We are supposed to do journaling in the last 5-10 minutes of the workshop. I recently asked the shepherds about how it was going. We had mixed reviews. Most of the older boys rip through the exercise with little interest. Many girls are more thoughtful. We decided to keep at it because we feel it is an important skill to learn - it requires deeper understanding to articulate in words, the meaning of the lesson. We stress this reflection time in our lesson plans.
Suggestions:
We have found that it helps to give the children some little thing from each workshop to paste in their journal: a ticket stub or popcorn kernel from Holywood, a rock (tomb), a wax seal was very popular when we did Daniel (King Darius' seal) a sticker or stamp - it helps to focus the children.
We also give the workshop leader specific questions to ask:
- What important idea did you learn today?
- Write down part of the bible verse you studied.
- Write a short prayer for something you are happy or concerned about this week.
If all else fails, they write the memory verse for the lesson. or draw a picture - of someone praying, of an angel, etc.
Shepherds need to be alert for children who have difficulties in writing. They will help write the child's ideas.
We have blank sheets of paper in a 3 holed folder. The shepherds collect the folders and distribute them. We will give them to the children to keep at the end of the year.
Catherine
