The best way for Sunday School teachers and children and youth workers in other Bible classes to deal with behavioral issues is to first determine the root cause of the problem.
The underlying cause of the same behavior in one child may not be the same for another. Do not assume but rather take time to consider what it might be.
Possible Root Causes of Behavior Problems:
- Human Nature
- Basic Needs
- Developmental Characteristics
- Home Background
- Personality
- Current Life Events
Once you have determined the root cause of behavior problem, you are ready to effectively discipline. Begin by acknowledging what is behind the symptoms and work at resolving the real issues.
The above content is included in the Teaching Ministry Manual along with a couple of questions under each item in the above list to assist in determining if that is the cause. The manual also includes a list of discipline tips and help for doing a short study on a biblical approach to discipline in contrast to discipline that does not follow after God’s ways. Other topics relevant to Bible teaching are also covered in this manual.
Also check out: Discipline Issues: What to Do About Specific Challenges
This resource looks at 56 different behavioral challenges teachers could face. The challenge is described. Possible causes are given with corrective measures that could help. And, it also provides tips for how you might circumvent, or prevent, the problem by the way you set up the classroom, teach, and interact with students.