Where God's Story and Teens' Stories Connect
The lectionary-based TEENTEXT GRADES 9-12 resource helps older youth connect the text on the page with events in their daily lives. TEENTEXT GRADES 6-8 is written for younger teens. These resources guide students into the text, and through a series of open-ended, text-related questions, they begin to see the Bible as a vital, dynamic relevant resource--one that can inform them throughout their lives. These resources enable any interested and committed adult to facilitate the discussions, since the leaders aren't expected to have THE answer, or to be Biblical scholars or theologians. They simply need to be good listeners and open to their own spiritual growth. This process also allows the students to share leadership. Click here to subscribe today!
The resources:
- Engage the learner
- Honor life experience and the wisdom of stories
- Stimulate critical reflection
- Initiate responsible choice-making
- Encourage personal and social transformation
- Create vital connections between the individual and universal patterns
How It Works
TeenText is different! Instead of providing youth with answers that "come from the Bible", these resources meet the students where they are--grappling eagerly and passionately with growing up, becoming who they are. In this educational setting the student is the curriculum, not the written study guide.
An example: On a recent Sunday, only one youth showed up for the discussion. I knew he had a role in a school musical and asked him how it went. After he talked about it a while, I asked him to sing his part for me. He did. And then I asked how he felt his acting and singing related to a portion of the text for the day, “Glorify me so I may glorify you.” The discussion continued around how his talents might help him glorify his parents, his sister and himself.
TeenText helps youth connect the text with their lives by helping them get out of their heads and into their hearts. The format encourages their ownership and continued exploration and application beyond the classroom. Meeting them where they are lowers barriers and invites connection.
Daily Reflection Questions help keep students connected to the text during the week. We suggest that the students set aside a bit of time each day to re-connect to the themes and questions that arise from the scripture.
Each session is organized around questions in three main categories:
- What’s happening here? (Setting? Actors? Action? Theme?)
- How is this happening in my world today? (Literally? Metaphorically?)
- How is this happening in my life today? (Literally? Metaphorically?)
WHAT OUR SUBSCRIBERS ARE SAYING:
My kids and my teacher loved the curriculum! I think they found the questions had just the right amount of leading and allowed them to think their own way through the Gospel. They have not had a lot of Lectionary-based Sunday School, and this was a great introduction. They are older middle/younger high school and it worked well. I am very grateful to have found a curriculum into which I can plug a teacher without any preparation! We will also be working on an ER-D service project and a church-based art project. Together, I think this will be a good mix of Scripture/Service/Community.
- Charlotte G. ~ Director, Christian Formation, Long Beach, CA
Our teachers have liked it. We have 4 women working with a 7th, 8th, and 9th grade class. One response I received was - "I think the wording is a bit more modern, and they also offer a paragraph of background info to go with the reading. I like the added background info, it helps us put the reading into context."
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TEENTEXT GRADES 6-8 and TEENTEXT GRADES 9-12
Subscribe to TEENTEXT GRADES 6-8 and TEENTEXT GRADES 9-12
