Highly Effective Preteen Teaching Tip: Distract and Discuss

An effective way to get preteens to open up is to distract them. While their hands are busy, it’s amazing how much their minds and mouths open up. Try any of these ideas to distract your kids into a discussion. Simply position your leaders throughout the group, ready to ask questions and listen.

Distract and Discuss: Do something artistic.

Painting, gluing, cutting, and beading aren’t just for preschoolers. Kids of all ages enjoy being creative. While they work on a simple age-appropriate craft, they’ll express themselves—both on the project and in response to your questions. Find crafts for preteens here. Pick one to get the chatter going.

Distract and Discuss: Make a game of it.

Turning question-and-answer time into a game is a great way to get preteens to open up. Jazz up your game time with a “Throw and Tell Ball.” This resource mixes the fun of game time with the importance of key faith questions.

Distract and Discuss: Take it to the table.

Card games, like UNO, are perfect for encouraging discussion because they don’t require a great deal of focus to play. In addition, several players can join in the fun at the same time. Once you fall into a groove, you can easily start a discussion — one that may turn meaningful and will likely focus on something other than who has to draw four.

Looking for more teaching tips? Check out these ideas!