Teaching: Write on the Board

Many of your learners are primarily visual in the way they perceive information. That is, if they could choose the best way they learn, they would naturally choose to watch or see the information in some graphic form. A way to help visual learners engage in the learning process is to be visual with key words, outline points, or questions. In other words, try writing on the board.

You may have available to you as you teach a chalkboard, whiteboard, or large pieces of paper that every learner can see. If you are working in a home setting, you might adapt these ideas by simply writing your visuals on large pieces of paper prior to the session.

Think about your purpose for showing printed words. Sometimes you will need to reveal the printed message all at once. At other times, you can encourage thought and reflection if you take the time in the lesson to write out your keywords or questions. Here are some tips for writing on the board:

1. Write large enough for everyone in the room to see and read it. This might take some practice. When no one is around, write on the board and get as far away as possible. Can you read it?

2. Write clearly and legibly. Again, some practice might help.
3. When you write, do not talk to the group with your back to them. Be silent as you write. This also allows the visual learners time to concentrate.
4. Don’t stand in front of what you wrote. Why write it and then block it?
5. If writing a question, verbally ask the question, then write the question in silence and then re-state the question. This encourages processing time.
6. If the word is a tricky one to spell, spell it correctly in your notes and copy. Some will be greatly distracted by misspellings.

 The more senses we involve in learning, the deeper that learning will likely be. Writing and speaking keywords and questions can activate two senses simultaneously in our learners. We should teach so all may hear, but we should also teach so that all visual learners can see.

 Scripture:

“This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground.” John 8:6 (ESV)

Prayer:
Ask God to help you appreciate and communicate with the visual learners in your group.

Dig Deeper:
Read  Chapter 14: “Students Learn by Looking,” in Elmer Towns book, What Every Sunday School Teacher Should Know, (Gospel Light, 2001). ISBN: 0-8307-2874-0.