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Children of this age develop a sense of self and find it important to gain social acceptance and experience achievement. Friends become increasingly important. Secret codes, shared word meanings and made up languages, passwords and elaborate rituals are important ways to strengthen the bonds of friendship. Close friends are almost always of the same sex, although children in this age group are usually increasingly interested in peers of the opposite sex.
Be prepared to use all your "patience" skills if caring for children this age, as they tend to think that they do not need any adult care or supervision. Yet, when they are left to care for themselves, they are lonely, unhappy, and sometimes frightened.
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
begins to see parents and authority figures as fallible human beings
rituals, rules, secret codes, and made-up languages are common
enjoys being a member of a club
increased interest in competitive sports
outbursts of anger are less frequent
may belittle or defy adult authority.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
girls are generally as much as 2 years ahead of boys in physical
maturity
girls may begin to menstruate
increases body strength and hand dexterity
improves coordination and reaction time
INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT
interested in reading fictional stories, magazines, and how-to project books
may develop special interest in collections or hobbies
may be very interested in discussing a future career
fantasizes and daydreams about the future
capable of understanding concepts without having direct hands-on
experience
IDEAS FOR CAREGIVERS
Provide opportunities for older school-agers to help out with real skills. Cooking, sewing, and designing dramatic play props are useful ways to utilize their skills.
Provide time and space for an older child to be alone. Time to read, daydream, or do school work uninterrupted will be appreciated.
When possible, allow children to make a short call to a school friend.
Encourage children to participate in an organized club or youth group. Many groups encourage skill development with projects or activities than can be worked on in your child care program.
Encourage older children to help you with younger children, but don't overdo. Avoid burdening older children with too many adult responsibilities. Allow time for play and relaxation.
Provide opportunities for older children to play games of strategy. Checkers, chess, and monopoly are favorites.
Remember to provide plenty of food. Older children have larger appetites than younger children and will need to eat more.
Reprinted with permission from National Network for Child Care - NNCC. Oesterreich, L. (1995). Ages & stages - nine through eleven-year-olds. In L. Oesterreich, B. Holt, & S. Karas, Iowa family child care handbook [Pm 1541] (pp. 202-204). Ames, IA: Iowa State University Extension.
Any additions or changes to these materials must be preapproved by the author.
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