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Jun 01

Florida Conference Focuses on Generation Alpha, Shares Tips

Yanely Jimenez Castellon, Florida Conference children’s, family, and singles’ ministries associate director

Who could say “no” to not one, not two, but three puppy faces, and a bunny? What were they asking for? This post-COVID generation, known as Generation Alpha, are known for craving one thing: screen time.

Who are they, and how can we reach them?

Generation Alpha is defined as those born from 2010 to 2024 and who now fill up Sabbath School, Adventurer, and Pathfinder classrooms. This post-COVID generation is known for craving one thing: screens. It serves parents and teachers well to understand this generation and what defines them in order to serve them better, and to help them fully disengage from their screens and engage into the Word.

In the book Generation ALPHA, Understanding Our Children and Helping Them Thrive, by Mark McRindle, the defining characteristics of Generation Alpha are listed as follows:

  • Digital — born surrounded by smart technology
  • Social — socially connected and shaped by their peers
  • Global — more aware of what is going on in the world (compared to earlier generations)
  • Mobile — will live life with the flexibility in locations for work, school, etc. (was the first generation to experience remote learning at large)
  • Visual — desire to consume information visually

The Bible says in Psalm 78:4, “We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done.” So, today’s adults must continue to proclaim the Gospel on to this generation.

It seems, at times, impossible to compete with the screens and the impeding shorter attention spans called for. Is this generation impossible to reach via traditional methods alone? How can leaders’ callings to teach them be fulfilled when it seems impossible to reach them?

Technology, within proper parameters, provides Generation Alpha children immediate access to information, resources, and educational materials. Here are some helpful tools:

  • Nature clip videos
  • Video of the Bible story for the week
  • Virtual field trip with live cameras of zoos around the world
  • Music videos during praise and worship
  • Slido and Kahoot for earliteens, providing interactive ways to take quizzes and answer questions
  • Clear boundaries for when phones cannot be pulled out

The most significant tip about teaching Generation Alpha is this: foster a real connection with students. Relational emphasis will go much further than instructional guidance. Plan for time in your lesson to get to know your student and connect with them on a deeper level.

Finally, pray for the children to be touched to see Him in all things, and that He will give everything needed to be effective in this ministry according to His will.

Florida | June 2024

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