At Wears Valley Ranch, part of being a student at Saint Andrew’s School is recitation of Scripture.
According to a 2017 article in www.PsychologyToday.com, 25% of us fear public speaking. Some may believe that number should be higher. Regardless, learning to overcome this fear and how to effectively prepare for public speaking can help students in various aspects of their future. On a deeper level, students learn to become vulnerable in facing their fears. Because all students are encouraged to participate, students in the audience can relate with the one who may be struggling with the recitation. It is a beautiful thing when other students seek to build up a peer who stumbles.
Scripture itself encourages this practice. Proverbs 22:6 instructs us to train children. The Psalms have references to the value of children. Jesus is recorded as having a special love for children (Luke 18:15-17). The Apostle Paul encourages to Timothy by reminding him of his foundation of learning the Scriptures in his youth (2 Timothy 3). Paul also instructs the church in Thessalonica about building each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). This is played out as encouragement from peers is poured on students to do well.
Students who are successful with their recitation receive Ranch Bucks as a reward for a great job. Ranch bucks are valid on our campus in our Ranch store. The Ranch store is stocked with a variety of items ranging from a pack of chewing gum to a dinner out with a friend. Many of these items have been donated by local attractions.
Prior to COVID changing how we interact with one another, students were given the opportunity to recite after the live broadcast ended following the Monday – Friday Chapel services. Since COVID, we have allowed students to be videoed and have that shared and celebrated among staff.
Normally, photos and videos of students are not provided for public viewing. However, a staff family and their children agreed to share their videos as they recite Psalm 1:1-6. We hope you will be encouraged to see how students at the Ranch are hiding God’s Word in their hearts.
