TfT Bulletin #12 | March 13, 2024

For almost 10 years I have been exploring the concept of peculiar people with Christian schools, and it never grows old. Unpacking peculiar people remains one of my favorite learning experiences in the TfT journey. We draw on the passage from I Peter 2:9 (KJV):

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

In Desiring the Kingdom, James K.A. Smith identifies the primary purpose of Christian education to be the formation of a peculiar people. Our team of TfT school designers are wonderful embodiments of peculiarity.

I wish to share and celebrate a peculiar story involving school designer Pat Kornelis and her husband Ben. I am always on the lookout for stories of peculiar people playing their part in God’s story of redemption and restoration, and this is one of the finest stories of them all: check out this evening news story of Ben and Pat.

Please sustain Ben and Pat in prayer as they journey forward in God’s story.

Collecting personalized Throughlines: An invitation to our TfT schools

Following the invitation in the last Bulletin, we have collected Throughlines from six schools so far–thank you! It is enriching to absorb your personalized Throughlines and the ideas that surround them. Some schools are also sharing the creative ways they invite their community to engage Throughlines in meaningful ways. I am excited to share these ideas with the TfT Network.

Here is another call for schools to share their Throughlines and related imagery (darryl.deboer@cace.org). Even if you have personalized just one or two, we would love to know. Let’s continue to build this resource as we know the importance of models for deep learning and growth.

Elementary TfT: 5th Grade Math at Whitinsville Christian

Sheryl Casey’s Deep Hope for her 5th Grade class at Whitinsville Christian is that we see ourselves and others as God’s beloved unfinished masterpieces, created in his image to wonder about his world, discover our unique gifts, and work to build a grace-filled community of Jesus followers. Within this Deep Hope, Sheryl shares her student’s Math FLEx as they lived into her Storyline: Masterpieces in the Works.

TfT at Whitinsville Christian with Sheryl Casey

Secondary TfT: 11th-Grade Bible at Southwest Christian High School

Don Carlson, secondary Bible teacher at Southwest Christian High School, shares the formational learning experience from his 11th-grade Bible class, Readings in Christian Thought. In this video, Don explains and illustrates how he invites his students into meaningful practices that embody his Deep Hope for his students: to grow strong in soul, refreshed in spirit, as we become mindful and diligent keepers of the wisdom found in the depths of the Christian Story. This story from Don answers the question that he poises for himself: “What exactly am I up to when I am doing this course?”

TfT at Southwest Christian High with Don Carlson

2024 Masterclasses: Registration is open

Thank you for suggesting various Masterclass ideas for 2024—we have heard you! Registration is now open for our 2024 TfT Masterclasses. We have expanded our course offerings: some of this year’s courses continue from the past, and some are brand new!

Primary Classrooms: Grades K-2	Intermediate Classrooms: Grades 3-5	Middle School Classrooms: Grades 6-8	The Mathematics Classroom: Grades 6-12
FLEx Design Grades K-5	FLEx Design Grades 6-12	Learning Targets Grades K-12	Leading TfT for those who lead TfT implementation at their schools

Masterclasses are led by school-based TfT practitioners. Each class provides a highly efficient, practical learning experience that will leave you with TfT plans for the year and a new set of collegial relationships from across the TfT network to encourage, support, and sustain your work.

Learn more and register here. Please contact Amanda Albright with further questions.

TfT Tips Trio

The art of reflection is woven through the core and essential practices of TfT. Throughout trainings and examples and commit-to-trys, we return again and again to the practice of reflection. Reflection often invites students into abstract thinking about their learning; this week’s tips offer ideas on using metaphor to help make abstract reflection ideas more concrete.

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