Prayerful Teaching for Hard to Reach Students

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

                                                Ephesians 4:1-3 (NIV)

Prayer and Reflection 

As Holy Week approaches, we are reminded of all the people who turned against Jesus.  Why?  Because following Him was challenging.  Because He asked more than most were willing give.  Because it was easier to follow those who required less time and effort, less patience and compassion,  I have some difficult students who constantly pose challenges in my busy classroom.  I cannot seem to reach them no matter how hard I try.  They drain me of energy, patience, and compassion.  They take up so much of my time and distract those students who are eager to learn and cooperate.  Help me to recognize the good qualities in all of my students.  Remind me why I was called to be a teacher.  Teach me to equally love all of your children with gentleness and patience. 

The Actions of Prayerful Teaching

• Look for opportunities to give specific, genuine, honest, and sincere praise.  Always avoid false praise.

• Greet difficult students with a gracious smile as you do all of your students when they enter your classroom every morning.

• Though difficult, analyze what sets these students off on the wrong path.  Pay attention to facial expressions and body language.

• Have private, heartfelt conversations and ask what they need to be successful and contributing members in their classroom.  Do not be judgmental, angry, defensive, or make promises that cannot be kept.  This conversation is not about you.  This is a time for you to listen and ask questions.  Use the stem, “How can I help you (fill in the blank)?”  Form a partnership to work together to find answers and solutions.

• Always remain positive and calm.  You are the adult.  Do not take anything a students does or says personally.

Challenge of the Week:

Start small.  Select one student with whom you will practice patience.  Get to know that student as a Child of Christ.  Make it a point to have at least one private conversation with that student each day.

God Bless and Prayerful Teaching,

Elizabeth A. Wink

prayerfulteaching@gmail.com