When I first started teaching, I didn’t realize how much the physical and emotional needs of children could affect their learning.  After having children of my own, this became very evident to me, I think partly because we’re generally more in tune with our own children’s physical needs, their emotional make up, and their capabilities.

After this realization, my tendency was to view the growth of other children through the lens of my knowledge and experience with my own children.  While this was helpful, it was limited.  But the more I observed children from various backgrounds, in and out of the classroom, at church, and in my college studies, the more I grew in my understanding of how they learn.

What I learned, and what good teachers know, is that it’s important to look at all aspects of a child’s development.  For example, a physically mature child who is in the ninety percentile range on the growth charts may not necessarily be as mature in other areas of their development, though we often expect them to be because of their physical appearance.

Often people have expectations of children that are either too high or too low.  This can cause unnecessary tension for the child and the teacher, or the child and the parent, and can make learning more difficult for the child.  But when we’re familiar with “whole child”—that is their physical, emotional/social, cognitive, as well as their spiritual development—we can be more effective as we teach them individually.

It’s always a challenge to meet the needs of individual children when teaching a large class or children’s church because of the varying ages and maturity levels that are represented.  Your class or children’s church will typically be a mix, and possibly a wide range of mature and less mature students. But as you get to know your students better, it will be easier and you’ll be able to take these things into consideration as you plan. Keep in mind this may require making adjustments in your curriculum to meet the needs of your students, and that is fine.  Ask yourself questions like these when you’re planning lessons and other activities for the children you are teaching now.

• What are their age characteristics?
• What do they know?
• How do they think?
• What do they feel?
• What do they need?
• What are their spiritual needs?

The important thing for us teachers is to keep learning and growing ourselves—and seek God for the wisdom we need for every child in our care. Proverbs 1: 5 puts it this way, Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.

God Bless You Today!

Verda

In my blog today, I’ve shared some thoughts and excerpts from my book, First Steps for Effective Teaching