Comments on: 7 Ways to Keep Control of a Sunday School Class, Club, or Youth Group

By: Diane

Diane — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 19:59:24 +0000

Note the child exhibiting appropriate behavior and make the group aware by saying their name and thanking them by specifically mentioning their positive behavior. It often causes the others to try to duplicate good behavior so they will also be recognized. Build up the positive not negative behavior.

By: MG

MG — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 22:17:37 +0000

Also, I like what you said about using your workers. Each crew had one or two Crew Leaders. One of the Crew Leaders was really good about getting everyone’s attention, so I relied on her a lot. The children also discussed the material in crews, so if I sensed that they were done, I would clap and then ask the Crew Leaders if they were done or needed more time.
One last thing; we had two children who were nonverbal and sometimes made noises while I was trying to teach. I would usually ignore it, but occasionally make a comment like “I think Jamie is really enjoying this, how about you?” to show that I respected their communication while also telling the other children that it’s not time for them to talk.

By: MG

MG — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 22:05:06 +0000

Thank you for sharing this. I lead a station for VBS last week. The first day, I was able to get everyone’s attention with my voice, but they got more comfortable with their crews the second day. Out of frustration on the second day, I clapped five times (clamp, clap, clap clap clap). They repeated it and immediately quieted down. I just graduated college in May so remembered this from my own school journey. Because they were used to it from school and knew what it meant, it worked. The effectiveness of this technique surprised me, and I used it all week.

By: ANGie LAWRENCE

ANGie LAWRENCE — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 16:14:56 +0000

HI!
Thank you for these wonderful ideas! I am going to try these out for my preteen class of 10-15 kids.

By: Deedee

Deedee — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 14:47:53 +0000

We have ADHD children and very hipper and does not stop. We try to love them and ask them many questions. Very disruptive in class.

By: Lorraine

Lorraine — Mon, 20 May 2019 15:20:24 +0000

Hi, something that I do and seems to work pretty well is that, I seat then strategically. For example, I seat one gir, one boy, one girl, one boy and so on. I have class of 30 kids, sometimes at the same time so, you can Imagine how hard it can be. However, I know my students, I know who I can seat next to the kid that likes to talk a lot. I also ask the most restless ones to be my helpers and as soon as I see they are beggingin to be loud, I try get control fast. Another strategy that I use are rewards. We have a prize box and they know we are looking and making check marks next to the name of the best behave kids. This helps a lot. And remember, kids have a short attention spam and they get bored quickly, so try not to give them a long class and try to be creative. Hope this help others…

By: Linda Kardamis

Linda Kardamis — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 16:04:14 +0000

In reply to Angie Rudasill.

Hi Angie! Definitely challenging. I’d recommend connecting with someone at your church that seems to somehow make it work – whether it’s the supervisor of Master Clubs or another teacher that has more experience. Ask them for some pointers & advice – they’ll hopefully be able to advise you since they know exactly what you’re dealing with.

By: Angie Rudasill

Angie Rudasill — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 03:11:24 +0000

We have Master kids club on Wednesday nights. I have a helper and we take turns teaching every week. We usually average four to five kids. They are 9 years old and in 2nd grade. They are rounders. It’s embarrassing that 2 adults can’t control 4 to 5 kids and keep them interested. This is my first time ever teaching. The other lady is used to teaching older kids. One of our kids appears to have a learning and speech disability. All of the kids except for one come in on the bus. We pick them up and bring them in, feed them, then assemble together for about 15 mins and then go to class. We are in class about 20 mins and it’s time to go for game time. Game time is about 20 to 30 mins and then back to class. How in the world do you teach bible truths, try to get them to memorize scripture, do a short craft and keep control. How do you get anything done. I need help. I found myself getting stern with them. They are so out of control. I don’t know the parents so there’s no help there. And they get no biblical teaching when they are not there. I don’t know what to do.

By: Alexx Seipp

Alexx Seipp — Sat, 26 Jan 2019 05:25:39 +0000

In reply to Linda. Have you tried the whole class response sayings? Physical activities are good at that age. Having them do hand motions to go with songs or Bible verses, for example.

By: Linda

Linda — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 14:07:58 +0000

I’m a former school teacher of mostly 3rd graders. Now I’m teaching 4 and 5 year olds in Sunday School. I need some ideas to hold their attention. I don’t know that taking away snack or play time is the answer for these little ones. Help!