Classroom Management- Seizing Opportunities

There is no doubt that the minute you view your child for the first time, the wave of adoration and fear that washes over you leaves you breathless for about 18 years.

However, we have to set aside our emotions at times and see situations for what they are. When one of our kids is having trouble- they are cranky, irresponsible, depressed… do we quickly react, demanding that they simply stop being cranky, disorganized, or depressed- or can we see this opportunity to connect and disciple our child?

Whether they are dealing with a physical problem, or they don’t know how best to organize their belongings (and maybe parents have not provided adequate storage?), or they’ve experienced a major change or loss and they don’t have the maturity or coping skills to endure it without help- every crisis, every phase, is a chance for us to guide our children to answers in Scripture, to teach them to be introspective and self-aware, and to create bonds of love and trust.

Consequently, as we go about our routines of school and chores, seize the learning opportunities that are presented to you every day and rejoice in the privilege of being the person who is there to comfort and guide your child, and to direct them to Christ who comforts and guides you.

 

Classroom Management- Follow Through

We are very disappointed when we discover that our child has engaged in some sort of deception. One of the most difficult aspects of parenting is knowing that we see an undesirable trait in our children, understanding that the source of the problem is in the child’s inherent sin nature- but the second place to look is in ourselves as parents.

Have we modeled honesty and inspired trust in our children by our own actions?

How many times have we promised rewards and incentives, only to renege at the last minute because we were tired, our finances were strained, or something else came up? Do we then excuse our broken word as, “That’s life- deal with it”?

Of course life happens- but if we view our behavior through the eyes of inexperienced and immature children, repeated betrayals sow distrust and resentment. We will not reap dependability and honesty if we are thoughtlessly planting hypocrisy and repeated equivocation.

If we use the promise of reward to inspire and motivate our kids, we need to be faithful to follow through and keep our word.

 

Classroom Management at Home… All is Fair?

While communicating information in an interesting and understandable manner depends largely on the verbal skills of the teacher, learning is more definitely dependent on the student. A student cannot become proficient in any skill or subject without comprehension, practice, and application.

There are times when a student may be stubborn or lazy, and thus are not progressing in accordance with their ability and potential. Only a deep seated knowledge of your children, completely divorced of self interest will help you discern if that’s the case.

Most often, however, is a child is experiencing difficulty, there are some questions to ask first:

*Has the foundation for this material been laid properly?

*Does my child possess the necessary skill set?

*Is it being presented in a clear and concise manner?

*Is it interesting or connected to real life in some way?

*Does my visual/auditory/kinesthetic learner need more hands on, verbal, or visual input?

After all, to be fair, adults do not expect understanding or proficiency from ourselves if we not possess the skill, knowledge, or interest to do so.  If we want to master a new skill or concept, we find the resources and spend time practicing until we get it right.

How would we respond if a person who is mentoring us exhibited frustration, impatience, or insulted us because of our lack of progress? Would this facilitate our learning? Would we be excited and inspired?

Do our children deserve the same respect and and reassurance that we would expect? Children are vulnerable, impressionable, and dependent on us for guidance. They will take their behavioral cues from us.

So now we need to ask:

“Have we created a relaxed and engaging learning environment that encourages our child to develop their abilities and fulfill their potential?”

Our patient and positive attitude toward our children builds bridges of understanding and trust that will benefit our child’s academic achievements and more importantly, our relationship with them.