Many people love technology and eagerly embrace it. Others lament change and need help exploring new things. As I have made the transition to using Ministry Grid, I have been in both camps. At first I was reluctant. I love paper. I love everything printed. But as I have used Ministry Gird each week, I find it is helping me be a better teacher. I love being able to see all the parts and pieces of a session in one place—my device. Here are a few easy ways that using the digital resources on Ministry Grid can help me teach Explore the Bible: Kids.
Preparation Suggestions
Leader Guide: Prepare from anywhere I carry my device. I can read the Leader Guide anytime I have a few minutes during the week—while waiting at the doctor’s office, in the car rider line, or on the sidelines of soccer practice. Since the file is a PDF, I can highlight key ideas so they stand out when I open the file later. Having the PDF on my device also allows me to access the weekly tool list while at the store to see if they have any supplies I may need.
Explorer Guides: I can review the historical and cultural information ahead of time and even work activities that I might want to have answers to. This allows me to fully understand the instructions and to guide the kids with clarity.
Video: Having the videos on my device just makes me a better teacher in the classroom. I can watch the weekly Explore the Bible “On Location” video(s) while waiting through my day. This helps me be ready to ask questions to engage the kids in conversation about the Bible truth we are exploring.
Music: Since I can plug my device into my car’s sound system, learning the song lyrics has become a breeze.
Usage Suggestions
Video: Sometimes, the DVD player can be a bear to work with. Other times, the DVD seems to wander away from Sunday to Sunday. I can now connect my device into the TV in the room and play the video directly from Ministry Grid. It is easier than fighting with the DVD remote or searching for where the DVD decided to adventure this week.
Slides/JPEGS: Since my device is already connected to the TV for the video, I can also display the Text Truth Slides, Memory Verse Slides, Object images, and Christ in Context statements just like I did the video. I can even choose to just show the kids the slides and images on my device, skipping the TV all together.
Leader Guide: While I may need to disconnect from the TV to teach, I can easily navigate the session pages on my device while teaching.
To find out more about using Ministry Grid and the digital resources included in Explore the Bible Kids, click here.