ND Shooting Sports Training Kids Will Be Kids Stages of Development

Kids Will Be Kids What to Expect. Dealing with children can be one of the most exasperating and rewarding experiences you will ever have. There can be noticeable differences between not only the sexes but also between ages of young people. Understanding developmental needs and the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social changes of different age groups may help you become a more successful leader

Kids Will Be Kids (8-9 year olds) Characteristics:Activity: Learn best if physically activeLots of physical activity, handling material. Have better control of large musclesLike craft projects, messy is Ok Period of slow steady growthProvide opportunity to practice skills Social: Social:Activity: Learning how to be friendsSmall group activities, practice social skills May be selfishTeach children to think from others perspective Prefer same gender groupsEngage group in mixed gender groups Intellectual:Activity: Easily motivated, curious, but short attention spansUse a variety of activities – timed Thinking is concreteUse senses to help youth experience things Emotional:Activity: Sensitive to criticismpositive environment, activities that can be successful Less dependent on parents but still seeks adult approvalplan small group activities for more adult interaction

Kids Will Be Kids (10-11 year old) Characteristics:Activity: Spirited, lots of energy to the point of sillinessLots of physical activity, active learning experience. Girls maturing faster than boysAvoid competition between sexes Strength, balance, and coordination increaseProvide opportunity to practice skills Social: Social:Activity: Enjoy group activities, feel loyal to group or clubGroup activities, form groups to plan activities Prefer to be with members of the same sexPlan learning experiences with same gender groups Admire and imitate older members of same sexEncourage mentoring experiences with older youth Need guidance from adults to stay on taskWork closely with this group Intellectual:Activity: Interests change rapidly – present in small pieces Short directions, Use a variety of short activities Vary greatly in academic skills, eager to learn new thingsOffer activities to fit a wide variety of skill levels Emotional:Activity: Sensitive to criticismpositive environment, use activities that can be Prefer recognition and praise for good workidentify their own strengths.

Kids Will Be Kids (Young Teens ) Characteristics:Activity: Experience a rapid change in body, growth spurtTalk honestly and appropriately about body questions Girls maturing faster than boysEncourage active, fun learning experiences Interest in sports and active games Social: Social:Activity: Concerned about grooming and being liked by peersEncourage learning experiences through self discovery Provide activities that require growing maturity Interested in activities for boys and girlsEncourage mixed gender experiences Need guidance from adults to stay on taskWork closely with this group Intellectual:Activity: Tend to reject solutions from parents Involve youth in planning activities for the day Are becoming skilled in cause and effectAsk questions/activities that require problem solving Emotional:Activity: Can be very self-consciouspositive environment, use activities that can Changes in hormones and thinking/mood swingsidentify their own strengths. Drama and feelings Independence yet need parents helpBe careful not to embarrass or criticize

Kids Will Be Kids (Teens) CharacteristicsImplications Social Strong desire for status in their peer groupEstablish a climate conducive to support Interested in co-ed activitiesAllow teens to plan activities together Often want adult leadership roles Want to belong to a group but also want their own unique identityEmphasis on personal development Intellectual Reach high levels of abstract thinkingPut youth into real life problem solving activities Developing a concern for well being of themselves Encourage civic projects and community Personal philosophy begins to emergeAllow time for youth to plan activities that explore and express their philosophies Need life guiding activities as they are soon graduatingcollege visits, field trips to business Emotional Feelings of inadequacy and inferiorityEncourage youth by helping them to see their positive self-worth Gaining independence and firm individual identityGive teens responsibility to follow through