The Memory Verse assigned this week, Revelation 3:19a, says "Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline." The Blog Post that summarizes the lesson from 10/21/12, "Actions and Attitudes" - The Story of Cain and Abel, mentions that in the introduction to the class there was discussion about class rules and warnings/punishment that could result from misbehavior.
Please note that my explanation of the rules and warnings also included affirmation of my positive expectation about the students' ability to behave.
This Blog Post is for parents and others who read the blog. to explain some of the terms I use as a way to express rebuke and correction.
Parents and other readers of this Blog should know that I use different terminology, compared to what they might be used to hearing at their child’s school or seeing in articles written about child behavior. When a child knows simple class rules, but chooses to repeatedly violate them, in defiance of warnings given, I do NOT call that “strong-willed” behavior. I refer to that as being “a weakling”. The student knows the correct behavior, and knows that the correct behavior is necessary if they are going to achieve the objectives, learning the lesson. Knowing what is right but choosing what is wrong is not in any way a sign of strength, in my classroom.
In the discussion, not being a weakling physically was mentioned, along with doing pushups and weight lifting. But this was said only as a comparison to help illustrate the idea of being strong enough in character to actually do what is right, and not give in to self-indulgent misbehavior. 5th grade children, unlike younger kids, are old enough and mature enough to practice self-control as their own choice, and that is the standard that is set for them in our class. They are expected to be strong and make the right behavior choices. If they don’t make the right choices, and reminders or warnings are not enough to stop misbehavior, that is being a weakling.
Weakling is considered a disrespectful term, but if it is said by me, in class, it is always followed with expressing affirmation of the student's ability to be, or to become, strong, from that point forward. Using the term Weakling, in this context, will be motivational to students, particularly boys, who are wanting to be recognized as being strong - not weak.
In 5th grade we make a concerted effort, by adding extra curriculum materials to our lessons, to build a healthy self-esteem in the students, based on Biblical truth. The student who has Come to Jesus is taught that they are a child of God, with a destiny of blessing and the ability to be overcomers, living what Jesus called "the Abundant Life." Maintaining standards of behavior in the classroom is necessary to achieve our learning objectives, and also to be a concrete, specific example of living your life "On the Right Path."
Class time spent on behavior issues serves two purposes. First, training in strength of character and the need for self-control is an aspect of becoming a young disciple of Jesus. Second, since another episode of behavior like the September 30th class will not be tolerated, discussions like the one held in the October 21st class are preventative measures.
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