The naughty child

The lecture addresses how to deal with the mischievous child in Sunday schools and explains that the problem of mischief may originate from the child himself, from the teaching method, or from the classroom conditions.
It affirms that the first step is not to constantly blame the child, but to investigate the real cause: an uninteresting lesson, repetitive boredom, lesson length, mismatch to the child’s age, or classroom overcrowding.
The lecture stresses that an engaging and participatory lesson attracts children’s attention — using lively stories, questions, dialogue, and recitation — instead of dry university-style lecturing.
It explains the importance of an emotional relationship between teacher and pupil: love and care turn the mischievous child into a disciplined and respectful one, while neglect or mockery increase disturbance and mischief.
The lecture addresses other factors such as the child’s innate temperament, family circumstances, bad role models, or excess energy, and suggests individual sessions and follow-up to identify causes and treat them gently.
It highlights that treating by violence, ridicule, or expulsion is harmful; instead there should be treatment with patience, dialogue, individual sessions, and involving the child where his energy can be used for the class.
It also suggests organizational solutions: reducing classroom overcrowding, sometimes placing two teachers (one for order and one for the lesson), and using teaching methods suitable for children’s temperaments and developmental stage.
It concludes with an educational and spiritual view: that dealing with the mischievous child can be an opportunity to acquire virtues (patience, love, understanding), and that the teacher is called to be both a compassionate and firm example.

Spiritual and educational dimension (from a Coptic Orthodox faith perspective)

• Education as a spiritual ministry: teaching children is not limited to transferring information but is spiritual care that requires love and perseverance so the child may grow in faith.

• Love and example: the teacher’s love and care reflect Christ’s love for souls and bring grace into upbringing.

• Mercy and patience instead of harshness: Christ’s approach to sinners and the weak calls for gentle treatment, prayer, and accompaniment, not violence or expulsion.

• Practical witness: disciplining and guiding children wisely makes the school a place of Christian formation where the values of faith are embodied in daily behavior.

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