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From Chaos to Control in Your Classroom

January 14, 2014 | Kids Ministry

Jan16klistaClassroom guidance is an issue that every teacher at some point struggles with. We try every trick in the book — be the “good” cop, be the “bad” cop, ignore the  behavior, bribe, threaten to get parents, lock ourselves in the bathroom until the session is over, and so on and so on.  And some of these may actually work — for a minute or two. Could it be that we’re going about it all wrong?

Are we focusing on a surface solution when we really need to be working from the inside out? To see a genuine change in a child’s behavior, in anyone’s behavior, there has to be a change of heart. Our first order of business as teachers is to help kids see their need for Christ. As you teach — and depending on what age child you teach — realize that many of them have not come to that saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. To be honest, that’s a whole other blog post! So, while you’re working on leading them to that heart change, what else can you do?

In addition to a change of heart in a child, there must be a change of heart in the teacher. A child can begin to understand Christ’s love for him and he sees that love through you. Here are a few helpful tips from A to Z:

  • Always model Christ’s love for children.

  • Be an example.

  • Consistency is key.

  • Do not expect too much.

  • Explain activities before giving out resources.

  • Find out what’s going on in a child’s world.

  • Give choices when possible.

  • Hold children accountable for their actions.

  • Involve men in your ministry.

  • Judge what is misbehavior and what are simply childhood characteristics.

  • Know the child’s likes, dislikes, hobbies, and interests.

  • Love each child.

  • Meet the needs of the children.

  • Notice a child’s “good” behavior.

  • Observe what a child’s home life is like.

  • Pray, pray, pray!

  • Quickly deal with any unsafe situation.

  • Respect the feelings of children.

  • State your expectations.

  • Take the initiative to participate in activities with the kids.

  • Use additional adults when dealing with unique situations.

  • aVoid calling down every negative action.

  • Work with at least two adults in every session.

  • X marks the spot – be prepared and on time!

  • Yelling accomplishes nothing.

  • Be Zealous for kids!

Klista Storts serves as the Childhood Ministry Specialist. She is married to Gary and the mother of Brett and Blake… oh yea, and Mimi to her grand-daughter, Mia! Klista is passionate about laying foundations for conversion in the lives of preschoolers. Klista loves to ask the hard questions, so look out for her!

Category: Encouragement, TrainingTag: classroom, teaching
Previous Post: « 3 Lies We Tell Our Kids – Part Three
Next Post: Science and the Bible: Create a Rainbow »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cheryl Markland

    January 15, 2014 at 7:35 am

    I love this article and would like to use the alphabet as a conference handout. Is this original from you so that I can give credit to you as author?

    Reply
    • Klista Storts

      January 23, 2014 at 1:00 pm

      Thanks Cheryl! I adapted it from our TeamKID materials for the blog and other conferences I’ve presented. So, if you would, just credit LifeWay Kids. Thanks!

      Reply
  2. Denise Briley

    January 15, 2014 at 3:20 pm

    Klista! Love this and it’s right on! I so needed this word from you today!

    Can we post the ABC’S in our classroom?

    Thanks so much for all you do!

    Denise Briley

    Reply
    • Klista Storts

      January 23, 2014 at 1:01 pm

      Thanks, Denise! So glad you enjoyed the article. I got the ABC list from our TeamKID materials on classroom guidance. You’re welcome to use them if you’d like. They can be credited to LifeWay Kids.

      Reply
  3. Janet Gray

    January 23, 2014 at 7:46 pm

    Klista,
    im going to use this at my winter-themed leadership meeting this weekend. Thanks for posting.
    by the way, it was great to see you last week.

    Reply
    • Klista Storts

      January 27, 2014 at 4:42 pm

      Thank you, Janet! I hope your teachers find it helpful. Good to see you!

      Reply

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