Dan Stanley Training Coordinator National Christian Education Department Classroom Discipline

What Is A Disciplined Classroom? Discipline is related to Disciple –discere = “to learn” –Creating an environment in which a person can learn about Jesus –Our call is to make disciples

What Is A Disciplined Classroom? What Discipline is Not –Discipline is not necessarily quiet –Discipline is not punishment –Discipline is not a trick

What Is A Disciplined Classroom? What Discipline Should Be –An environment of mutual respect –A sign of love –The groundwork upon which discipleship is built

Mistakes Teachers Make Blaming the class Being mean Labeling students Not thinking through the consequences

Positive Steps Towards Discipline Be an example of discipline –Maintain the same standards in your life that you expect from your students –Submitting to authority –Come to class on time –Come prepared for class

Positive Steps Towards Discipline Be consistent –We’re born with God’s law on our hearts –Treat all students the same –Use the same rules that were used the week before –Post the rules of the class –What kind of “consequences” can teachers enforce?

Positive Steps Towards Discipline Encourage disciplined behavior –A disciplined classroom cannot exist solely on confronting negative behavior –Encouraging discipline is harder –Catch your students engaging in disciplined behavior –One of your goals is to see discipline become normal behavior

Positive Steps Towards Discipline Build relationships –Start building relationships immediately –Memorize the names of your students –Do your best to be understanding –If punishment is required, reassure the student afterwards –Show that you care about them outside of class

Positive Steps Towards Discipline Plan a disciplined schedule –That’s not to say there should be no time for joy and freedom –Plan your class time well –Give your class plenty of warning when it’s time to move to the next activity

Positive Steps Towards Discipline Rely on the power of prayer –God’s power is available for teachers –Pray for your class each week –We serve a faithful God!

Some concluding thoughts Other Resources – – The Discipline Guide for Children’s Ministry by Jody Capehart – Essentials of Discipline by James Dobson – StepONE guides from GPH – Please Don’t Sit on the Kids by Clare Cherry – Teaching with Heart by Jody Capehart – Growing a Healthy Children’s Ministry by Steve Alley