Part 2)

Free online teaching conference: Rise Up Christian Educators Summit

Join us at the Rise Up Summit

Join us for a free online teaching conference for Christian educators! Whether you teach at a private or public school, this long weekend will uplift your heart & equip you to fulfill your mission by the power of God's grace.

Teach Without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Fear and Wisdom
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES:

table of contents

#1: Does Discontentment Mean I'm in the Wrong Place?

#7: Standing Strong Amidst the Fear of Cancel Culture

#8: What if Death or Disaster Happens at my School?

from SERIES: Teach Without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Fear and Wisdom

Lately, do you find yourself worried about what kind of nightmarish tragedy could happen next at your school? Tragedies in schools are more common now than ever, which makes the fear of them more realistic and prevalent.

In this episode, we will first address that you are not alone as you face these concerns. Then, you can gain strength through the tips & solutions shared in our 3 part-framework for handling fear.

If you need peace, hope, and some practical ways to relinquish control regarding these concerns, you will find it here. Listen now.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:8

Reminding ourselves of what is TRUE & then choosing to TRUST God is much more helpful than worrying about what could happen.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Free online teaching conference: Rise Up Christian Educators Summit

Join us at the Rise Up Summit

Teach Without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Fear and Wisdom
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES:

table of contents

#1: Does Discontentment Mean I'm in the Wrong Place?

#7: Standing Strong Amidst the Fear of Cancel Culture

#8: What if Death or Disaster Happens at my School?

subscribe to the podcast

To be notified via email when the next Teach4theHeart podcast episode is released, sign up here.

You can also subscribe to the Teach 4 the Heart podcast in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast app.

spread the word!

Did you find this series helpful? Bless your fellow teachers by sharing this post directly (just copy the URL) or by clicking one of the buttons to automatically share on social media.

0 shares

Pin it for later

The post Teach without Fear: Conquering our Anxieties with Faith & Wisdom appeared first on Teach 4 the Heart.

11 Ways You Can Start Using Online Assessments

Alexx Seipp — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 05:17:01 +0000

The way we see student assessment has drastically changed over the years. Nowadays, teachers choose assessment methods that vary from old-fashioned paper and pencil tests to full-scale online examinations. Where are you on this spectrum?

Whereas you may regard traditional learning as your safer option and balk at moving to virtual classroom platforms, online assessments are definitely worth a try. It's a good idea to expand your teaching toolbox with online quizzes and surveys and leverage them for better evaluation and student engagement. Let's see how that can be done.

1. Knowledge checks

When it comes to eLearning, online quizzes are the most common way to assess knowledge. And no wonder: the variety of question types in quizzes allows for testing students' knowledge at different levels. They can range from mainstream multiple-choice, multiple response, or true/false questions to interactive and more engaging drag-and-drop or hotspot exercises.

Now, let's cover the ways you can use online knowledge checks in your teaching practice.

2. diagnostics

Diagnostic quizzes can include the topics of the upcoming lessons and can be helpful for testing basic knowledge. Use online diagnostic quizzes to understand what you should focus on and how you're going to teach in the next module. Come up with a diagnostic quiz at the start of a new phase of education, such as when students begin studying a new unit.

3. formative assessments

Online quizzes can be great for the ongoing evaluation and monitoring of how students are learning the new material. You can include an online quiz in an online lesson or place several of them throughout the online course. Some instructors use formative online quizzes to enhance the classroom experience.

4. interim assessments

Online quizzes can be used for interim evaluation, otherwise known as benchmark assessment. Conduct them after you teach a specific unit to see if your students' progress matches current grade standards.

5. Summative assessments

You can make online exams cheat-proof with question shuffling, limited view time, limited answer attempts, and other settings that test makers for teachers offer. Use an online quiz as a checkpoint at the end of the year or at the end of an online course to assess what students have learned.

6. exam prep tests

Online quizzes can be very helpful for exam preparation, especially when it comes to self-learning. Students can test themselves online anytime, brush up on certain topics and questions, and review the material to do well on the exam. You can add encouraging or explanatory automated feedback for each response that will tell learners why they are incorrect or will add some extra information if they got everything right.

If you’re wondering how to create effective knowledge checks, download this free guide, "How to assess students online." It provides clear guidance to building quizzes, surveys, and other types of assessments with less effort.

7. new student assessment

Whenever a new student transfers to your school, you can assess their knowledge using online placement tests. Online quizzes will help you determine the level of knowledge of incoming students and which classes will suit them best. It's great if your school has resources like these accessible online because this makes the admission processes more streamlined and convenient for everyone.

8. student engagement evaluation

Online quizzes can be successfully used for assessing student engagement levels. You can build quizzes according to the methodologies you prefer and see whether your students are passionate about subjects and what you should focus on in your teaching strategy to engage them more.

9. student feedback surveys

If an online quiz is non-graded, it can become a survey. Taking student classroom surveys online can be more convenient because it's easy for you to share them, as well as collect and process the results. Also, many test makers offer Likert scale question templates that will be very suitable for measuring student satisfaction with the learning process.

10. teacher evaluation surveys

Online surveys can be helpful in collecting feedback on your instruction. You can conduct them in order to be more informed of your students’ needs, gather valuable insights, and put them into practice to improve your teaching style.

11. simulations

Dialogue simulations replicate the different outcomes of the situation depending on the choices made. They are interactive role-plays that put the student in a simulated environment that prompts them to choose between different reactions and behaviors.

It is still less common to think of dialogue simulations as ways to assess knowledge. But they can be tremendously useful in teaching, especially when you can't fit role-playing activities into the classroom schedule.

Teachers can use dialogue simulations to assess students' interpersonal skills, help learners navigate life choices or be more confident in everyday situations, and practice during language lessons. Learners can be accompanied by realistic or hand-drawn characters and interact with them in a café, bank, hospital, or whatever setting is required.

putting it into practice

To create various types of online assessments, you can use a special kind of teaching software called authoring tools. One of the most user-friendly tools for teachers is iSpring QuizMaker. It's PowerPoint based and enables you to make engaging online courses and quizzes in record time, even if you’re new to eLearning.

Make students fall in love with the topic by creating a beautiful course with 14 types of interactive quizzes that will boost knowledge retention. iSpring QuizMaker is compatible with Moodle, Blackboard, and other LMSs that schools use and has a good chance of becoming the teacher's pet!

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*This is a sponsored blog post from iSpring Solutions. Thank you to iSpring Solutions for their support!

Help for student behavior stress

Great in-class activities can only take you so far if you can't get your students to stay on task!

Teach 4 the Heart's FREE training: How to Reduce Disruptions without Yelling, Begging, or Bribing can bring some relief.

This 50-minute training covers:

3 mistakes that cause classroom chaos - and how to avoid them
How to get students to listen without being mean
Why students aren't following your procedures - and how to get them to start!
The system I used to drastically reduce chatter, blurting & other disruption
And much more!

The post 11 Ways You Can Start Using Online Assessments appeared first on Teach 4 the Heart.

Finish Strong: Strategies for Making the Final Weeks Count

Alexx Seipp — Mon, 08 May 2023 09:00:00 +0000

As teachers, we often feel so overwhelmed in the final weeks of school that our only goal is to simply make it to summer break.

But if we only survive, we’re missing huge opportunities the final weeks bring. The good news is that we don't need a lot of time to make the last weeks count - just a bit of intentionality.

Join us we explore how we can make a final impact on our students, pack up in an organized way, reflect helpfully, and prepare ourselves for a refreshing summer break.

Finish Strong: Strategies for Making the Final Weeks Count
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES:

table of contents

#1: How to Finish Strong, Even if You Don't Think You Can

Teacher Appreciation Bundle

#1: How to Finish Strong, Even if You Don't Think You Can

from SERIES: Finish Strong: Strategies for Making the Final Weeks Count

Congratulations on making it this far into the school year! I want to encourage you to finish strong and make these weeks count.

When I was 16 weeks pregnant, I ran a marathon. I didn’t discover I was pregnant until halfway through my training, but I got medical approval to run anyway. I had this idea that I was going to cross the finish line with my arms held high in victory! I wish I had a video of me crossing because the reality is I barely made it across that finish line and I collapsed in the grass at the end. My husband said I looked miserable. I was glad I accomplished it, but I barely made it.

Maybe you feel that way. Maybe you’re thinking, “I don’t know if I can cross that finish line. I feel like I’m barely surviving.” Do not feel guilty if you’re just putting one foot in front of the other, but I do want to give you some things to think about these last few weeks of school.

Why do these last weeks of school matter?

1. These last weeks are an opportunity to make a final impact on your students. You’ve spent so much time with them, you know them better now than ever. You have built a relationship. Keep your eyes open for opportunities to guide them, to leave them with those last few words of wisdom, to inspire them. They’ll listen better now because of your shared history.

2. This is a great time to reflect. What has gone right this year? What has gone wrong? Make some written notes about it, so you will remember them next year and can make any changes (and remember what you want to do again!).

3. Make a plan for how to use your summer wisely. Sometimes the summer flies by and you don’t know where the time went! You had things you wanted to accomplish, but didn’t get to them. Now is the time to really consider what you want to do before next school year, but also be sure to plan some time for rest and relaxation as well!

If this sounds overwhelming to you and you’re one of those teachers we talked to above who feels like they’re barely surviving, you’ll want to listen to the full episode above where Linda provides encouragement and truth from God’s Word to help you keep going!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Jesus, Strong and Kind Song

Finish Strong: Strategies for Making the Final Weeks Count
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES:

table of contents

#1: How to Finish Strong, Even if You Don't Think You Can

End-of-the-Year Project Ideas

#2: Making a Final Impact on our Students

from SERIES: Finish Strong: Strategies for Making the Final Weeks Count

Here it comes, ready or not!

The end of the year is fast approaching and you have limited time left with your students, so let’s make the most of it!

Be intentional with how you spend your time, both academically and relationally.

Academics: Take a moment and see where you are in your scope and sequence.

- If you’re behind schedule, don’t just keep doing the next lesson because it’s the next lesson. At this point, you know you’re going to run out of time to teach everything, so intentionally think through what the most important lessons are and prioritize them.

- If you’ve done an amazing job staying on track, or even getting ahead of schedule, don’t let your students think you’ll be wrapping up early for the year. They’ll check out and you’ll have a mess on your hands! Have a plan with engaging academic activities so they’ll be excited to learn up till the end.

Relationships: Pray and keep your eyes open for how God wants to bless His children through you.

- God isn’t done using you in the lives of your students! In your last few weeks with them, intentionally speak love, truth, and encouragement into their lives. Ask God to help you shine His light to the students He’s given you this year.

Want some specific ideas for projects (both academic and relational) that you can do during the last few weeks of school? Listen to the full podcast now!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

PRAY AND PLAN

As you reflect on how planning out your schedule went this year, start thinking about next school year! We can help you organize your spiritual, home, and classroom life with our planner created for Christian educators. Pray & Plan integrates practical planning with your spiritual walk to help you teach each day in partnership with the Holy Spirit.

Check it out now here.

Finish Strong: Strategies for Making the Final Weeks Count
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES:

table of contents

#1: How to Finish Strong, Even if You Don't Think You Can

#3: How to Close Down Your Classroom Like a Pro

from SERIES: Finish Strong: Strategies for Making the Final Weeks Count

When you think of closing out your classroom at the end of the year, do you immediately have visions of total chaos? Loose papers flying everywhere, trash cans overflowing with ripped-up bulletin board displays, stubby pencils on the floor, and students attempting to shove the entire contents of their desks into their backpacks to take home… what a mess!

The good news is that cleaning up your classroom doesn’t have to be chaotic if you take the right approach! Here's some advice to help you with these tasks:

1. DON’T pack up the visible parts of your classroom too early! If you start taking down your bulletin boards a month before school ends, it will signal to your students that the year is over and they will start to lose focus.

2. DO start cleaning out your desk, cabinets, and computer files ahead of time so that you can discreetly get some things accomplished without derailing your class.

3. DO enlist your students to help. On one of the last days of school, try giving your class some engaging independent work and having pairs of students work on cleaning tasks one at a time to avoid chaos. (Thanks to Angela Watson for this great advice!)

You don’t need to be overwhelmed by all that needs to be done. Just try your best to do what you can and every little bit will help you get off on the right foot next year. Here's some advice from Kelly Jackson from The Simply Organized Teacher on organizing as you pack up:

1. DO your cleaning and organizing a little at a time, as you have time. Try tackling one drawer at lunch time and another the next day.

2. DO find some bins that you can label “donate” or “trash” etc. so that you have a spot for everything you need to organize or get rid of. (You may find it motivating to give yourself a goal of how many items you will get rid of!)

3. DON'T forget about the unseen parts of your classroom, like cabinets and drawers. Neglecting those spots will cause you to come back in the fall to an unexpected mess!

4. DO create zones in your classroom and put “like” things together in the same zone. For example, put all of your teaching reading materials in one location rather than all over the classroom.

If you’re interested in hearing more about closing out and organizing your classroom you can listen to the entire podcast episode here.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

A Simple System for Deconstructing your Classroom in Just One Day

TEACH4THEHEART+

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Finish Strong: Strategies for Making the Final Weeks Count
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES:

table of contents

#1: How to Finish Strong, Even if You Don't Think You Can

Your Smooth-Running Classroom

#4: A Simple Key to Future Success

from SERIES: Finish Strong: Strategies for Making the Final Weeks Count

Do you want to start your summer break with clarity and the freedom to enjoy the sand and sunshine from day one? Then, schedule a small block of time to reflect on this school year.

Reflection will allow you to clear your mind from all the details you would otherwise try to hold onto until next fall.

Reflection can be simple, inspiring, and be the catalyst you need to improve your classroom.

Use these 4 easy steps.

STEP ONE: Let's start by celebrating the things that went really well this year!
-Did you connect well with certain students?
-Did you master the art of a clean desk?
-Were you on time more than 90% of the days?
Write these things down. Thank God for these wins! And use them to help plan for next year.

STEP TWO: Now, let's make some notes of things you want to change.
-Is there a new procedure you want to implement? -Was there a daily struggle in your classroom? -What inspiring ideas do you have?

STEP THREE: Identify the root cause of last year's biggest pain point. Try asking: -Why this was an issue? Ask why a couple times if needed. Some themes that come to mind are: organization, classroom management, time management, personal attitude, anxiety, or student behavior.

STEP FOUR: Make a plan for what needs to change.
Remember: This is about reflecting and not solving your issues right away. So, while step four can involve naming the solution, it will then involve planning time in the future where you implement the solution. On the other hand, this step could also mean planning time to brainstorm solutions themselves. This is not about fixing everything now! Instead, it's about assuring there is time on your calendar designated to handling the problem.

These four steps will not solve all your problems for next year within the 20-30 minute reflection time.

But, following this process allows you peace of mind as you begin your summer.
You have identified your issues, and made time and space to deal with them in the future.

Plus, you have recorded several things that worked well to keep you motivated AND to draw inspiration from as you brainstorm solutions for next year.

Listen to today's podcast to get more clarity on these reflection steps and their benefits. Then, when you are done, clear your mind for summer vacation by using this in-depth reflection template. Click here to get yours.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

All-New Classroom Management 101

Reclaim Your Time 101

Teach Uplifted

Beyond Classroom Management

In-Depth Reflection Questions

JOIN YOUR SMOOTH-RUNNING CLASS

Are you tired of all the distractions? If you've ever stood in front of your class desperately trying to regain your students' attention while they talk, run around, get in fights, and generally ignore you, you know it is not fun.

But it doesn't have to be this way! We'll help you design a plan that works so you can create a smooth-running class where students respect each other - and you!

Join Your Smooth-Running Class this summer!

Finish Strong: Strategies for Making the Final Weeks Count
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES:

table of contents

#1: How to Finish Strong, Even if You Don't Think You Can

Your Smooth-Running Classroom

from SERIES: Finish Strong: Strategies for Making the Final Weeks Count

This summer, let's make sure you get the things done that you need to, but also have plenty of time to rest and have fun!

Let's start with planning an ideal week. We suggest theming your days so they are similar each week.

Here's an example:

-Monday: AM - Household chores | PM - Library and errands
-Tuesday: Beach or Park
-Wednesday: AM - Lunch with a friend | PM - PD course during kid's youth group time
-Thursday: AM - Laundry, reading & rest | PM - Family night
-Friday: AM- Groceries | PM - Project day

This schedule is very loose but key priorities are addressed.
(In the podcast we refer to them as level 1 priorities).
-Family time
-Reading books over the summer
-Completing a professional development course

There are some level 2 priorities set as well:
-Decluttering the closet, kitchen, and storage area in the basement
-Seeing friends on a weekly basis
-Getting outside on a regular basis

Other priorities such as household chores & rest are addressed as well.

By sharing the schedule with family and friends, these goals are more likely to be a reality!

Let's review how you can formulate your ideal week schedule, too!

STEP 1: CONSIDER
What's important to you this summer? What do you REALLY want to experience, do, or feel? Make sure to consider personal, relationship, professional, health, spiritual & other kinds of areas.

STEP 2: PRIORITIZE IT
Of the things you deemed important, you will need to rank them. Remember, if everything is important, then nothing is.

STEP 3: SCHEDULE IT
Schedule time for these things NOW. Even if you're not exactly sure what you'll do, get it on the calendar. Get your most important things on the calendar first!

STEP 4: SHARE IT
Be sure to share your goals to cement them in your own mind & provide a bit of accountability.

Listen to this podcast for more information on the 4 steps, so you can create your own ideal week schedule & plan a wonderful summer vacation for you and your family. Enjoy your summer!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

All-New Classroom Management 101

Reclaim Your Time 101

Teach Uplifted

Beyond Classroom Management

Teachers in the Word Bible Studies

Finish Strong: Strategies for Making the Final Weeks Count
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES:

table of contents

#1: How to Finish Strong, Even if You Don't Think You Can

Join Your Smooth-Running Class this summer!

JOIN YOUR SMOOTH-RUNNING CLASS

But it doesn't have to be this way! We'll help you design a plan that works so you can create a smooth-running class where students respect each other - and you!

subscribe to the podcast

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You can also subscribe to the Teach 4 the Heart podcast in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast app.

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The post Finish Strong: Strategies for Making the Final Weeks Count appeared first on Teach 4 the Heart.

Gender Identity, Anxiety, and Depression: Reshaping Identity Issues with the Gospel

Alexx Seipp — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 09:00:00 +0000

At the core of many of the issues facing both teens and adults is a question of identity. From confusion about gender or sexual identity to struggles with anxiety, depression, and self-worth, how we view ourselves is at the core. In this special episode, Jonathan Holmes joins us to explore the differences between a traditional view of identity and a modern one, and how a Gospel identity transcends and transforms both views, enabling us to overcome with our identity fixed in Christ.

Listen here:

What is identity? Identity is a sense of who we are, how we got here, and what we are made for. Everything that we do comes out of that identity. When we understand what someone's identity is and how they've formed it, it helps us to better understand those around us , including our students.

There are three different ways to view our identity: the traditional view, the modern view, and a Gospel-shaped view. This chart outlines the differences between them:

As you can see, what your identity is rooted in can make a big difference in the way you live and view the world. And while we might notice a lot of tension between a traditional and modern view of identity, as believers we must transcend both of these common viewpoints and instead root our identity in the truths of the Gospel.

As Christians, we know what's most important about us: who God says we are. How are you living to show that's your identity?

In the conversation, Jonathan Holmes of Fieldstone Counseling explains these different identities, what they mean for us, and takeaways for Christian teachers. Be sure to listen to the full episode above!

Resources mentioned in this episode

About Jonathan holmes

Jonathan Holmes is the Founder and Executive Director of Fieldstone Counseling. He also serves as the Pastor of Counseling for Parkside Church Bainbridge and Green. Jonathan graduated from The Master’s University with degrees in Biblical Counseling and History and his MA from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is the author of The Company We Keep and Counsel for Couples and the books, Rescue Skills & Rescue Plan.

Jonathan has written for a number of sites and organizations including Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Biblical Counseling Coalition, the ERLC, and the Journal for Biblical Counseling. Jonathan serves on the Board of Directors for CCEF (Christian Counseling Educational Foundation) and the Council Board for the BCC (Biblical Counseling Coalition). He is a frequent speaker at conferences and retreats. He and his wife, Jennifer, have four daughters, Ava, Riley, Ruby, and Emma.

does your heart crave even more?

Consider signing up for the Teach 4 the Heart Podcast. This free resource is one additional way you can receive Gospel encouragement and practical teaching tips grounded in a Biblical worldview. Oh, and it's totally FREE!

Make sure you never miss an episode: Click here to learn how.

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How to Prep Simple Sub Plans – so You Can Actually Take Time Off

Alexx Seipp — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 09:00:00 +0000

For teachers, the stress of making sub plans often means we are super hesitant to take days off - even if we need them. But what if it didn't have to be that hard?

Listen as Kelsey Sorenson shares how to prep simple, ready-made sub plans that can be pulled out anytime you need them!

Listen here:

When you’re sick, do you “push through” to avoid having to write sub plans?

If so, you’re not alone. A lot of teachers think it’s just easier to “work sick” than try to prep for someone else.

The bottom line is: You have worked to earn your days off and you deserve to take them. Working “through it” can often prolong your sickness and make you less effective at your job, so it is often better for you AND your students if you take the time you need to recover.

But when you have a sinus headache, a stuffed up nose, and a scratchy throat, it’s hard to sit down and write sub plans.

We talked with Wife Teacher Mommy, Kelsey Sorenson, about all things sub planning. Her solution? A sub tub.

How it works:

1. A sub tub is an actual container you can keep under your desk for a substitute teacher. You can put hanging file folders in it for each subject or class that you teach. Fill the tub with a week’s worth of emergency lesson plans, including copies of assignments for every student in the class.

2. These lesson plans need to fit into any time in the school year. Don’t worry about updating them according to what you’re working on; pick activities and lessons that will be valuable any time of the year.

3. Remember that substitute teachers are not glorified babysitters- they are teachers! You can include some actual teaching in the lessons.

4. A sub tub should include a binder with all of your routines and procedures to try to keep things consistent with a normal school day. Include a seating chart, a daily schedule, and your attention-getters. Your Classroom Management 101 plan is perfect for acting as a sub binder because it will outline your procedures, rules, and consequences.

5. You can also prepare a whole-class reward system ahead of time for the sub. An easy whole-class reward system is picking an 8-10 letter “word of the day.” When the whole class is meeting expectations, the substitute teacher writes a letter on the board. When the whole word is spelled out, the students get a pre-determined reward.

6. An individual reward system is another great idea. Sometimes, students aren’t motivated by a whole-class reward system because they think that difficult students will ruin it for everyone. Your sub plans can include individual punch cards for each student that the sub can punch when the students are meeting expectations and when their cards are full, they can receive a prize. You can get these punch cards and more in the FREE Sub Planning Starter Kit.

For more on preparing the students for a substitute teacher and changing your mindset so that you feel comfortable to take the time off you deserve, listen to the podcast episode above.

If you're a member of Teach4theHeart+, in April you will be able to join a live training with Kelsey where she will go into more detail on sub planning and take your Q&As (this is on top of unlimited access to our four most popular courses!). Sign up now at: Teach4theHeart+

And be sure to sign up for Wife Teacher Mommy's annual Educate and Rejuvenate virtual event!

To be notified via email when the next podcast episode is released, sign up here.

You can also subscribe to the Teach 4 the Heart podcast in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast app.

Resources mentioned in this episode

About Kelsey Sorenson

Hi, I’m Kelsey Sorenson. I’m a former teacher and current homeschool mom. I started Wife Teacher Mommy in 2014 after having my first baby. I decided to work part-time as a substitute teacher and realized that teachers needed much more help with sub plans (as well as other teaching resources). So on days I wasn’t subbing, I worked on my laptop while my baby napped with the goal to help educators like YOU get access to effective, ready-to-go resources to cut your planning time in half (OR MORE!) so you can get it all done without sacrificing other areas of your life.

Make sure your students are good while you're gone!

Check out our free class: How to Reduce Disruptions without Yelling, Begging, or Bribing.

subscribe to the podcast

To be notified via email when the next Teach4theHeart podcast episode is released, sign up here.

You can also subscribe to the Teach 4 the Heart podcast in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast app.

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Giving Kids A Hands-On Outreach Experience (And Why It’s Important!)

Linda Kardamis — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 18:52:41 +0000

Having the chance to share God’s Word with people around the world by traveling to other countries on mission trips has always been a part of the church’s outreach program for teens and adults. However, until recently, there have been very few opportunities for children to get the chance to serve and experience outreach in the same hands-on manner.

Gospel adventures

In 2012, Lutheran Hour Ministries started a program called Online Mission Trips (OMT). This program began as a way to share LHM's ministry work around the world, as well as provide an opportunity to teach students about different cultures.

Beginning in 2019, LHM evolved from OMT to a new program called Gospel Adventures. In partnership with Group Publishing, a leader in creating innovative children’s ministry resources, LHM gives children the chance to “travel” the world, experience other cultures, and see how the Gospel is being shared around the world, from the comfort and safety of their classroom or home.

Gospel Adventures gives kids in Christian schools, churches, and homeschools who are in preschool through middle school, and even some adults, an inside look into the day-to-day lives of people like them around the world through music, videos, and fun characters.

“It was amazing to see God’s hand at work around the globe, and to be able to ‘meet’ people in faraway places,” says Kristin Schmidt in Athens, Georgia. “Gospel Adventures helped our students connect and realize that kids in other countries are not much different from them.”

Children can see, through the engaging videos, that there are children who share the same faith as them who are located all around the world. Not only do participants get to see how people live and work in other countries, but they get to see God’s work in action with examples of how they can share the Gospel with people in these areas through prayer and designated chapel offerings.

“With high-quality videos and engaging activities, the curriculum helps kids learn about life and culture from kids like them—but who live in another part of the world,” says Ashley Bayless, curriculum development manager at LHM. “Kids are constantly surprised by how life isn’t that different in other places around the world. Kids go to school; they help with chores; they play soccer with their friends—and yet life can still look very different: new foods, different transportation, another language. One of the greatest similarities, though, is God’s love for all His children, no matter where they live in the world,” Ashley adds.

Elementary vs. middle school options

Depending on the child’s age, the program features two curriculum styles. There is an interactive curriculum for grade school-aged children and an online experience for middle school-aged children. The grade school curriculum is set up to be teacher-led and allows for interactions between the teacher and students.

On the other hand, the middle school option gives older kids the chance to dive into the culture at their own pace on the interactive Gospel Adventures website. Since the curriculum is so flexible, schools are encouraged to decide if they want to implement the program in individual classes, or if they want to gather all the students to participate in a school-wide Gospel Adventures activity together.

Gospel Adventures curriculum can be downloaded and utilized at any time throughout the year. Anyone can register their home, school, or church for the program at Gospel Adventures. The teacher or parent registrant will receive access to the teacher curriculum as well as access to the interactive webpage. Videos are pre-recorded so the instructor can determine the flow of activities based on the child’s learning schedule.

Celebrate India with Gospel Adventures this year! Just like our past adventures: Zambia Bound, Thailand Trek, Go Mongolia, and Passport to Peru, Gospel Adventures: Celebrate India is a free resource available to Christian schools, churches, homeschools, and individuals across the United States, filled with fun activities and an interactive website.

As a way to support children’s ministry around the world, schools and churches can choose to collect donations from the children through chapel offerings or change drives to put toward LHM’s Global Kids Fund that supports ministries similar to the one they saw during the Gospel Adventures program.

Students in kindergarten through eighth grade at First Immanuel Lutheran School in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, participated in Gospel Adventures: Go Mongolia in January 2020. In addition to participating in the educational aspects provided by Gospel Adventures, the students and congregation members raised more than $2,000 for our Global Kids Fund. Students raised money through coin crusades and competitions in various activities against other grades or classrooms.

Since OMT began in 2012, children have donated over $200,000 to LHM’s Global Kids Fund. This year, gifts made to the Global Kids Fund will supply games and resources for youth clubs in India! Donations can be made online at Lutheran Hour Ministries or mailed to the LHM office in St. Louis, MO.

What about you?

Interested in using Gospel Adventures in your church or school? Visit Gospel Adventures to register, or to download the sample containing the day one curriculum to see what this program is all about. We look forward to being able to Celebrate India with you this year!

About the author

Megan McDaniel is the Content Manager for Lutheran Hour Ministries. She has a passion for ministry work and is dedicated to helping share the Gospel around the world.

Don't miss this FREE challenge!

Take five simple but powerful actions so you can rekindle your love of teaching.

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