b'GET TO KNOW THEMWhether we have been working with middle schoolers for some time or are brand new to the role, we must understand the various characteristics that help define young adolescents at this age. We must get to know the scope of physical, intellectual, emotional, social, moral, and spiritual characteristics that identify middle schoolers. Doing so can help us more specifically structure our classes and tailor our approach in a way that honors them wherever they are in their development. We must also strive to know something about their individual lives and interests in order to best connect faith to life.KEEP CREATIVITY AND ENGAGEMENT HIGHIf we truly understand the developmental characteristics of middle schoolers, we know that now is the time to make our classes as creative and engaging as ever. With all the changes young adolescents are experiencing, they are easily distracted. Our classes must be well-planned, creative, and full of engaging learning activities, and we must employ various methods to explore core faith topics. Engaging debates and conversations, out-of-the-seat learning activities, opportunities for artistic expression and reflection, and skits and role-plays are just a few examples of ways to enliven and spark learning.MAKE CONTENT MEANINGFULFaith in the abstract is much more difficult to grasp for young people than faith applied to their lived experience. It is crucial to demonstrate how learning about faith can impact us and the world in profound ways. Young adolescents are filtering information through the lens of What difference does this make? Its our role to show them, in real terms, how faith can make a difference and how it can enrich their lives and help guide them in real-life situations and experiences.52 Inspire! Fall 2020'