Hey Reader!

Week 5 of our book series! This is a fun one! I had the great pleasure of chatting with author, Tara Hackney about her book “Jesus Loves The Little Children”. You might be thinking, “Wait a minute…that’s a song.” And you’re right! Tara has updated the lyrics to the classic song and then published a BEAUTIFUL board book! You should listen to the new lyrics here.

She is passionate about sharing the message that all children being made in the image of God. This seems like common sense but she brought up some really practical ways that we can shift our own perspective in the classroom.

What would change if we shifted our perspective from seeing children as students to be managed to seeing them as bearers of God’s image in our classroom?

Here are some really practical things that we might adjust – either in the form of activities or in our own actions and reactions:

Would you be willing…

1. To swap out “pre-set craft” meant to look perfect for parents with open-ended art projects that allow a child’s unique creativity to shine? God has gifted children with remarkable creative expression and creative thinking skills. Let’s nurture rather than stifle that!
2. To view a child’s insistence on “fairness” as an emerging God-given sense of justice? This goes for lots of “challenging” behavior traits - bossy-ness is often an indicator of leadership; sensitivity could be channeled toward nurture and empathy for others; many “bulldozer” kids are actually great builders and helpers when their strength is directed toward protection rather than destruction.
3. To view discipline as stewardship rather than conformity? Most child development experts advocate for a shift away from trying to make children simply conform to a classroom structure. While rules and boundaries are definitely necessary and important, the goal is to steward a child’s growth into their unique calling and gifting. Could it be that you’re so focused on following the rules that you’re missing the beauty of each individual child’s temperament?
4. To get down on a child’s level and use calm, respectful tones when correcting a child, recognizing that because they are image-bearers, they deserve a level of respect that honors their Creator.

Remember this…God didn’t just haphazardly create children (or us, for that matter)…He knit them intricately together in their mother’s womb with good works in mind for them already! (Psalm 139 and Eph 2:10). You have been sovereignly placed BY GOD into their lives for this season to help steward this growth. Today…look past the noise and the mess. Look for the beauty and goodness of God hidden in the faces of your little students. You will see it as soon as you pause to look!

Listen to this podcast episode with host Monica Healer now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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