Help me with my Placement...

[welshchick]

I'm going on Placement to a church for 3 weeks, starting this Sunday. I'm really really really nervous about it. I'm going to be mainly helping in Sunday School, going to the church meetings, and going on pastoral visitation. I'm quite shy and quiet, and don't have much confidence, and i've been dreading this placement for the last 5 months.

i'm just worried that i'm going to muck stuff up, do something wrong, look like an idiot. i'm not the best at teaching kids, i've never had much contact with younger kids before so i'm not very good with them. i'm scared that the people at the church are going to think that i'm some sort of idiot. i kind of know most of the people there, as i used to go to the church about 6 years ago, but left because of problems with most of the people there....now i'm going back

has anyone got any advice on how to deal with kids/teach them etc? i'm just really really nervous (i would be anyway even if i didnt have to go to this particular church).

 

[renaistre]

Maybe it's because I'm from the U.S., but I've never heard of the term "going on Placement." Could you elaborate?

As to dealing with or teaching kids, the main advice I would give is to try to relax. Just treat them as people, and don't teach down to them. Kids will usually love you for that. Also, kids usually laugh much more easily than grownups, which means you don't have to worry about being super witty. And if they do laugh when you wouldn't expect it, don't take it personally, as if they were laughing at you.

If you are open and relaxed, and just let yourself not get embarrased about anything, you will probably have them in the palm of your hand. Try to remember when you were their age, and what you would have liked and responded to. I wish you the best!

-Evan

 

[Periann]

Dont worry so much about it! Besides praying about it, really just try and relax, kids wont expect you to be a miss know it all or anything like that. Dont be afraid to laugh and show that you are comfortable. If you act comfortable pretty soon you will feel like it too and so will the kids.

 

[welshchick]

going on Placement is part of my university course - it's one module, and its compulsory so you have to do it. i'm just quite shy, and i'm rubbish at speaking to adults. i'm okay if they ask me questions - can answer them easily enough and talk, but then i feel like i should ask them stuff, but i never know what to say except "so what's your son/daughter doing now?". so having to spend 3 weeks with them is kinda scary! i dont like attention being drawn to myself, and i know everyone's going to notice me as i'll be 'new'. and doing the pastoral visitation to see people i dont know....i don't know what to say or ask them. especially if they're ill or are going through a difficult patch...i don't know what to say! i know that it all comes with experience, but i'm just really scared! i've got to do it again next year too.....

 

[Wide-eyedWithWonder]

It sounds like you're kinda shy around people, welshchick. Believe it or not, this is actually pretty common. The problem is, you're already assuming that the people you'll be working with won't like you. The odds are pretty good that they actually will like you, if you give them a chance to know you. From what you've said, I can guess that allowing yourself to be known in any way is a bit scary for you. However, God is in the business of making people whole, and with a little help from mature Christian friends, you'll be able to view this as an opportunity and not the scariest thing ever. These friends (even one will suffice) can help lead you through the process of being emotionally whole and being able to relate to people better. I'll pray for you girl, since I know exactly (well, maybe not exactly) what you're going through.
Love and blessings,
Candace