Hi Jody,

I just recently learned about you through the amazing invention of Google.  Thank you for all that you share and do to help “us” out there.  Well, here’s my dilemma.  I teach 3-5 year olds in the Sunday School Dept.  I usually have a very small class of 3 year olds.  My question is what are the best disciplining practices for that age?  They are VERY squirmy, talk and get out of their chairs often.  I don’t want to focus my time on disciplining as I am trying to teach the wonderful word of God, but if they are not focused, they will not get much out of the class time.

Thank you in advance for your help and suggestions.

Grateful,

SS Teacher

………………

Dear “Grateful”,

Thank you for writing. I’m glad you found me through our “friend”, Google. I agree…an amazing invention!

Your dilemma is about one of my favorite subjects and that is discipline. Having taught every age level Pre-K through high school, served as a school administrator for 30 years, and minister to children for 8 years, I know that this subject can make the difference between teachers loving teaching, or make them want to run for the exit sign. My heart’s desire is to provide practical tips to encourage and equip teachers in this very important area. So, thanks for asking!

You said you teach squirmy, talkative three year olds who don’t want to sit in their chairs while you teach the wonderful Word of God. You’re absolutely right on! Three year olds are just that way, and so we will start with where they are at developmentally.

Only have them ‘sit on their chairs’ for about 3-5 minutes at a time. Then do a movement activity to get those wiggles out. At the risk of sounding like a ‘pitch’, in my book “The Discipline Guide”, I have lots of practical suggestions.  For example, if you teach the lesson while they are sitting, keep it to a few minutes. Then vary it with activities such as:

• Singing songs with actions to reinforce it
• Going to centers with activities that teach the Bible lesson concepts through puzzles, blocks, arts-crafts, books, and other hands-on materials.
• One characteristic of all children is limited attention span. Include “wiggle time” and talking time into your teaching so that children use up their need to move, talk, and do in a natural way. You may want to act out the lesson, ask lots of questions, and involve the children.  I have found that children at this age will raise their hand to answer during a discussion if you train them to do so.

Here’s seven success strategies to get you started:

Demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ which is unconditional love.

Dominance of the Holy Spirit:  we calmly respond in the power of Holy Spirit rather than reacting in flesh. For example: When children act up, walk over to the child and softly, but firmly look in their eyes and state positively what you want. Expect the best from each child.

Developmental Foresight by planning your lesson to meet the expectations of the age that you teach.

Define your system for boundaries in the classroom and make sure you consistently follow through.

Do remember to walk slowly and speak softly, model manners, review the rules, know their names, use inside voices, allow a variety of activities, create a warm, loving and safe classroom, and rely on the power of prayer.

Don’t use threats, yell (ever!), be unprepared, shame or blame a child, label children or come late to class.

Discipline to the Design of each child: God created each child different and so we need to look at unique ways to discipline their differing personalities and learning styles. I provide lots of ideas in the book for you.

As our first person to write in, I would like to send you the book “The Discipline Guide: Discipline to the Design of the Child”. If you would send us your address, we will send you a personalized copy to say, “Thanks for teaching the precious children and God bless you!”

For His heart,

Jody