Teaching the Next Generation
Edited by Terry Linhart
The book is divided into five sections. The first section, ‘core concepts’, looks at the building blocks of working with young people. There’s a chapter on discipleship, an exploration of the scriptural basis of teaching and a chapter on the essence of the life of a teacher. I found the chapter on recognising the importance of educational philosophy the most useful.
The second section looks at influences that shape learning which, while interesting, is a few steps behind school staff inset days. However for someone starting off in youth work, it’d be a great place to start.
Section three is ‘curricular implications for teaching’. The most interesting chapter asks important questions on connection, communication and technology’s ability to enhance and hinder.
Section four is ‘methods for Christian teaching’ which many of us will be familiar with. Section five ‘managing teaching for maximum impact’ explores the importance of evaluation, equipping others to teach and technolgical tools. It’s theology of technology would make good team reading.
Teaching the next generation provides a comprehensive guide for teaching Christian formation. It doesn’t offer anything that will reinvent the youth work wheel, and it potentially exposes the widening gap between educational teaching and youth work teaching, but it has enough bite-sized chapters to be superb discussion points with youth workers, as well as offering the most up to date research and reflection on current practice. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this book on future reading lists of youth work training courses.
Tom Wade is head of religious education at Samuel Ryder, St Albans.
When Grace Showed Up
Tich and Joan Smith
When grace showed up brought a message of hope, that whatever dream God gives you he will make happen - there will be hurdles on the way but he will make it happen! If you have young people with a dream to achieve something massive for God - to go on a mission trip, build a community hall or whatever that dream may be - give them this book. It will remind them that anything is possible when God gives us dreams. It is a great resource to inspire young people and children – in fact everyone – to take hold of the dreams God is giving them and to not be afraid. To run with it and to follow his plan because he will make it happen, whatever is thrown at them.
Sophie Slater-Evans is children and families outreach worker at Holy Trinity and the Priory Churches, Nottingham
Parent’s Guide to: Eating Disorders
Rachel Welch
The presentation is excellent with clearly laid out chapters which include contributions from both parents and young people. The author reassures parents that they are not on their own, that there is hope, even if progress on the journey to recovery is frustratingly difficult.
Within this short booklet the author manages to summarise helpful information on the three main eating disorders – anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. Easy to read and dispelling many commonly held myths, the information included here will help to empower parents. There are tips on how to look out for the early signs of an eating disorder, what to do next and how to ensure continuing support for both parent and child.
This booklet is designed with parents in mind but youth and children’s workers will also find it useful. It is not a book and some may want more detailed case studies and further research, but this is not the remit of this booklet. It is a very balanced introduction to eating disorders and a very clear starting point for parents and carers who face these confusing mental health issues. I would fully recommend this publication.
Isabelle Gosling is a counsellor in Cornwall. She is a former children’s worker and teacher and mother of three grown up children.
The City Kid
Clive Lewis
The city kid tells the journey of John finding out what life is all about. This book is one that really draws out deep thoughts because the message reaches out to you and makes you think about if you’re living in the right way. I think The city kid is very effective in the sense that it is able to make you think on more important things like your faith instead of the pleasures of the world. Not only is the message interesting, but the storyline is very captivating. I would recommend this book to all, especially to young people trying to strengthen their faith, because of its great impact and interesting story.
Samuel Ajagbe is 12 years old and attends Upper Room Foursquare Chapel.
Bible Stories and Tales
Nick Butterworth and Mick Inkpen
I was excited to receive this collection as we already own Stories Jesus told by the same authors. My three-year-old loves the illustrations and the simple retelling of the Bible extracts.
Four of the six mini books were also in their previous book, however the two tales that were new to us did not disappoint. They are written from animals’ perspectives which really helped my daughter relate to the stories. She found it engaging that the little mouse was telling her about Jesus and the calming of the storm. The words are simple and child friendly, and the illustrations are bright and fun.
My local church uses slides from Butterworth and Inkpen’s books during children talks. I think the simple and charming nature of the storytelling in these books is really appealing for children (and adults).
Although I had seen some of the stories in previous collections, I would recommend these books. They are a great introduction to the Bible for young people and allow families to discuss Jesus and his stories no matter what age they are.
Louisa Berry is a baby massager, toddler dance instructor and mother of two under-threes.
