Serving Together to Reach Boys and Girls with the Gospel of Christ

Understanding Pre-Adolescent and Middle School Students

Understanding Pre-Adolescent and Middle School Students
Jerry Sinkel - Cadillac (MI) Area Public School (CAPS) Administrator
Elected to Manton Consolidated School Board in 2008

Explaining the Middle School Culture – Preps and those who want to fit in develop a trust relationship first thing – Be positive!
Explaining the Middle School Ministry – We need outreach ministries in our schools – Col. 3:12-14 Forgive, Compassion, Patience, Accountability, Relate to kids
Love of Children needs to be your inspiration to service God in the area of working with Middle School students
Middle School students need many significant adults in their lives: Parents, Church & Awana workers,School personnel that will help anchor them.
Peers are important – we need to guide them in the selection process
Impact of Media - Selection & preference influence their ethics
Win the war, not every battle – Teach consequences and accountability. Let them feel the impact of their decisions at this level.
Keep a smile and make them smile – They need to see encouragement. 1Thes. 5:14-18
Range of Maturity within the group – Be sensitive
Avoid embarrassing a student – They will turn on you
Creating a listening/learning setting – eye contact, proximity, gentle tough and conferences. Provide attention and support
Encourage their involvement and attend their events