KIDTEACH: When kids are bored they misbehave

KIDTEACH now on Amazon. Here is an excerpt:

According to the January/February 2007 edition of Children's Ministry Magazine

·         50% of classroom time is lost due to misbehavior and kids being off task.

·         80% of lost time is a result of kids talking without permission.

·         Discipline is the #1 problem facing teachers today.

Would you agree with the above findings? Whether you do or not, I'm sure you have had moments where you were exasperated with the behavior of the children in your classroom. What is a teacher to do? How do we "handle" the children who do not behave in an appropriate manner in our classrooms?

F.Y. I. - when kids are bored, they misbehave. If you have lots of kids acting badly, it is in everyone's best interest for you to take a look at your teaching. You might be the problem.  I know that may hurt your feelings, but truth is truth. We must face it, even if it is painful.

The Bible tells us in Hebrews 12:11"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

I believe it's safe to say that no one thinks discipline is pleasant. As a matter of fact, it can be downright painful - for both the giver and the give-ee . . . if you know what I mean, but it is a necessary part of life, and for many, life includes Sunday school. The Bible tells us that even God disciplines those he loves.

I underlined "trained by it" in Hebrews 12:11 because, I am convinced that is where we need to begin when it comes to having a classroom full of well-behaved children. If we expect children to act a certain way in our classrooms, we need to train them.

It is my opinion that many teachers never take the time to teach their students how to behave in class. Teachers simply assume that kids have already been taught how to behave, so they just dive right in to teaching the music, crafts, and Bible lessons without teaching the kids how to follow the rules in their classroom first.

Kids need to understand that there are certain rules in your classroom that they are expected to follow. You, the teacher, must come up with these rules ahead of time. Once you have established your classroom rules, you need to write them on a piece of poster board and tack the poster to the classroom wall for all to see. Kids need to be reminded, each and every week, that in your classroom, there are certain expectations for behavior.

Along with the rules, you need to list the consequences for certain behavior. Remember, consequences are not only negative, but positive as well. I am not going to tell you what your rules should be. Each teacher needs to come to that decision on his or her own. Rules will vary tremendously depending on your personality and the age and developmental level of the kids you are teaching.

I will give you one helpful piece of advice for when you sit down to generate your rules. They should all have to do with respect. Keep in mind respect of God, respect of peers, respect of teacher, and respect of property when considered what your rules will be.

Below is a sample list of classroom rules and consequences. PLEASE understand that you need to come up with your own list. Your list must fit your kids, your personality, and your particular situation.