Need Help From CCD Teachers or Any Teachers

[Christine]

My co-worker was asked to teach a CCD class for 3rd graders. Last night was her first night and she is just shocked. She has twelve, 8-year olds and she said that, for the most part, they were out of control.

Now, she has no children herself so she admits that she is not used to kids at that age. She likes kids though so that is not an issue.

There were a few kids in the class that were your typical "class clown" types. Then one wanted to go to the bathroom. Then all "needed" to go to the bathroom. They could not sit still, she could not get them focused.

So, she's asking for help. What kinds of things can she do to make this interesting? What type of techniques can she use (besides yelling) to get them to be seated and maintain some type of composure.

She didn't go so far as to say the kids were "horrible". I think they are just young kids who've been in school all day and probably REALLY don't want to be at CCD. Any suggestions?

 

[dis4me]

That seems to be really common in CCD classes. Look at it this day. The kids were in school sitting at desks for at least 6 hours all day learning, now they are there havign to do the same thing. It is hard for the kids. Tell her to do some fun things. I know my dd's teacher used to play Holy Hangman and Around the world with religious questions.
Good Luck to her.

 

[jellymanoffspring]

I taught CCD once....there was one boy who brought every question back to his dad and sports.....it was not easy....

The one thing they did seem to like a lot was acting out a parable......

Good luck to her.......

 

[WilmaBud]

How many kids are in her class?

I teach 6th grade CCD (on Saturday mornings at 9:00 ). I have about 18 kids and no problem maintaining control. Last year I had about 16 kids.

Tell her you have to establish control very early on. She has to have a discipline plan, with consequences. For example, my kids get a warning. The next step is a name on the board. Next, one check mark after the name. After that, they get sent out of the class to see Monsignor or the CCD director. Or, I'd call home. I've never even had to put one name on the board. Just knowing there are consequences for bad behavior helps keep them in line.

I also explain my expectations right away - respectfulness of me and each other, listening while others are talking, etc. I use lots of class participation. I also use "play-acting," group activities, and lots of topical discussions. Kids love it when you really listen to their opinions respectfully.
I also let them choose their seats each week, but I make it clear I'll move them if they can't behave while next to each other. I'll even sit someone up next to me, if need be.

As far as the bathroom, I wouldn't let them use it unless it was an emergency. CCD is only like and hour or so, so it shouldn't be a real problem. As a teacher, you have to learn when it's just becoming a "follow the leader" type of thing. Also, only allow one child at a time to use the bathroom.

Finally, I give out candy at the end of the class as a reward. I know some people may think that's awful, and if a parent doesn't want his/her child to have it, the kid can refuse it. But my kids pretty much love it and look forward to it. In 3rd grade, stickers would work, too. She could give them out throughout the class. She could also give out "caught in the act of being good" raffle tickets, and do a drawing at the end of class (or at the end of each month or something) for a bigger reward.

I hope these suggestions help. I don't mean to sound like a know-it-all. I'm just a teacher by profession, so these things are kind of ingrained in me. Classroom and behavior management is a learned skilll, just like anything else. I wish your friend good luck!

 

[Jennifer S]

My DH teaches Sunday school and he said the key is to make it interesting to the kids. He will play games with the message of that lesson. You have to get the kids involved instead of just talking at them.

The reward system works well - candy, stickers etc.

I must say though 8 is getting to the age where they should be a little more behaved. I can totally see younger ones doing that stuff.

Good luck to your friend.

 

[Christine]

How many kids are in her class?

There are 12 kids.

 

[MNT568]

I had 19 1st graders for CCD last year and I have 9 2nd graders this year. Last year the first few weeks were a nightmare! I came home each week with a major headache. The best trick is to keep the kids busy, then they won't have time to fool around. I always read a story or 2 from a childrens bible, you would be amazed at how quiet they get during story time. Then I teach the lesson and I tell them if they are good we will have a quick activity. Last year I had them make foam cross magnets, angel christmas ornaments, "Jesus Loves Me" valentines. Wal-mart sells tubs of bible foam sticker pieces (no glue) for about $5.00. This week we are learning about Jesus' life. So I have an avtivity sheet and then I will let them make a Jesus bookmark. I got foam bookmarks, the word "Jesus" foam sticker and then various other pieces that relate to Jesus. The kids can decorate them as they like. The Sister who is in charge of our CCD program said that variety will keep the kids interested.

Also activity sheets, my kids love the word searches and mazes. catholicmom.com is a great website for ideas. I also tell the kids whoever is the quietest will get to be my helper, they really like that. But keep track of the helpers to make sure they all get a chance.

Send me an email if you need any other help. Our program gave us some great handouts this year, I'd be happy to send them to you.

 

[disykat]

I teach and I teach Sunday School. I've found that when children are in their "home" environment of church, the behavior issues start right away - No honeymoon period. They might all know each other and the teacher is the outsider. Often, they go to different schools and are anxious to catch up with their friends. A short "social hour" might help with that issue ( maybe at the end if behavior is good).

I would make it pretty clear that when it's classtime it's not party time. Discuss class rules and expectations. Enlist their parents to help (in other words tattle on them! Most of their parents would be horrified if they saw their behavior). I think even more than the bribes, rewards, etc. - it's important to just plain take charge. I've seen so many Sunday School teachers waffle around trying to be nice and make Sunday School a pleasant place that they are hesitant to establish order.

IMO, when you are teaching at church - you are a volunteer. The parents should be making sure the kids behave. While that might be a bit unrealistic at times, it helps me remember to enlist the parent's help if simple classroom measures aren't working. If a certain student is a problem, invite their parent to stay and help - or send a brief letter home telling about the disruptions and asking that they help by making sure their kids have had a snack and some exercise before coming, and hint at followup at home - ie "we'll be working on controlling the chatter and settling in to work - ask your child how it went!".

A volunteer shouldn't be going home feeling bad about their contribution!

 

[RobynK]

She can try assigning seats so that they aren't sitting next to their friends so it would be harder to fool around. Also stickers and getting the class involved in the reading and activities. I have 30 2nd graders on Sunday mornings. God Bless me!