Imagine that you're visiting a class for the first time. On your way to what you hope will be the class of your dreams, you pass a room alive with music, chattering, and smiling faces. But once you reach your destination, you find silence and soft voices.
Wouldn't you want to go back to the first room?
As teachers, we want our classes to be places where people feel free to talk and share. But first we must create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Some ways to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere are:
- greeting people at the door with a smile
- engaging in casual conversation
- sharing coffee or snacks
- upbeat music
A good first step in creating an atmosphere in which people want to linger is some good upbeat music. Something that brings a smile to your face, a bounce to your step, and a feeling of "Hey, y'all!" (I live in Texas, so the y'all is completely appropriate. Northerners may prefer "Hey, you guys!" And those of you from the Pittsburgh area would probably go with "Hey, youins!" The point is - promote a friendly feeling!)
Here are some suggestions to implement this:
- Bring a CD player to class along with some upbeat CD's. You'll want to keep a collection of CD's with your Sunday morning gear or you'll be listening to the same CD for a year. Trust me - I KNOW.
- Bring a radio to class and tune into a Christian station. Just avoid talk radio or everyone will be bored to tears.
- Set up a Sunday Morning playlist on your iPod or MP3 player. You'll need some sort of speaker system so that it's not just you beebopping to the music. I tried using an FM transmitter with a radio, but it didn't work for me in the classroom. You may have better luck. I recommend a speaker system like this one to plug your player into. Just don't leave it behind or it might disappear!
Some good songs for your Sunday Morning playlist:
- Made To Love - TobyMac
- Here Is Our King - David Crowder Band
- Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) - Chris Tomlin
- Indescribable - Chris Tomlin
- He Is Exalted - Shane & Shane
- Friend of God - Israel & New Breed
Now it's your turn - what would you add to your Sunday Morning playlist?
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