I WORK WITH TEENS AT CHURCH, AND THEY ARE UNUSUALLY SHY, I'M USED TO OUTSPOKEN TEENS WHO ENJOY HAVING GROUP DISCUSSIONS!! I CAN BARLEY GET THESE TO TALK
2006-06-22 17:06:39 · 28 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
When I began going to church, I was the most quiet and shy person you could dream of. I imagine I had a lot in common with the teens in your church. One thing that helped me open up was all of the activities we got together for outside of church: bowling, hanging out as a group w/our youth ministers at someone's house. . . . Doing this put me in a more comfortable setting and helped me to relax more. Another thing was picking a discussion topic that you feel certian AT LEAST 80% of teens have had experiences with. One topic I have been involved in discussing is online communities(such as MySpace) and how they affect your spirituality and thinking. Be sure to make it clear that you are interested in everyone's ideas. This will make them proud of what they believe, and they will be more willing to share ideas. When I say show interest in their ideas, I don't mean "oh, that's a good idea". My youth ministers always seemed oddly excited over anyone's ideas and made sure that comment led to the next part of the discussion so we didn't feel like our voice didn't matter. We could see how our opinion affected the conversation.
2006-06-22 17:26:13 · answer #1 · answered by leigh_lee2000 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Find some "ice breaker" activities that allow them to get to know eachother and be less worried of what the other kids will think of them. For example, send one person out of the room and assign a role to another person which they have to act out. When the first person comes back in they have to guess who the second person is. It's fun and it may also help the kids become a little more enthused about being there and less shy. Also, don't make your discussions serious 100% of the time. Sometimes have funny discussions that will allow people's personalities to come out and let them have some fun.
2006-06-22 17:18:44 · answer #2 · answered by karategirl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To do this activity you will need the following supplies: Lots and lots of magazines (all kinds), newspapers, glue, scissors and a cardboard box for each kid. You instruct them to look through the magazines, papers, etc. and find pictures, phrases, stories, advertising that speaks to who they are - this is a two parter. Everyone has an outside image that they show to the world, and an inner image of who they are (that doesn't get seen by the world). Instruct them to glue their pictures, words, ads,etc. to the outside of the box that speaks to their "outer selves", and then glue pictures, etc. on the inside of the box that speaks to their "inner selves". This will take them quite a while - so give them lots of time to do this. Walk amongst them and talk to them individually about what they have picked out and why they picked it out.
Now when the boxes are done - ask them to show their boxes to the group and talk a little about them. Set a good example by doing a box yourself and going first to explain about it.
The interesting thing about this exercise is that it will reveal surprises to you, to the group and also to the person showing their box. It can open up all kinds of discussions, and some things may be more appropriate to discuss one-on-one, but it is a good beginning. And - it is fun, and they can take them home. Encourage them to keep adding to their boxes.
Also remember - not everyone is a verbal person. Some people express themselves through art, music, dance, works, etc. Meet them at their strength and comfort level.
2006-06-22 17:32:13 · answer #3 · answered by Karla R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes shy people are fearful of speaking up in groups --try some one on one conversations, or, if the group is large, try breaking them into small groups with a question to work on--or even an activity that gets them working together and building trust within the group.
2006-06-22 17:20:09 · answer #4 · answered by Ponderingwisdom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make them feel more comfortable and wanted.
I had a problem with shyness when I was younger--I joined a soccer team filled with outspoken girls who made me feel at home and "part of the group"... I in turn opened up.
2006-06-22 17:10:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Without saying a word, come in loaded with water guns and put them on a table. Then take your gun out and just start squirting everyone.
Once they're in a good mood, you can relate it to something else and they'll be open to discussion.
2006-06-22 17:36:24 · answer #6 · answered by lenny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Involve them in activities that interest them.
Get them to do volunteer work.
Split them into smaller groups or pairs.
Don't put a lot of pressure on them. When they get to know you and each other a little better, they will open up.
2006-06-22 17:12:45 · answer #7 · answered by tiffany 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are probably nervous about speaking to people..maybe you could get the shy ones in a mixed group-happy medium of talkers and non talkers and start from there
2006-06-22 17:09:31 · answer #8 · answered by hatingmsn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try having small groups, where they can discuss and talk to each other. Ask them direct questions. Try having games where they can interact.
2006-06-22 17:16:26 · answer #9 · answered by enigma21 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get them outside and active. Get them together with other youth from other churches. MIssion projects got my group active.
2006-06-22 17:11:50 · answer #10 · answered by perr_dogg 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋