As we consider teaching children with disabilities in the Bible class setting, the single most important factor in the success or failure of a student is teacher attitude! The teacher can make or break the experience for any child that in that classroom.  In showing love like Jesus to your students, you will create an environment of acceptance and appreciation for all types of people and their differences. A child with a disability should never be feared, ignored, or excluded.

We often sing “Jesus Loves the Little Children” in our Bible classes. The sentiments in that song say that no matter what color or what differences children may have, Jesus loves them ALL.  Do we?  Do we see a child with difficulties and differences as a burden or an opportunity? If you see the child as a burden, you will spread that attitude to the other “typical” children in your class. They will catch whatever attitude you display toward the “non-typical” child. Are you condescending? Are you impatient? Are you inflexible? Do you tend to ignore that child? Having a child who learns differently requires us to be more patient and flexible. We cannot expect that we will be able to do things the way we always have done them and be effectively teaching each student. Children are not all the same and should not be treated as such. Each child needs love, respect, and opportunities to learn and grow.

“Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”  Matthew 25:40