Even with the increase of methods and classes, effective life change resulting from the teaching of Christian truth seems to be on the decline. Seeking to stem this trend, Gregory Carlson looks at the distinctive model of the Master Teacher, Jesus, in Rock-Solid Teacher. This exciting new resource uses the distinctive model of Jesus' teaching to establish sound teaching principles and then practically apply them to impact children, youth, and adults. Teachers of all ages will gain confidence in their personal teaching abilities by being able to recognize good teaching practices, evaluate their own skills, mentor others, enhance their own ability to write lessons, and mirror Jesus' sound teaching principles.
Too often, children's ministry volunteers say yes to helping out and then are confused about what to do. How do I use curriculum? What if the kids get rowdy? How do I build relationships? This valuable, easy-to-use resource will give every children's volunteer a solid foundation as they begin working in ministry. From basic ideas for getting started, practical tips on classroom management techniques, to help with understanding different age levels, everything a volunteer needs is outlined in these pages. There are also ideas for working with children with special needs, understanding the current tech-savvy generation, keeping kids safe at church, the role of a volunteer in the child's spiritual development, and ideas for self-evaluation. Every church will want a copy of this terrific guide to ensure their children's ministry volunteers get off to the right start, have a successful year, and finish their term of service with passion and enthusiasm.
How Do We Measure Success in Our Ministry to Kids? In children's ministry, the essence of what we do is to impact the immeasurable--the heart of a child. While Bible knowledge is highly valuable in this endeavor, knowing Scripture does not automatically translate to changing the heart of a child. Practical application is also desirable, but changing behavior can be done without a heart change. Relating Scripture in such a way that it meets a child where he or she is at is critical, but as an approach, it may fail to build a solid enough foundation to equip children for the challenges that they will face later in life. All three approaches must be synergized to have a greater impact, and all three must be retargeted at the "bull's eye"--the heart of a child. Read this book to discover the seven standards of a rock-solid children's ministry!
Rock Solid Golf provides golfers at all levels with a blueprint for improvement and consistent play. Forget complicated discussions of the swing and shoulder planes. Rader distils these subjects to a fail-proof swing concept called the Playing Zone. Forget techniques explained by referring exclusively to how the pros do it, as if the reader can expect to play like Tiger. Rader primarily uses real people?actual students whose names have been changed?to illustrate points. Loaded with practice suggestions and specific drills following every new concept, Rock Solid Golf shows readers how to take the instruction to the course.
Veteran educators Mike Romanowski and Teri McCarthy provide an essential guide for Christians teaching in overseas contexts. Providing both the theoretical framework as well as practical tools, the authors offer concrete advice and real-life examples for classroom instruction, daily life and much more.
"There is such authenticity when educators speak from true experiences. I found myself unwilling to put this book down. There are so many ways this book can be used by educators, but probably none more important than by the individual principal seeking support, affirmation, and inspiration." —Stephanie Hirsh, Executive Director National Staff Development Council "Williams and Richardson bring to life the abstractions and aspirations of the ISLLC standards through helpful explanations, vivid examples, and compelling stories. Their reflective questions and use of journal writing honor the uniqueness of each reader, and the authors offer practical suggestions for further learning and action." —Dennis Sparks, President Thinking Partners The guidance and inspiration principals need to take on the challenges of leadership! Offering a personal leadership coach in book format, this valuable resource provides scenarios for rich conversations to strengthen a leader′s capacity for problem solving and for handling the day-to-day challenges of the elementary principalship. Written in a very personal voice and based on the authors′ experiences as principals, this engaging book is perfect for elementary school leaders to use on their own or as part of formal professional development. Each chapter focuses on a particular ISLLC standard and features real-life scenarios, mini coaching sessions, journaling sections, and professional development opportunities. The authors guide principals to: Reflect on the lessons learned from the stories and challenges faced by actual principals Deepen their understanding about their own practices through powerful coaching questions Write about and reflect on their own thoughts, stories, and practices Engage in proven professional development activities with their staff With this book as a portable coach, elementary principals can develop their practice, grow in their positions, and become the remarkable leaders their schools need!
Quirky charm infuses this tale of Old Rock's life story, which is much more exciting than you'd expect. Old Rock has been sitting in the same spot in the pine forest for as long as anyone can remember. Spotted Beetle, Tall Pine, and Hummingbird think just sitting there must be boring, but they are in for a wonderful surprise. Fabulous tales of adventurous travel, exotic scenery, entertaining neighbors, and more from Old Rock's life prove it has been anything but boring. Great storytellers come in all shapes, sizes, and ages, and Old Rock's stories are sure to inspire questions that lead to wonderful conversations about the past and the natural world.
I’d Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had is television, screen and stage star Tony Danza’s absorbing account of a year spent teaching tenth-grade English at Northeast High -- Philadelphia’s largest high school with 3600 students. Entering Northeast’s crowded halls in September of 2009, Tony found his way to a classroom filled with twenty-six students who were determined not to cut him any slack. They cared nothing about “Mr. Danza’s” showbiz credentials, and they immediately put him on the hot seat. Featuring indelible portraits of students and teachers alike, I’d Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had reveals just how hard it is to keep today’s technologically savvy – and often alienated -- students engaged, how impressively committed most teachers are, and the outsized role counseling plays in a teacher’s day, given the psychological burdens many students carry. The book also makes vivid how a modern high school works, showing Tony in a myriad of roles – from lecturing on To Kill a Mockingbird to “coaching” the football team to organizing a talent show to leading far-flung field trips to hosting teacher gripe sessions. A surprisingly poignant account, I’d Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had is sometimes laugh-out-loud funny but is mostly filled with hard-won wisdom and feel-good tears.
The best leaders do not emerge from business school with the influence, wisdom, and preparation required to lead people to success. Great leadership is built through experience. Many learn their skills through their own trial and error, while the best smooth the learning curve by learning from others. Written for the latter group, Mike Tomlin's latest book, Hard Truths, is a synthesis of his 40+ years of leadership experience, a guide to the realities of leadership that cause even the best to stumble or rise to their potential. Tomlin tackles topics such as intentionality and delegation, how your image affects your ability to lead, the vital nature of a good cultural fit, and aligning messaging and motivation with your mission. A powerful handbook for those seeking to enhance their leadership abilities, Hard Truths is rich with time tried wisdom, a voice of reality for new and veteran leaders alike. I absolutely love this book it's an easy, quick read. Thanks for explaining truths that so many of us have to learn the hard way. - Allison Staley, Director/VP of Sales and Marketing, Stafit LLC Dr. Tomlin has provided a concise overview of the essentials of leadership success, while blending his decades of experience throughout. Hard Truths is an enjoyable reminder of what is critically important in working with people and organizations. - Travis Frederickson, President and CEO, C4 Practice Services
