Speak as a Child|Mr. Mark's Classroom

1 Corinthians 13:11 – “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put aside childish things.

Speaking like a child and acting like a child are not the same
To do the first does not require the second
A sign of maturity is knowing the difference

Who are the kids we are communicating with? Generation Z

Born 2005 to Present
Experienced radical changes in technology and understanding of family, sexuality and gender
They talk in images: emojis, symbols, pictures, videos
They communicate more frequently in shorter bursts of “snackable content”
They want to be talked to as adults
They like to make stuff – they’re industrious
They are collaborative
They want the story told across multiple screens

6 Points for success when speaking with kids

- Search for words and concepts that are difficult to understand or that have multiple meanings (slave)
  - Use multiple translations, paraphrases, and Bible storybooks
  - Write the passage in your own words
  - Research Bible dictionaries and reference books
  - Practice presentation, listening for words that need to be explained
- Use a variety of illustrations, visuals, and teaching styles
  - Be real and transparent (but filtered)
  - Reference experiences familiar to kids
  - Connect to previous lessons and experiences
  - Expose the same concept/truth in a variety of ways
- Don’t shy away from questions
  - Questions reveal a kids journey from concrete to abstract
- Teach lessons in bite-sized chunks
  - It is better for a child to remember one point correctly than multiple points incorrectly
  - Serve lesson with the appropriate-sized spoon
- Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
  - What’s your point?
  - Repetition is critical – especially for a generation that communicates in shorter bursts of “snackable content”
- Beware of symbolism
  - Avoid explanations that create more questions than answers (Trinity – three-legged stool)
  - Admit you do not have all the answers or understand everything yourself (allow room for faith)

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” – George Bernard Shaw

Jerry Wooley teaches children weekly and provides incredible leadership as an advocate for reaching families through Vacation Bible School. He serves at LifeWay Christian Resources and is a great friend to Mr. Mark’s Classroom and many others.