Preview: Chaper One – Whole School Concept
Having a small Christian School is a tremendous blessing. There were certain things we emphasized to assist in a well-run organization, that is simple procedures and rules to benefit everyone. We used a whole School policy so that the rules were consistent, the classroom encouragement and correction was consistent and our systems were used throughout each classroom.
Everyone knew the procedures and processes. It limited the correction that was needed between the Administration and Teachers and between the Teachers and students. The parents were aware of our systems and expectations which made us all a great team. It was also helpful for substitute Teachers to be able to manage their classrooms.
It added tremendously as the students moved ahead in their grade levels not having to re-establish basic classroom rules and structure. We were very specific with students’ format for lessons which helped the students increase their grades! They also felt comfortable beginning a lesson knowing the expectation and standard of excellence set by the School. These were such great lessons for the students to take out into the world and we know that because of the feedback given us from transfer Schools. If our students transferred out, their study habits, work skills and math levels were above most other Schools. The student counsellors and Teachers commented on their pleasant demeanor and good manners. Yes, we talk about God loving order and our School reflected that in many ways.
Following are some of the systems and processes used by Providence Christian School including a discussion of communication between parents and the School: ….
Preview: Go After The Lost Sheep
Everyone has one in their class. They may be quiet, angry and resentful. They may be rebellious, obnoxious and loud. They may be jokers unable to concentrate, saying inappropriate things or saying things at inappropriate times. Every one of them may neglect their work, their homework or even the appearance of working and being a student. They are unable or disinterested or preoccupied.
Go after them.
Jesus teaches leave the ninety-nine and go after the lost sheep. Single them out for special attention that builds them up. Demonstrate your respect for them and your love for them. Our respect and our love are not contingent on receiving theirs. Jesus plainly states, “If we love them that love us what thanks have we, even sinners do likewise”. Give responsibility with the confidence expressed that they can and will do it. Be willing to give opportunity again and again. Show discernment and compassion with regard to their work. Often times the lost sheep have learning disabilities. Does yours? Modify the work so that it is do-able. Most classwork becomes homework if it is not completed in class so let us not add a further burden to these children.
Take a look at the homework. The child may be so far behind that even the most capable student would be discouraged. Sit down with your student and review where they are at in the overall picture. This is easier for elementary school than high school. It is easier to review and also easier to remedy. Get some facts. Can homework be done at home? Is there a quiet place to do it? Is there quiet time to do it? Is there a parent or sibling to help? Are you daily loading the student with homework that is going to come back to you the following morning incomplete, again.
Years ago I was walking down the hallway as a Teacher from grade 2-4 class put a boy out in the hall for disrupting the others. She said curtly, “You speak with him!” I looked at this tall bright-eyed redheaded boy and thought what could I say? I did not know the situation that put him out in the hallway. I prayed. Then I crouched down looked into his brown eyes and said, “Did you know that God made you to be a leader?” “He did!?”, he replied quite startled. “Yes, He did. God wants to use your leadership qualities for good to show the children the right way to go.” “I like being the leader”, he said eagerly. “Well”, I said, “Let’s pray. Dear God please show this young man that you called him to lead”.
The Lord used the lost sheep of this incident to teach me some important things.
- Some of your discipline problems are children who are natural leaders. Give them an opportunity to lead so they can exercise that leadership in a good way. Then they can practice following when they are not the leader, knowing that they will have the opportunity to lead again. How wise the Lord is. He knew this boy would want to be a good follower so that others would be good followers when he led.
- The Lord said,” All of these children are leaders in my sight. The quiet. The timid. The frightened. They all need to learn how to lead. Give them opportunities to lead and to grow and to gain confidence. One day each of these children will be a leader for My kingdom, testifying of Me and bringing glory to My name.”
Let us lay a hold of the things of God. Everyone a strong leader. Everyone an accomplished follower. How the Lord sees the formation of the body of Christ! So we began assigning a leader each day and we gave them the responsibilities and the privileges of leadership. It was not a token assignment. They made decisions and perform duties as leaders throughout the day.
Your lost sheep may not appear to know the Lord or to love Him. We are not the judge of this child. The Lord quickly corrected me when I misjudged a friend. I’ll show you the diagram (insert). I think of the Scripture, “Hope thou in God”, not one of us knows another’s position before God. We do not know their trials, nor sorrow, nor suffering. We may judge where they stand with God. We may be wrong. Our job is to be kind, be patient, be faithful, be long-suffering be loving and show self-control. We Teachers are mature in Christ therefore let us show self-control and by our example lead them. Each of us reflect Christ to the student. May God grant us patience to lead and raise these little ones up in the way in which they should go.
I have found one remedy which never fails-older or young, lost or present. No child fails to respond to love. Be glad to see them. Welcome them. Let them know that you are glad they are at school today. Have you noticed how often inconsistent attendance is part of the life of these dear ones, our lost sheep.
Pray.
Pray for the Lord to give opportunity to speak with them. Sometimes they want to talk. Kindness and quietness in you often brings forth a confession. A telling, about what is in their heart, mind, or their home or whatever. These lost sheep are often wounded. They always need love, attention and time. Even if you only have a few minutes to look them right in their eyes and speak kindly to them. My concern is this-if we cannot reach these ones in our Christian environment, who will? Where will they find the Lord if not in me, their Teacher.
Driving to school last week with my daughter I saw a man at the bus stop. He was broken, lonely, drugged and half his life was gone. He was so without hope. I thought to myself one day this man was a young boy at school where he spent two thirds of his days. May the Lord in his great mercy send his servants to those whom we have missed. But now as opportunity presents let us be diligent and invest our time and our genuine love for each one within our care.
We have the power in Christ Jesus and through the Word and prayer to go after the lost sheep. Jesus commands it.
Just think; of the changes in your classroom because one child has been changed.
Just think; of the changes in his classmates as they watch you.
Because you have not rejected this troubled child. You did not think he was a lost cause. You have loved him even though he is hard to love and maybe the other students can love the unlovable too! So, how many lives have been changed?…. Beginning with you.