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by Nancy Kimzey Dempsey
As children we were taught the stories of the Bible and the lessons which those same stories brought out. We heard them over and over, with details added as we developed mentally and could re-absorb and re-evaluate what these stories could mean in our own lives. For ESL (English as a Second Language) learners, whether they are Christian or non-Christian, these stories are new because they are presented in a language different from theirs and in ways with which they are probably not familiar. For many of them, it is their introduction to the Bible, and they are naturally curious about this book, which is so meaningful to Christians. Therefore, to present the Bible as literature, with stories about people or events, can help them to find meaning in their own lives and solutions to their own problems.
This handbook of suggested teaching materials can be used with any age ESL learner, with adaptations depending on the age level of the students. Because ideally learners progress to a higher level after a year, the stories can be used year after year. However, if some learners do not progress, suggestions for other stories will be made, and of course the teacher always has the option of finding another story with a similar lesson The lessons are short and to the point, and time should always be allowed for questions and feedback. Most of the lessons will occupy five to ten minutes of the class time, but sometimes questions and discussion will take more. Therefore, the lessons are meant to be sequential so that another lesson time may be spent on a particular one if needed.
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