Teacher Aids
By: Dan Flournoy

The use of visual aids in the Christian classroom is becoming more and more essential. Visual aids are much better in quality than formerly, and they are much easier to use.

So, why use visual aids? First, visual aids are Biblical.  Joshua uses stones as memorial (Joshua 4:5-9). Jesus used scenes of nature such as fowls of air, lilies of field and grass in Sermon on the Mount to picture God's providence (Matt. 6:26-30). The transfiguration pictures the greatness of the Christ to Peter, James and John (Matt. 17:1-13). Jesus used a child to picture the humility of discipleship (Matt. 18:1-4). Jeremiah wore a yoke about his neck; Isaiah went barefooted; Agabus binds Paul in mock style.

Visual aids are also effective in the processes of learning. They convey truth both inspirational and educational. They also make learning more accurate and faster. Additionally, learning is more permanent and more enjoyable. Lessons learned willingly are remembered. Aids ease teaching time and make concrete the understanding of abstract terms such as Elijah's "mantle" or the "widow's mite."

They correct wrong impressions, thus avoiding the need for re-teaching. They are stimulating, dynamic, thought-provoking, interest compelling and purposeful. They make clear time sequence - order of events. They deepen and broaden the experience of the student and cause the student to relive Bible days.

There are some c riteria for using a visual aid. Will it help to convey a truth? Is it an example of the truth being lived? Is it giving background information? Will it help to make the truth real?

Here are some dos and don'ts in using visual aids. Never use a visual aid because you are caught short. They must work for you, not instead of you. Plan and prepare even more diligently when using visual aids. Be sure that all details are authentic. Remember, they are a means to an end, not an end in themselves. Make your visual aid teach and exalt Christ and God's word. Finally, never use visual aids simply to entertain.

Categories of visual teaching aids include those that are 1) easy to use (object lessons, common objects, maps and charts, chalkboard, flat pictures, posters, lights, drawings, flash cards), 2) to be prepared (flannel graph, bulletin boards, computer-generated, observation trips, puppets, projects, chemical demonstrations, specimen), and 3) to be acquired (slides, filmstrips, recordings, videos).

One popular category of teaching aids is object lessons. An object lesson is the use of things - insects, fruits, vegetables, animals, coins, thermometers, tools, weapons - to teach intellectual and spiritual truths.

There are several advantages of the object lesson . Object lessons arouse a desire to learn . They serve as eye catchers or attention-getters, and can hold attention if properly used . Elaborate equipment is not necessary . The pupil is given first-hand experience by coming into contact . Children will talk about object lessons to their parents and friends and thus gospel gain entrance to the home . There is an abundance of simple objects available . Objects can assist in telling a story, often make the truth more understandable and more easily grasped . They serve as a jumping-off place for more serious teaching and become interesting links in a correlated program . Because of nature of object lessons, the teacher will develop the habit of graphic, colorful portrayal of truth which will make all teaching more forceful. Object lessons not only interest youngsters in your lessons, but interest them also in you.

Another popular visual teaching aid is the chalkboard/marker board, which offers several advantages. It is inexpensive and does not require technical skill or training. It is familiar and generally accepted, and affords creative work. It is usually convenient for use in any situation desired. It is a very flexible medium and is adaptable to all ages. It attracts attention and encourages participation, while also being durable. Items no longer needed can be easily erased. Items can be written on it in letters large enough for all to see. It is portable and offers simplicity without too many details that detract. If used with lesson, the chalkboard/marker board surface develops as lesson grows.

Dan Flournoy is a preacher at Northeast Church of Christ in Hurst, Texas . He also runs the Web site www.christian-family.net .