Comments on: Middle-Schooled

By: Cheryl Smith

Cheryl Smith — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 22:22:02 +0000

What a great way to live out your faith, investing in young lives.

I live with two 12 year old boys (and a 14 girl and a 10 year girl). Prayers appreciated any time the Holy Spirit so moves. And gas masks. Yes, those would be nice.

By: Sam Van Eman

Sam Van Eman — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 19:50:37 +0000

Second time reading this, Brad, and I still love it.

By: shrinkingthecamel

shrinkingthecamel — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 21:57:59 +0000

The smell in the vans? Yes, but how about the smell in the boys bunk room where I had to stay during my retreat? It took all of about 4 hours to start noticing it. What IS it with those boys?

By: Jenn Calling Home

Jenn Calling Home — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 18:18:37 +0000

Oh my…a great LOL, yet touching post for a Saturday morning. And I too remember the junior high years; the awkwardness, my nerdy condition, the bullies, etc. My volunteer efforts lately involve long drives and weekend trips with choir kids, usually girls…painless really.

By: Monica Sharman

Monica Sharman — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 23:59:04 +0000

I’ve been teaching in youth group and 5th grade for 3 years. “Is any of this making a difference?” is something I frequently ask myself. But probably the most important thing I can do is show them love. That’s what they’ll remember (if anything). The thing I remember most about adults in my life when I was a tween is whether or not the cared about me.
I’ve never seen the toothpaste and raw eggs one, but I have seen toothpaste and spit…

By: Maureen

Maureen — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:21:45 +0000

I’m so glad I’m female.

By: Michael Holmes

Michael Holmes — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:13:33 +0000

I must admit Bradley: I had to CARVE out time to read this. But I’m glad I did. This was funny, engaging…and all the other cool words that escape me at this moment.

What was interesting is that I didn’t fit in as a kid either. Don’t worry, I’m not gonna go into any sob stories or couch sessions…all I can say is: I can relate.

Great post!

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 03:29:42 +0000

Bahahaha. The smell lurking in the vans afterwards….I smelled it. Wow, you’re brave. Someone’s gotta do it.

By: nancy

nancy — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 02:52:12 +0000

i could read this again and again.

By: Glynn

Glynn — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 02:12:30 +0000

Brad, you’ve captured 8th grade to its perfect imperfection. I laughed out loud five times while reading this — at recognizing myself (not the Jesus Christ Superstar guy, however).

When our firstborn was a year old, I was conned into teaching the 7th and 8th grade boys Sunday School class. I didn’t know any better. For one hour each Sunday morning, I battled 23 boys for control. Body noises, dumb jokes, stupid one-liners — and of course the worst offenders always, always belonged to the most powerful elders in the church who would spit at you for even daring to suggest that their child was anything but heavenly perfection.

Then one day, it happened. The teacher for the girls’ class was sick, and they combined both classes (50 kids!) and asked me to teach them. And I discovered the secret of junior high. There is only one thing that will keep 7th and 8th grade boys under complete control, without a word from the teacher — the presence of 7th and 8th grade girls, at least in 1981.

I told them I would quit unless they made the change permanent.

Great post!