It can be a challenge trying to teach today's kids.
Childhood has changed.
Today's kids have an attention span that can be measured in the single digits.
Today's kids have access to unlimited knowledge at the click of a mouse.
Today's kids are being wired to learn on their own. They often feel like they can manage their own learning pace and don't need a teacher to guide them.
In spite of this...kids still need teachers to help them find, navigate, and apply knowledge.
To be a successful teacher for today's kids requires certain skill sets. The good news...these skills can be learned and used immediately.
Let's look at 10 key elements of successful teaching for today's kids.
1. Less lecture...more conversation.
The more you lecture, the less kids learn. Instead of lecturing the kids for 20 minutes, talk to them for 2-3 minutes and then give them time to discuss what you just shared. Used open-ended, guided questions that will get kids talking.
2. Less facts...more stories.
Did you know that the Bible says that Jesus used stories (parables) every time He taught. He never taught without without using stories. There is something about stories that resonates with kids (and adults). Bring stories to your lessons and you will capture and hold kids' attention.
3. Less explanation...more object lessons.
Bring object lessons into your teaching. It works. I did an object lesson last weekend when I was teaching kids. We were talking about worshiping God through singing and how He fills us up with His love when we sing to Him.
I took an empty coke bottle and filled it with vinegar. I then poured some baking soda into an empty balloon. When I placed the balloon over the bottle, the baking soda and vinegar combination blew up the balloon. The kids loved it and it got the point across that I was communicating to them.
4. Less monotone...more voice variance.
Remember Charlie Brown's teacher on the phone? A bland, monotone voice. Don't be that teacher. Learn to vary your voice when you are teaching. Whisper sometimes. Shout sometimes. Bring excitement into your voice.
5. Less information...more application.
Go back to how Jesus taught. His teaching was 85% application and 15% information. Yes...kids need to learn the facts found in the Bible. But they also need to learn how to apply those truths and live them out. This is where application comes in. Make sure you give kids a few ways they can live out the lesson that week.
6. Less reading by the teacher....more reading by the students.
Let kids read the verses in the lesson. Yes, they will probably need your help with some of the words, but that's okay.
This generation knows very little about how to find verses in the Bible much less read them. Teach kids how to find verses in their Bible and then have them read the verses.
7. Less "what"...more "why."
We must teach kids why we believe what we believe. Yes...they need to learn the facts of the Bible. But they also must know why we believe the Bible is God's Word. We can fill their heads with the "whats" but if they don't know the "why," they may walk away when they get older.
8. Less sitting still...more movement.
Kids were made to move. Don't expect them to sit still for an hour. Use active learning. Get them up out of their seats and let them move!
9. Less quiet time...more games.
Yes. There should be some quiet times in your lesson. I always have kids get still and quiet for prayer time. For up to a minute, they sit in silence and listen to the Holy Spirit.
But you can't expect kids to sit still for your entire class time.
Play games.
Active games.
Kids love games.
10. Less numbers...more relationships.
Make sure your lesson includes times for relationship building.
Icebreakers.
Discussion times where they share about their family, school, favorites, etc.
You've heard this quote.
"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
It is so true. When you make time to build relationships with the kids in your class, it opens the door of their heart to receive what you have to share with them.
Incorporate these 10 elements and you will immediately see improvement in your classroom experience.
p.s. Have you checked out my Connect12 curriculum? It incorporates all of these elements. Check it out at this link.
