example is better than precept
One's actions can teach more effectively than a lecture. If your students seem board, keep in mind that example is better than precept. Of course your kids won't listen if you always just try to tell them what to do. Example is better than precept, after all.
Example is better than precept.
Prov. You will teach people more effectively by being a good example than you will by telling them what to do. Mother never lectured us; she just tried her best to be a good person, and we tried hard to be like her. She was living proof that example is better than precept.