CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Between the ages of five and eleven, children are discovering themselves as individuals, each with their own unique abilities, talents and gifting.
The best way to further your understanding of the children in your groups is by observation and interaction. Watch them at play, or talking together, or talking with adults, or in worship… Ask them about their favourite books, music, teacher, TV programme, holiday experience… And ask them, if you dare, what they enjoy and what they dislike about their church experiences – the times of worship, their group learning times and the social times.
Pretty much everything you need to know about working with 11-14s
(Tricia Williams and John Stephenson, Scripture Union)
2014 conference recommendation by Sharon Prior
2013 conference recommendation by Angeline White & Barbara Van Valkenberg
Too old for children’s work, too young for youth group! So where to 11-14s fit? They’re full of energy, challenging boundaries and exploring the big questions – we need to reach them now! Part one helps you step inside the world and culture of 11-14s, exploring the process of physical and faith development. Part two is packed full of practical advice for programme planning, using the Bible, praying and worshipping with this age group. A combination of theology, theory and practical ideas.
Pretty much everything you need to know about working with 5-7s
(Draper, Franklin and O’Shea,Scripture Union)
2014 conference recommendation by Sharon Prior
2011 conference recommendation by Lianne Smith
As it says in the title, a comprehensive guide, containing case studies and chapters on the world of 5-7s, growing 5-7s and church and 5-7s.
Pretty much everything you need to know about working with 8-10s
(Hilary Porritt and Claire Saunders, Scripture Union)
2012 conference recommendation by Colin Bennett
2011 conference recommendation by Lianne Smith
As it says in the title, a comprehensive guide, containing case studies and chapters on the world of 8-10s, growing 8-10s and church and 8-10s.
Top tips on working with mixed ages
(Maggie Barfield and Terry Clutterham,Scripture Union)
Top tips full of wisdom and understanding – to help you face the challenges of a mixed age group. Passion for the good news of Jesus – to inspire you in sharing your faith with children, whatever their ages.
Introduction to child development
A Core Skills taster session
(Joy Raynor, 2014 conference)
Explore how children grow physically, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually and take the opportunity to reflect on and extend your understanding of this and how it applies to your ministry to and with children.
Delegate rating 7/10