I tell my students that while English may not be their favorite subject, it is their most important one. Every day we practice skills that, not only will they use in real life when they grow up, they can use in the real world right now. Most all of them were born into English speaking families, but I explain that my job is to teach them how to use their language skills to their own benefit.

English Language Arts is more than reading and writing. It is also listening and speaking. The state standards are all about teaching students to be able to comprehend and communicate concepts effectively. I tell my students all the time I don’t want them to be manipulated by people/media, but want them to be able to be influencers themselves, using language as their own secret, super power.

Weekly we read and analyze various texts, some informational, some narrative, and some persuasive. It’s my job to help the students disect the selections as we look at the authors’ purposes and word choices. Connotative meanings, figurative language, themes, main ideas, thesis statements, claims, and counterclaims - I am trying to show them that we use the English language literally ALL THE TIME. They may not be able to identify the part pf speech, but they are definitely impacted by the language’s effects.

I want them to question what is being told to them and why. I want them to think critically about the messages that are bombarding them. I want them to be able to effectively communicate their needs, their stories and their feelings - using the language they think they have already mastered. Every time I can, I try to show them how refining these skills can help them in other classes, in their future professions and in their relationships.

This weekend, I found myself teaching a couple of Bible Study sessions at my church’s ladies retreat. I became aware that I was wearing my English teacher hat as I was asking the ladies questions similar to the ones I ask my seventh graders - Why did Paul use this simile? Why did Paul choose this particular word? Why did Paul use repetition? The lessons taught/learned in a seventh grade, English Language Arts class can help us read and better comprehend God’s Word.

The retreat centered on the book of 1 Thessalonians instead of a topical theme. We took two days to really look at Paul’s first letter to the believers in Thessalonica. We looked at cross references across the Bible to build understanding of context and main ideas. We discussed passages and applications. We left with a deeper knowledge of our God, His character and His will for us as His followers - all using the same techniques that I teach my 12 and 13 year old students to use.

I fully believe the Bible can hold up to the whatever scrutiny that we can muster when we read it. I have experienced first hand the fulfillment of its promise - when we seek God, we will find Him. If we truly want to know Him, then we need to read His Word - really read it, using all those skills and all those approaches we learned back in school. An academic approach can lead to spiritual growth and gain.

I know that as I read my Bible this summer, I will be looking at it a little differently. I will still be wearing my teacher hat, looking for those questions I would ask my students, so I can deepen my own personal understanding and walk closer with my God.

Teaching 7th Grade English & Reading the Bible

End of School Lessons & Reflections