Play! Listen! Talk!

At first glance, our class today had our full share of real-life challenges. Despite our best preparation, we had kids:

• •Kicking the blocks, instead of building with them
• •Using a sling as a Star Wars weapon
• •Feeling frustrated because a younger child was trying to play with them
• •Complaining “I didn’t get a turn” “I can’t see”
• •Overturning buckets of toys

As a teacher, it’s easy to view discipline problems or challenging behavior as the things that stop you from teaching “the lesson.” Today, it was cool to get to the end of class and realize that as teachers we’re walking and talking examples of kindness in responding to discipline problems. I was teaching the lesson of "Be kind to one another" with my actions more than my words ever could!

What I learned today: Kindly but firmly telling kids what to START doing instead of focusing on what to STOP doing really does work to guide behavior.

Everything I need to know, I learned in kindergarten! Well, at least today, everything kids need to know to get along with others was discovered in Sunday School! You see, Buddy our favorite dog puppet had a big problem getting along with his friend Scruffy. When the kids were asked what he should do to be friends again, the answers came without hesitation:

• “kiss and hug and be friends” from sweet Hayden,
• “just start playin’ again” from practical Jaeda and
• “you have to say you’re sorry” from wise Cole.

These are wise words of advice from preschoolers who are figuring out every day what it means to “Do good to all people” (Galatians 6:10)—even when unkindness has been shown.

What I learned today: even though we don't talk about memorizing them, our Bible verses stick with the kids! One mom told me that her son asked for her help in cleaning up his toys because “the Bible says ‘With love help each other.’” I’m sure he learned it’s a two-way street!