As RE class leader you:

• Commit to being in the classroom two Sundays per month from early September through mid-June. Usually you'll lead the class one Sunday per month and assist another member of your team on Sunday per month.
• Come to a leader orientation, usually on a Saturday morning in late August. If you have a serious conflict with the scheduled time, you'll be asked to meet with the DRE separately before classes begin.
• Learn and abide by the RE Safety Policy. A copy of this written policy will be given to you and discussed at the leader orientation.

Sample Schedule:

September 7	September 14	September 21	September 28
Leader: Kathy Assistant: Joe	Leader: Joe Assistant: Bob	Leader: Bob Assistant: Nancy	Leader: Nancy Assistant: Kathy

A week in the life of an RE class leader

• Monday -- Saturday: Call whoever led the class last Sunday to see how it went, or reflect on how it went if you were assisting.
• Read through the lesson for the coming Sunday and plan your preparations:Notice any unusual supplies you may need -- you'll be given a list of supplies the RE program has on hand. Decide what books and music you'll use -- some curricula require books or other materials that are available in the RE or public libraries, while others are self-contained.
• Gather these supplies and resources yourself or ask the DRE to help you find them.
• Mentally rehearse the session.
• Think through what will happen, and in what order -- most of our curricula have an outline for each session.
• Familiarize yourself with the story you'll read or tell.
• Think about questions to raise in discussion.
• Make sure you feel comfortable doing the craft or activity described.
• Contact your assistant to make sure s/he know which lesson you're planning.

• Sunday: 10:15 -- Arrive at least 15 minutes early to complete your preparations. Pick up your class folder from the RE office and check in with the DRE or Sunday Supervisor.
• 10:30 -- Enjoy the first 15 minutes of the service with your family.
• 10:45 -- Greet the kids in your class as you leave the sanctuary.
• 10:45-11:45 -- Class time usually follows a predictable pattern.
  • Gathering Circle: 20 minutes.
  • Introduction of your theme for the day, sharing time.
  • Story/Discussion: 5 to 15 minutes.
  • Activities/Discussion: 15 to 25 minutes.
  • Snack: 5 minutes.
  • Closing Circle: 5 minutes.
• 11:45 -- Take a few minutes to mark attendance and fill out a report for the DRE. How did the session go? What worked, what didn’t?
• 12:00 -- You're done for the week.
• If you are assisting, preparation is usually limited to reading through the lesson once and speaking briefly with the leader before Sunday.