1. Begin your lesson preparation with prayer.

Ask God, "What ONE key principle do the boys and girls in my class need to assimilate in their lives?" This becomes your lesson aim. An aim is direction -- where you're going.

2. Post your lesson aim around the room.

3. Weave all activities through my purpose aim.

Your story should highlight your purpose -- your activities should review your purpose. The children should make something which reflects the purpose -- the purpose should be written down so each child can take it home -- encourage them to display it in their room or on their refrigerator -- encourage them to share with their parents what they learned.

Have you ever asked your child - what did you learn in SS today? The response is a shrug of the shoulders? If the child can't remember a key statement then the focus was fuzzy.

4. Consider your students in relation to your purpose.

What life issues are significant for my age group?

5. Survey your curriculum and resources.

6. Get excited!

Allow yourself to become excited - read, think develop insight and come up with creative ideas to impart the lesson truth.

7. Decide what method(s) will carry the lesson aim.

(These steps are an excerpt from the booklet "Teaching Creatively: How to Plan and Develop Lessons to Make A Difference In Lives" by Betty B. Robertson. If you would like a copy of this item, send $4.95 to: Creative Christian Ministries, P. O. Box 12624, Roanoke, VA 24027.) The booklet contains lots of ideas which you can use in your ministry with boys and girls.