Christian Software for Youth
Recommendations and Teaching Tips
from Neil MacQueen, Sunday Software

Software from our catalog that can easily be used with youth ages 12-17

Abraham & Sarah --some of the subject materials is especially appropriate for this age group and was written with them in mind.

Elijah & Jonah ---content sophisticated enough for teens, extra study material they can dig into. Great stories for that age group.

Exodus Adventures --3D style game covering the Exodus story featuring Robin, a teenage archaeologist (pictured right>)

Ten Commandments --some extra deep discussion content, and has a high 'cool' factor.

Galilee Flyer, Bongo Loves the Bible, Joseph's Story --GAMES with lots of content. Need I say more?

Life of Christ --they respond well to the quizzes and the extra study content is at their level. A frequently used program in teen classes that have several weeks to work through the Professor's Scorebook/Cluebook feature of the game.

Pathways Through Jerusalem --the navigational options and sophistication of this program, as well as SOME of the subject matter is definitely for older students.

Fall of Jericho --teens enjoy a good race, though they don't enjoy showing what they don't know! So don't make it too hard, and put humor in your Q & A.

Big Genius Bible Trivia --it has a slightly flippant attitude, just like them.

Cal & Marty's Scripture Memory Game --the talking head technology is wild and funny. The verse/quiz editors are fun for them to create with.

Actual Reality --designed for teens. Lots of hip young Christian rock 'n roll artists talking real.

These slightly younger programs are often enjoyed by teens because of the program's quirky sense of humor and more sophisticated appearance.

Fluffy & God's Amazing Christmas Adventure
Good Sam the Samaritan
Prodigal Son
Awesome Bible Stories

I've also had good success using Kid Pix 3 with teens because it's drawing tools are sophisticated.

Ilumina Bible --This multimedia Bible suite is perfect for the motivated teen and young adult. Tons of content, extra in-depth material written in non-technical style, lots of multimedia this age group expects.

Confirmation Classes

Confirmation classes often use Life of Christ, Fall of Jericho for quizzing/refreshing memory, and Cal & Marty's Scripture Memory Game for learning key verses, and things like the Apostles Creed. Cal & Marty also has a brief but entertaining "history of the Reformation" learning area. Actual Reality has also seen a lot of Confirmation use because it was designed as a discussion starter to 'introduce' teens to Christian beliefs and terminology. All of these, with the exception of Cal & Marty can be projected on a wall using a data projector plugged into a computer/laptop.

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Things to Watch for:

In our book, Teaching with Computers in Christian Education, we have an entire section that elaborates on using software with teenagers, as well as, great lab setup and teacher training helps.

Jr. Highs are particularly sensitive to anything that looks "baby-ish" (ie, "elementary).

Jr. Highs like to compare everything to the latest-greatest they have, or have seen.

When among peers, the easiest "no exposure" response is no response, or a negative response to what you want them to do. Often, their primary concern is what others will think of them if they like something or do something. One tactic they often employ is to try and mess around with the software. Some are simply demonstrating their computer prowess. Most Jr. Highs are followers. The best thing I know of to avoid these problems is to figure out who the leaders are and get them to buy into what we're doing -and help lead the discussion and use of the software. Prior to the start-up of class, and over a period of weeks, I'll solicit their help with the equipment and software. I'll also make sure to recognize them during the class time. Read my "Great Tips" below for more discussion on this subject.

Some programs may have areas or features which look and sound too young for them. For example, the games area in the Interactive Kids Series are too young for even 5th graders. So...stay away from that section.

Realize that many programs have a wider age range than others. Most of the CDs made by Sunday Software (Ten Commandments, Good Sam the Samaritan, Cal & Marty, -to name a few) have been specifically DESIGNED to stretch well toward older students. We've salted in "older student questions," and added some 'cool' technological elements to the programs. And we've tried to leave out anything that a 6th grader might look at and think it was too young for them. At the same time, we've done things in such a way so that younger students can easily use these programs.

Pre-teens and Early Teens love competition and gameplay, --and they like to be recognized. Quiz games like Fall of Jericho, and 3-D games like Galilee Flyer, will feed their need. Create goofy awards. walls of fame, and odd trophies. Create a trophy for "the best answer or explanation of the day." Leave the trophy in a special spot and keep adding kids' names to it. Implement some form of "humorous chaos" when rules/points are involved to take the edge off of "feeling like a loser." Hand out bubblegum to winners and atomic sourpatch balls to the losers. They'll get a kick out of that. Or, make the trophy really goofy, and have one for the "person or team who just wasn't lucky today."

Great Tips for Teaching Jr. Highs

Express clear guidelines about what you're going to do, see, and how you expect them to response. Tell them the key questions and possible answers. Many young teens respond well to structure.

Identify the potential "troublemakers" and get them to buy into your lesson. Sit near them. They are often natural born leaders who just don't have the maturity to pull in the right direction yet --without your help. If they think you're not watching their software use, they'll take advantage of it to show others that they are "cool." Invite them to express their opinions (they like that).

One of my favorite ways of dealing with these natural but sometimes negative leaders is to get them to help me teach the younger children. Jr. Highs can be very loyal to someone who shows them respect and affirms their need to be recognized and valued. They'll be better students back among their peers after they have spent time with you and the younger kids.

Tell them when the material might be a bit young for them. One of their private concerns is "what everyone else is thinking." Make it safe for them to use materials knowing everyone else knows the score as well. Help fulfill their psychological need to be recognized as "older."

Have them write down their responses, then give them personal feedback on what they wrote prior to asking them to share their thoughts with the class. Many young teens are afraid of appearing stupid in front of their peers. They need affirmation and direction to help clarify their thoughts. The card also gives them a sense of security if they are a bit tongue-tied.

Bring in Senior Highs to help. Jr. Highs idolize older teens and usually don't want to appear childish in front of them. An older teen girl will help your young ladies open up.

Don't be afraid to find something else, or somewhere else for a problem student. If you have someone who is really acting out, don't sacrifice the experience of the other students, the desire of the teacher to teach -for this one person. What they need may be beyond your capacity to provide in your limited time as a volunteer teacher. Sunday School is not for everyone. In my experience, it is the "better-ready" students who stop attending long before the "poor" students stop coming. Obviously there are steps and conversations you need to have before asking someone to leave. But I have learned over the years that "'putting up with" certain behavior often ultimately hurts the problem student, the class, and the teacher!

It's usually about chemistry. Some teachers can get teens to do or use just about anything in Sunday School. Rotation Model Teachers: If you 'rotate' different age groups into your computer lab, also 'rotate' a teen's teacher into the lab to help the lab teacher.

Neil MacQueen is the father of three teenagers, founder of Sunday Software Inc., and has worked in children and youth ministry for the past 23 years. This article may be copied for local non-commercial use only. Copyright 2004, Sunday Software.