TeenText Sample | How it Works | Facilitator Preparation | TeenText Process
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About TeenText

TeenText meets youth where they are. In TeenText the student is the curriculum. The process gives youth the integrity of meeting them where they are - knee deep in the individuation process, grappling eagerly and passionately with the concept that their first task is with themselves. The key point – find out where your youth are and then through your open-ended questions, relate the text to their lives.

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. Over time, the TeenText process helps them see the Bible as a vital, dynamic, relevant resource, one that can inform them throughout the rest of their lives.

Daily Reflection Questions to Help Keep the Connection Each discussion includes Reflection Questions for you to either handout or e-mail to the participants. The questions are designed to help the youth connect their lives and the text during the rest of their week. Suggest they find a quiet place and time to spend with the questions on a regular basis.

How TeenText Works

Any interested/committed adult can facilitate TeenText discussions. Facilitators aren’t expected to have THE answer or to be Biblical scholars or theologians. They are expected to be committed to thoughtful preparation and careful listening and guidance during the discussions. And they should be open to experiencing their own spiritual growth.

Each TeenText discussion guide provides the information needed to facilitate the session. Having the same individual(s) facilitate the discussions on a regular basis has proven to help the discussions go to a deeper level. Over time, the goal is for interested youth to become discussion facilitators themselves.

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?)

Facilitator’s Preparation:

• Review text, and suggested questions and activities before the TeenText session.
• For more information, review the text from a study Bible such as The Access Bible(NRSV) or similar texts that provide helpful background information.
• Review the participants in your mind and your experience with them to-date
• Create additional questions/activities you feel would be appropriate. The questions provided are only suggestions.
• Gather needed supplies to support suggested activities (pencils, CDs/tapes, Crayons, magic markers, paper, etc.)
• Set up a circle of chairs with a candle in the center
• Set out copies of the NRSV Bible
• Write the text chapter/verse on the chalk/dry marker board or flip chart
• Light the candle

The TeenText Process

• Open with prayer or meditation
• Remind participants:
  • To talk to the candle, not dispute others; this is not a debate
  • To make I statements (i.e., what it says to me, I feel, etc.)
  • To get out of their heads (I think) and into their hearts, feelings, intuitions and imaginations (How do you imagine Moses felt?)
• Point out the text for the day
• Ask youth to read the text silently
• Then, ask for volunteer(s) to read the text out loud
• Conduct “What’s going on here?” questions/activities
• Conduct “How is this happening in my world today?” questions/activities
• Conduct “How is this happening in my life today?” questions/activities
• Listen carefully to their answers and ask relevant follow-up questions
• Discuss “Between Sundays” opportunities/implications
• Hand out (or e-mail) the Reflection Questions
• Close with prayer or meditation.
• Key points to remember throughout the discussion:
• Go with the flow of the answers; ask follow-up questions when appropriate.
• Don’t expect to use all the questions.
• Allow/structure for silence and reflection between answers.
• Move from section to section as time dictates.
• Don’t answer your own questions; answer any participant questions with “What do you think that means?”
• Avoid summarizing or commenting on what the text means to adults.

TeenText or KidText are $26 per year; $45 for both.
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Questions/Suggestions?
Contact TeenText at melissa@educationalcenter.org