b'Get to Know ThemWhether we have been working withcharacteristics that identify middle middle schoolers for some time or areschoolers. Doing so can help us more brand new to the role, it is essential tospecifically structure our classes and tailor understand the various characteristicsour approach in a way that honors them that help define young adolescentswherever they are in their development. at this age. We must get to knowWe must also strive to know something the scope of physical, intellectual,about their individual lives and interests emotional, social, moral, and spiritualin order to best connect faith to life.Keep Creativity and Engagement HighIf we truly understand theof engaging learning activities, and developmental characteristics ofemploy various methods to explore middle schoolers, we know that nowcore faith topics. Engaging debates and is the time to make our classes asconversations, out-of-the-seat learning creative and engaging as ever. Withactivities, opportunities for artistic all the changes young adolescentsexpression and reflection, and skits and are experiencing, they are easilyrole-plays are just a few examples of distracted. Our classes must,ways to enliven and spark learning.be well-planned, creative, full Make Content MeaningfulFaith in the abstract is muchfiltering information more difficult to grasp for youngthrough the lens of people than faith applied to theirWhat difference does lived experience. It is crucialthis make? Its our role to to demonstrate how learningshow them, in real terms, how faith about faith can impact uscan make a difference and how it can and the world in profoundenrich their lives and help guide them ways. Young adolescents arein real-life situations and experiences.22 Call 1.800.533.80952020_Elementary_catalog_FN.indd 22 1/6/20 2:20 PM'