Understanding 8-16 Year-Old's

The Eight Year Old

Physically

  • growing slowly, steadily, arms are lengthening, hands are enlarging
  • sometimes awkward because of uneven growth
  • improved muscular coordination but still has better control over large muscles than small
  • developmentally ready to see both far and near
  • energetic but tires easily
  • restless and fidgety

Emotionally

  • very eager, has more enthusiasm than wisdom
  • self-critical, is maturing in capacity for self-evaluation
  • wants prestige, may seek it through boasting
  • needs much praise and encouragement
  • likes to giggle, does so without much provocation
  • wants to be good
  • may have fears

As a Learner

  • more independent in reading ability; begins to read faster silently than orally
  • has made gains in vocabulary, sentence structure
  • can learn by rote, but learns best through activity
  • becoming more interested in people of long ago and far away
  • fond of comics, radio, television, adventure stories, fairy tales, singing rhythms, collections of all kinds
  • likes variety in school
  • likes jokes, riddles
  • becoming aware of detail
  • can initiate, plan activities

With Others

  • likes to talk
  • wants to look like others
  • likes to argue
  • behaves in contradictory ways, such as fighting with best friend
  • dislikes being told what to; prefers subtle hints
  • able to accept some responsibility
  • likes to be with people
  • desires approval of peers, adults
  • desires to be a part of the group

The Nine Year Old

Physically

  • eyes are now ready for close, detailed work
  • has good eye-hand coordination; is ready for crafts, shop work, maps, other detailed work
  • uses both large and small body muscles
  • tends to assume awkward body postures

Emotionally

  • becomes irritable, exhausted from working or playing too hard
  • strives to improve skills; has spirit of competition
  • makes extreme, quick emotional shifts; can swing from play to aggression from humor to hostility
  • worries about health, schoolwork, report cards, failure
  • annoying by small details of living, such as keeping track of belongings, being neat
  • embarrasses easily

As A Learner

  • desires to build body of knowledge about such things as social studies, science, sports records, television
  • notices life sequence, studies people for evidence of change
  • observes, thinks critically of self and world
  • finds pleasure in using own skills; in reading for information, writing to communicate own ideas, organizing to improve own work
  • discriminates between meanings of words
  • becoming more creative in thought, written language
  • compares grades with classmates; blames own poor scholarship on outside factors
  • prefers reading silently for pleasure, orally for information
  • often forgets to bring books, supplies from home
  • prefers individual instruction from teacher
  • plans activities in detail
  • enjoys written work

With Others

  • stresses fair play within competition; judges teachers, friends accordingly
  • desires information about family background
  • doesn't stay long with any activity
  • engages in more giggling, whispering, secretive conversations
  • enjoys games as spectator as well as participant
  • evaluates self, others by own standards; ignores adult opinions
  • likes to help friends
  • is rowdy and polite

The Ten Year Old

Physically

  • has boundless energy
  • shows increased skill in eye-hand coordination
  • likes games requiring a variety of skills
  • displays uneven growth of different body parts
  • tires easily and is awkward and restless, due to rapid, uneven growth

Emotionally

  • responds very positively with praise
  • sometimes overly critical, changeable, uncooperative
  • resents being nagged, condemned, talked down to
  • wants security that comes from increased ability to achieve
  • growing in ability to accept consequences of own mistakes
  • more interested, concerned about ideas and beliefs of others than of self

As A Learner

  • has broadening interests
  • eager to explore
  • wants to improve own ability
  • enjoys realistic and factual material in books
  • likes to take part in discussion
  • is beginning to understand sequencing in historical events
  • develops realistic sense of own strength and weaknesses
  • curious about how things work
  • has increasing attention span
  • likes adventure

With Others

  • becoming increasingly independent
  • tends toward hero worship
  • has strong sense of justice and honor
  • interested in gangs or clubs with secret words, codes
  • engages in roughhousing, pointless laughter, practical jokes, silly antics
  • responds readily to affection and humor from adults
  • tends to rebel at suggestions from adults
  • likes games in which girls play against boys
  • likes group activities
  • is fundamentally honest

The 11-13 Year Olds

Characteristics

  • enormous and capricious appetite
  • wide range of individual difference in maturity levels, both physically and emotionally
  • awkwardness, restlessness, and laziness as a result of rapid and uneven growth, self-conscious of physical changes
  • opinion of peer group becomes more valuable than that of most adults
  • often becomes overly critical, changeable, rebellious, uncooperative and boisterous
  • interest in earning money, recognition of material value

Needs

  • good nutrition, nutritional guidance
  • understand of the on-coming physical and emotional changes
  • warmth, affection and sense of humor from adults, not nagging, condemnation, or talking down
  • chances to carry responsibility without pressure

Suggested Actions

  • understand the connection between behavior and physical needs, consider this when planning outings
  • give frank, matter-of-fact answers to question about physical changes and the different rates at which they occur
  • be accepting of different physical states and emotional changes, give frank answers to questions
  • offer alternative opinions without being insistent, be positive in feedback and accepting of differing positions.

The 13-16 Year Olds

Characteristics

  • testing limits, “know it all” attitude
  • vulnerable, emotionally insecure, fear of rejection, mood swings
  • identification with admired adult
  • bodies are going through physical changes that affect personal appearance.

Needs

  • independence with guidance, allowed to make decisions
  • acceptance, recognition
  • non-threatening adult guidance
  • understanding of sexual relationships and attitudes

Suggested Actions

  • give the child choices, don't be afraid to confront inappropriate behavior
  • use humor to relax child, be patient, give positive feedback, let child know celebration is for him/her and not for accomplishments
  • be available, be yourself, show weakness, strengths and emotions
  • be honest with child, disclose information about self to build trust.

 

Resource: Durham Public Schools Partnership Program, Volunteer News, Spotlight on Education, Summer 1999