Exodus 4:12 – Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and will teach you what you shall say
This week I’m reflecting on a parallel between
- The ‘success/results’ of my French students whom I teach with an acquisition/input based (non-text book) method
- and the ‘success/results’ of those with whom I tell the Good News about what Jesus has done
Last Friday as I was reading one particular French 2 student’s homework story I was impressed with her level of writing. Granted, she is bright and highly motivated. But the system I use to teach French to her and others is so powerful, that even if I’m not super skilled at it, learners will achieve. Here was more evidence that the results have little to do with my skill as a teacher, but with the method! So why the stress?
My husband Mike and I were walking on Saturday, and I was sharing with him how pleased I was at this girl’s ability and how it is due to this fantastic way of teaching foreign languages. He reminded me that I ‘angst’ all the time about being ‘good enough/ skilled enough’ with the method and that I need NOT play that anxious game anymore. All of a sudden, I saw the application to my anxiety about sharing the Gospel. If I truly believe that the power of God is in the Gospel, then why should I worry about ‘doing it’ right? It’s not all up to me. Just like teaching French via this input method is not all up to me. The method works. I just have to use it and trust it.
This is exciting; because the immediate implication is that I don’t have to be PERFECT. I just have to be willing to DO it. I’m ashamed to say that often pride gets in the way of this truth and I WANT to do it well. Here’s what happens:
I am a blog-lurker. I read blogs every day whose content is either Christianity (doctrine, practice, defending/ presenting the faith) or French (content, culture, current events, methodology). Many days I come away feeling inadequate, that I’m not as good as other Christians or other language teachers who use the method of TPRS® (teaching proficiency through reading & storytelling). Yet I should know better about my profession because at the summer conferences I attend, one of the mantras is: “Poor TPRS is better than NO TPRS”
To be logical I should tell myself, “Exalting Jesus in some way is better than keeping my mouth shut”. So why don’t I exalt Jesus every day?” The truth is, I can get away with not opening my mouth about Jesus. I’m paid and held accountable for teaching French each day. There are immediate consequences if I simply conduct a study hall in each class, day after day. What are the consequences if I don’t open my mouth about Jesus?
I don’t have to list them for you…they are actually far more serious. So why am I reluctant? Expectations! My school kids expect me to teach them French. What is the expectation of those people whose paths I cross each day? Well, I actually don’t know. Who’s not to say that they were prepared by God to meet someone who would tell them some good news? After all, there is precedence in the Bible. Cornelius (Acts 10) was told by an angel in a vision to send a message to Peter. Likewise Peter while praying was prompted to let go of certain food rituals. These two unlikely people met (because they were obedient) and it made a HUGE difference in their lives and in the Kingdom.
In conclusion….pray that you and I be obedient to God’s commands. As ordinary Christians, our daily duty falls SOMEWHERE between these two expectations:
- Matt 28:18-20 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
- 1 Pet 3:15 But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully.
Reflections on God's Word 
Jan 18, 2011 @ 04:20:55
Hi Maria,
I enjoyed reading this. I’ve been teaching Spanish using TPRS for 11 years now, and I’ve been a Christian since I was 5. i understand both of your points here very well. I agree that poor TPRS is better than no TPRS. I agree that we need to share the gospel, and that some is better than none. What I’ve discovered is that when I listen to my Commander, he sometimes has me share the gospel in ways that, at first blush, don’t seem very much like sharing the gospel. But they are. Example: when I stay after office hours to work with someone and I do it in love, I’m sharing the Good News. When I buy lunch for someone who’s “forgotten their money” (when we all know that mom and dad are both unemployed and yet the child isn’t yet on reduced price lunches), I’m sharing the gospel. The trick is to listen to the Lord for what to do, when to do it, and where those teachable moments are. For example, when a student tells me that they appreciate me sharing my money with them, I can always say, “Well, if Jesus could make a few loaves of bread and fishes turn into dinner for 5,000, I’m sure that I can let this money turn into lunch for you and me.” If they’re a Christian, they’ve been encouraged. If not, it’s my teachable moment.
As a TPRS teacher, God has put you in a special place. Whether you’re being used with children or with adults, God has given you a gift of story and the understanding of how to use it. I pray that you use it for His glory!!
By the way, my site is meggiev777.wordpress.com . I blog a lot about scripture, too. It would be great if you’d read some of my work and comment. I’d love to hear what you think!!
Jan 18, 2011 @ 09:51:51
I appreciate your examples of listening to God and then doing what He says. They are real life…and tangible..and your way of relaxing about that child’s response/ context is reassuring. I’ll look forward to checking out your blog! Thanks for writing.
Jan 18, 2012 @ 18:15:46
Hey! I stumbled on your blog as I am search for ways to use TPRS during short term mission trips that combine sharing the gospel and teaching English. I know about TPRS, but as I teach ELL in USA, it isn’t appropriate for the needs of my students (they are too advanced). I’m completely sold on the effectiveness of TPRS ever since I went to a Blaine Ray session and also saw a Spanish teacher effectively use this at a middle school level. Yet, I am completely inexperienced on using it myself – and it’s been 10 years since I’ve had that exposure. Do you know of anyone who has worked TPRS into a curriculum that would do what I’m looking for? (TPRS + Gospel).
And while it seems off point to your main idea, I do want to add that I also am a teacher in a secular world wondering how to ethically be a witness in this arena. So I appreciated your reflections.
But would also like your help…Tprs + gospel – does it exist?