Tag Archives: good planning

The Best Resource for Parents and Teachers

Posted by Jun 23, 2016 children, Methods for teaching children, Serving , , , , , , ,

Bible lightstock_333439_download_medium_verda_rubottom_I often find myself reading and underlining verses in Proverbs because I need all the wisdom I can get! I think you’ll agree that as parents and teachers we could all benefit from spending a little time each day meditating on the advice given in this amazing book. If you’re dealing with a “sticky situation”, a student who is resistant to learning, or wonder how you can get it all done, you’ll find answers here. The God who made us, is ready to help us in every situation in life, including our ministry with children. Truly, His Word is still the best resource we can have!

Here are a few nuggets I’ve underlined in my Bible (NIV) from Proverbs, chapter 15:

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (15:22)

The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools. (15:7)

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)

The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. (15:4)

A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. (15:18)

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; and good news gives health to the bones. (15:30)

He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. (15:31)

Whether you teach in a church, or a public or Christian school setting, you bring the wisdom that God has put in your heart into your classroom.  It will come out—even in unspoken ways as you lovingly teach the children, with patience, diligence, kindness, and understanding.  Even correction, will be more easily  accepted by our students when we use wisdom.

God bless you as you teach today!

Verda 

Preparing for the Unexpected

Posted by Mar 18, 2016 children, Methods for teaching children, Serving , , , , , ,

If you teach clightstock_246144_xsmall_verda_rubottom_hildren, you know the unexpected can—and often will happen! One day while teaching, just after I got a new class settled in, a little boy threw up all over the floor! I quickly and gently comforted him and found a place for him to sit a short distance from the group of 26 or so students. Young children tend to overreact in these kind of situations and I had to go into my back-up plan mode immediately, keeping them calm and busy with other activities while attending to the little boy.

If I could sit down with you over coffee, we probably would have many stories to share about unexpected events that have happened to us while teaching.  Everything from a fire or tornado drill to a nosebleed can happen without warning.  But having a plan for the unexpected helps bring calmness and confidence to these situations, and often you can sail right through them.

I enjoy planning. It’s exciting to think about different ways to motivate and inspire children to learn. But teaching isn’t the only thing that we teachers do, and sometimes we fall short of the time we need to prepare.

I’ve learned that both short and long-term planning are important. Even spontaneous ideas work great if you have the basics covered. Long term planning is great because on the days when you’re running late or short of time—you’ve already given yourself a back-up plan. Here are some that you may want to use:

  • Use a standard calendar to write in the themes and lessons for the coming quarter, and if possible the entire year. Keep it in a prominent place where you can write down  lists of supplies and ideas as they come to mind.  A calendar is a constant reminder of the time you have left  to prepare, and also what you have already covered that you can now review.
  • Build a supply of teaching resources at home where you can easily retrieve them for last minute planning. Flash cards, objects for lessons, a favorite puppet, felt stories, a variety of visuals, teaching videos, big books, etc.
  •  Memorize a few action songs, easy learning activities, poems kids enjoy, mystery clue word games, trivia facts, and large and small group movement activities.  These really help when kids need to move their muscles and have a break.
  • Collect interesting stories that have good moral and spiritual value.  These can be stories from your curriculum, children’s magazines, missions periodicals, or from your personal experience.  I collect interesting real life stories from newspapers and other publications that I think can be used someday to inspire others.
  • Use review games often!  Children love games, and it’s a great way to see what they’ve actually been learning.  Use non-competitive games, or for older children who enjoy a little friendly competition, you can use games involving teams.
  • Use writing activities that are simple and only require a pencil, paper and your idea to get them started.  Write a question on the board.Here are some examples: What is your favorite time of year and why?  What would you like to be when you grow up? What have we learned about God in our class?  My favorite Bible story is________. You can use questions about recent lessons to get them started or help the children recall other Bible stories they’re familiar with. For very young children always have crayons and paper handy for drawing.
  • One of the best ways to prepare for the unexpected in your class or children’s church is to come prayed up and with your mind and heart focused on God. The peace of God is a wonderful thing! I’ve experienced it many times in my life during difficult and crisis situations. God has promised to be with us as we minister in Jesus’ Name.  And we can rest in that and remember Jesus’ words:

      Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

These are just a few ideas on planning for the unexpected.  But remember,  we can also expect  God to bless us and the children we minister to each and every week!   The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. I Thessalonians 5:24

God Bless You Today!

Verda

 

Steps to Effective Classroom Management in Sunday School and Children’s Church

Posted by Feb 14, 2015 Serving , , , , , , ,

lightstock_97579_small_verda_rubottom_ One of the first things I learned when I started teaching was that no matter how much you love children and love to teach them—you can’t do it well without discipline. I realized I needed to learn how to manage a class if I was going to be a good teacher!

Although every class is different (especially in church programs where attendance is often inconsistent)  and each child is unique—understanding them is the key! To deal with misbehavior, we need to determine the root causes,  so first I’m listing some common behavior issues in a typical Sunday school classroom or children’s church.  The second list gives suggestions on creating a peaceful environment where learning can flourish.

Common Causes of Misbehavior

  • Child is uncertain of the teacher’s expectations.
  • Conflicting rules in different classes, and with other teachers.
  • Boredom: children have little to keep their interest.
  • A general lack of respect for authority.
  • Family and/ or the child is under emotional stress.
  • Physical needs; overtired, thirsty, hungry, ADHD, illness, etc.
  • Child is seeking attention.
  • Child is discouraged or depressed.
  • Child has high energy level.
  • Teacher lacks classroom management skills and children are left to their own devices.
  • Not enough support staff.
  • Child has poor (uncooperative) attitude.

Steps to Effective Classroom Management

  • Be a caring teacher. Show your interest. Get down on their level.
  • Keep your class interesting and challenging.
  • Keep one step ahead of students—you are the leader!
  • Plan, prepare, and pray!
  • Have a classroom management plan. Make sure all staff knows the plan.
  • Anticipate potential problems; have resources and extra supplies on hand.
  • Balance activity with quiet times.
  • Communicate your expectations clearly.
  • Give child a “gentle” first time reminder. Don’t over react.
  • Give firm “teacher look” to a child who continues to disrupt the class.
  • Have an adult assistant sit next to the child.
  • Separate “talkers” for a limited period of time.
  • Enlist child’s cooperation; tell them what you need (i.e. better listening) and ask them for it.
  • Be consistent with your rules; no favoritism.
  • Recognize and commend good behavior and cooperation.
  • Reward with privileges, and special group activities (games, fun activities)
  • Pray for your students during the week.
  • Give out notes of appreciation. Even better, mail them. Kids love to get mail!

Remember, children want order too!  They quickly see when a teacher has lost control of the class, and begin to feel unsettled and insecure.  Sunday school and children’s church should be fun, interesting, and exciting! And with good planning—and prayer— it can be!   God has all the wisdom you need!  James 1:5 says, If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

For a more  thorough discussion on discipline and teacher tips,  order my book, First Steps for Effective Teaching.

God bless you today!

Verda