Montana Grandma

You know you are WONDERFUL! I wish i were in that class :) I have those same struggles and questions with my young women. I know they are listening and processing the best that their adolescent minds can. They are being crazy - because it is spring fever for sure. Take one day and give them a down time day...get on the floor with them and get to know each one of them by a game or something??

The most important thing that they can learn from you right now is that you love them. That you really do care for them and that you have a testimony of Jesus Christ that they can lean on if they need to.

I had NO idea about the gospel and its principles when i was that age...I just knew that people within the church loved me and expected me to be my best and so that is what I tried to do...and look at me now---I am AMAZING :) haha! J/K (*snort!) but I do have my own testimony and I do understand the gospel and I do love the Lord with ALL my heart. You have a HUGE...HUGE part in that.

Just don't be so hard on yourself and keep loving them and praying for them. They will remember those things.

My sister put it the best, "just don't be so hard on yourself and keep loving them and praying for them, they will remember those things."
That is so true. Look at it this way if they didn't want to be there they would still be in bed! They obviously feel the spirit because they are sacrificing sleep by getting up early to be there and partaking in the strength of the spirit you have!
It wasn't to long ago I was at that stage and I remember it was such an escape from the pressure of being a teenager in high school, just feeling the spirit was all that I could handle some days.
So, just keep praying for them and show them you are there if they need someone.

Hi Rozla! I'm sure you are doing a wonderful job teaching, it really is a little bit of everything this time of year---spring fever especially. Keep praying for them and for ways to reach them. The funny thing with that age is they are probably getting more out of the lessons than you realize.

A couple suggestions: Keep letting the one boy doodle. Some kids honestly focus better this way, and are actually paying attention and listening. Just make sure he's not writing notes or drawing pictures or distracting others. I would let him know before or after class one day that you're ok with him doodling, under these conditions, and that he still has to participate. If he doesn't do his part, then ask him to put it away.

This age group is some of the hardest to teach, because of their immaturity and trying to find out who they are and where they fit in. I've learned to focus on the individual, recognize them for their accomplishments outside of school, and joke around with them when appropriate. Separate kids who won't stop talking, and make treats for special occasions only...make them earn it, or bring their own for their birthdays.

Anyway, that's just my two cents. Ok, more like five cents. Good luck!

I can completely identify with you on this one. First, Kevin actually does listen better if his hands are busy. No lie. As long as your student is quiet...let him draw. That is the easy fixer. The rest of the advice I have is just keep on trying. I am in the same boat. At least you have some good students. I had 3 students at the start of the year. 2 (due to family issues) quit coming. That leaves me with my own daughter who is a reluctant student at best. I just keep hoping (as I'm sure my seminary teachers did) that something is sinking in. I turned out OK. I just have to have faith that my student will to. You are exactly who they need right now. Keep trying...

I am positive that you are doing an amazing job. But here is a bit of teacherly advice.
First, move the kid who draws in the back corner. He won't bug you from back there, and if he is really listening, he won't bother anyone else either. (This is an actual teacher trick.)
Second, don't measure your success by how they act in class. Kids will be kids. They just will be. Find the true measure of their learning and your success in the way the Spirit tells you to. Third, love them unconditionally-- always. Some good things come from that: They will trust you and love you back, and they will want to do well for you.
Be happy and don't stress out. They are like wild animals and they can sense it. (The fear I mean)
Love ya!