Lancaster Baptist School

Mastering the Art of Teaching!

rturner — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:49:38 +0000

Dr. Manuel Salazar, LBS Administrator

“…teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” Colossians 1:28b

Teachers are truly the greatest asset of any Christian school. A master teacher is more valuable than gold and precious stones. As a Christian school administrator and advocate, I have had the honor to observe some of the finest Christian school teachers in our nation. History, educational training, years of research, and these many observations have enabled me to find important common ingredients that make up the most effective ways to teach a lesson and develop wisdom in the hearts and minds of students.

First, the most effective teachers daily pray for their students and for wisdom (for their students and for themselves). Second, the most effective teachers prepare extremely well academically before every class. Third, the most effective teachers proceed to teach their subjects (integrating Scripture with scholastics in every subject) with excellence and passion using an “effective teaching cycle” which contains five main elements. These five areas should be considered with every lesson in virtually every subject. After classroom prayer, the effective teacher would deploy the following five elements:

1. Energetic Introduction – 5 minutes
2. Enthusiastic Review – 7 minutes
3. Engaging Presentation (New Material) – 25 minutes
4. Edifying Classroom Practice – 10 minutes
5. Effective Home Assignment – 3 minutes

Let’s take a brief moment to expand on each of these vital steps necessary to master the art of teaching and to develop true wisdom in the lives of our students. For demonstration purposes let us use United States History and the Declaration of Independence for our example.

Energetic Introductions

This five-minute introduction must be exciting and captivating to draw in the students and motivate them to learn about the topic for the day. Using U.S History for our example, one could bring an object, display a picture, provide a quote, give an illustration, or use countless other items regarding the Declaration. For illustration, one could bring in a copy of the Declaration, pull up the National Archives website and see an original; or one could show the famous portrait of the signing and tell about a few of the fifty-six men who signed this amazing document which forged our nation under God. Many truly lost all they had--they sacrificed their “fortunes and sacred honor.” One can also provide brief personal experiences of trips that he may have made to Mt. Vernon, Monticello, or Independence Hall. The bottom line is that this must be energetic and motivating (and no more than 5 minutes) to gain the students full attention and interest.

Enthusiastic Reviews

Reviews are never to be dry and boring but thoroughly focused and enthusiastic. Don’t read this entire time from a book. Write out key terms, events, and people on the board, and ask thought- provoking questions (remember knowledge, comprehension, and application questions are the foundation to be mastered, but real learning takes place with higher-order questions that require analysis, synthesis, and evaluation). Again using U.S History as our example, review how the Declaration of Independence came into existence, starting with the Great Awakening (without it there would not have been a Declaration), and then tell of other milestone events such as the Boston Tea Party, Patrick Henry’s Speech (“Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death”), Thomas Paine's “Common Sense,” and the first Continental Congress. Yes, students must learn dates, but they also must understand the connections, relationships, and personal aspects of the framers’ lives – make history come alive for your students! It is during this time that various games or competitions should also be employed to help the students review this important material. While it is true that repetition is a major key in learning, it is certainly more effective when reviews are focused and enthusiastic!

Engaging Presentations (New Material)

This is the main course of the meal. Remember a master teacher helps students with small but growing academic teeth by taking the main meal (subject) and breaking it down into smaller, tastier, and more easily digestible morsels. Anything else could cause academic heartburn or even choking. Unfortunately this is why some students do not like to dine at the table (class or subject). Especially during this time, a master teacher will use all learning modes: visual, audio, and kinesthetic. They will teach by engaging students with truths that the students can clearly see, hear, and experience. Continuing with our U.S. History example, a teacher could use a PowerPoint presentation with sound about the Declaration of Independence, show a video on the preservation of the document today, and also have an object (like a copy of a pen that would have been used to write it) that students can hold, pass around the classroom, and examine. This is also the time as one teaches that he assesses whether students are learning--watch their countenances, ask questions, and provide a time for students to ask a few questions. Make this valuable time engaging and interactive (while always keeping the proper pace, spirit, and order in the classroom), again never just reading from a book. The most effective teachers have well prepared, outstanding, and engaging presentations with solid conclusions of the new material being taught each day.

Edifying Classroom Practice

Students need time to have some guided practice in the classroom under the teacher’s direction; this is even more vital in skill subjects like math and grammar. However, continuing with our subject of U.S. History, one can have his students write a brief summary in their own words (should include analysis, synthesis, etc.) or have students pair up with one another and rephrase what they have just learned in their own words. This should include the foundational facts but also include the proper evaluation of the material and events covered in class.

Effective Home Assignments

Homework has been often misused and misunderstood by teachers, parents, and students. First, homework should never be used as a punishment of any kind. Students already have a bad taste in their mouth about homework, so do not make it bitterer; make it sweeter. The truth is that homework is a vital part of a student’s learning process. Homework is to help students achieve greater academic success, develop greater self-discipline, experience a higher level of responsibility, and develop several other important characteristics for life. Thus, teachers are to give the right kind of homework (reinforcement=skill subjects, preparatory=reading subjects, or special=remedial or projects) for the subject (s) they are teaching and the right amount of homework. The rule of thumb for the amount of homework given is 10 minutes times their grade level for elementary (30 minutes for third grade, 50 minutes for fifth grade, etc.) and 1.25 hours for junior high, and 1.5 hours for high school. This is the average amount of time it should take the average student in the class. Be sure the homework assignment is clear and written down by all students. Also require homework to be neat (cursive or typed), complete, and accurate. Check it daily and be sure parents and students see a direct correlation between homework assignment completion and higher academic performance. Always keep parents well informed about current and upcoming assignments and projects. When parents are involved, spiritual and academic success increases, and discipline issues and low academic performance decreases. Build a healthy and positive partnership with parents. Finishing up with our U.S. history example, have students memorize the first part of the Declaration of Independence to recite in class and write (in cursive) a brief paragraph about each of the five founding fathers who served on the drafting committee led by Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. Explain each of their contributions to this amazing document.

Teachers who implement these five elements of the effective teaching cycle will find that they not only have students that are growing in godly wisdom, but also see students that are academically excelling and learning at their highest God-given potential. May we as Christian educators continuously seek ways to improve and master the art of teaching for the benefit of the students and families we serve and for the glory of our great God, Jesus Christ!

Reaching and Teaching Every Child!

admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:15:26 +0000

Dr. Manuel Salazar

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works…”
Psalm 139:14

The Lord has called us to reach and teach all children: the excellent scholars, the average students, the struggling ones, but also the students with legitimate special needs! For a variety of growing reasons, we are seeing more students with special needs in the day in which we live. Current statistics report that up to 1/5 of American students are slow learners with special needs. While a percentage of these students struggle because they missed the basics of education in a poor-performing school and/or they were not diligent in applying themselves in their studies, a sizable percentage (up to 15%) have legitimate special needs that Christian educators must be able to identify and to provide strategies to help these students.

While most Christian schools today are not equipped or able to handle major special needs children, all Christian schools can and must help minor special needs students reach their full potential. It takes a combined effort of parents, teachers, and students working together to help every child overcome the challenges they experience as slow learners. Below are seven basic special needs areas that Christian schools should identify and understand, followed by seven proven strategies to help slow learners achieve greater success.

Seven Basic Special Needs Today

Speech and Language Disorders
Hearing Impairments
Visual Impairments
Emotional Disorders
Learning Disabilities (dyslexia, etc.)
Physical Health Impairments
Mild Retardation

Seven Basic Strategies for Helping Slow Learners

Be sure the parents have the student tested to identify a legitimate need. Be careful with secular organizations which like to label students. For example, some students that are hyper-active may be labeled as ADHD, when in fact they have SDD (Self-discipline disorder). This can often be overcome with a consistent environment of love, instruction, discipline, and encouragement at home and school. Thus, parents must seek tests that remove behavioral issues and focus more on cognitive, learning, and kinesthetic areas of development.
Communicate often with parents about the student’s progress, needs, and upcoming assignments and assessments. Position the students in class to maximize their learning.
Provide some out-of-class assistance via tutoring or special programs for slow learners.
Emphasize quality; provide small victories to encourage the slow learner.
Take class participation and effort into account for grades as you work out exceptions to school procedures with your principal. Other modifications may also be approved by your principal. Be sure to help slow learners be part of the class, never embarrass them or make them feel inferior.
Provide parents with tools that can be used at home to help slow learners.
Keep the goal to mainstream and help the students’ progress. We want to help them overcome their learning challenges, always improving to maximize their full potential.

It is our prayer that Christian schools will continue to seek ways in which they can reach and educate all children whom our Lord has created. May we always remember that every child has worth and value in the eyes of Christ.

“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is the reward”
Psalm 127:3

Helping Students to Love the Lord with all of their Minds

sburchell — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:53:42 +0000

One of the great needs in Christian education today is for parents and teachers to lead students to love the Lord with all of their hearts and with all of their minds, thereby fulfilling what is often referred to as the Great Commandment: “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind . . .” Mark 12:30

The primary need is to aid the work of the Holy Spirit and the preaching and teaching of the Word of God in developing a heart of purpose in young people. We examined this paramount issue in detail in previous months. Today we will focus on how to help students love the Lord with all of their minds—motivating students to enjoy learning from a biblical perspective.

Love your students, pray for each student by name, and demonstrate a genuine concern for each student. Invest and pour yourself into their lives for Christ
Set high standards in which excellence abounds and is the norm. Model excellence spiritually, academically, and socially, then lead your students to do the same.
Know your students’ interests, strengths, weaknesses, and special opportunities. Know where they are regarding salvation, scholastics, and social development.
Treat students with dignity—be just and consistent in your discipline. They are truly the heritage of the Lord and have been created fearfully and wonderfully by Him. Teaching students is a sacred trust and a tremendous honor that Christ gives us.
Know your subjects well and teach with relentless passion. Use colorful and helpful visual aids and effective traditional methods of teaching. Use sound, time-tested Christian textbooks and resources. Teach every subject from a biblical viewpoint.
Start each subject with an exciting illustration or example, teach to the average student, and provide excellent conclusions that summarize the main points. Use humor when appropriate—let your students see you laugh and smile.
Be aware of your students’ actions while you are teaching. Are they engaged, listening, taking class notes, learning, thinking critically, etc.? Ask questions which require analysis, thought, and comprehension of the lesson—not just “yes” or “no” questions.
Be available to students and parents after school. Keep parents well informed, and forge a strong and healthy bridge of communication with them. Be friendly, helpful, and approachable. When parents are involved, student learning increases exponentially.
Attend your students’ athletic or other special events. Most students will be thrilled to see their teacher attend one of their games. It will be well worth your time!
Visit your students’ homes and take by a small gift. It will mean a lot to the students and parents if the teacher will take the time to come by their homes. I know a teacher who gets grocery stores to donate pies each year and takes them by every student’s home each Thanksgiving or Christmas. Both parents and students alike greatly appreciate this act of kindness. Students also love learning more from a teacher who cares.

Teachers, sound lesson plans, excellent lesson preparation and presentations, and well organized classrooms are very important, but let’s remember never to lose sight of the reality that we are first called as Christian educators to help students love the Lord with all of their hearts and with all of their minds … inspiring, investing, and impacting students for life and eternity for the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

By Dr. Manuel Salazar

Developing Integrity in the Next Generation

sburchell — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:24:00 +0000

An authentic Christian school provides its students with an academically excellent, Bible-based, and character focused education. Today, let’s focus on the last one—Character. If a young person is to achieve success in life, he must develop godly character. The Bible states, “The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of the transgressors shall destroy them.” (Proverbs 11:3) Integrity involves the development of character. The following are ten foundational attributes of character that we find in God’s Word and that every child should develop if he is to be a young person of integrity:

Discernment/Wisdom

Proverbs 4:7 “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding”

Obedience

Ephesians 6:1 “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right”

Self-discipline

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway”

Orderliness/Neatness

1 Corinthians 14:40 “Let all things be done decently and in order”

Truthfulness

3 John 4 “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth”

Meekness

Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth”

Gratefulness

1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”

Attentiveness/Fervor

Romans 12:11-12 “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer”

Forgiveness

Ephesians 4:32 “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you”

Reverence

Ecclesiastes 12:13 “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man”

These attributes are developed primarily by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit as students yield their lives to God. The Lord, however, also uses human instruments to help guide and mold this kind of integrity in the hearts of our youth. Parents, pastors, and teachers are vital in this process. When the home, church and school are striving together for the faith, the Lord is pleased and does an amazing work in the lives of young people.

Please remember this: developing character in a young person’s life does not happen by accident—it is not developed spontaneously—it must be taught and modeled on purpose! The goal of character development is to see young people making the right decisions, doing the right things, in the right ways, with a right heart attitude, especially when no one is looking! Parents can help mold godly character in their children by doing the following:

1. Insuring that your children/teens are saved, baptized, and surrendered to Christ

Often, the reason for which students continue to make wrong choices is that they are not truly saved, they are struggling with the assurance of their salvation, or they are simply out of fellowship with Christ. God’s desire is for students to be fully surrendered to Him. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)

2. Having regular family devotions in your Christ-centered home

Young people need to see, hear, and experience biblical consistency in the home. Parents are the first and most important teachers in their children’s lives. Indeed, God commands parents to “teach them [God’s Words] diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” (Deuteronomy 6:7)

3. Attending a Sunday School class faithfully each week

Studying the Bible, enjoying Christian fellowship, and having a Sunday School leader is crucial

to a student’s spiritual growth and the development of godly character. The Bible compels us to

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly diving the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

4. Being a “three to thrive” family Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday night

The Church has been established and ordained by God to be the place where families are equipped in the truth and faith of Christ. Souls are saved, lives are changed, marriages are strengthened, children are taught, and Christ is exalted when the Bible is opened and preached by the man of God. That is why God exhorts us not to miss a church service. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)

5. Providing a distinctively Christian education for your children

Jesus said in His Word that Christian parents are to bring up their children in the “nurture and admonition” of the Lord. If we are to see a generation of young people with integrity in the twenty-first century, we must train and educate them in the ways of Christ and not of this world. Indeed, the Bible tells us to “train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

(Proverbs 22:6)

As you help develop young people of character and integrity, remember to instill other important attributes such as determination, responsibility, accountability, punctuality, loyalty, and other character qualities in their early years. The process of sharpening young lives for Christ takes time, commitment, and consistency, but the investment will truly be worth it all! May the Christian home, church, and school continue to strive together and train up a generation of young people with biblical integrity for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints!

By Dr. Manuel Salazar

Administrator, Lancaster Baptist School

Helping Students Prepare For a Great School Year !

sburchell — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:13:01 +0000

"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." Luke 2:52

The Lord compels Christian parents to train up their children in the ways of Christ. Therefore, it is crucial that students be educated and equipped in three major aspects of life: spiritual, academic, and social. As parents and Christian educators, our greatest desire is to see students flourish in each of these areas. Below are several ways we can help our students grow in these areas and prepare for a great school year.

Spiritually: The Most Vital Aspect of Life

· Personal Walk: Help your students develop a fervent prayer life and a consistent Bible reading and studying time at home. Make a place, provide a plan, and encourage students to petition the Lord for a hunger and thirst for His Holy Word. A student’s relationship and fellowship with Christ will determine his or her success in life!

· Family Devotions: Parents, you must make this a special time in your homes. Sing hymns, give testimonies, and teach biblical principles to strengthen your marriage and your children. A great resource for daily devotionals can be found at www.strivingtogether.com.

· Church and Youth Group Participation: Be a three to thrive family, faithful stewards, and passionate soulwinners. As parents, you must lead by example and encourage your children to grow in their spiritual life daily. Teens need to be plugged into their student ministries.

· Purpose in Their Heart: Students must make a decision to guard their hearts and minds from worldliness as they daily feed the Spirit and not their flesh. Students must be vigilant, not allowing their commitment to Christ to be replaced with carnality or conformity to this world.

· A Great Desire for God’s Will: Through diligent prayer and Bible study, students can discern the Lord’s will for their lives. When they do, encourage them to relentlessly pursue it!

Academically: Communicating the Importance of Learning

· Making Homework Effective: Establish sound study habits, provide a place that is well lit and comfortable and that is free from distractions; create an expectation for quality work, and have an environment of accountability at home.

· Overcoming Math Anxiety: For kindergarten through sixth grade, concentrate on the basics of adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing. Use math games and flash cards. (Students should master multiplication tables through 12 by fourth grade—no calculators!) For seventh through twelfth grade, use rapid calculation drills, emphasize the usefulness of mathematics, and provide helpful math resources as needed. Limit calculator use to upper- level high school mathematics such as calculus. God created our world and universe using amazing mathematics; encourage students to enjoy learning about math!

· Enjoying the Wonders of Science: For kindergarten through sixth grade, teach students to appreciate God’s creation, use visual aids often, and provide exciting and helpful science demonstrations. For seventh through twelfth grade, teach the scientific methods, make science projects fun as a family, and learn the basics of physical science, biology, chemistry, and physics.

· Seeing History Come Alive: For kindergarten through sixth grade, provide pictures and personal illustrations, take students on historical trips, and support students history projects as a family. For seventh through twelfth grade, demonstrate the significance of history, have students learn important historical speeches and facts about historical personalities, and have students write about the importance of many of our American historical events.

· Achieving Excellence in English and Reading: For kindergarten through sixth grade, provide a solid foundation in phonics and reading, encourage solid spelling skills, and practice the lost art of cursive. For seventh through twelfth grade, emphasize the importance of solid comprehension skills, sound grammar, creative writing, and excellent literature.

Socially: Growing in Christ and Honoring Parents

· Have Sharpening Friends: Help your students select solid friends that will aid their spiritual growth on a daily basis. Students are to be friendly to all but only close friends with those growing in grace. Remember, peer pressure works in a positive or negative manner depending upon the friends a person has.

· Avoid Cable, Internet, and Social Networking Pitfalls: Parents must create a home in which sinful and inappropriate items are kept out. In short, it is a parent’s responsibility to create a home in which it is easy to do right and to grow in the Lord and difficult to do wrong and fail in faithfulness to Christ.

· Use Cell phones, Texting, and Twitter Properly: Technology certainly has it advantages, but if used inappropriately it could lead students into much sin. Teach students how to use technology properly. Limit it, monitor it, and be involved as a parent. Always inspect what you expect!

· Listen to Christ-honoring Music Daily: Music is not amoral: it will either feed your flesh or your spirit. Help your students develop a healthy appetite for godly music. You can find some great resources at www.lancasterbaptist.org/bookstore.

· Be Involved in Christian Fine Arts and/or Athletic Programs: Develop your students’ God-given gifts, skills, and abilities for the Lord. Encourage students to try out for their school sports programs. Get your students involved in a Christ-honoring fine arts competition. For more informationon a west coast event seehttp://wcbc.edu/events/educators-conference.

Our desire is to see students grow in Christ-likeness: spiritually, academically, and socially. When the home, church, and school team work together, amazing results are produced. May we as parents, church leaders, and Christian educators continue to labor together to make this the best year ever for our students. May the Lord also continue to use each of us to educate and equip a generation of young people that will turn our world right-side up again for Christ in this twenty-first century.

Dr. Manuel Salazar