Children in this age group still find it hard to understand abstract concepts like ‘truth’, but they believe in people whom they trust.  The challenge is turning abstract concepts into concrete teaching. 

They are influenced by those they admire…

So use real-life and Biblical role models.

• Invite Church leaders and community leaders to visit and inspire
• Include Christian biographies in your curriculum
• Invite visiting missionaries to come and share
• Deepen your teaching about the lives of Biblical characters
• Train your leaders to be positive role models

Belonging to a group is important…

So provide opportunities for team activities.

• Memory Verse Games
• Problem-solving puzzles and games in teams
• Outdoor Games with team challenges
• Add a social activity to your program (like bowling or a picnic)

Peer pressure is a big influence…

So create opportunities for positive attitudes to be expressed.

• Teach about friendship and what true friendship looks like
• Teach the ‘Golden Rule’:  Do to others as you would have them do to you. (The words of Jesus in Luke 6:31; Matthew 7:12)
• Promote the Fruit of the Spirit
• Use Scripture, creativity, music and art to enhance feelings of positivity

They are influenced by pop culture…

It may be difficult to include positive Biblical worldview examples from pop culture (and frankly I don’t usually go there) but it’s good to acquaint yourself with the latest trends.

• Talk with your youth leaders
• Follow hashtags and trending lists
• Be aware of influencers
• Attend Children’s Ministry Conferences or forums to keep current

They have a strong sense of justice and loyalty.

So be fair and consistent in all your dealings.

• Set your rules and boundaries and stick to them
• Give context to people in the Bible, their lives and the times they lived in
• Be prepared for questions and allow time for discussion

They are becoming sexually aware…

So be sensitive to physical and emotional issues.

• Be a good listener
• Encourage appropriate discussion
• Stay connected with Mums and Dads and caregivers

They sometimes challenge authority…

So balance authority with friendliness.

• Again, set your rules and boundaries and stick to them
• Remember your feelings and experiences as a pre-teen
• Be an active listener
• Build relationships

They are competitive…

So provide opportunities for healthy competition.

• Individual and team games and challenges
• Memory Verse games
• Competitions like Minute to Win It
• Reinforce positive messages about competition: sometimes you win, sometimes you lose but it’s good to have a go

They experience moodiness…

So acknowledge and respect situations that may be outside your control.

• Be consistent
• Be a role model
• Provide life applications to Bible lessons so they see the relevance of God’s Word

They are sensitive to criticism…

So choose your words carefully.

• Don’t speak in haste
• Speak life and be a positive influence
• Catch children doing something good and be sincere in affirming them
• Train volunteers to be sensitive