RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY: apps

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Here Comes Generation Alpha

12:44 PM Dale Hudson

Gen Z is growing up fast. The oldest of Gen Z are now becoming adults.

There is a new generation rising behind them. This new generation has been labeled as "Generation Alpha."

The name "Gen Alpha" was coined by Mark McCrindle. Mark is a social researcher based in Australia.

The "Gen Alpha" label applies to kids born after 2010. At the time of this writing, that would be kids eight and under. They are the first generation born completely in the 21st century. By 2025, they will number 2 billion worldwide. There are 2.5 million Alpha's born every week.

Gen Alpha is immersed in technology from the day they are born. They will never know a world where "app's" didn't exist. They can work their way through an iPad and smart phone while still in diapers. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if they have an interactive screen built into their baby bottle. My nephew, who is 18 months is a great example of this. He can navigate an iPad with ease and watches videos on our smart phones.

Gen Alpha gets bored quickly. This is due to the fact that they are used to using multiple screens and quickly scanning information to find what they want. They jump from app to app, screen to screen, video to video, searching for something that will catch their attention. This is shrinking their already short attention span.

Interestingly enough, researchers say this is causing Gen Alpha to have shallow connections. They crave connections to people. Children's ministries that provide Gen Alpha opportunities to be relationally connected to caring leaders and other kids, will thrive.

For the most part, Gen Alpha is currently being raised by Millennial parents. As Gen Z grows into adulthood, they will also be the parents of Gen Alpha.

This means Gen Alpha is being raised by tech-savvy parents. Their parents get much of their parenting advice and methodology from online sources. Need parenting advice? There's unlimited help with the click of a mouse. Need to set up a schedule? There's an app for that. Want to know the best school in your area? Just ask for advice online and you'll get lots of input and advice.

Another factor to consider is this. Gen Alpha wants access to information immediately. More than any other previous generation, they want what they are asking for on the spot. And if you can't provide it immediately, you will lose their attention.

Gen Alpha longs for personal connections. Provide them with an environment where they are known and cared for personally and you will engage them.

One interesting thing to note is this: While Gen Alpha quickly scans for content they like, when they do find content that engages them, they are willing to spend more time viewing it than Gen Z or Millennials are. They have no problem watching a 30 minute video if it is relevant and enjoyable.

Gen Alpha also likes repetition. If they like a video, they will watch it over and over, coming back to it often. They are loyal, attentive and demanding.

They are also diverse. In fact, they are the most diverse generation in history. In 2011, the Census Bureau reported that it was the first year that more than 50% of children born came from minority families.

Gen Alpha will have the oldest parents of any generation. More women in their 30's are having children than those in their 20's.

The Alphas will grow up thinking they are a celebrity. Their entire childhood is being plastered on Facebook, Instagram and other apps that will come on the scene.

Gen Alpha is also used to getting answers to their questions...immediately. They Google it or ask their digital assistant to find the answer. They will expect immediate gratification. They want everything...right now.

Their babysitter is an iPad or smart phone.

"Generation Alpha is part of an unintentional global experiment where screens are placed in front of them from the youngest age as pacifiers, entertainers and educational aids.” -Mark McCrindle

Alphas prefer communication via images and voice control rather than typing and texting.

They are also bombarded with advertising noise. Everywhere they turn, they are being targeted with messages. Advertising messages that are tracking with their interests, wants and wishes. All of this creates a buzz that makes it more difficult to get your message through. And even more challenging to see your message get stuck in their long-term memory.

All of these factors will affect how we do children's ministry. Here are a few tips for navigating a Gen Alpha world...

Being inundated with technology all week, church may be one of the few places where they can get a break from it. The old school games like Connect 4, hopscotch, Legos, etc. are great to have pre-service for kids to play with along with craft activities, coloring, etc.. In the 80's and 90's, having video games in your ministry was a win with kids. That has changed now since kids have games and technology all the time and everywhere they go. They probably played games on their phone or tablet all the way to church. This makes the old school games appealing and novel.

Keep your services and classes moving and change what you're doing every 5 minutes or so. Definitely don't have a talking head drone on and on. Alphas get bored very quickly and will check out in 5 minutes or less when you're only using verbal communication in your lesson.

Alpha's long for deep connections. Set a goal for every child to be known by name, cared for and prayed for by a leader. Small groups play a big part in this. Work hard to keep your small groups at 6-8 kids. so kids have the opportunity to form deep relationships.

If you want to partner with their parents, then you'll need to use technology. As mentioned above, Millennials get their parenting advice from websites, Facebook, apps, etc. Use these platforms to partner with them.

Repetition is one of the best ways to get God's Word into kids' lives. And Alphas like repetition. Make sure your lesson repeats the main teaching point or other key things you want them to remember.

Gen Alpha is diverse. Make sure your ministry welcomes people from all races, creeds and ethnicities. Show this in your videos, advertising, print materials, etc.

Help Alphas understand that it's not all about them. The culture they are growing up in says it's all about them. Social media is their stage. Help them see that first it's about Jesus, others second and then yourself. This is what will bring them the true joy and fulfillment they are searching for.

Alphas are used to getting things right now. Teach them about patience and waiting on God. Everything is not instant.

Alphas read by images. Use images when you are teaching.

You are competing with a lot of noise. In order to get your teaching truth into their minds, you'll need to use repetition. And the points you want them to remember...keep them short and sweet.

I'm excited about reaching the Alphas. We have a great opportunity to share the Gospel with them and see them come to Christ. My prayer is that God will give us the wisdom and understanding to meet them where they are and lead them into a relationship with Jesus.

Preschoolers' Mobile Video Consumption is Controlling App Charts

7:17 AM Dale Hudson

Recent studies show that preschoolers are inundated with mobile devices. 75% of kids under the age of 5 use mobile devices such as tablets. This is a 46% increase since 2012.

What are preschoolers consuming on these devices? Video content. They are naturally drawn to video content and that's what's driving their usage.

3 of the top-grossing iPhone apps for kids under the age of 5 are video players. Here's the list.

Top 5 grossing iPhone apps for kids ages five and under:
ABC Mouse.com
PlayKids
Noggin
BabyFirst Videos
Sago Mini Babies

George Barna says, "In the race to a child's heart, the first one there wins."

If the church is going to win this race, then we must develop mobile video content that can capture the attention of preschoolers and plant God's Word in their hearts.

Do you know of apps that are currently available to teach preschoolers God's Word? Share them with us in the comment section below.

Nick Jr. Releases New App That's a Huge Hit with Preschoolers

6:53 AM Dale Hudson

Last year, I shared in this post that preschoolers are leading the way in using touchscreen mobile devices. 38% of kids two and younger have used mobile devices, 47% of three to five-year-olds can navigate a smartphone and 57% can operate an app.

Nick Jr. recently released a new iPad app for preschoolers that's a huge hit. It's a free app that has video episodes, learning activities, crafts and funny surprises. You can get more info. about the app here.

We are ministering to kids who are digital natives. Who will lead the way in creating apps and content that will teach them God's Word?

Are there any apps out there that teach preschoolers God's Word? If you are aware of any, share them with us in the comment section below.

Who Uses Tablets the Most? The Surprising Answer

6:19 AM Dale Hudson

Who uses tablets the most? You may be surprised by the answer.

A recent report says the biggest users are not teens...but kids.

The reason? Think about it. Parents of young children are aware of the multitude e-books, games, and learning apps that are available for tablets.

Since kids age 2 to 5 spend more time at home with their parents, it makes sense that parents would be using tablets to entertain and teach their kids through this avenue.

And they are easy to use on the go as well. Think about how many times you have seen younger children with tablets in the waiting room at a doctor's office or in the backseat of a car.

Elementary kids? Studies show they are not only using tablets for entertainment, but for schoolwork as well. 56% of elementary kids who have tablets report using them for schoolwork.

These studies reveal an incredible opportunity for the church to reach and disciple kids for Christ through apps, games, and online discipleship tools designed for tablets.

There are a few groups who are tapping into this, but we are just scratching the service. My prayer is that God will raise up creative and innovative leaders in this area who can develop these tools.

Who do you know that is developing apps and tools for tablets with the goal of reaching and discipling kids?

What apps and tools are out there already that we can help promote?

What are your ideas and thoughts in this area?

Leave your thoughts in the comment section below so we can spread the word.

Generation C...they're in your preschool rooms

5:13 AM Dale Hudson

Technology is quickly becoming a big part of the preschool world.

In fact, today's preschoolers are being called "Generation C."

Generation C represents kids who from an early age, are connected to technology.

Here's some interesting facts about Generation C.

25% of kids are using the internet daily by age three
50% of kids are using the internet daily by age five
For kids 8 and younger, 27% of all digital media is screen-based
60% of all best selling educational apps are geared towards preschool children
30% of apps on parents’ devices are downloaded by their children

In years past, parents prepared their children for kindergarten by teaching them how to count to ten, grip a pencil, identify shapes and colors, etc.

Today, children entering school have a few more items on their must-know list – all related to technology.

How to use a mouse to move the cursor on the screen
Know where the main buttons on a keyboard are
Have familiarity with at least five interactive applications, games or activities
Know some technical terminology, like: digital camera, iPad, computer, internet, mouse, keyboard, and printer
Be able to type their name on a QWERTY keyboard
Understand the basic functions of an internet browser

Are you prepared to effectively minister to Generation C?

Kid Tech...According to Apple

7:56 AM Dale Hudson

Kids Replacing Game Consoles with Mobile Gaming

8:09 AM Dale Hudson

Last week I was at a friend's house. Their 4 year old daughter wanted to see my iPhone. Why? She wanted to play games. I was amazed at how quickly she could navigate through the games and apps...at 4 years old.

If trends continue, mobile games may eventually replace gaming consoles such as the Wii, Xbox, and PlayStation. According to Pew Research, 67 per cent of all the time spent using mobile devices is spent playing games. That’s an impressive rate compared to the 10 per cent of time people spend on social networks such as Facebook.

Mobile gaming is also bringing in the money. 76 of the 100 top selling iOS apps are games. 80 per cent of the $10 billion app industry is being generated by game sales.

And for the first time ever, the console industry is expecting a new generation of devices that will fail to outperform their predecessors in terms of sales. Dedicated gaming sales - including living-room consoles and handhelds - are in the midst of a four-year tailspin. Game industry sales were down 24% in September compared to the same period last year.

With shortened attention spans, today's kids prefer quick, bite-size gaming sessions - something consoles have never been good at. Why go to the living room, wait for the console to power on, load the game from the main menu and wait for it to boot, when you can simply tap an icon on a smartphone?

Sure, everyone wants to see what Nintendo has in store with the Wii U and what Sony will do with the PlayStation 4. However, Nintendo has recently announced that its projected sales figure for the upcoming Wii U has been slashed by 17 per cent.

This doesn’t mean consoles are going to disappear overnight. But since mobile gaming can perform just as well as consoles and also comes with the added bonus of mobility, it’s expected that the next generation of kids is going to prefer them over consoles.

30 Best iPhone Apps for Kids

5:56 AM Unknown

I see it all the time. Parents handing their iPhone to their child to keep them entertained. Whether it's standing in the check-out line at a store, waiting in the doctor's office, riding in the car, or at an older sibling's sports event...kids are connected to the iPhone.

Here's a look at the 30 best iPhone apps for kids according to Parenting.com. (This is not a personal endorsement of these apps, but simply a look at which ones are popular with today's kids.) As you check these out, here's some questions to ponder. Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

What makes these apps appealing to kids?
What can we learn for Children's Ministry from these apps?
What are some ideas for Children's Ministry apps?

Helicopter Taxi
If your children are into transportation and making things go, Helicopter Taxi is a must-have app. Using augmented reality, this app uses the device’s camera to create an effect of a helicopter flying across the room with your children who, of course, are always on-the-go. By moving the device around, your little pilots steer the helicopter to wherever they want it to fly, and then land on different surfaces to pick up more passengers. The graphics are crisp and strikingly real – your kids will delight in being the navigators of their very own helicopter adventures.

Parenting's Birthday Party Playtime, Ages 3 and Up
If your kids had fun with the adorable Toca Tea Party app, they'll love the newest offering from Toca Boca and Parenting. This super-sweet app lets your kid have a birthday every day of the week. Let your kids gather 'round the phone to share birthday cake and more

Pocket Frogs
Is your kid obsessed with amphibians? With this app, your child will be able to collect, trade and breed new frogs in customizable habitats. Can be played with other friends, and features more than 60 rewards to earn as they go along.

Cut the Rope
An ugly-cute monster named Om Nom has to solve puzzles, using special tools like pulleys and catapults, and catch stars in order to score candy. This is the game that will keep your kid occupied for a verrrry long time on that cross-country road trip. You're going to have to figure out when you're going to get your turn.

Plants Vs. Zombies
You've got about 50 plants on your team ready to do battle when 26 types of zombies come spoiling for a fight. Not your ordinary greenery, these shrubs know how to make mulch out of the brain-seeking ghouls. With 50 levels of addictive play, composting corpses has never been so amusing. For the older kids in your family (yes, you and your spouse included).

Disney Fairies Fly
If watching one of the three Tinkerbell movies over and over simply isn't enough Tink for your pixie-lover, here's your fairy-laden solution! Tilting of an iDevice allows your child to guide a chosen fairy through a beautifully rendered Pixie Hollow, collecting treasures and avoiding obstacles. App also includes wallpapers and still shots from the movies, plus mini videos.

Jelly Car 2
The original Jelly Car was a breakout hit among hip kids, so it stands to reason that Jelly Car 2 will give your kidlet just as much chitty-chitty-bang-bang for the buck. With 30 new levels, three new modes (customization lets a player create their own JellyCar and puzzles), and new Sticky Wheels and Balloon abilities, your child might accidentally be learning something about physics and problem-solving while they play. (Shhhh -- don't tell.)

Super Why!
Already a super-fabulous PBS show for the preschool set, Super Why! takes your child's fave characters and delivers a bunch of gamelets where the alphabet, rhyming, spelling, writing and reading are all rolled out in fun ways. The catchy theme song will surely be playing in your head at 2am (sorry about that).

American Museum of Natural History: Dinosaurs
If you have a paleontologist-in-the-making on your hands, this is the app to download. The interface begins with an amazing mosaic of dino photos (more than 800) that make up an image of a T-Rex. Your child can tap on any one of those images to drill down to information on the creature featured. This is definitely an app you'll enjoy alongside your little one too.

SmackTalk
Annoying? Hilarious? You decide! This little app records anything your child chooses to say, and repeats it back in either a "high squeaky or low freaky voice" via a fuzzy critter interface (choose from a guinea pig, puppy, kitten or Chihuahua). This one's sure to have your child in stitches.

No pics for the rest due to space limitations.

The Pianist
Transform your iPhone into an 88-key piano for your little Mozart. Realistic graphics feature 3D keys that depress as you touch them. And when the magnum opus is ready, your kids can record it, overdub it as many times as they want, and play it back for adoring fans.

Scribble Lite
Turn your iPhone into a miniature sketch pad. Draw your masterpiece, then shake to erase. With tons of colors, pen sizes, and draw-on photo options, the possibilities are endless. Equally appealing: the excuse to shake an iPhone violently.

Wooo! Button
The Wooo! Button does one thing and one thing only: it screams WOOO! It will scream and scream until your giggling kid stops pushing -- which will probably be never. This instant distraction is solid gold because, for some reason (and we're not sure why), it's just as funny on the 100th push as the first.

Toddler Teasers: Shapes
Created by a real mom and dad searching for ways to occupy their own 2 year old, Toddler Teasers Shapes quizzes tots on the basics. Kids are told which shape to touch, and after four correct answers, they're rewarded with a virtual sticker. And if they push the square instead of the circle? They'll still learn as they go by hearing the name of the wrong shape and guessing again.

Memory Match: Child Development Edition
In this flash memory game there is no luck, just pure memorization. Kids get points for remembering where they last saw matching pictures or numbers, and can spend days practicing.

The Pool
Dip your finger in and cause a rippling effect that covers the screen. Kids can get creative making different patterns with their ripples, and even catch a small tropical fish friend.

Penguin Whacker
Ever go to the arcade and vent your frustrations on the Whack-a-Mole? Now your toddler gets a turn to whack some cute penguins on the iPhone (minus the big mallet.) Whack as many as you can in 20, 30 or 60 seconds by tapping the screen.

Alphabet Animals
Perfect for your talented toddler, this game is packed with colorful animations, animal sounds, and tons of tips for learning their letters. The digital flash cards are interactive, with animals that talk them through every letter of the alphabet.

Reversi
Just like the board game, Othello, except your opponent is the iPhone. You play with the white chips, and the iPhone plays with the black. The goal is to surround your opponent's pieces with your own, which will turn your opponent's pieces into yours. The game continues until the board is full or no more moves are possible by either player -- just long enough to get you out of the grocery store.

Checkers
Everyone loves to play checkers, and now you can play on your iPhone. Tap once to select a checker, tap again to move it. So simple, and kids can play alone or against a sibling.

Freshwater Aquarium
Something fishy has found its way to the small screen. This application turns your iPhone into a freshwater haven for 19 species of fish. Tots can feed them and watch them grow, or play eye-spy, turning this aquarium into an exciting -- yet quiet -- distraction.

Mad Libs
Just as goofy and fun as your remember. Create silly stories by filling in the blanks with this addictive story creator. Great for your budding grammar-whiz, there are tons of stories to choose from, and there will be tons of giggling after.

Push the Button
Ready. Set. Click! Kids have 30 seconds to click on as many buttons as possible -- then endless hours to try to beat their high score. Ah, simple pleasures.

iSign Alphabet
The entire American Sign Language Alphabet is now stored in one little application! After practicing, your kids will love showing off their new communication skills to the nice man waiting in line behind you at the post office.

WordSearch Kids
Kids search and highlight vocabulary words by tapping the first and last letters. Find them all, brag a bit, then start another puzzle (because there are hundreds).

Tic-Tac-Toe 4 Two Players
Got two kids in the backseat? Tic-Tac-Toe 4 Two Players solves all car trip squabbles. Siblings take turns being X's and O's and can focus on something else besides "Are we there yet?"

Infinite Maze
Remember those big wooden box mazes that you had to tilt in order to move a marble through to the finish line? Well, now kids can play it on your iPhone. Tilting the iPhone gets highly addictive and the marble occasionally gets replaced with silly, random objects. Fun!

Snowman 3D
With dozens of different 3D items to mix and match, kids can build some pretty unique snowmen! Start by rolling snowballs around the backyard to make each body part, then accessorize away. The game is easy to understand, and kids can build a snowy friend and save his picture, then demolish him.

Wacky Safari
We dig this collection of crazy safari games. With zany sounds from wild animals, and fun facts disguised as jokes, it'll keep toddlers giggling and teach them a little something as they mix and match animal photos.

Pegs
The online version of the old-time golf-peg puzzle you find at Cracker Barrel is a brain-expanding hit. Jump the pegs to eliminate all the pegs but one. Every puzzle is solvable, and we're willing to bet you'll be asking for a turn to show them how it's done.

Do you know any Children's Ministries that are creating apps for kids? Would love to hear about them. Share in the comment section below.

What You Need to Know About the Rise of Tablets for Kids

6:11 AM Unknown

The number of kids using tablets is on the rise. A study shows that 44% of children wanted an iPad this past Christmas compared to 31% in 2010.

Sales are forecast to be nearly 250% higher this year than the 18 million tablets sold last year. PC sales, meanwhile, will increase by an anemic 3%. A new survey from the nonprofit group, Common Sense Media, finds nearly half of 2 to 4 year olds, and 10 percent of children younger than that, have used a smartphone, tablet or video iPod.

Tablets have become a communal item among families. One-third of parents share their tablet with their kids. 65% of mothers regularly let their children use their tablet. In many instances, parents are handing the tablet to their child to keep them occupied while they are shopping, waiting in line, in the car, or at a sibling's soccer game.

Educational leaders are recognizing the potential of tablets being used in education. Apple recently announced that it is targeting its products for classrooms. Many teachers are already using tablets to engage students and make learning more fun. Valerie Nash, the Director of the Peoria Unified School Distict says,"the power of having that in the classroom is that it’s a tool for learning." A tablet called the Nabi is linked to 33,000 educational and kid-friendly websites. Here's a couple of examples.

Online safety is a concern. With most tablets comes direct access to the internet. Not the most ideal place for a child to hang out if it is not filtered. Companies such as Fuhu, Fooz, and Playrific have developed apps that parents can install to protect their children while they are using tablets.

So what does this mean for Children's Ministry?

Should we be developing apps for tablets that teach kids God's Word?
How can we equip parents to use tablets as a discipleship tool for their children?
Do you think the Bible on tablet will eventually replace the Bible on paper?
How can we make tablets a creative, interactive teaching element in our classrooms at church?

Would enjoy seeing your thoughts in the comment section below.

Posted by Dale Hudson