Everyone seems to offer devotions, but why? What’s the big deal about devotions?

It’s true that nearly every Christian education program offers a variety of devotions in addition to Bible stories and lessons. And there is a vast difference between stories, lessons, and devotions. Where stories and lessons teach about biblical circumstances, events, and people, devotions teach Christian values that are put into life practice. You can think of the difference as this: As lessons are to the mind, devotions are to the heart. A solid balance of biblical stories, lessons, and devotions rounds out Christian education. If any one element is missing, so is the fullness of God’s Word!

So how is this devotional book different from others?

"Show Me!" Devotions for Leaders to Teach Kids is very different from the standard repertoire of children’s devotions. These are devotions that kids learn to present. In all my classroom years as both a Christian and secular schoolteacher, the single most valuable teaching tool I’ve run across is...kids! Willing, ready, and motivated, peer-teachers often reach kids whom adults cannot. Yet some teachers, whether from vanity or a need to control, think children have no place as educators. Balderdash! Everyone has a lesson to teach as well as a lesson to learn, and children are no exception.

"Show Me!" Devotions is geared to teach kids to show other kids, who will show others, and so on and so on. What a great way to spread God’s Word and build kids’ self-esteem! And what a break for teachers! Seeing kids take responsibility for part of their learning is exciting and rewarding for teachers, kids, and parents. "Show Me!" Devotions offers kids not only snappy, eye-popping devotions, but the opportunity to serve others through teaching and sharing God’s Word.

How do I use "Show Me!" Devotions?

Simply photocopy a devotion, and ask for a volunteer. I guarantee that after the first week, you’ll have more volunteers than there are devotions! And you’ll never tire of willing kids whose eyes shine as they share these devotions with classmates, friends, and family.

Each week, photocopy a devotion, choose a volunteer, and encourage the child to meet with you to practice the devotion or to practice it at home. That’s it! You’ll find these devotions to be simple, motivating, and big-time fun. And there are even devotions for pairs of kids to present, so the shy ones in your class won’t feel pressured or left out.

As one teacher to another, I guarantee that after using these devotions, you’ll never go back to the same old devotional format again! Kids CAN teach kids. Try it—you’ll see!

"Show Me!" Devotions for LEADERS TO TEACH KIDS
Copyright © 1997 Susan L. Lingo