A problem we have each week are the constant potty breaks. Some kids really do have to go, and you can definitely tell when a child really has an emergency, but others just play the 'potty' card when they are bored. I honestly was too scared to have to deal with accidents in the classroom to stand up to these kids about these potty breaks, but in Sharing Time this week, the Primary President was not going to stand for it.
I admire this lady so much, especially because she has a daughter the same age as the kids in my class, so her advice is directly relevant to me and when she has an idea, it always works. After I came back to Sharing Time with the 3rd child who needed a potty break, she drew the line. She explained to the kids that we get drinks and go potty before we come to Primary. If there is an emergency, we can go on our way to class after Sharing Time, and then again after church if we need to, but we do not leave the class room during Sharing Time, Singing Time, or Class Time.
The kids knew she meant business and weren't going to challenge her. She always knows exactly how to say things to these kids so that they understand her expectations, and obey immediately. Partially, I think, because she will many times get down to their level, by kneeling on the floor, and talking with a smile on her face. That change seems simple, but I find it makes all the difference.
We did not have a single potty break during class time that day, and many asked their parents if they could get a drink after class when they came to pick them up. The rules definitely stuck and I'm so happy that they are growing up into these little people who are learning things and remembering them so well. These last 6 months have shown a tremendous improvement with these kids, and I suppose, to a 3 year old, 6 months is like a life-time!
I admire this lady so much, especially because she has a daughter the same age as the kids in my class, so her advice is directly relevant to me and when she has an idea, it always works. After I came back to Sharing Time with the 3rd child who needed a potty break, she drew the line. She explained to the kids that we get drinks and go potty before we come to Primary. If there is an emergency, we can go on our way to class after Sharing Time, and then again after church if we need to, but we do not leave the class room during Sharing Time, Singing Time, or Class Time.
The kids knew she meant business and weren't going to challenge her. She always knows exactly how to say things to these kids so that they understand her expectations, and obey immediately. Partially, I think, because she will many times get down to their level, by kneeling on the floor, and talking with a smile on her face. That change seems simple, but I find it makes all the difference.
We did not have a single potty break during class time that day, and many asked their parents if they could get a drink after class when they came to pick them up. The rules definitely stuck and I'm so happy that they are growing up into these little people who are learning things and remembering them so well. These last 6 months have shown a tremendous improvement with these kids, and I suppose, to a 3 year old, 6 months is like a life-time!
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