Ages & Stages: 8 to 10 year olds
General Characteristics
- Interested in people, aware of differences, willing to give more to others but expects more.
- Busy, active, full of enthusiasm, may try too much, accident prone, interest in money and its value.
- Sensitive to criticism, recognize failure, capacity for self-evaluation.
- Capable of prolonged interest, may make plans on own.
- Decisive, dependable, reasonable, strong sense of right and wrong.
- Spend a great deal of time in talk and discussion, often outspoken and critical of adults although still dependent on adult approval.
Physical Characteristics
- Are very active and need frequent breaks from tasks to do things that are fun for them and involve use of energy.
- Bone growth is not yet complete.
- Early maturers may be upset with their size.
- May tend to be accident prone.
Social Characteristics
- Can be very competitive.
- Are choosy about their friends.
- Being accepted by friends becomes quite important.
- Team games become popular.
- Worshipping heroes, TV stars, and sports figures is common.
Emotional Characteristics
- Are very sensitive to praise and recognition. Feelings are hurt easily.
- Because friends are so important during this time, there can be conflicts between adults' rules and friend's rules. You can help by your honesty and consistency.
Mental Characteristics
- Their idea of fairness becomes a big issue.
- Are eager to answer questions.
- Are very curious, and are collectors of everything. However, they may jump to other objects of interest after a short time.
- Want more independence, but know they need guidance and support.
- Wide discrepancies in reading ability.
Developmental Tasks
- Social cooperation.
- Self-evaluation/Skill learning.
- Team play.
Suggested Volunteer Strategies
- Recognize allegiance to friends and "heroes".
- Remind child of responsibilities in a 2-way relationship.
- Acknowledge performance: "hey, watch this".
- Offer enjoyable learning experiences. It's a great time to teach about different cultures.
- Provide frank answers to questions about upcoming physiological changes.
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