Communicating to Middle Schoolers: A Guide to Developing and Delivering Messages That Stick

If you've ever stood on a stage while a middle schooler pulled a pickle out of his sock during your talk, or pretended to be a snake, slithering through the rows of chairs as you spoke, or would simply not stop talking to others around them, then you know how difficult it can be to communicate both in a way this group understands and keeps their attention.

But difficult doesn't mean impossible.

After nearly 20 years of teaching middle schoolers, Ashley Bohinc shares the unique mix of ART and SCIENCE that has helped her keep the attention of thousands in this in-between phase of life. Communicating to Middle Schoolers will help you:

• Know and better understand middle schoolers, culturally and developmentally
• Learn how to develop messages that middle schoolers can absorb and connect with
• Prepare your delivery in ways that work for you as the communicator and engage your students
• Build your teaching and feedback teams (because you aren’t meant to do this alone!)
• Reflect on your current practices and plan the next steps for your context

With practical strategies and tips you can start using this week, Communicating to Middle Schoolers will help you connect with your students on stage, in the classroom, and anywhere else you might find yourself developing and delivering messages to preteens and junior high students.

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"After 40 years of communicating to middle schoolers―sometimes from a stage, weekly in my small group―I'm still learning.… This book reminded me of core essentials and pushed me to experiment with approaches that are new to me." ―MARK OESTREICHER, The Youth Cartel

"There are few things in ministry that get me more excited, and more nervous, than speaking to middle schoolers… Read this book, take notes, and prayerfully insert some of your learnings the next time you prepare a lesson for young teens… you'll be glad you did!" ―KURT JOHNSTON, Saddleback Church

"Communicating to Middle Schoolers gives vision on why this content matters, and it also provides practical application on how to get it done in ways that are fun and engaging… Every middle school speaker needs to read this book!" ―MEGAN BAGNALL, Willow Creek Community Church

Ashley Bohinc serves as Director of Middle School Strategy at Orange and co-authored The Art of Group Talk for Teenage Girls. Known for her energy, passion, and authenticity, Ashley has worked with middle and high schoolers in public education and athletic and ministry settings since 2004. Additionally, she's Executive Director of Carry 117, a ministry in Ethiopia that focuses on orphan prevention and family preservation by empowering women. Learn about and connect with Ashley at ashleybohinc.com.