ABCs of Self Esteem

One of my favorite parenting writers is Dr. Kevin Leman.   His book "Bringing Up Kids Without Tearing Them Down" is about building confidence and self esteem in children.

Although his books is focused to parents, and not teachers, I think his ABCs of Self Esteem certainly can apply to our classrooms. 

A is for Acceptance:  Children need to feel that they are accepted for who they are.  Now I have to confess, it's easier with some children than others.  But the children who we find it most difficult to accept are the ones who are crying out for acceptance the most.  I can tell you that I have prayed specifically for Heavenly Father to help me accept and love certain children and he has always answered my prayers.  If I remember to look into the child eyes I see them as Children of God and I can accept them, faults and all.

B is for Belonging:  Individual children need to feel that the group is somehow incomplete when they are not there.  They belong in your class.  They are part of the class.  And when they are gone we miss something.  Make sure to mention children when they are not in class, especially inactive children.  Tell the children you miss them when they return.  Pray that you can appreciate what each child brings to the group.

C is for Competence:  Yes, this one surprised me too, but it really shouldn't.  When we feel like we are good at something it makes us feel good about ourselves, even adults.  Find ways to point out positive things that the children in your class are good at.  If she is good at reading, be sure to have her read in class.  If he is good at artwork, ask him to draw something for your next lesson.  Or if she is especially kind towards others be sure to point it out and let her know she has a talent.   Talk to them and find out if they pursue a certain sport or hobby that they are enjoy--chances are if they enjoy it, its because they feel like they are good at it.

Even though Dr. Leman doesn't mention it, I think the most import thing we can do to build children's self esteem is to teach them who they are--Children of God.  Let's remember every week to teach our children who they are with our actions, words, and love.  If they can feel good about themselves while they are in Primary they will always want to return--and that will make it a better place for all of us.

 

A New Home and Aids and Tips 2

We have a new home!  We thought this might be an easier way for us to share with each other.  It's easier to leave comments for each other, and it's a lot more colorful too!

Just a couple of reminders:

 1)  We have a Primary Activity tomorrow, Saturday the 7th, starting at 10:00 at the church.  These activities are a great chance to interact with your classes in a fun way. Hope to see you there!

2)  Please make sure you've been set apart.  If you haven't yet, please let us know.

I just wanted to pass on a few more tips that our Stake Leaders shared with us last fall:

4)  Get to know your children individually - "You need to do more than simply understand your lesson material; you need to understand the people you teach--as children of God, as members of their age-group, and as individuals." -- Teaching, No Greater Call.

Humans are social creatures and need attention.   Children especially seem to want to be noticed, either by the teacher, or by other children.   It reassures them that they matter and are important.  So, ask them if they play a sport, or sing, or have some sort of interest and then follow up with them about it.  Encourage them to share their life with you.  The more you know about them, the better your lessons can be tailored for them.

This is particularly true for children who are especially disruptive. Studies have shown that if a teacher can spend even just a few minutes talking to that child one-on-one outside of class it improved their behavior during class.  

5)  Stay in touch with the Parents -- Make sure the parents know what the lesson is about with weekly newsletters, or e-mail, or a blog page.  You could include the purpose of the lesson and suggestions for activities to do during the week, and next week's topic.  Also, you should share with parents something particularly entertaining or inspiring a child said or did.  We parents just LOVE that.

Please share with us ways you are getting to know you children as individuals, or how we can keep the parents informed about the great work we are doing in Primary!

See you Sunday!

Teacher Aids and Tips 1

Those of you who were with us last year know that "Primed for Primary" is a e-newsletter I send out semi-regularly to all of our primary teachers.  I hope that we can use this as a forum to share ideas and challenges with each other.  Please share any particular challenges you might be having in your class, as well as things you have discovered that work well.  You can either e-mail me, or the entire group.

It seems like we barely get a chance to say hello to each during Primary before we shuffle off to our individual rooms with our classes in tow.  I hope this will give us a chance to feel more connected with each other.

Thank you all so much for your participation during the Teacher Orientation.   It seemed like I threw a lot of information at you.  Thank you again for your patience!

Our wonderful Stake Leaders passed on some really great information I didn't have time to go over during the orientation, so I thought I'd use the first couple of e-newsletter to share it with you.

Teacher Aids and Tips

1) New Online Training at http://www.lds.org/pa/display/0,17884,4647-1,00.html - This really does have a wealth of information, so please check it out if you get a chance.

2) Please prepare in advanced - Unlike an adults, who will quietly sit and just let their minds wander a little if there is a void in class, children will seize the opportunity and fill the void their own special brand of noise and distraction.  (Y'all know what I'm talking about.)  Once this happens it can be difficult to regain control.   Don't forget the power of prayer and spiritual guidance when preparing.  

3) Establish an Opening Routine in Primary classes - Children generally function best when they have a predictable routine.  Establish a routine that you go through at the beginning of class.  Put all the chairs in a circle, give everyone a chance to get water and use the restroom, or play a game that gives everyone 30 seconds to share how they are feeling with the class.  It doesn't really matter what as long as you are consistent.  Knowing what comes next will help the children to feel more secure, and hopefully, let them know when it is time to settle down and listen.  Does anyone have any good routine items they use with their class?

Thank you teachers for being part of Primary.  We are all so excited for this year.  And please remember that we are here for you!