5 Great Tips for a Disciplined Class!
by Pedro Fiqueroa
Hebrews 10:11-12
Discipline is important to God. Why? Discipline creates a context for sharing in God’s holiness.
What is Discipline?
Webster’s Dictionary:
Systematic training of the mental, moral and physical by instruction and exercise resulting in self control.
New International Dictionary of the Bible:
2 Timothy 3:16 Teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
Proverbs Teaches That Discipline In Instruction In Wisdom
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
How do we create a classroom with discipline?
Preparation:
- Know your lesson well so that it is interesting and engaging.
- Be animated, enjoy your children, and have a clear picture of what you want to accomplish.
- Have the crafts and other materials ready so that there is no down time.
- Have your samples/models ready so children can see the end product.
- Make a schedule so that you know in what order you will do your activities.
- Give yourself general times for each activity – for example: 10 minutes for snack, 15 craft
- Over plan but do not try to do everything.
Praise:
Children respond well when they are praised often. Use praise to point out the good children are doing. If a child is off task, praise a child who is on task. Restate what the children should be doing, e.g. “I like how Johnny is sitting on the rug with his legs crossed!”
Positive:
- Smile a lot.
- Say nice things like, “We are going to have so much fun today.”
- Welcome new children with a high five, or some other fun greeting.
- Celebrate successes, such as when the children complete a project, or when a child starts writing her name for herself.
Prizes:
If you have children with special needs or difficult behaviors, create a positive behavior system with rewards at the end. Incentives go a long way.
Perseverance:
Remember that different children are at different places spiritually. Just like the adults we reach out to, some children need extra time, care and attention.
