How can teachers make plans each week that focus on long term understandings for the kids in their class? This is the central question addressed in this section of Online Training for Sunday School Teachers.

1. Ask teachers to share their response to the first questions in Online Reflection: Planning for Understanding. How can your congregation help them plan or prepare? Compile this list and respond appropriately.

2. Most congregations have special events during the Sunday school hour throughout the year — seasonal programs, guest speakers, a video, or party for the church. These activities are wonderful additions to the learning, but can surprise teachers who have worked hard to prepare a lesson and arrive to another plan.

• How do you inform teachers of special events?
• Ask volunteers how you can help them connect these events with their lessons?

3. Do children in your congregation participate in Christmas or Easter programs? Do all children have the opportunity to learn about the program itself rather than being assigned a part that they perform on cue? These programs can be valuable life long learning memories, but they require careful planning to help kids learn. Form an e-mail discussion group about the benefits and drawbacks of children's programs.