Children need to feel Important

Children feel they are important when they feel they are part of what’s going on, not on the outside looking in. Some of the ways we can help our children feel important are by calling our children by their names, use name tags or picture charts to help you learn and remember their names. Children also feel important when we take time to listen to them. Sometimes we get so busy with the program that we forget that our children have their own concerns and need a listening ear. Giving our students the opportunity to serve others and play an actual role in the class by helping to set up chairs or hand out worksheets will also help meet the need of self- worth. Publicly recognizing the child through a special honour such as “Helper of Week” can be very significant in meeting this basic need.

Children need to be complimented

We all like to receive complements and probably remember one of our own teachers who complimented us when we were students; so why not make it a point to complement our students for their help or for an accomplishment. We can do this verbally but sometimes a written note means a little extra to a child. Encouraging words can change a life.

Children need acceptance

Children may think they have to do something outstanding to be noticed. Our students need to know that we accept them just as they are and that they don’t have to make straight “A’s” or make the rep hockey team to be accepted. While we are not required or expected to approve of bad behavior our children do need to know they are loved and respected. Children need to hear our words of acceptance and approval even as we address wrong behavior. As we are God’s messengers to our children they need to understand that they have our unconditional love even in the middle of behavior correction.

Children need to know what is expected

One of the mistakes we often make is to fail to clearly let our students know what is acceptable behavior. If our students sense that you don’t respect them and don’t expect them to behave well, their behavior will match those expectations. We need to have clear and written expectations so there is no doubt as to what behavior is expected. Our students intuitively want to please us and want to know how they can respond appropriately. One of the ways to accomplish this is to invite our students to be part of determining what those expectations are.

Children need security

One of the ways that children begin to feel secure is through developing relationships with their teachers. This can only take place with the consistent and regular presence of their teachers. As teachers we need to follow through on our commitment to teach. If we hope our students will attend every Sunday they need to be able to count on us to be in class. Often this need is disrupted by a system of monthly or even weekly teacher rotation and the students never really get the chance to get to know and trust their teacher.

Children need examples

As teachers we need to be sure we follow the same behavior expectations that we expect our children to follow, in other words, we need to walk the talk. If we want our students to be quiet and listen to the lesson our volunteers and others need to do so as well, not stand at the back of the room and talk. We need to avoid at all costs the “do as I say not as I do” syndrome, it just doesn’t work. It is also one of the quickest ways to lose any respect that our students have for us.

Children need guidelines

Children need to know and understand the class guidelines. Too often we expect children to behave in a certain manner but do not provide the rationale behind the rules. While we don’t always have to give the reason for class rules we must be able to explain them if necessary. If we do not have a clear reason for a rule perhaps its time to evaluate the rule’s purpose. When we are asked “why” for a certain rule, “Because I told you so, that’s why” is not a valid reason. Too often this answer leads to frustration on behalf of both the student and teacher. An effective method of developing class guideline is to ask the students to help formulate the them. Giving the students this opportunity will help them “own” the rules and be more willing to follow them. Children also need to not only understand the consequences of misbehavior they also need to know when they acknowledge their disobedience there is forgiveness.

P.S. The goal of Bible Centered Ministries ministry is “to see that every boy and girl in Canada has the opportunity to hear about Jesus.” One of the ways we accomplish this goal is to provide training for children’s ministry volunteers. We want to help you reach the children that live in the community around your church. Give us a call at 1-877-272-9262 or email training@bcmintl.ca.