The Encroaching "Zombie Student Culture"
I must admit that when I first began reading and hearing about the long term effects of the internet and screen time on students (as well as students using the internet and AI to cheat on assignments) I largely dismissed it because I thought (naively), “This isn’t affecting our Anabaptist schools because our parents know better than to let their children spend inordinate hours on the internet, plagiarize, or play online games for hours.” Sadly, I am concerned about it now.
A colleague recently shared with me the article “What’s Happening to Our Students?” and I am indeed worried, because although most Anabaptists are usually a little behind pop culture and its trends, the Internet has allowed us to be almost, if not completely, caught up with the world and its trends. We are definitely being affected by it and are headed in the wrong direction.
I have talked to several teachers who confirm that this is true in our schools as well, and all agree that they have seen the effects (although not as dramatic as in public schools) in our schools. This is especially the opinion of teachers who have taught ten years or longer. One teacher had overheard her second graders (who were tired and not focused on their work) talking to other students about staying up late and using their big brothers’ accounts to play online computer games with each other after school and in the evenings.
This makes me want to cry, or bang my head against a wall, or both. These children should be outside riding their bikes, climbing trees, and building tree forts with their fathers. Unfortunately, some of them head home from school to retreat to their bedrooms, shut the doors, and play online games, staring at a screen and interacting online with people they just spent seven hours with in real life at school.
I have two questions.
Why is this happening in our Anabaptist schools?
What are the parents thinking?
I have some suggestions for answers.
I believe that this is happening because we are just a few steps beyond secular society. Regrettably, the lure of being cool and fitting in, which is greatly influenced by social media, is extremely appealing to the parents of our students, the 25-40 year olds, many of whom are buying into the new norm of Youtube influencers, Instagram, and Facebook likes; along with all the hype, lingo, fashion, and accompanying mannerisms.
This is exactly the opposite of what God instructs us to do in His word: "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch not the unclean thing; And I will receive you." 2 Cor. 6:17.
Woefully, this is the answer to question number two as well. The only other option is that the parents are simply not aware or are not monitoring the activities of their children, which is equally as bad. The end of that verse is frightening. Will God receive this?
Many of our Anabaptist brethren are just steps behind the world, and the resulting consequences are becoming apparent in our schools. Students are becoming more and more tuned out, overly stimulated mentally from other more entertaining sources. They are becoming bored with maps and interesting history and science facts. They are more enthralled by computer screens and online games than they are teachers, math problems, or English grammar.
There is almost nothing the teachers can do except to gently warn our students of the dangers of such behavior. From what I have seen and heard from other teachers, the students will politely listen and then go back to their same activities. It is the parents who need to be aware of the dangers and be proactive about this hazardous situation.
We can make parents aware of what we are hearing at school, but this obviously can be unappreciated and labeled as “tattling”, unless the parents ask us directly, which rarely happens.
In conclusion, what we can do is to pray for our students, pray for their parents, set a good example ourselves, and to cling to Paul’s words: “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8
Fun Ways to Practice Spelling Words
Games like these can help to make learning spelling words competitive, creative, and fun. Of course, good, old-fashioned copying the list is still the simplest and most efficient way to practice spelling words. But this can so quickly become tedious and dull, causing students to turn their brains off. On the other hand, when student’s minds and imaginations are engaged through games and activities, their whole brain is activated to learn more effectively.
College Student Weekend 2026
College education can be an opportunity for Christians to learn more about the creation of God and interact with people from a variety of backgrounds and beliefs. At the same time, this opportunity comes with a unique set of challenges socially, spiritually, and intellectually. For example, conservative Anabaptist college students are often a minority in both their churches and colleges.
Who: We welcome applications from full-time and part-time college and university students currently in school and/or planning to begin a program in the next academic year. Registration priority is given to full-time students and students who are currently in school and will continue their studies next year.
Where: Faith Builders hosts the College Student Weekend at the River Ridge Mansion, an early-20th-century mansion built by an oil baron near Franklin, PA.
When: College Student Weekend 2026 begins on the afternoon of Friday, July 3, and continues through lunch on Sunday, July 5.
Cost: The cost of attendance is $255 per person, including two nights of lodging and five meals. The event is limited to 48 participants. Registration is required.
Science Alive 1-2
The inspiration for the creation of Science Alive began when I was teaching in a first and second grade classroom. One of the years I taught, the children had quite a bit of spare time, so we would have impromptu classes on the digestive system or whatever else I happened to field a question about. It didn’t take me long to begin recognizing that the children seemed to retain this style of learning almost better than what they considered work. I wished at that point to have a science curriculum that started out based more on input than output.
However, I didn’t really begin to do anything about this dream until I began to teach the Living Threads curriculum for history class. Then the lightbulb moment hit. I could use similar methods to teach science.
Since this curriculum is designed for multiple grades at the same time, you can guiltlessly hold a class that is amazingly distracting because they are all supposed to be involved. The curriculum is designed for grades one through three, with grade one skipping out on tests. They all take the same levels together and alternate levels for variety of learning. For example, the first-year grades one through three take level 1-2 together, the next year level 2-1. If you use this for three grades, first and third grade are a repeat level. The level is made to be taught three days a week for a 45-minute period for ½ of the term.
This curriculum is designed for the children to be paired up into partner teams. Generally, it works best to put an older child with a younger child for coaching purposes.
When teaching this class, there are a few basic structures I use to instill information. The first is constant review of facts you want them to have for life. There are a few extra pieces of information for the fast learners and for interest’s sake, but by and large, study the tests to know what they should master.
Use the experiments. If you have any that are bigger and more exciting to illustrate the point, use them. Practice the experiments before having class.
Vary the flashcard drill as inspiration hits. Let them practice together in pairs. Use your creativity.
Feel free to add or chop up lessons as needed. There are several books mentioned in this curriculum. While you may not have the exact book mentioned, the library often has good resources that will work just as well or better.
Enjoy teaching the amazing world of science!
Science Alive 2-1
The inspiration for the creation of Science Alive began when I was teaching in a first and second grade classroom. One of the years I taught, the children had quite a bit of spare time, so we would have impromptu classes on the digestive system or whatever else I happened to field a question about. It didn’t take me long to begin recognizing that the children seemed to retain this style of learning almost better than what they considered work. I wished at that point to have a science curriculum that started out based more on input than output.
However, I didn’t really begin to do anything about this dream until I began to teach the Living Threads curriculum for history class. Then the lightbulb moment hit. I could use similar methods to teach science.
Since this curriculum is designed for multiple grades at the same time, you can guiltlessly hold a class that is amazingly distracting because they are all supposed to be involved. The curriculum is designed for grades one through three, with grade one skipping out on tests. They all take the same levels together and alternate levels for variety of learning. For example, the first-year grades one through three take level 1-2 together, the next year level 2-1. If you use this for three grades, first and third grade are a repeat level. The level is made to be taught three days a week for a 45-minute period for ½ of the term.
This curriculum is designed for the children to be paired up into partner teams. Generally, it works best to put an older child with a younger child for coaching purposes.
When teaching this class, there are a few basic structures I use to instill information. The first is constant review of facts you want them to have for life. There are a few extra pieces of information for the fast learners and for interest’s sake, but by and large, study the tests to know what they should master.
Use the experiments. If you have any that are bigger and more exciting to illustrate the point, use them. Practice the experiments before having class.
Vary the flashcard drill as inspiration hits. Let them practice together in pairs. Use your creativity.
Feel free to add or chop up lessons as needed. There are several books mentioned in this curriculum. While you may not have the exact book mentioned, the library often has good resources that will work just as well or better.
Enjoy teaching the amazing world of science!
3 Teaching Positions Available at Shady Grove Christian School Mifflinburg PA
Shady Grove Christian School (Mifflinburg, PA) is looking for qualified teachers for the 2026-2027 school year for the following positions:
1st grade
2nd grade
High School
Elementary Grades are taught conventionally using CLP curriculum.
High School is individualized using ACE curriculum.
Contact Andrew Beachy: abeachy2@gmail.com
Jesus: Greater Than Moses (A Christmas Program)
This hour-long whole-school Christmas program uses dramatic recitation of Scripture, songs, and simple actions (mostly still poses) to illustrate how the life of Moses foreshadowed the life and work of Jesus. It can easily be adapted to schools of nearly any size.
Example livestream from Pilgrim Christian School: https://youtube.com/live/KfCZwHG2f1AZwHG2f1A
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- Pre-Algebra Class Work 8.5
Pre-Algebra Class Work 8.5 Brian J Martin July 20, 2018 Pre-Algebra Class Materials Pre-Algebra Class Work 8.5 Document 00:00 / 01:04 Download Download Class Worksheet to go with Lesson 8.5 Pre-Algebra Bob Jones Math. Practice in writing inequalities and solving some of them. Download Brian J Martin
- Spare-Time Learning: Activity Lists to Keep Everyone Engaged
Spare-Time Learning: Activity Lists to Keep Everyone Engaged Shannon Miller February 27, 2019 Spare-Time Learning: Activity Lists to Keep Everyone Engaged Video 00:00 / 01:04 Download Download Shannon: I have a list to my right here that I call a monkey list. You can call it whatever you want. Last year I called it a class list. My co-teacher calls it an "I'm done" list. What this list is for is for your faster students who get done with their work really quickly. Probably most teachers realize and understand that classrooms have often faster students and slower students. How to keep the faster ones occupied is sometimes a challenge while you're working with the ones that need more help. One of the things that I have done is every morning, I create a list of things for my students to do, when they're done with their seat work or when they're done with their other normal subjects. Cheri: Oftentimes I try to choose activities that deal with what we are learning about currently, then they can get some extra practice during their spare time. Shannon: They automatically know that when they are done with their other normal subject, they automatically plunge into the monkey list without being told. The first thing today, I put on, copy the spelling list one time, circle the special sounds. I put stuff on there that's really easy for them to do and if it is complicated in any way, I will announce it in the morning so they understand what they're doing first thing already. Cheri: Some students choose to do these activities and do them quite well, others choose not to. Shannon: If they happen to get done with the first items on the list, I have what I call the banana at the bottom: the good part, where they get to do something especially fun. Today I put a coloring book or a puzzle. Sometimes I'll put a game on. You can do whatever you want. Sometimes I'll put reading underneath your desk, something fun, something special. It motivates the faster ones to even go faster. It makes them feel good about themselves and I like how it teaches independence to work on their own and to think ahead. That helps me then in being able to help the slower ones who need my help. Cheri: These are things that I do not grade. Normally I glance at them to see how they’re doing, but it's not something that I spend my time on. Shannon: I found this really helpful and I would recommend it to any teacher to use. Download Shannon Miller Cheri Rhodes
- Maintaining the Dignity of the Poor
Maintaining the Dignity of the Poor Jon Stoltzfus July 19, 2022 REACH 2019 Maintaining the Dignity of the Poor Audio 00:00 / 01:04 Download Download Every person in every culture is made in God’s image, no matter how poor or how rich they are. Our posture as we meet with the needy and reach out to help them will say a lot about how we view them. This will determine how open they are to us helping them or how easily they share their deep struggles with us. Recognizing worth and value in every soul will go a long way in understanding needs and presenting those needs to a support base. Download Jon Stoltzfus
- Teacher Grades 1-3
Teacher Grades 1-3 Unknown Contributor October 6, 2020 Teacher Grades 1-3 Classified 00:00 / 01:04 Download Download We are a very small school located in Shenandoah PA. Grades 1-3 will only be about 4 students. Mainly CLE curriculum.Housing is also available.For more information contact Brian Good Download
- Board Meetings: How, What, When, Why
Board Meetings: How, What, When, Why Danny Hertzler March 19, 2020 Board Meetings: How, What, When, Why Audio 00:00 / 01:04 Download Download How long has it been since you had a board meeting? Ever attended an ineffective board meeting? Come for ideas to help your meetings be more efficient, productive, and scheduled. Download Danny Hertzler
- Algebra 1 Class Work 9.5
Algebra 1 Class Work 9.5 Brian J Martin July 20, 2018 Algebra 1 Class Work 9.5 Document 00:00 / 01:04 Download Download Class Worksheet to go with Lesson 9.5 Algebra 1 Bob Jones Math. Practice in simplifying algebraic expressions with parenthesis. Includes exponents, multiplication, addition, and subtraction. Download Brian J Martin
- Worksheet 3.4 Intro to Intervals
Worksheet 3.4 Intro to Intervals Nolan Martin September 28, 2018 Music Rudiments Worksheets Worksheet 3.4 Intro to Intervals Document 00:00 / 01:04 Download Download A music worksheet introducing students to intervals. Students identify major intervals by quality and number. Download Nolan Martin
- Creation vs. Evolution, Part 1
Creation vs. Evolution, Part 1 Wes Bauman August 12, 2022 Teachers Week 2021 Creation vs. Evolution, Part 1 Audio 00:00 / 01:04 Download Download This talk is for teachers who could benefit from reinforcement in how to defend the Christian faith against evolutionary teachings. Wes considers some of the fallacies evolutionists use to support their philosophy, some of the evidences against evolution, and some evidences supporting the God of the Bible. The breakout is taught from the perspective of a grades 9-12 math and science teacher who frequently discusses this topic with unbelievers as part of the phone team for Christian Aid Ministrie Download Wes Bauman
- Word 15 Lesson Notes Practice Document
Word 15 Lesson Notes Practice Document Kendall Myers November 15, 2017 Practice Projects for Microsoft Word Word 15 Lesson Notes Practice Document Document 00:00 / 01:04 Download Download In this practice project for Word, students create a document with a header and two outlines. Students are asked to use the automatic numbering and outlining features in Word. They must use different font, some with all captials, and some that is boldfaced. Download Kendall Myers
- Poll: How is your school responding to the coronavirus?
Poll: How is your school responding to the coronavirus? Unknown Contributor March 18, 2020 COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Response Plans Poll: How is your school responding to the coronavirus? Document 00:00 / 01:04 Download Download Image by Diese lizenzfreien Fotos darfst du zwar verwenden from Pixabay Several states are asking schools to close in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. How are you responding? Download
- Two Teachers Needed
Two Teachers Needed Unknown Contributor February 28, 2022 Two Teachers Needed Classified 00:00 / 01:04 Download Download Need of two teachers, grades kindergarten through eight.Kindergarten to grade two; eight studentsThird grade to eighth grade; six studentsWe have a small school, parents who support the school; support the teachers a real blessing!Do have good pay for teachers and places for them to stay.Pickens, located in the foothills of South Carlina, Pickens school been operating for six yearsPlease pray about this and feel free to call or text or email for more info.Using Abeka curriculum Download
- Elementary Assistant
Elementary Assistant Unknown Contributor June 22, 2021 Elementary Assistant Classified 00:00 / 01:04 Download Download Hampden Christian School is a mission school in Baltimore, MD, serving middle-class families and children ages infant – 8th grade. We are needing an elementary assistant to move here and start work August 31.Our enrollment for this fall has grown significantly, from 19 to 31 in the elementary. We have a large (for us) incoming kindergarten and first and second grade. Thankfully, we have filled all of our homeroom teacher positions with experienced teachers, a plus for the person coming in as assistant.The assistant we are looking for does not need to have previous teaching experience, but needs to be at least 20 years of age.The assistant would be teaching some reading and math classes in 2nd and 3rd grade and helping other teachers as needed. The assistant would supervise some recesses and be in charge of before and after care for students that are signed up for extended care.We’re an elementary school and daycare right here in Hampden, a middle-class neighborhood in Baltimore. Our school has about 40 kids in daycare/preschool ages 0 – 4 and about 30 in elementary K – 8th. This is a very secular and non-Christian community, and people don’t expect to see Mennonites here. Our mission is to live real Christianity out in front of our neighbors and our school patrons, build relationships with them for the purpose of bringing them to Christ. We’ve got a tremendous opportunity to do that because we have so much contact with people. I live smack between two neighbors and almost every time we go in our backyard we can have a conversation with one of them. We’re lucky to have nice neighbors. In school, we have 35 – 40 patron families, bringing their children to us every day for a full day of life-on-life nurturing and teaching with our teachers. It is an incredible opportunity.Our staff of mostly ladies, about 15 of them, live a fairly independent life. Our goal is for YOU to become a part of the neighborhood through your own hospitality and interaction with the neighbors. So you get your own house to share with other staff—all houses are spread throughout the neighborhood but within walking distance of the school. Evenings after school are mostly free. Weekends are mostly free as well—you can travel, but we encourage you to stay here in Baltimore as much as possible so you can get to know people. Download
- Algebra 1 Class Work 2.7
Algebra 1 Class Work 2.7 Brian J Martin January 23, 2020 Algebra 1 Class Work 2.7 Document 00:00 / 01:04 Download Download Class Worksheet to go with Lesson 2.7 Algebra 1 Bob Jones Math, practice in solving equations. Download Brian J Martin
- Procedures for Managing a Multi-Grade Classroom
Procedures for Managing a Multi-Grade Classroom Jaydon Schrock July 22, 2025 Western Fellowship Teachers' Institute 2022 Procedures for Managing a Multi-Grade Classroom Audio 00:00 / 01:04 Download Download Jaydon Schrock stresses that God is a God of order (1 Cor. 14:40) and that well-planned procedures—distinct from punishable rules—are essential for creating decency, efficiency, security, and a calm learning environment. He urges teachers to start with personal holiness, daily prayer, self-discipline, and preparation, then implement consistent, practical procedures across the school day (devotions, classes, study time, recess, discipline, and checking) to prevent chaos, teach life skills, and free teachers to focus on instruction and student souls. Procedures should be introduced and practiced intensely from day one (especially the first two weeks), kept simple and flexible, adapted to each classroom, and grounded in prayer for wisdom (James 1:5), with consistency being the key to success. Download Jaydon Schrock
- Qualified High School Teacher Wanted
Qualified High School Teacher Wanted Unknown Contributor November 28, 2018 Qualified High School Teacher Wanted Classified 00:00 / 01:04 Download Download Waynesboro Mennonite School in Waynesboro, GA is seeking a qualified individual to teach grades 9 and 10 in the 2019-2020 school year. Qualifications include high personal integrity, a whole-hearted commitment to Christ and the church, a shepherd-like spirit, and a contagious love for that which is good and true. In addition to teaching core academic courses and exercising various roles of leadership in the school, this position offers opportunities for personal and professional development.If you are interested in learning more about this position or applying for it, please contact the principal Kendall Myers (706) 871-5572 or the board chairman Conrad Horst (706) 830-1464. Download
- Teachers needed in Myanmar
Teachers needed in Myanmar Unknown Contributor May 3, 2018 Teachers needed in Myanmar Classified 00:00 / 01:04 Download Download Financial Literacy International is looking for people interested in three- to six-month teaching internships. They would take anyone now or by April 22nd when the new school year begins.The school uses School of Tomorrow ACE type of curriculum. All the local students know a good portion of English, so Burmese language learning is not required but could be a possibility. They prefer having full time teachers, but 3 days a week is a possibility as well in case language learning is desired.Promise Education Center in Yangon will provide a free business visa for anyone interested. They will even take two individuals at the same time. Lavon could help find lodging if needed.Lavon is also looking for a couple or some singles interested in starting an English center or other business with DNI.If you want an Asian experience in a developing country rich with culture, contact Financial Literacy International now or even later. Download
- Relationship Problem Solving
Relationship Problem Solving Brian Martin July 19, 2022 REACH 2019 Relationship Problem Solving Audio 00:00 / 01:04 Download Download The goal of this session is to share practical ways of resolving every day, real world relational problems between people. From the context of working with staff and residents at Allegany Boys Camp, these principles are applied to the mission field, service organizations, schools, family, and the church. Download Brian Martin
- Pre-Algebra Class Work 5.4
Pre-Algebra Class Work 5.4 Brian J Martin December 28, 2017 Pre-Algebra Class Materials Pre-Algebra Class Work 5.4 Document 00:00 / 01:04 Download Download This class work gives students practice working with rations and unit rates. Download Brian J Martin
- Excel Project C1: Bible Memory Chart Practice Document
Excel Project C1: Bible Memory Chart Practice Document Kendall Myers November 15, 2017 Practice Projects for Excel Excel Project C1: Bible Memory Chart Practice Document Document 00:00 / 01:04 Download Download In this practice project for Excel and similar spreadsheet programs, students replicate a Bible memory chart. Download Kendall Myers
- Grades 4&5 teacher, 4yo teacher
Grades 4&5 teacher, 4yo teacher Unknown Contributor April 4, 2023 Grades 4&5 teacher, 4yo teacher Classified 00:00 / 01:04 Download Download Urban Mennonite Ministries operates schools in Williamsport, PA and Baltimore, MD. Currently our Baltimore school is looking to fill a 4th-5th grade teaching position and a few daycare positions.Our mission is to develop flourishing children who love God. We work with all kinds of families, Christian and non-Christian. If you enjoy children, can you see yourself thriving in an urban environment, and enjoy pushing yourself and growing, you may be a good fit for our school. Applicants must be at least 20 years old.See the attached PDF for more info.Contact Darrell Hershberger at dbh@hampdencs.org , 540-292-6827 to learn more. Download