Teaching any religion class can be a very rewarding experience. Each religion's major concern is passing the faith on to the new generation of children, who will then in turn pass it on to another generation. But how do you go about teaching such a class?
First, look for a series of books. Check your church; if there's an established program, they should tell you what to use. Otherwise, go and see other churches in your area that are the same or a similar religion, and ask what books they use. Each church (and religion) will be a little bit different. Regardless, all Christian teachers should have a Bible in the classroom at all times.
Then, you'll need other materials. Think about stocking your classroom the same way an ordinary teacher would: with art supplies, including paper, pencils, crayons, rulers, glue, etc. Make sure you have tissues for your students. For religion, you may choose to create a prayer center. For this you'll need a Bible and other symbolic objects (like water, a plant, or candles). If your faith uses specific colors for different seasons, think about using a cloth in those colors to either cover a prayer center or hang on the wall.
You will also want some poster board to create fun posters for your students. Have one for attendence and perhaps another for accomplishments or good deeds. Make sure you have one for rules of the classroom.
Before the first lesson, organize your materials. Make sure you have a book and whatever else you need (a bible, art supplies, take-home papers) prepared and organized for each child. It's also nice to make a nametag for each child, so that you can laminate them in advance. If you decorate them, the children will feel special.
At the first class, ask the children to come in a sit down. Greet the students and their parents with warm smiles, and introduce yourself. Once all of the children have arrived, talk a little bit about the class -- what are your major goals for the year? What activities have you planned?
Then, hand out the books and supplies. Once all the children are settled, discuss rules. If you are comfortable, allow the children to come up with the rules (you screen them, of course). Then, do an introduction activity, so that each child gets to know the others, and you get to know the children.
Plan your lessons generally along the lines of the book, or along the lines of the curriculum your church asks you to. Don't be afraid to add in Bible stories that are relevant or that the children are curious about. Be flexible; the children may ask questions that lead you to a slightly different lesson than you'd planned, but which is still relevant to religion.
Make sure you communicate enthusiasm for your faith, and encourage the children to ask questions and share stories that relate to what you're talking about. Try to read out of the book as little as possible -- encourage discussion or activities more. Give the children faith activities (which may include doing good deeds, reading and discussing Bible stories, or other such things) to do at home with their families.
It is very important that all children understand the main parts of the religion, but that they don't learn them by rote. Encourage the children to discover and share their faith. As you begin teaching (start out with emphasizing love and respect, unless your book says differently, and go from there), you'll find that the class will take the time in a direction on their own. Let them -- as long as it's relevant to your faith. Their discovery is more important than any book work.
Teaching a religion class is a very rewarding experience. Keep yourself organized, stay in touch with the parents, and encourage the children to ask questions. Your interest and excitement will rub off on them.
