Core scripture: “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Message: The natives are restless.  Students see the golden nugget of Spring Break on the horizon.  Some have checked out already.  Others are following.  If you do not get control of this situation, a rebellion might ensue.  If you are too lenient, the kids will run all over you; however, if you lay down the law too harshly, students will sense your frustration and smell blood to attack.  What is a teacher to do?

Take a deep breath.  Relax.  Lift up your concerns to the Lord, and He will listen.  1 John 5:14 states, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.”  If you study the Bible, you will realize that some situations call for leniency and fun while others call for structure and discipline.  As our core scripture above tells us, there is a season for everything.  The secret is to search out which season we are in.

There will be days when you sense a season of fun is needed.  Laugh with your kids.  Try a goofy brain break that will loosen the kids up, like Dr. Jean’s “Banana Dance” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFmr_TZLpS0).  Take your students outside to have class on the lawn.  Bring treats to munch on while learning.  Play a Kahoot or a Gimkit to review.  You could even become your rap alias, Heavy D., to teach literary devices on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuDrXGXDRPw.

Though there will be days when you have fun, there is likewise a need to lay down the law.  Kids need structure.  If things are getting too loosey goosey, they cannot learn.  Refuse to overlook class rules you have enforced all year long.  Review your rules if necessary.  Proverbs 13:24 states, “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.”  Crack the whip if things get out of control.  Remember, you are the one in control—not the students.

Hang in there!  Mix up your lessons with a little bit of fun and a little bit of structure.  Most importantly, don’t quit.  Your reward shall be a week of bliss with friends and family over Spring Break, but until then, push through until the final bell.

Challenge: Find ways to have a bit of fun, yet provide discipline and structure along the way.  Be intentional about your lessons, and seek God’s wisdom to figure out what kind of day is needed.

Just for fun: What if teachers were treated like pro athletes?  I love this Key and Peele clip.  It makes me question if I should hold out for that multi-million dollar contract.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYOg8EON29Y

Prayer: Father, help me in finding the right mix of discipline and fun as we head towards Spring Break.  Thank you for your precious wisdom.  Amen.