[B-Greek] Sunday School Class Advice?

Edward Andrews edandrews at adelphia.net
Fri Oct 6 09:08:27 EDT 2006


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Edward Andrews

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Barry" <nebarry at verizon.net>
To: <b-greek at lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Friday, October 06, 2006 6:41 AM
Subject: Re: [B-Greek] Sunday School Class Advice?


>> -----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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