13 girls, 5 boys
This class sure is a unique bunch!
Often on the “quieter” side (at least in terms of Middle
Schoolers), this group is industrious and focused, yet comes alive when given
the opportunity to incorporate drama, dance or music into the lessons. J
I have these 18 students for Homeroom, English and Geography
classes, and each class they bring an enthusiasm and joy to learning which
makes it so exciting to teach them. I even get to come into their Music class
on Thursdays and help them with singing/choreography parts for the Middle
School Musical! This is one of my favorite parts of the week!
We share jokes and funny geography puns, as well as scripture
and worship songs and stories about how God has worked in our lives.
When I look at these precious ones, I think back to about four
weeks into school, when I was planning a chapel that involved sharing student
testimonies. To survey who would be willing to share, I used the question:
”Describe one time in your life when you saw God work,” as a journal prompt. I
wasn’t sure what response I would get, but, after, I gave the prompt, I noticed
most students did not have to sit there for long, before furiously writing
their thoughts and stories down in their notebooks.
What followed was a time of sharing openly and honestly about
the powerful ways that God had worked in each of these student’s lives. One
girl shared about the power of prayer; how a few years ago, her parents had
been fighting and she was worried. She locked herself in her bedroom and prayed
for 2 hours straight. Her prayers were answered! Her parents started seeing a
Christian counselor and are still together to this day.
One boy shared about God’s protection of his dad as he was in
the army; what he described was nothing short of a miracle. As I listened, I
just stood there open–mouthed, in awe of the amazing ways God is intimately
involved in our lives and how He loves and cares for each of us. Multiple
students shared about how God saved their lives from injury or sickness or even
death. Some shared how God had taught them to love other people and how He had
restored friendships or brought them friends when they had moved to another
country.
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| Mixed up Monday: Spirit Week |
As it turns out, we didn’t have our typical “English class”
that Wednesday (it was a shortened period anyway), and we were all giddy with
“God bumps” (ie: what I call it when you physically feel the Holy Spirit’s
presence) as we left for chapel. One boy shared a very personal story about his
mom’s death after battling with cancer, which brought us all to tears. Let’s
just say I gave out a lot of hugs after that class. I was so grateful and
privileged to see a glimpse of their hearts.
This 6th grade class is also extremely resourceful.
For instance, when we had a Family Fun Fair during November, the 6th
graders are the ones who were in charge of the booth project from beginning to
end. They picked the booth idea (“winter wonderland”—ie: throwing fake snow),
organized who would cover the stations, delegated the responsibilities
involved, found a way to ship fake snow powder to Panama for a cheap price, and
stayed after school to make the “snow.” It was amazing to watch these 10-11
year olds work together to make something grand happen. The elementary kids
LOVED our booth, and it brought joy to everybody at the fair: Snow in Panama!
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| The 6th graders' Holes Object Study Projects |
This semester, I have challenged the 6th graders to
come up with a way that WE as a class can practically help with a problem that
is happening in Africa today. As a geography class, they have been studying
different regions around the world, and, with each unit, they pick a country
and complete a country project. The project usually incorporates some
examination of a current issue in that country and practical ways that the
country could solve it. Now, I’ve pushed them a step further in our study of
Africa and asked THEM to come up with ways that WE can help. We have to wait
until after the walk-a-thon fundraising to start planning our action plan, so
right now we are brainstorming and praying about how God wants us to get involved.
I am looking forward to hearing their ideas!
I know that God will use their united gifts and talents in
incredible ways this year and in the future!
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