Sunday school teaching techniques: Consistency.

Consistency according to the Oxford dictionary, is a "measurement of techniques." It is the quality of achieving a level of performance that does not vary greatly in quality over time." Consistency is vital when teaching at any level. Consistency enables engagement with learners or students and effective teaching techniques. When a teacher is consistent, he or she is firm in their teachings, flexible in any environment or situation that arises, and always organised.

I remember a few years ago, I had just started a new stressful job. I loved my new job; I got to meet new people; I got to help people solve their problems; and I had the best colleagues one could ever ask for, sooooooo everything was great, right? Uuugh, not really. For some reason, my steam, my light, and my energy were burning out, and I realised I was not doing so well with my Sunday school kids. I was no longer consistent.

With this particular group, we had a habit of rating "Teacher Manda." Oooh, that's me, by the way. Like an Uber driver, I would get showered with all the stars or not, based on my teaching; this actually helps improve your relationship with your kids or learners. Anyway, "Annie" raises her hand and says, "Teacher, teacher Manda, we were really bored today. Teacher, you are a good teacher, and we love you, but today's class was boring. You were not like every time."

As much as it hurt me to hear this, I needed it, and I was honest with myself. I too notice the sudden inconsistency in my teaching. My kids or learners weren't happy, and that made me just as unhappy because they weren't happy.

Let me tell you of a man—the greatest teacher that ever walked the earth. He is considered by numerous scholars to be the Master teacher. He taught; he spoke for hours in temples and synagogues, and one of his famous teachings was the lesson he did on a mountain. Like you and me, he had troubles and stressors, but these did not deter him from his purpose or his task as a teacher (John 13:14).

His foundation was scripture (Matthew 4:1–10), his teaching was scriptural (Matthew 22:31–32), he was at the same time a compassionate teacher (John 7:53–8:11), his teachings were direct (John 8:11), his teaching was loving (Matthew 5:44), and he practiced what he taught and applied his teachings in his everyday life; therefore, he was consistent, and this is what made Jesus the greatest teacher of all time, the master teacher. We, as Sunday school teachers, ought to teach and live like him in order to convey him.

• Pray always:

Praying is talking to God, conversing with him, and asking him for direction and guidance.

• Read the word always:

Meditate on the scriptures; how do we teach that which we do not know?

• Plan for the lesson:

We spoke extensively in the previous blogs; check them out if you haven't. "Tips on how to plan for a lesson. https://littlelambsofchrist.blogspot.com/2023/08/tips-on-how-to-plan-for-lesson.html

• Simplify lesson:

How do I simplify a lesson? https://littlelambsofchrist.blogspot.com/2023/09/how-to-teach-effectively-simplify-your.html

• Bring lesson to life:

How do I bring a lesson to life? https://littlelambsofchrist.blogspot.com/2023/09/how-to-teach-bible-lesson-effectively.html

• Use your application or relational story:

What is an application story? Why is it important? checkout this blog. https://littlelambsofchrist.blogspot.com/2023/09/sunday-school-teaching-techniques.html

When we seek to be consistent, as Jesus was, we need to be immovable, steadfast, and firm, always abounding in the work of the Lord; our labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Jam 1:4 It states where consistency has had its full effect, we may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. We need to be focused on our plans and teaching techniques stated above, and if and when we are focused, only then can we be consistent, lacking in nothing.

Paul reminds us not to give up doing good; in due time we will reap (Galatians 6:9). Doing good is not always sunshine and roses; it is not a walk in the park. Is it worth it? Is it enriching? You decide. Life will give you lemons, life will bring forth its storms, and all the roles you play will demand so much of you.

We need to be firm, flexible in any situation or environment, and always be organised. Focusing and dedicating ourselves to our objectives necessary to reach our goal of being consistent in our teaching. When we are consistent in our teaching, we essentially teach effectively, and once we've taught effectively, our learners gain MORE from us.

I realised my well was running dry; I realised I was not drinking or feeding from the word; obviously, I had run out and had nothing to give my learners. Let's constantly go back to the drawing board, look at the bigger picture, and check on how we are doing. I decide to be focused, firm, flexible, and consistent in my Sunday school teaching this week. I decide, this week to be effective in my teaching.

Share your thoughts or stories of inconsistency and how you overcame that burnout. Share here, on social media,  in the  comment section (Facebook, LinkedIn, email me, or WhatsApp me).