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So, a new child comes in and the person dropping her off mentions, “Keep an eye on her—she’s a runner.”
What do you do?
In these scenarios, start by changing your mindset. These are super-students who just need a little extra help!
Make sure your classroom management plans include super strategies for super-student scenarios.
Remember, super students have something a little extra going on with them—extra needs , extra challenges, or just extra stuff going on in their lives right now.
Make sure your classroom management plans include super strategies for super-student scenarios.
In this scenario, you’ve got a child who likes to try to escape.
Think about it: why do kids run?
There can be lots of reasons, but two of the main ones are ANXIETY and BOREDOM.
So, what do you do with someone described as a “runner”? Head off ANXIETY and BOREDOM.
Be Welcoming
Make her feel extra welcome.
Give a volunteer or an older student the task of especially keeping an eye out and being a buddy to the new child.
Create an Obstacle
In a classroom scenario where you’re the only leader in the room, place yourself between the group and the door.
Make Friendly Eye Contact
Make sure you keep making friendly eye contact with the child. Try using her name and involving her in demonstrations or giving her a “job” to do in the class—like passing out papers.
Watch for Signs of Overstimulation
Remember that some children get overstimulated when the noise level and activity level in a large group rises.
If you notice that happening, bring the child beside you or by another volunteer who can talk to her and keep her calm.
Be Compassionate and Patient
Remember, anxiety presents itself in different ways in different people. But some common ways it’s seen in children are:
- Shutting down
- Restlessness
- Anger
Watch out for these signs and be compassionate and patient in your responses.
Have Extra Activities on Hand
If you notice the child not paying attention and seeming to be bored, and other strategies have not worked, have quiet-time activities on hand in a corner of the room—sensory tubs are great for times like these.
Or try coloring pages, play-clay, puzzles, or maze pages (depending on the age of the child).
When you have super strategies in place, super-student scenarios like these don’t have to be super stressful!
When you have super strategies in place, super-student scenarios like these don’t have to be super stressful!
Questions for Your Team to Think About:
- Has anyone in your ministry had a child who escaped? What did they do?
- What’s your go-to strategy for heading off anxiety and boredom?
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Your heart beats for kids to know, love, and follow Jesus. And ours does too. Try any or all of our programs and lessons before you commit to buying. Check them out here.
Your heart beats for kids to know, love, and follow Jesus. And ours does too. Try any or all of our programs and lessons before you commit to buying. Check them out here.
