The leadership of our congregation feels strongly that Bible memory should be incorporated into each session. How can we work at this creatively during our Sunday school time?
Signed: Memory promoter

Dear Memory promoter:
Committing key scripture texts to memory is a worthwhile activity, even though some children and youth may not think so now. There are creative ways to enjoy memorizing texts. Try putting the words to music. Invite youth and older children to choose their own text (stories work well) and repeat it from memory to their peers.

In one congregation, everyone repeated the quarterly memory text each week as part of the children's time. Leaders and parents modeled to the children the importance of committing scripture to memory. Check out the Gather 'Round Handbook (pages 111-112) for more ideas.

Our teacher training is nonexistent and I struggle to get teachers to use the resources that are included in teacher's guides. How can I gradually increase teacher competency?
Signed: Sad superintendent

Dear Sad superintendent:
Like many of us, teachers are busy and over-extended these days. One thing you could try is to send the teachers a weekly or monthly e-note. If they are on their computers daily, send them an e-mail note of encouragement or a teaching tip. With all classes using the same scripture story, give a general tip for telling the story or tweak a Responding activity. Via e-mail, invite teachers to share their ideas with each other or ask questions they have about the session. An online connection may be the best way to communicate with busy teachers these days.

Let your teachers know that, even though they are volunteers, you have expectations of them, such as regular participation in some type of teacher training quarterly or annually. Work around busy schedules. Be creative about where and when you meet, and remind your teachers of the important spiritual work and Christian modeling they are doing as teachers.

My class of primary children enjoys the active times but has trouble settling down for more reflective activities. They find it difficult to transition from active to quiet. How can I make the transition times work for us?
Signed: Unsettled

Dear Unsettled:
Young children are naturally active and it's great if they can move around a lot in the room. Yet there are times when they need to be quiet, especially as they hear the Bible story and reflect on it.

I suggest that you decide on a signal to remind them that it is "settle down" time. Flicking lights, ringing quiet chimes, or clapping are some ways to get the attention of children for transition times. Be consistent, using your signal every week, so children remember what is expected of them.

Our church uses the NIV translation of the Bible. The curriculum uses the NRSV. We run into difficulty with this variance when there are crossword puzzles in the curriculum. We would prefer if both translations were used in Gather 'Round. Since that is highly unlikely, what suggestions can you give?
Signed: Lost in translation

Dear Lost in translation:
We honor the variety of Bible translations and encourage people to use the translation that speaks to them. One way we make this easier is to have older children, youth, and adults read Bible stories directly from their preferred translations. We're sorry that in some cases, such as the Bible crossword puzzles you mention, we have to go with one translation, which in our case is the New Revised Standard Version.

You might keep one or two NRSV Bibles in the room for times when you need to look for specific words. For older children, consider having several different translations on hand-they may find it interesting to compare the memory text or Bible stories in each.