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Describe a recent time when you’ve been discouraged with a student’s progress. Have you witnessed a change in the student’s life, or are you still waiting for that change to occur?
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I had a student that was dealing with issues at home. Some days when he came to school he would just sit and laugh during Bible course. I watched as the year progress his attitude begin to change during the year and it was not for the good. That was a tough year for both of us. He not only struggled in all of his courses and he was trying to push God as far away as possible. There were days I did not want to go to school and talk to him. The school year continued on and we both made it. Did he accept Jesus as Lord that year? No, it was not until he was in his early thirties that he accepted Jesus. That year I kept thinking is it worth all the trouble? But when you walk into a church and see someone like this young man leading worship and he bounds off the stage to say thank you for putting up with me. It was worth it all.
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I have seen a few students who have been discouraged to learn the scriptures because they thought it was very difficult to understand the message. The students showed more interest when I partner them to work together. I am hoping this year the students come with an open mind and a better attitude to learn the scriptures.
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Many times I take student behavior personally. Doing this is a disservice to me and my students. If a student makes a choice that is less than ideal, that reflects what’s occurring in the student. When I can navigate those challenging responses with support and truth, students can feel safe to course correct and I get to witness true change in my students.
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I have one stoic little lady in my Grade 7/8 course that is quite firm that there is no God. Her Mom is my co-worker and this frustrates her no end. We pray about it and are determined that we will love her through because we both believe that she is going through struggles at home and that it is a reactive phase. I don’t separate her or single her out, but continue to show my sources and how to find them during course so that all of my students can relate to the scriptural or scientific source or text that is appropriate to the discussion at hand. I think that even kids go through things to help shape them for their mission down the road and it is my job to not judge, but pray and stay firm for her support and continue to teach the truth.
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I have a particular student who is very cold to the gospel message. He is tired of hearing it and acts out in defiance. It’s frustrating, but we keep working to encourage him.