[B-Greek] Sunday School Class Advice?
Barry
nebarry at verizon.net
Fri Oct 6 06:41:16 EDT 2006
> -----Original Message-----
> From: b-greek-bounces at lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:b-greek-bounces at lists.ibiblio.org]
> On Behalf Of North Dude
> Sent: Friday, October 06, 2006 12:17 AM
> To: b-greek at lists.ibiblio.org
> Subject: [B-Greek] Sunday School Class Advice?
Comments below:
> I have been attempting to teach some Greek to my college-age bracket Sunday
> school class at church. My goals are pretty simple: Initially, I want them to learn
> the alphabet, a consistent pronunciation system, and a few dozen high-frequency
> words (including some common N.T. scriptures). As time goes on, I can delve
> more into the grammar. But my main goal is to take some of the mystique or
> "foreign-ness" out of approaching Greek, to have them able to competently use
> literate Bible study materials, and to have them not feel intimidated when dealing
> with those who challenge their faith on the basis of what "the Greek" supposedly
> says. I also want to lay the groundwork so that if some of my students wish to
> continue their studies on a more intensive basis, many of the initial hurtles and
> barriers will have been cleared away.
>
> Do any of you have any advice to offer? What materials would you recommend
> that would support this (things that could be enjoyed by people who are possibly
> not so "nerdy" as I am). I have chosen to present Byzantine pronunciation
> instead of "seminary" Greek pronunciation...sorry, but "haw law-gaws" just sticks
> in my throat, as does "ah-pah-stah-lahs"... yet modern Greek pronunciation seems
> to be so replete with letters and blends that sound the same that I think it would
> be hard to learn to spell...any comments, experiences, or advice in this area?
>
> Some of the kids are "grammar-phobic", too, and wouldn't know a predicate
> nominative from a direct object (in English), despite having graduated from high
> school and having gone to college (for some of them). I only meet with them
> once per week for class...and I don't want to turn every Sunday into a language
> marathon. What do you think would be the best approach?
<rant> Ah, the products of the public school system </rant>
Back in the late 70's, early 80's I remember seeing a workbook approach that was designed to do this sort of thing (it included both Greek and Hebrew). Don't remember the title, don't know if it's still in print, but maybe someone else on this list does.
At TAA, we begin Latin with second grade. Rather than hit them with all the specifics of grammar in Latin (they start getting that with 4th), we do Latin mottoes, "fun things to say," mythology, historical and cultural background. The goal is to get them used to the idea that Latin was a real language, and that it's doable, etc. I think you want to use a similar approach here, and your initial goals are quite laudable. Don't worry about the grammar -- most folks don't really learn English grammar until they have are taught a second language, but introduce the concepts as required to make sense out of what you are presenting.
Also, remind them that "a little learning is a dangerous thing..." :)
N.E. Barry Hofstetter
Adjunct Faculty & IT Support
The Center for Urban Theological Studies
http://www.cuts.edu
Classics Instructor, The American Academy
http://www.theamericanacademy.net
And my site:
http://mysite.verizon.net/nebarry
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