What Mentors Can Expect

First -  This will be great for your prayer life - especially the quickies Oh, Dear Jesus, help me now.        Seriously, pray for wisdom, sensitivity to the Spirit's leading when dealing with these kids, for good health for yourself so you can be faithful in your attendance and for the kids, for a sense of humor and a sense of humility.  All these things will be invaluable!

Also expect to find learning difficulties with many of these students.  After the forms come in and we've talked with the teachers, we'll know more what challenges each child faces. Until then, maybe you could focus on consistent effort - completing homework, avoiding detentions, good behavior, etc. - more so than learning progress.

Remember that with kids it is not so much what you say but how you say it.  Make sure they know you mean business, but don't be harsh.  Especially with the older ones, a sense of humor will help tone down the rules and make it easier for them to accept your corrections.  With the younger ones, the fewer words during the correction, the better. A simple "stop" is usually effective if you say it like you mean it. Afterwards, you may want to follow up with a question like "did you understand why that was wrong?" 

Please remember to fill out the paperwork at the end of the night - a few simple checkmarks will help us document concerns and progress quite quickly.

Feel free to mail the kids notes or to send cards for birthdays.  If they are not currently attending Sunday School and you can provide transportation, feel free to invite them to come with you, sit with you, etc.