Kids Will Be Kids Stages of Development

From your ND 4-H Shooting Sports Program Coordinator: 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.

Characteristics:Activity: Learn best if physically active (SSP Perfect!)Lots 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 Challenged with fine motor skillsNocking arrows, handling pellets needs practice 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 20 minutes Thinking is concreteUse senses to help youth experience things Emotional:Activity: Sensitive to criticismpositive environment, simple activities that can be successful for them. Less dependent on parents but still seeks plan small group activities adult interaction

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 A large variance in strength and coordination.Ability to pull a bow or hold up rifle varies. 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 (Teams or practice rounds) 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 Offer activities to fit a wide variety of skill thingslevels Emotional:Activity: Sensitive to criticismpositive environment, use activities that can identify their own strengths. Prefer recognition and praise for good work

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 gamesThe point at which they prefer to advance in skill level. (From bare bow to freestyle) Social:Activity: Concerned about grooming and being liked by peersEncourage learning experiences through self discovery Interested in activities for boys and girls Provide activities that require growing maturity (Like mixed teams) Encourage 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 ( Begin to figure out why aiming is important!) 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. (Not morning people) Independence yet need parents helpBe careful not to embarrass or criticize

Characteristics SocialActivity Strong desire for status in their peer groupEstablish a climate conducive to support Interested in co-ed activities.Allow teens to plan activities together Often want adult leadership roles Emphasis on personal development Want to belong to a group but also want their own Become a teen Jr. SSP Instructor unique identity IntellectualActivity Reach high levels of abstract thinkingPut youth into real life problem solving activities. (District and State Matches) 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 Fieldtrips to business. Participate in National 4-H trips. EmotionalActivity Feelings of inadequacy and inferiorityEncourage youth by helping them to see their positive self-worth Gaining independence and firm individual identityGive teens responsibility

 What age level would I be to access everyone’s individual needs in strength and coordination? A. 8-9 year olds  B year olds  C. Young Teens  D. Teen agers  E. Both A & B  What age level would more likely see an interest in moving up to firearms or freestyle bow? A. 8-9 year olds  B year olds  C. Young Teens  D. Teen agers  What age of youth would best need short sessions with a variety of activity?  A. 8-9 year olds  B year olds  C. Young Teens  D. Teen agers