AGES & STAGES - NINE- THROUGH ELEVEN-YEAR-OLDS
Lesia Oesterreich, M.S.
Family Life Extension Specialist
Human Development and Family Studies
Iowa State University
Copyright/Access Information
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
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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
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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
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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.
DOCUMENT USE/COPYRIGHT
National Network for Child Care - NNCC. Part of CYFERNET, the National Extension Service Children Youth and Family Educational Research Network. Permission is granted to reproduce these materials in whole or in part for educational purposes only(not for profit beyond the cost of reproduction) provided that the author and Network receive acknowledgment and this notice is included:
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.
AVAILABLE FROM::
Extension Distribution Center
119 Printing and Publications Bldg.
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011
PHONE:: (515) 294-5247
FAX:: (515) 294-2945
E-MAIL:: pubdist@iastate.edu
FORMAT AVAILABLE:: Print - 296 pages
DOCUMENT REVIEW:: Level 2 - Iowa State University
ENTRY DATE:: February 1995
