Trying For the Kids
Kids may be small. Their cerebellum not fully developed, there thinking not yet ripe. However, contrary to how we think they behave (innocent, immature, naive, etc), they are not as simple-minded as we think they are. An immature thought process does not pale in comparison with a mature one. Much more consideration should be put into what they are intending to say, rather the demeaning their response as merely ‘child-talk’.
I confess that I personally am just like every other teacher, sometimes unable to understand the psychology behind their vociferation, immediately concluding that it is their way of seeking attention. However, ever since my inception as a teacher in Sunday school, my views have been altered by their replies.
By listening to their “random, childish thoughts”, I feel that they also are thinking carefully about their replies. When I was teaching about how God created earth, one of my students, Steve, brought out a point which may seem preposterous in nature, but shows that he is thinking.
“Teacher teacher, how come God did not create the ground as one big piece, but instead split them up?”
If we were to dismiss this as another one of ‘their questions’, then we may be underestimating their desire for true knowledge. It is through their ‘paltry experience’ that they have come to and understanding that the world they see now is very different as how the bible describes the creation of the ground. Thus, they conjure up a question to OBTAIN an answer. Do we not do it too? If so, why then do we deem their natural inquisitive nature as ignorable? Sure, the flaws of their questions are really apparent, but it is only obvious to us, growing people who have gone through intensive education to reach a certain level of intelligence. I feel that I should put in more effort to look into satisfying their need for answers instead of shunning from them, just because they sound ridiculous.
Today was the first time I was doing Ling Chang for the kids. I have seen how hard it is to bring children, whose attention spans range from zero to negative (well… not that bad, but you get the picture), to even sit down and listen to you, let alone singing. However, we as teachers cannot give up on their attitude. If they grow up with these types of attitude, then it would only be invidious when they grow up. The reason is simple: If character and abilities develop easiest when they are young, it will also stay with them the longest. Such attitude problems stem from their backgrounds, and this is where it all begins. I cannot just let them continue with their view of how ‘useless’ the combine session is, but rather how much they can bring out of it, in a relaxed, entertaining way that will imbue the message within them to keep their spiritual growth salubrious.
The message I chose: Jesus loves me, Jesus loves you, Jesus loves them. I did not want them to just sing their songs and go to class. Rather than knowing how to sing the song, I want the kids to know that Jesus loves them, ad everyone around them. Sounds too complex for the children? I conform with such a thinking. However, the kids proved me wrong. I was able to deliver my message with clarity by allowing the good guy to die, and having the bad guy to ’steal’ the bible from the hands of the good, only to find out that one truth: Jesus loves me. The reticent remained as they are, the talkative fired away.
“Teacher, why the good guy die?”
“How come the bad guy can live?”
“Teacher, so Jesus also loves bad guys?”
Just the thoughts I have planned to invoke in the minds we deem as not being able to process such ‘complex information’, assuming that they may be not ‘old enough’. Today proved otherwise.
Other than “Teacher, why does he need 3 swords to kill the good guy?”, which I promptly dismissed, all the rest of the questions seemed reasonable, showing their understanding from the low budget act I used as an opening. Such fervent searches for the truth, and yet we belittle their intentions? They deserve equally passionate answers. In the end, such small little efforts on my part (Making song singing a game, the nonsensical acting, the occasional jokes, instead of the ‘let’s sit down to sing and learn the bible’ method) can arouse so much more provocative thoughts and acknowledgments from them, I feel my efforts are ironically undeserving of their attention.
I do not know whether my presentation as a teacher should have been more conservative (requiring them to be disciplined individuals), more organized. However, I am willing to accept these criticisms. My aim is to teach the children, not to show adults I am what they perceive teacher.
Maybe its just all new to me, but I do not feel the need to be strict. Jesus, our lord and Saviour, is my model. Did he not teach with gentleness and kindness? If so, then why should I do otherwise? Lord guide me. Give me the wisdom to be the agent that allows these kids to grow spiritually and properly, so that they can grow up knowing the same unparalleled love ad grace that you shower upon me. My weakness and strengths be used for your glory. Amen
