Monday, October 17, 2011

I Will Take On This Challenge

I used to say to myself, "I will never teach 4th, 5th and 6th graders again!!!" They are rude and disrespectful.  They walked into my music class today completely ignoring me, continuing their conversations and blatantly doing disruptive things. I could not get their attention. They threw things, yelled across the room and disregarded me as their substitute teacher. Today I had a change of heart. Today I saw these kids as untrained,  undisciplined, disrespectful, hurting, broken and ignored kids.  I have two choices. Choice one is to walk away and only teach K though 3rd grade. Choice two is to take on this challenge. To become capable of reaching them.
Step one -- Pray
I prayed today, that the Lord would teach me how to manage, love, reach, teach and enjoy these kids. It is impossible without the help from God. All things are possible with Him.  After praying this I checked the sub list and got a job teaching 4th grade tomorrow!! I believe God is giving me work to do.
 Step two --search the Internet
I found some good advice by a teacher named Tom Bloch who said to get students to respect you, you must show respect them. He said once you've gotten to know them you can do this and it is the only way it will work. I've since added show respect to these kids to my list. How do I do this? I guess I will start by learning their names and speaking to them kindly while looking into their eyes --not deeply staring, but with gentle expression and noticing them.  I have not done this step yet, as I just got home from school and started this list--just now.
Step three --Ask experienced teachers. Well, tomorrow I begin this new adventure with a sincere heart and with courage and bravery, I will ask the Lord to make me successful and to please, bless me.
Blessings, Kathi
He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
Psalm 18:33-35 When I finally have some success stories to share, I will give God the credit for helping me. I will share what happens in posts to come.

7 comments:

onlymehere said...

Bless your heart! I'm sure the Lord will inspire you as you set about tackling this challenge. Your courage is amazing. I tend to get stuck in my safe zone and don't branch out enough. Let us know how it all works out.

Carol said...

I'll be praying for you. I taught 4th grade for 15 of my 30 years of teaching. My favorite teacher was my 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Jefferson. Of all the age groups this is my favorite. If I can help let me know.

Smiles,
Carol

Ramblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda G said...

That's awesome that you have risen to the challenge, and chosen to take an optimistic stance! Praying the Lord will use you in these students lives! Let us know how it goes! :)

Kathi said...

Thank you dear sweet blogging friends for your encouragement and prayers. I will keep you informed. Hugs, Kathi

Rose of Sharon said...

I think it is wise to look at this as a challenge from the Lord. I pray He will give you wisdom and inspire you!

Good luck!

Love, Sharon

Kerin said...

You're going to do great!
Keep up the positive attitude, and most of all the praying.
Have a great week!

Gramma 2 Many said...

Definitely a challenge, but you certainly are on the right path.

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