1. Section 1: Childhood and Teaching Today

2. Chapter 1
Childhood Today

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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