It's that time of year again where I spend most of my days in school working with younger children. This year I'm going on the church trips, the river trips and going in to teach year 8 about Christianity.
It's really good to see the children working together, behaving well and actually learning while they are going. Museums Luton do a brilliant session at the River Lea which is on my home patch, so I get to spend the day hanging out at the river and enjoying learning about it all. I think if i ever went into formal education, I really wouldn't mind schools work with a museum.
I'm not massively looking forward to teaching Christianity this year, but I was encouraged yesterday that even by being who I am, accessing the authority given me by God and being real, I can and will shine the light of Jesus to the children I come across. it's time to take a deep breath and run into the arms to God, knowing He'll carry me through, be standing up with me and working by his spirit.
I am no loved more or less, and I'm glad that love from God is unconditional. Here we go again...
Showing posts with label school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label school. Show all posts
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Friday, July 10, 2009
Lessons Learnt Pt 2
Yesterday afternoon was by far the hardest lesson I have ever had to teach. For all the lessons I have taught, this was the loudest and most questioned I have ever been in. Unfortunately the young people were not doing a very good job at listening to the answers I had. After a few incidents of "Jebus" I had to stop and tell them exactly what was bothering me.
Sometimes the things we say offend other people with out realising it. The only place I really pull young people up on their language is Big Breakfast, some of the yp swear unnecessarily and I have a sharp ear for it... but in this lesson there weren't any swear words, but poor Jesus got a nickname. I know he's been called worse things. I stopped, took stock for a moment and when I carried on things weren't much better.
I stood at the front of the class being pelted by some really good questions, "Who created God?" "How can you believe all this stuff?" "Is Jesus really alive?" "Does God talk to you?" Waaah, but I know that there is nothing before God and there will be nothing after God, I know Jesus is alive and God does talk to me (but not in a audible voice). Our children know myths about God, I find this very sad. They believe in very little and are sceptical. One of the teachers said "you can't question other people's beliefs" don't think that's so true, I think you can, but I think you do have to be sensitive to others too and listen to what they believe, even if you don't believe it yourself.
These discussions HAVE to continue... I was dreaming big dreams on Monday and one of them is to always be in discussion about faith and beliefs.
Sometimes the things we say offend other people with out realising it. The only place I really pull young people up on their language is Big Breakfast, some of the yp swear unnecessarily and I have a sharp ear for it... but in this lesson there weren't any swear words, but poor Jesus got a nickname. I know he's been called worse things. I stopped, took stock for a moment and when I carried on things weren't much better.
I stood at the front of the class being pelted by some really good questions, "Who created God?" "How can you believe all this stuff?" "Is Jesus really alive?" "Does God talk to you?" Waaah, but I know that there is nothing before God and there will be nothing after God, I know Jesus is alive and God does talk to me (but not in a audible voice). Our children know myths about God, I find this very sad. They believe in very little and are sceptical. One of the teachers said "you can't question other people's beliefs" don't think that's so true, I think you can, but I think you do have to be sensitive to others too and listen to what they believe, even if you don't believe it yourself.
These discussions HAVE to continue... I was dreaming big dreams on Monday and one of them is to always be in discussion about faith and beliefs.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Lessons Learnt
Christianity lessons are going really well, thanks for all you who are praying/interested! It's been a good week. Though I sit listening to a tennis match I'm completely uninterested in. Sad there's no Murray on court today, but he's only young and Wimbledon happens every year. More chances for him!
Back to the lessons! I had a bit of a mental block in spelling harder words like Crucifixion and even Church at one point! Have learnt that spelling on a board is so much harder when there are lots of sets of eyes on the back of your head. Also had some very intersesting questions. I'm sure evey one else has experienced that moment when you realise there is someone in the room who has just as much knowledge as you, but you expected there to be no knowledge at all...
Happened to me on Friday, there was a JW in the class. Very very interesting to hear someone else pov, but for the conversation to have continued down the interrupted by unnecessary OMG from the tennis stairs afterwards.
I wanted to start conversations with these young people... seems I have done that. The teacher who was in Friday's lesson was very impressed with me. Though I wasn't too impressed with me, but there we go, God works in mysterious ways.
You know though, vodafone have nicked my blog title! They are going to be employing 8 people to work for an overseas charity of their choice next year. You could earn £45,000 for working for a charity under their scheme. Hmmmm not sure what I think of that.
Back to the lessons! I had a bit of a mental block in spelling harder words like Crucifixion and even Church at one point! Have learnt that spelling on a board is so much harder when there are lots of sets of eyes on the back of your head. Also had some very intersesting questions. I'm sure evey one else has experienced that moment when you realise there is someone in the room who has just as much knowledge as you, but you expected there to be no knowledge at all...
Happened to me on Friday, there was a JW in the class. Very very interesting to hear someone else pov, but for the conversation to have continued down the interrupted by unnecessary OMG from the tennis stairs afterwards.
I wanted to start conversations with these young people... seems I have done that. The teacher who was in Friday's lesson was very impressed with me. Though I wasn't too impressed with me, but there we go, God works in mysterious ways.
You know though, vodafone have nicked my blog title! They are going to be employing 8 people to work for an overseas charity of their choice next year. You could earn £45,000 for working for a charity under their scheme. Hmmmm not sure what I think of that.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
If you are a pray-er
Now would be the time to do the praying thing... I know it's late notice, but I'll be in school in about 15 mins delivering the first of six RE lessons on Christianity. This is an annual event for me, but it's always different. The young people are different, the teacher is often different (and some times learns more than the pupils).
We shall see how it goes. But if you are praying, pray now. Pray at 2.40pm on Thursday, 1.50pm on Friday and 2.40 Weds and Thurs next week. Will update on the inbetween times.
In other news, it's hotter here than in Uganda. I'm praying that Andy Murray will win Wimbledon (and turning into my mother in the meantime)! And something made my day today, but I can't tell you cos it's a surprise! Yeay! I love surprises!
We shall see how it goes. But if you are praying, pray now. Pray at 2.40pm on Thursday, 1.50pm on Friday and 2.40 Weds and Thurs next week. Will update on the inbetween times.
In other news, it's hotter here than in Uganda. I'm praying that Andy Murray will win Wimbledon (and turning into my mother in the meantime)! And something made my day today, but I can't tell you cos it's a surprise! Yeay! I love surprises!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Slowly does it
A trickle still fills a bucket, even if it takes a little longer.
The money has trickled in over the last couple of years and we are nearly at our total for going to Uganda. Tis very exciting! We're three months away from a life changing trip and I've never felt less worried about all the decisions I've made, and been helped to make over the last two years regarding this trip. Now we just have to work out what to do for a Holiday Club while we are there!
Work is at a trickle as well, so while it feels like not a lot is happening, I'm finding ways to fill my time (with work, not fun things!)
The most scary thing is doing Christianity lessons again in MV. This time a Q&A session, I think that's the most scary. Being prepared for hard questions!
The money has trickled in over the last couple of years and we are nearly at our total for going to Uganda. Tis very exciting! We're three months away from a life changing trip and I've never felt less worried about all the decisions I've made, and been helped to make over the last two years regarding this trip. Now we just have to work out what to do for a Holiday Club while we are there!
Work is at a trickle as well, so while it feels like not a lot is happening, I'm finding ways to fill my time (with work, not fun things!)
The most scary thing is doing Christianity lessons again in MV. This time a Q&A session, I think that's the most scary. Being prepared for hard questions!
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Searching for Inspiration
The old has gone and the new has come... bye bye old small kitchen with no dishwasher, hello huge new kitchen with dishwasher! Yeay! Also there is a new office space for me! Woop! Time to measure, paint and furnish. Which might mean that I actually manage my time between work and home better.
Am watching Veggie Tales, as with the kitchen refurbishment we don't have a lot of room, so we'll do some colouring and watch the story. The funniest thing about some of the Veggie Tales stuff is focussed on adults.
So the new term begins, parents are desperately waiting for their children to go back to school, and I'm waiting for school to start too so that I can begin to have a schedule again.
Am watching Veggie Tales, as with the kitchen refurbishment we don't have a lot of room, so we'll do some colouring and watch the story. The funniest thing about some of the Veggie Tales stuff is focussed on adults.
So the new term begins, parents are desperately waiting for their children to go back to school, and I'm waiting for school to start too so that I can begin to have a schedule again.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Circus
Went to see the Chinese State Circus on Saturday night, was a lot of fun. Quite hard to understand at some points, but that would probably be the thick Chinese accent and bad acoustics. I feel sorry for the people who live over the road from the site.
The 'funniest moment' of the night is awarded to the small child who was sitting behind us, who said as the monks who were trained in the art of pain management left the stage "that was sick!". I think he meant "it was good". Or maybe it should have gone to Chris' reaction when the mum said 'shhh now, and watch' before talking for the next 5 minutes! I think I've seen C.S.C. before and they are a bit different than the Moscow guys.
Last week was 'back to school' week for me. Back in middle school and back to breakfast club. Back to admin and back to church. Also back to half of the blogger site being in German.
The rest of this month is a bit hectic... keep an eye out for random up dates.
The 'funniest moment' of the night is awarded to the small child who was sitting behind us, who said as the monks who were trained in the art of pain management left the stage "that was sick!". I think he meant "it was good". Or maybe it should have gone to Chris' reaction when the mum said 'shhh now, and watch' before talking for the next 5 minutes! I think I've seen C.S.C. before and they are a bit different than the Moscow guys.
Last week was 'back to school' week for me. Back in middle school and back to breakfast club. Back to admin and back to church. Also back to half of the blogger site being in German.
The rest of this month is a bit hectic... keep an eye out for random up dates.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Keeping tabs
I'm not really sure what to say. I'm back at work, and kinda glad that I just found a folder I thought I'd lost in the mess that is home right now. I'd always thought September was a weird month, but it gets even stranger if you are away for most of it because of holiday and learning.
Of course it's nearly over now and before you know it it'll be half term, and then we are into Christmas!
The last few days of the launch for the MA were more interesting, though to be honest the last day was a bit of a waste of time. But it is really great to chill out with the guys form the course and listen to their thoughts on the issues we seem to hold as a group.
The next three years will be hard, but fun and I hope that I'll be a better youth worker when I've finished. (and I get another graduation ceremony, fun!!)
Any way, back to work.
Of course it's nearly over now and before you know it it'll be half term, and then we are into Christmas!
The last few days of the launch for the MA were more interesting, though to be honest the last day was a bit of a waste of time. But it is really great to chill out with the guys form the course and listen to their thoughts on the issues we seem to hold as a group.
The next three years will be hard, but fun and I hope that I'll be a better youth worker when I've finished. (and I get another graduation ceremony, fun!!)
Any way, back to work.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
joy
One of the joys of my job (apart from working in front of wimbledon) is being able to encourage teachers that I come across.
Last week when I was in MV, a different teacher than usual helped me out at Lunch time club. I see all the teachers quite regularly, but don't really interact with them becuase of the times I arrive and leave. So there we are talking about David, doing a bit of acting and finishing with Joshua 1 v 9.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you will go"
What I didn't know was this teacher had been having a rough day. As we left the classroom she told me that school was not great for her at the moment, but that verse had refreshed her and she went off with a huge smile on her face.
The teacher who normally helps out was back this week and reminded me of what had happened last week, so I thought I'd share with you.
Last week when I was in MV, a different teacher than usual helped me out at Lunch time club. I see all the teachers quite regularly, but don't really interact with them becuase of the times I arrive and leave. So there we are talking about David, doing a bit of acting and finishing with Joshua 1 v 9.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you will go"
What I didn't know was this teacher had been having a rough day. As we left the classroom she told me that school was not great for her at the moment, but that verse had refreshed her and she went off with a huge smile on her face.
The teacher who normally helps out was back this week and reminded me of what had happened last week, so I thought I'd share with you.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Less Itchy
I'm less itchy than I was earlier in the week... I reckon I had head lice from school. Which is never fun, but it doesn't matter now.
Taught Moses through a picture this afternoon, so I've had a crafty week. That ends the series on God talking to us - next is God giving us courage.
Luton is being covered in prayer currently, and the young people from St Hugh's joined in. I'm proud of them. It's Global Day of Prayer on Sunday. Pray for them as they lead St Hugh's Pentecost Service. I'm doing a short preach, should be good.
It's half term next week, wohoo! Heading to Cambridge for an afternoon and Essex for a day, looking forward to it all.
Taught Moses through a picture this afternoon, so I've had a crafty week. That ends the series on God talking to us - next is God giving us courage.
Luton is being covered in prayer currently, and the young people from St Hugh's joined in. I'm proud of them. It's Global Day of Prayer on Sunday. Pray for them as they lead St Hugh's Pentecost Service. I'm doing a short preach, should be good.
It's half term next week, wohoo! Heading to Cambridge for an afternoon and Essex for a day, looking forward to it all.
Monday, March 26, 2007
I smell
School is over for another day. The lovely boys this morning were fantastic, they listened, they had questions (sensible ones) and generally responded, with a bit of respect.
The girls this afternoon are a whole other challenge. Numerous times I asked them to be quiet, with no response at all, or cries of 'But Miss, we are talking about Sex'.
One exercise invovles covering a hand in perfume and shaking hands with others in the room. I really smell of the perfume now, but the example really works. If its an active class, then a whole class might put their hands up. The aim is to point out how quickly an STI can spread through a population.
That's the one thing that James Bond never has, never suffers from... Don't you just love what Hollywood film makers have done to our world?
The girls this afternoon are a whole other challenge. Numerous times I asked them to be quiet, with no response at all, or cries of 'But Miss, we are talking about Sex'.
One exercise invovles covering a hand in perfume and shaking hands with others in the room. I really smell of the perfume now, but the example really works. If its an active class, then a whole class might put their hands up. The aim is to point out how quickly an STI can spread through a population.
That's the one thing that James Bond never has, never suffers from... Don't you just love what Hollywood film makers have done to our world?
Friday, March 23, 2007
Sex God
I'm not joking... I could have started this blog with 'I wanna have your babies'.
In a world obsessed with sex, I hope I'm teaching so that they young people I know will be able to make an informed decision - or at least consider the danger they put themselves in every time they have sex.
Whats the one thing James Bond doesn't have? I wonder how the boys may answer this question on Monday morning.
'I wanna have your babies' is a song from Natasha Bedingfield, shes a genius! Single is out on 16th April. I was very scared of this song until I heard the lyrics, then I just laughed for a good ten minutes.
Things I've heard this week
'But miss, I'll never get HIV'
'Girls should get on their knees more often'
'I could never do that miss' (she was talking about faithfulness)
'Miss, that's what I've chosen' on virginity and abstinence
Sex God is Rob Bell's new book, written in the same style as Velvet Elvis. I got given it twice this week. However I have this really strange feeling that the book is aimed at me and not who I will be teaching! I'll let you know when I've finished.
In a world obsessed with sex, I hope I'm teaching so that they young people I know will be able to make an informed decision - or at least consider the danger they put themselves in every time they have sex.
Whats the one thing James Bond doesn't have? I wonder how the boys may answer this question on Monday morning.
'I wanna have your babies' is a song from Natasha Bedingfield, shes a genius! Single is out on 16th April. I was very scared of this song until I heard the lyrics, then I just laughed for a good ten minutes.
Things I've heard this week
'But miss, I'll never get HIV'
'Girls should get on their knees more often'
'I could never do that miss' (she was talking about faithfulness)
'Miss, that's what I've chosen' on virginity and abstinence
Sex God is Rob Bell's new book, written in the same style as Velvet Elvis. I got given it twice this week. However I have this really strange feeling that the book is aimed at me and not who I will be teaching! I'll let you know when I've finished.
Monday, March 19, 2007
On form
I'm pretty much back to normal after all the car trouble last week. It got me down, but is probably a symptom of bigger things.
So this morning as part of my job I headed into first lesson at the school across the road from work. And went head on against a lovely bunch of guys who are hopefully a little bit more aware of the choices they have to make before they have sex.
I'm teaching all girls this afternoon. So we will see how differently that goes.
Its a bit more hard-core next week. Going to try and teach the boys how to use language without being derogatory.
So this morning as part of my job I headed into first lesson at the school across the road from work. And went head on against a lovely bunch of guys who are hopefully a little bit more aware of the choices they have to make before they have sex.
I'm teaching all girls this afternoon. So we will see how differently that goes.
Its a bit more hard-core next week. Going to try and teach the boys how to use language without being derogatory.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Joseph's Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat
I have the privilege of working with some amazing young people, who are talented in many many ways.
One example of this was a school play I went to see last night. In it were young people I've known since I've been in Luton and I'd have to say I'm absolutely amazed by their abilities. Musicians, dancers, actors, stage hands, costume designers and makers. To stand on a stage in front of a full house (opening night as well!) and perform as well as they all did, wow!
They have all done more than I ever could. I was on stage about 4 times during my whole school career, these guys already have impressive CV's and they will all go on to do great things (some of them will be doing it for Jesus too).
Today sees the end of a randomly busy week... and making the tough decision of whether to spend the day at Bedford Corn Exchange on Monday and what to teach now I've made connections with Halyard.
One example of this was a school play I went to see last night. In it were young people I've known since I've been in Luton and I'd have to say I'm absolutely amazed by their abilities. Musicians, dancers, actors, stage hands, costume designers and makers. To stand on a stage in front of a full house (opening night as well!) and perform as well as they all did, wow!
They have all done more than I ever could. I was on stage about 4 times during my whole school career, these guys already have impressive CV's and they will all go on to do great things (some of them will be doing it for Jesus too).
Today sees the end of a randomly busy week... and making the tough decision of whether to spend the day at Bedford Corn Exchange on Monday and what to teach now I've made connections with Halyard.
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