Age Level Development Characteristics - Teacher Training Resources
Everyone, regardless of physical age, needs to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus and "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet. 3:18). How can we best reach and teach people where they are based on their age level development? What kind of environment is most conducive for learning at that age? What tends to motivate them to want to learn? Which methods fit their abilities?
Gain a Broad Understanding of Age Development
Make Truths Relevant for Students Worksheet
Find an example, in this three-page worksheet, of slanting the same truth to each age level to fit their needs and interests. See the transitions students make from age to age to better understand where your students have come from and prepare them for the next developmental stage of their lives.
Reaching All Age Levels Download
Use this PowerPoint Presentation with teachers of all age levels together in a group session, followed by breakout sessions into groups based on broad age divisions (preschool, grade school, teens, adults) to look at additional content provided on handouts and to discuss questions that personalize it.
Zero in on Specific Age Levels
Age Level Characteristics Download by Ministry Tools Resource Center
Gain a better understanding of physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual characteristics of the age being taught. This resource looks at eleven age levels from birth through senior adults. For each age level you will find an introductory article about that age group, a one-page overview of their age level characteristics, and a worksheet with the characteristics to assess one's teaching in light of their implications, and determine steps to take for improvement. It comes as a whole unit or in individual modules for early childhood, grade school, youth (teens), and adults..Click below to find training resources for the following ages:
- General (on this page; scroll down)
- Early Childhood
- Grade School
- Youth/Teens
- Adults
For Those Who Oversee Teacher Training
General Training About Age Levels
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Articles, Online:
- Age Level Understanding Helps Teachers Make Truths Relevant
- FAQ about Age Level Issues
- How to Disciple Mixed-Age Groups Together in Your Children’s Ministry
- How to Give Age-Appropriate Answers to Questions About God
- How To Teach Multi-Age Sunday School
- Keeping Everyone Engaged in a Multiaged Environment
- Making Even Well-Known Truths Relevant (Worksheet based on this article listed above.)
- Spiritual Age versus Physical Age
- Teach in Accordance with Students' Age
- Teaching Tips For Multi-Age Classrooms
- The ABC's of Spiritual Growth: The secret to creating lifelong faith is understanding the ABCs of developmental issues
Books:
- One Church, Four Generations: Understanding and Reaching All Ages in Your Church by Gary L. McIntosh
- Wholly Kids by LifeWay Church Resources
Computer/Online:
- Understanding Age Group Characteristics - This online seminar is designed to equip you to teach specific characteristics of five age groups ranging from babies to young teens by Child Evangelism Fellowship
Resources:
- 13 Very ... Small Group Solutions for Kids by David C. Cook - "ideal for use during adult small groups, at house churches, in Sunday school, and with evening programs in smaller churches. Sessions are geared to a range of ages, and there's almost no prep required."
- All-in-One Sunday School by Group Publishing - curriculum for mixed-age classes of children ages 4 through 12 - "will work in any ministry, but it's especially great for smaller churches that combine classes every Sunday. Also good for large churches that combine ages during summer and for any other multi-age class setting"
- All Together Now by Group Publishing - "for ministries with children aged 4 to 12 (Kindergarten to 6th Grade) ... great resource for smaller churches, midweek services, or anytime you have children of different ages together in church."
- Character by God's Design by Group Publishing - "lessons are created for groups of kids of all ages in one room ... to provide kids with the character qualities they need to each turn into the person God made them to be"
- Grow Together Now by Group Publishing - "Equip kids of all ages in one room with the character qualities they need to grow to be more like Jesus."
Videos:
Age Divisions: Early Childhood - Grade School - Youth (Teens) - AdultsShare This with Others:
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