The Master Teacher!

 

Kids learn when they KNOW you love/like them. If this is true, then kids don't learn if they think you don't like/love them. I might not have a research study to support this one, but I have countless stories and faces that I could tell of to prove it. One year, Sweet Susie Q has an amazing year! Her parents are thrilled,  she can't wait to get to school each morning, and her grades are posted proudly on the fridge. Next year, same Sweet Susie, opposite story. Why?  Pretty simple. Susie does well when Susie is loved on and encouraged! Susie doesn't do well when Susie is fearful of being disliked and discouraged. 

As teachers and parents we have such a huge responsibility. We might not of asked for it, but it's ours! With such an overwhelming role to play, we need a Master Teacher we can learn from. Surely there has been no greater teacher than Jesus. He was THE perfect teacher. I find 3 simple reasons that He was the PERFECT teacher: 

* He taught Truth

* He modeled it in love

* He proved that He meant it

I Corinthians 14:1 says, "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels (knowledge/truth) but have not LOVE I have become a noisy gong or a clanging symbol. 

Jesus' students (The Disciples)  KNEW that He loved them. How do we know this? Because He told them over and over and then He proved it by dying for them. The Disciples LOVED Jesus in return. How do we know this? Because they all, except one, ended up dying for Him! (I John 1:9) 

By the end of their time together, the Disciples wanted to soak up every word that Jesus said. They couldn't wait to learn! 

If kids KNOW that you love them, if you tell them and you prove it to them, they too will want to learn! It will motivate them in a classroom like nothing else! Love is better than a treasure box, a ticket, a star or sticker - it will motivate them like nothing you have ever seen!!!! I think a lot of times we assume that our kids know we love them because we sacrifice so much for them. Maybe, maybe not.  Don't risk it, go to bed without a doubt! :)