The children were cheering as the review game ended. Quickly Lisa held up her hand and said, “Show me you’re being quiet by raising your hand!” One by one, hands went up as the group quieted. Early elementary children learn through varied activities.

Juniors are known for flocking to crowds like those that “hang” at the malls. But they also long to belong to a core network of caring people who know, understand and accept them. Such support is also vital to their development.* The junior child needs relationships and healthy small groups are key to meeting this need.

God tells us to make a conscious commitment to face trials with joy. I’ve been told that some people think they will have no more problems after they come to Christ. If so, they will learn the truth quickly! Problems are part of being alive.

Preteens are at a stage where they may begin tuning out spiritual instruction. Our job as teachers is to challenge these emerging adolescents to keep on learning. In order to do so we must tap into the intrinsic motivators God has put in place.