LEADERS HUB
​Behaviour Management
Avoid Behaviour Problems: Keep Kids Engaged!
When kids enjoy and are engaged with lesson activities, they are less likely to act out! By keeping lessons fun, surprising and engaging, behaviour problems are less likely to be an issue, some handy tips for this are:
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Plan activities that suit the age group and abilities of the children participating - not too hard and definitely not too simple!
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Change the order, format and style of lessons to create interest and surprise
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Consider how kids known to misbehave will respond to activities you've planned
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Play music during craft or written activities
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Build trust and mutual respect between leaders and the group
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Helpers watch for kids who are not engaged and attempt to refocus them
Managing Poor Behaviour - 3 Strikes!
Clear Rules
Know the Kids Church rules (have fun, join in, be respectful) and ensure the kids are familiar with them too (rules posters can be displayed in your room)
Step 1: Non-Verbals
Often a simple non-verbal reminder will re-focus a kid who is misbehaving:
- Eye contact with the child
- Walking over and standing beside the child
- Tapping the child on the shoulder
Step 2: Warning (Strike One)
- Gain the kid's attention, preferably by pulling them aside and speaking to them calmly
- Ask them if they want to be at Kids Church today (answer usually 'yes' - if not, they can return to church)
- Explain to them that their behaviour is not currently showing that they want to be here, remind them which rule they are breaking and why and tell them that they are being given a warning
- Remind them that if they continue to misbehave, they will be asked to sit out of the activity
Eg: 'Johnny, I am giving you a warning because you are talking over the top of your classmates which is not being respectful. Instead, please put up your hand if you want to say something. If I have to speak to you again, you will need to sit out.
Step 3: Sit Out (Strike 2)
- If a child persists misbehaving after a warning, pull them aside again and explain again which rule they are breaking and why
- Ask the child to sit out of the activity for 5 minutes or so and remind them that if their behaviour continues they will be sent back to church
Step 4: Back to Church (Strike 3)
- If a child still misbehaves after sitting out, pull them aside and again explain why their behaviour is wrong and send them to sit back in church
- Where possible, the teacher should take the child back to their parents while the helpers continue looking after the class
Step 5: Speak to Kathryn
- If a child is sent back to class or you are having repeated difficulties with the same child, please speak to Kathryn so that we can work out an appropriate plan to manage their behaviour
