Discipline! We can’t survive without it!
We need discipline to:
- promote spiritual growth. Children are to obey their parents, their teachers, and God’s Word (and so are we!).
- make our classrooms safe. Children need to control their own bodies so they won’t hurt others.
- provide a good learning environment. When students follow the teacher’s directions, they can see and hear the story and enjoy the activities.
- give a sense of security. Children’s minds are more open to learning when order and routine exist in the classroom.
- build good relationships with parents. Parents are attracted to a church program that meets the needs of their children.
Why is it so hard for twos and threes to obey?
Although none of us are exempt from the influence of sin, some additional factors also influence the behavior of two-and three-year-olds.
- Young children see the world only through their own eyes. It is their viewpoint, and no one else’s. They don’t understand why they need to share their crayons or sense the need to quit playing when they are asked to come to the handwork table. They have their minds set on what they want to do, whether or not it’s part of your program.
- Their minds and bodies are developing quickly. Twos and threes grow rapidly, sometimes from week to week. Their bodies are growing, and their minds are developing. Sometimes they want to try out their newfound abilities, and they do not want an adult to interfere.
- They are just beginning to learn what Sunday School is all about. Most young children have had little experience with structured settings. They are suddenly exposed to new routines, unfamiliar adults, classroom rules, and all types of playmates. As their first teacher, you have the opportunity of helping them learn how to follow the rules and treat their classmates nicely.
- They may not be trained in obedience at home. When children come from homes that lack discipline and organization, the Sunday School teacher’s job is doubly hard.
God will show us the way!
Books on discipline are filled with suggestions for managing children’s behavior, but God’s Word should be our foremost guide. The book of Proverbs gives practical instruction about working with children and their parents and about making wise choices. Bible characters’ lives serve as vivid illustrations of the blessings in obeying God and the problems that come from ignoring His ways.
We have our own personal teacher to help us in learning the truths of scripture. “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (john 14:26).
When we pray for wisdom, the Lord will help us know how to guide these young lives. “For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6). Nothing can compare to following God’s way as we deal with all issues of life; even teaching 2s and 3s!
