Church Weekday Education workshop focuses on love, laughing and learning

Are you smarter than a preschooler?

Dana McElmurray, from First Baptist Church, North Augusta, and 2007-08 Church Weekday Education officer, plays “Are You Smarter than a Preschooler?”

In a nod to the popular television game show, “Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?” the Church Weekday Education workshop held June 25-26 at White Oak Conference Center focused on play, complete with a main session rendition of the popular game and questions geared for preschoolers.

The fun follows this year’s theme, “Love, Laugh and Learn,” taken from Psalm 33:3: “Play skillfully with a shout of joy.” Participants took part in various sessions such as “I Can Play Outside,” “Catch Me a Butterfly,” and “Paint Me a Picture.”

The yearly event is designed to offer all Church Weekday Education faculty and administrators training opportunities to hone and enhance skills in teaching preschoolers. Participants can earn training hours for each session that meets Department of Social Services requirements for licensed and registered centers.

In a main lunch session, Tony Rankin, counselor and family specialist at the Tennessee Baptist Convention, addressed participants on loving preschool children.

“When we talk about love, we have to know exactly what it looks like,” said Rankin, who has authored eight books, including “A Student’s Guide to the Five Love Languages: True Love Waits,” which was co-authored by Gary Chapman. Chapman’s “Five Love Languages” was the basis for Rankin’s encouragement to workshop participants.

“The problem with love is that we give love like we want to get love,” he said.

Terry Rankin

Rankin urged attendees to “do something at the beginning of the school year to discover a child’s love language,” and give love to the child in the way they best receive it.

Rankin stressed that the process of discovering a child’s love language is not easy, but it is crucial.

“As you learn to love people at home and in the classroom, you will have to meet them where they are – you will have to do whatever it takes to get their attention,” said Rankin.

Most importantly, Rankin pointed to the perfect model of love in Jesus.

“He gave his life to show us we were worth the price. Are you willing to love the children in your classroom this fall like Jesus Christ loves you?”

For more information on Church Weekday Education programs, contact the SCBC’s childhood ministry group at (800) 723-7242, ext. 4100.