Section 1: Childhood and Teaching Today

Chapter 1 Childhood Today

Families Have Changed Smaller (often with one child) Divorce Rate has climbed One out of five children living in single-parent family Frequent moving /few close relationships

Children and Childhood Have Changed Children pushed to grow-up faster Parents want children who demand less time Children are less active and lives are more institutionalized Children are more consumer oriented Many come from abusive homes

Learning Has Changed Learn less from books and more from media Memorize less and learn more about where to find information Learn less individually and more in groups Expected to know more

Society Has Changed Society provides no guidance or leadership on values or moral issues Religion is on the back shelf Children are growing up in a multicultural society

The Church’s Response to Children’s Needs Old methods need to change Church can meet the needs of today’s children Learning strategies influence a child’s knowledge of, attitude toward, and connection with God

Key’s To Understanding Today’s Children Family structure and functioning are different Children mature earlier Children learn more from media Children are growing up in a post-modern society Children are growing up in a multicultural society