|
| | | Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 5/11/2008 7:48:02 PM
Posts: 6, Visits: 13 |
| | I teach the 3-5 year olds in our AWANA Bible Study Program and I am having difficulty finding balance with another leader's relaxed style. She teaches them two other times during the week so they see her more than they see me. Some of the kids talk through prayer, and don't listen to the adults. Some of our kids come from a difficult home life, and are not used to behaving at home either. The most important thing is that the kids know that Jesus loves them and that we love them. The ultimate goal is that the accept Jesus as their Savior. I feel that I have a very hard time doing our Bible story lessons because of their behavior. I've tried making simple rules and having rewards, but when they are allowed to misbehave during the other times they are at church it seems like we are starting all over again the next week which is counterproductive. I am afraid of hurting her feelings because she is one of the most committed in the church, and she does a lot for the kids who really need a support system. I respect her and would be the first to defend her. I want what is best for the church and the kids. I would love advice-Thanks! |
| |
| | | Forum Expert
Group: Moderators
Last Login: Yesterday @ 7:47:35 AM
Posts: 474, Visits: 1,119 |
| | 3-5 year olds do need time to talk to you and to others, but it IS important that they learn a few basic rules to help them learn to listen and take turns talking. I would recommend that you talk directly your teaching partner. Invite her for coffee or at least find a quiet spot for some privacy. Before you do, pray for God's guidance that you will choose words that will honor Him and encourage her. Share your respect for her ministry just as you shared it here. Explain your challenge as you explained it in your post. Try to use "I" statements like "I am struggling with classroom behavior and want your help." Tell her of your idea to adopt some simple classroom management tools and invite her to help the children use them when she teaches. Here's a few simple suggestion you might want to share that are instantly rewarding to the children because they are FUN! - These classroom management tools can eliminate the need for rules & rewards systems. ATTENTION GETTER- To get the children's attention and to encourage them to be quiet and listen when you are talking, use an attention getter. I use a wooden train whistle, but anything that makes a fun noise will work. Tell the children that everytime they hear the whistle (or other noise maker) to "STOP", "Be Very Quiet" and "Look at Me" so "I can tell you what we are doing next." Be sure to practice using the attention getter with the children, first! TALKING ROCK or TALKING TOY- To teach children to listen when others are talking, introduce a talking rock or talking toy- (Any preschool palm size rock or simple toy will do.) Tell the children that to talk you must be holding the talking rock/toy. Practice using the talking rock/toy during circle time. Tell the children to request the rock/toy by raising their hands OR touching their finger to their nose. (You decide what signal to use). Demonstate by holding the rock/toy while you are talking then pass the rock/toy to a children and motion for them to begin talking. Let us know how God directs you & God bless you for your kind consideration of the children's needs and your respect for your partner's ministry!
Lisa B from NC |
| |
| | | 
Forum Expert
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 5/18/2008 1:36:50 AM
Posts: 276, Visits: 6,756 |
| How many kids do you have in class and how many helpers do you have during the bible lesson? How "hands on" is the material? The more creative you can be with getting the kids physically involved with the lesson, the easier it is to keep their attention (I find this true with all age groups). The "reply" lesson of listening for cue words and then responding "every time you hear Rainbow draw one in the air. everytime you hear Water pretend to swim". Playdough for each kid to make objects throughout the story "Make the tree. Make the boat." Picture lesson of items in the story to point to throughout the lesson. How you present a lesson can make a difference. Creativeness is the answer. All true teachers have this talent. Know your lesson inside and out - once you hesitate in anything, the kids pick up on it and it is hard to get them back (even something as small as - I forgot to get the scissors out - can throw off a lesson time).
- Adrianne
|
| |
| | | Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 5/11/2008 7:48:02 PM
Posts: 6, Visits: 13 |
| | Thanks so much for the ideas-I know I haven't been on this forum in a while. I took your advice and tried to sit down alone with her and talk-which we did for a few minutes, but she seems to be uncomfortable when she is not surrounded by kids. She has 8 children, 2 adopted, one with special needs, and she does all the work. She is not used to having adult time. My mother heads up the ministry, and next year we will be discussing dicipline at our leader meeting. The leader we are having difficulty with doesn't see a problem bringing the kids just to babysit them. She doesn't require them to participate or even listen to the story. We will also be having a discussion before VBS because many of these kids come in addition to other new children from the community. Our awards ceremony is next Sunday, and I believe we reached a lot of kids this year. Thanks so much for the support! |
| |
| | | Forum Expert
Group: Moderators
Last Login: Yesterday @ 7:47:35 AM
Posts: 474, Visits: 1,119 |
| Glad to hear you have a solid plan AND that you are focusing on the good works of your ministry! Keep us posted!
Lisa B from NC |
| |
|
|