Core scripture: “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” (Ephesians 4:29)

Message: Have you ever believed a lie?  I believed one the first month of teaching remotely.  Satan whispered it to me so sweetly.  You don’t have enough time for that.  Stick with the curriculum.  Forget about your silly awards. 

So I did.  I abandoned my age old tradition of awarding students with the Ohana King and Queen of the Week awards on Fridays.  Although I saved precious time, there was something missing from my class—until last Friday that is.  It was then that I decided enough was enough. 

All it took was two minutes in each class, but those two minutes were the most memorable moments of the week.  I praised five students, one from each class, for their excellence.  You should have seen their faces!  Each one of them couldn’t resist smiling from ear to ear. 

It was then that it clicked for me.  The importance of praising student success was all too apparent.  They need those moments!  Those are the moments that spur them on to greater things.  You tell a kid how important he or she is, and watch what happens. 

I cannot wait until I find five new students to recognize this week.  Who will you recognize?  What positive behaviors do you want to pay heed to?  Make time this week to rightfully give credit to those students that make our days brighter. 

Challenge: Who in your class needs to be recognized for their awesomeness?  What unique award could you give out to praise positive behavior?  Find those students in your class this week and recognize them for their brilliance. 

Song application: “Words” by Hawk Nelson

They’ve made me feel like a prisoner
They’ve made me feel set free
They’ve made me feel like a criminal
Made me feel like a king

They’ve lifted my heart
To places I’d never been
And they’ve dragged me down
Back to where I began

Words can build you up
Words can break you down
Start a fire in your heart or
Put it out

Let my words be life
Let my words be truth
I don’t wanna say a word
Unless it points the world back to You

Just for fun: Do you ever get bored?  These teachers, cleverly called “bored teachers,” have created a plethora of videos that are sure to get you laughing.  This video proudly promotes the different types of students on Zoom.

Prayer: Father, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, oh Lord, my rock and my redeemer.  Amen.