- They are goofy. They are not children and not teenagers. They are between. They're still young enough that their hearts are tender and somewhat innocent. They may be sarcastic but
not as cutting as teens.
- They are learning to process information they receive and make complex decisions. Because of this, they love to ask questions.
- They are able and should accept responsibility for their actions and following the rules. They take a stand-whether it is right or wrong.
- They are developing a self-image based on their experiences and feedback they receive from significant adults. If this feedback is positive, children grow to become confident and
successful teens. If it is frequently negative, a child can grow to feel inadequate and inferior. They are looking for affirmation& approval-a place to fit in.
- They are still learning how to meet new people and interact socially-adults may need to help with introductions and making sure names are used rather than name calling. In
unfamiliar situations, make sure to spell out what kind of behavior is expected.
Otherwise problems may occur simply because students don‟t know what you expect.
- They aren‟t afraid to be transparent & honest.
- They enjoy doing socially useful tasks for others and desire to do them well. Doing these helps them develop a sense of competence.
- For preteens, it is “all about me.” Everything in their world is filtered through“me.” They developing empathy so they can see things from others‟ perspectives but they need help with
this.
- They are looking for peer approval so may try to impress their friends with displays of disrespect toward adults. Keep your composure and don't let a child push you to the edge. Correct misbehaving preteens in private.
- Preteens feel out of control with so much in their lives. They can control where they are in the pecking order of their friend group.
- Students learn through interaction with the story and modern-day applications. They are transitioning from concrete thinking to abstract thinking during their preteen years and into
early teens. Use personal anecdotes–the kids love to hear stories about you that they can relate to. Highlight one main issue in the story.
- Sharing stories of your life builds their trust in you. They need to see and be in relationships, not just seeing religion. Be consistent because this helps them overcome their
fears, shows that you care about them and helps them to trust you.
- They are ready to own their faith. They are open to learning new things so they can“one up” their parents, each other, and you with “stumpers.” It is ok to acknowledge that you
don‟t know something. Be authentic!
- They are very energetic, love to play and need to move. They thrive in scheduled chaos. They are loud and that is OK. Play with them! They see your playing with them as a sign that you care.
- They want to know Truth so they ask deeper questions. If they don't understand why something is, they have a hard time remembering it. They want to talk about what‟s on their minds.
- Preteens'development is foundational. What you do with them now will last for a lifetime. But don‟t let this scare you.
- Preteens want their parents there but they don't...they are moving away from parents but still want the safety net.
- Preteens may be growing up faster physically now, but they aren't growing up faster spiritually. Even though they may look older than they are, remember that emotionally and
spiritually, they are not any older than the rest of the 4th graders.
- Preteens understand the power of prayer and that they can pray for those - around them.
- Preteens are on an emotional roller-coaster. They are all about drama. Everything's a big deal. This means eruptions are big but don't last long.
- Preteens can‟t handle high/low changes. You need to transition gradually.
- Preteens are really smart and really capable. They can make discoveries. You can ask them to make decisions.
- Their leadership abilities will begin to shine through...encourage this and utilize their gift.
- Body image is becoming an issue. They are developing at different paces and this can negatively effect their self-esteem. Eating disorders emerge in both boys and girls at this age.
(Be aware of this.)
Adapted from material of St. Michael’s and all Archangels Episcopal
Church in Dallas Texas
not as cutting as teens.
- They are learning to process information they receive and make complex decisions. Because of this, they love to ask questions.
- They are able and should accept responsibility for their actions and following the rules. They take a stand-whether it is right or wrong.
- They are developing a self-image based on their experiences and feedback they receive from significant adults. If this feedback is positive, children grow to become confident and
successful teens. If it is frequently negative, a child can grow to feel inadequate and inferior. They are looking for affirmation& approval-a place to fit in.
- They are still learning how to meet new people and interact socially-adults may need to help with introductions and making sure names are used rather than name calling. In
unfamiliar situations, make sure to spell out what kind of behavior is expected.
Otherwise problems may occur simply because students don‟t know what you expect.
- They aren‟t afraid to be transparent & honest.
- They enjoy doing socially useful tasks for others and desire to do them well. Doing these helps them develop a sense of competence.
- For preteens, it is “all about me.” Everything in their world is filtered through“me.” They developing empathy so they can see things from others‟ perspectives but they need help with
this.
- They are looking for peer approval so may try to impress their friends with displays of disrespect toward adults. Keep your composure and don't let a child push you to the edge. Correct misbehaving preteens in private.
- Preteens feel out of control with so much in their lives. They can control where they are in the pecking order of their friend group.
- Students learn through interaction with the story and modern-day applications. They are transitioning from concrete thinking to abstract thinking during their preteen years and into
early teens. Use personal anecdotes–the kids love to hear stories about you that they can relate to. Highlight one main issue in the story.
- Sharing stories of your life builds their trust in you. They need to see and be in relationships, not just seeing religion. Be consistent because this helps them overcome their
fears, shows that you care about them and helps them to trust you.
- They are ready to own their faith. They are open to learning new things so they can“one up” their parents, each other, and you with “stumpers.” It is ok to acknowledge that you
don‟t know something. Be authentic!
- They are very energetic, love to play and need to move. They thrive in scheduled chaos. They are loud and that is OK. Play with them! They see your playing with them as a sign that you care.
- They want to know Truth so they ask deeper questions. If they don't understand why something is, they have a hard time remembering it. They want to talk about what‟s on their minds.
- Preteens'development is foundational. What you do with them now will last for a lifetime. But don‟t let this scare you.
- Preteens want their parents there but they don't...they are moving away from parents but still want the safety net.
- Preteens may be growing up faster physically now, but they aren't growing up faster spiritually. Even though they may look older than they are, remember that emotionally and
spiritually, they are not any older than the rest of the 4th graders.
- Preteens understand the power of prayer and that they can pray for those - around them.
- Preteens are on an emotional roller-coaster. They are all about drama. Everything's a big deal. This means eruptions are big but don't last long.
- Preteens can‟t handle high/low changes. You need to transition gradually.
- Preteens are really smart and really capable. They can make discoveries. You can ask them to make decisions.
- Their leadership abilities will begin to shine through...encourage this and utilize their gift.
- Body image is becoming an issue. They are developing at different paces and this can negatively effect their self-esteem. Eating disorders emerge in both boys and girls at this age.
(Be aware of this.)
Adapted from material of St. Michael’s and all Archangels Episcopal
Church in Dallas Texas
