Amazing...

I teach the 9 year olds at church (in my parents' ward while we've been looking for a house). I haven't worked much with kids this old, so it has been a learning experience. There is one boy in my class that was a pain. He liked to talk about stuff getting blown up, or people getting killed. When he would get a turn during sharing time, which was rarely, he would always be silly and answer the questions wrong on purpose.

Teacher's worst nightmare.

The more I got to know this kid, the more I felt bad for him. His mom is not stable, and she has custody of him and his sibilings (what does that say about Dad!?!). How the heck is this kid supposed to act the way you want him to when his mom doesn't?

One day at church, he was bummed he didn't get a turn. I leaned over and said "Do you want to know why you don't get turns at church." He did. So I told him because he is silly, doesn't sit in his chair, and he gives silly answers instead of serious ones and people don't like that.

"OH!"

No one had ever told him that before! How in the world does a 9 year old not get taught this? I have no idea. So the next Sunday, I made him a list. (I noticed he likes to collect paper). The list said:
If I want a turn in primary, I need to be reverent. Being reverent means...
- sitting in my chair
- keeping my hands to myself
- giving serious, church related answers when it is my turn
- stay quiet when it is not my turn to talk
- sing when I'm supposed to sing

I used some of the other skills I learned at Spectrum, and this kid is a completly different kid... IN ONE MONTH! He worked his butt off! It is a joy to listen to how smart he his and he has these unique insights that other people do not have. He is now one of the best kids in my class! I am so proud of him. Even the Primary Presidency has noticed a change!

The thing is, kids don't change unless they have a reason to. I'm so glad we were able to figure out getting a turn in primary was enough motivation for him to turn it around. We taught him how to play the game, and now he is a pro!

I think kids that can do this are amazing. Against all odds. Yay!!