A Guide to Using T.B.D.: Think. Believe. Do. Remotely

T.B.D.: Think. Believe. Do. offers an innovative way for your youth to explore relevant, provocative topics. With some adaptations (including a sticky note app that works best for you), you can support your youth on their faith journey, even when you can’t gather together physically. Here’s a quick look at how T.B.D. can be used in a remote learning context. 

• Choose the topic you want to explore. T.B.D. offers five different units: prayer, sin, mission, salvation, and the Bible. 
• Make sure each youth has a Student Journal, Bible, writing utensils, and access to a device with a sticky note app of your choice. 
• Before your first online gathering, plan and practice how you’ll show videos and use sticky notes during the session. 

Here’s how to walk through each T.B.D. lesson with students.

During each Think section, students respond to the question in their journal first, then write some of their ideas on virtual sticky notes and post them for group viewing. It may take a few sessions to get used to the sticky note app, but your group can do this. 

Watch the Video next. Make sure you can play the DVD or stream it smoothly from your device to theirs. Then invite kids to respond to the questions in their Student Journals. Revisit the wall of virtual sticky notes using the prompts.

Youth then read two passages from the Bible. After unpacking these texts, they revisit the virtual sticky note wall to see how their beliefs might be influenced by time in scripture.

During the Belief section, discuss and debate how you can develop a revised provocative statement together that reflects what the group believes about the topic. Make sure all kids have a chance to contribute to this this time. They could take turns speaking, add comments to chat, or use another remote learning technique.

Wrap things up with the Do section where students write more in their journals and commit to a Big Action that keeps them safe and socially distanced. Message them during the week to ask about their Big Action, or plan to check in about it at the beginning of your next session. 

Throughout each session you can ask kids to share the results of their journaling by taking a photo of it and posting it in the Chat or reading their entries aloud. Youth can keep their entries private if they wish. 

If you are looking for a curriculum to keep students questioning assumptions, connecting with each other, and growing in faith, T.B.D. fits the bill. With some adaptations for remote learning and sharing, you’ll be equipped to enter this process with your youth.