Sunday School teachers who are secure in their own beliefs, but not dogmatic and judgmental, are the best kinds of teachers for this age group. There is also a big difference between a 13 year old and a 17 year old. The younger teenager still prefers more action and doing as opposed to sitting and listening to a lecture. Older teenagers ask more mature and abstract questions which would bore a younger teen. I always cringe when I see an adult getting after a 3 year old for not sitting completely still and silent during part of a Sunday service.
Children are naturally full of energy.
They are noisy, restless, messy and extremely active. They can't help being self-centered. They are still growing. Successful teachers take advantage of these characteristics by providing plenty of activities allowing children to participate as fully as possible. They go with the flow even when things seem messy and noisy.