Christian teachers know that the best way to start the school day is in the Word—uniting these classroom brothers and sisters in Christ with His love and truth. But what are the best ways to do that? What if the classroom could use a change of pace or a new idea for morning devotions? Take a look below for ways to enhance your devotion time in school.
Make it interactive.
Is there a Bible passage the students can read out loud together? Are there actions the kids can sprinkle throughout the devotion? It can be as simple as encouraging an echo response during a psalm or illustration. A few kids can mime the action taking place. What do your students enjoy doing? Encourage those interests in this special time together.
Make it student led.
You’ve been leading them in God’s Word; encourage them to return the favor! This kind of ownership can foster strong engagement and enthusiasm as students practice witnessing to their peers. One great way to do this is to assign each day to a pair of students. One student can read the Bible passage and prayer while the other can read the devotion itself. When leading with a partner, the pressure is lessened. Give students a few days to prepare and to gain confidence in sharing the Word. Are your students prereaders? Invite them to take turns and lead the prayer or song.
Make it a special day.
Sure, some of these ideas can take extra work, so compromise and try these extra ideas just once a week. Maybe Friday is the day students lead. Maybe Monday is the day you sing favorite songs, allowing for extra movement. Is Tuesday the day you have devotions with your neighboring class? This can add a little variety in the devotional week.
Make it flexible.
Speaking of variety, think about mixing up your resources too! While routine is important to learning, there may also be too much of a good thing. Is there a favorite devotional magazine your students love? Save it for Fridays. Is a year of the same book a little much? Switch up your books every month or every quarter to allow students to hear God’s Word in different “voices” and different formats.
Make it memorable.
On special days or to occasionally refresh the morning routine, do something that kids will specifically remember throughout the day and perhaps into the years to come. Give a small gift or craft that reminds them of God’s good gifts. Take them on a trip outside or to the school chapel for a specific lesson. If the setting serves the theme, students can remember the devotional point the next time they visit this location. Show a short clip or play a special song to engage different learning styles. Instruments or clay could be great teaching tools on a day that needs a little boost.
Regardless of the teaching tools you employ, the most important point in devotion time is to make it Christ-centered. Whether you change devotions on a daily basis or stick with your tried-and-true strategy every day of the year, students need to hear of their Savior’s love for them. “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!” (Psalm 150:6). As you lead your students in praising their Lord, may He bless you with strength and joy in sharing His Word.
Get started with classroom devotions today using Portals of Prayer for Kids.
