Debbie Richardson, Ph.D. Parenting Assistant Extension Specialist

1. Child Development 3-12Part 3: Ages 10 to 12Oklahoma Cooperative Extension ServiceCore In-Service February 19, 2010 9:00-11:00 a.m. Debbie Richardson, Ph.D. Parenting Assistant Extension Specialist Human Development & Family Science Oklahoma State University

2. Introduction Welcome Centra Instructions Overview of In-service Resource Materials

3. In-Service Objective Extension Educators will be able to describe growth, tasks, behaviors, and abilities of 10 to 12 year-old children including physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development.

4. Domains of Development Physical Emotional Cognitive Social

5. Physical Development Ages 10-12

6. Physical Development Girls (9-13 years) Boys (11-15 years) Growth spurt of 2-6” in one year Underarm & pubic hair Breast development, widening hips, narrowing waist, more fat Onset of menstruation Growth spurt of up to 6” in one year Facial, underarm, & pubic hair Growth of genitals Deepening of voice Muscle development

7. Other Physical Changes Circulatory & respiratory systems - increasing strength, energy, stamina Increasingly active sweat glands, may develop body odor May develop acne or other skin problems May gain or lose weight, appear out of proportion or “gangly”, especially boys Clumsiness & awkwardness Aches & pains May tire easily & appear lazy Appetite may fluctuate sharply Sensitivity to body image and very interested in learning about body changes

8. Motor Abilities & Skills Well coordinated in large and fine motor skills Both skill and stamina for gross motor activities such as biking, skating, team sports Like physical challenges Should be able to perform a variety of movement combinations Demonstrate coordination in a fluid environment Adapt speed and direction when needed Some may show more talents – sports, music, etc.

9. Puberty Development into sexual maturity Hormones controlling physical development are activated Develop primary & secondary sex characteristics Become fertile Increased sexual libido

10. Timing of Puberty • Girls tend to experience pubertal changes earlier than boys by 24 months on average • Internal changes may begin: • about age 7-8 in girls and up to about 13 • about age 9.5-11 in boys up to about 13.5

11. Timing of Physical Maturation • Points in physical development may be very different for individual youth between 10 and 15 • Being early or late developer can be stressful when compared to timing of their friends • Early developers • Tends to be advantageous for boys – sports, social standing • More problematic for girls – body image, attention from others, lower self-esteem, adjustment to school transitions

12. Influences on PubertyTiming & Tempo Primary influence is one’s genes Most important external factors: nutrition & health Puberty occurs earlier for children who have been well-nourished and without serious illnesses Tends to occur earlier for kids growing up in conflict-ridden families and for females in father-absent homes Excessive exercise is associated with delays

13. The Evolving Brain Just prior to puberty… 2nd wave of overproduction of gray matter in the thinking part of the brain – neurons and their branch-like extensions Predominantly in the frontal lobe – “executive functions” such as planning, impulse control, reasoning possibly related to influence of surging hormones thickening peaks at around age 11 in girls, 12 in boys then gray matter actually thins some

14. The Evolving Brain White matter – wire-like fibers that establish neurons’ long-distance connections between brain regions – thickens progressively from birth Striking growth spurts can be seen from ages 6-13 in areas connecting the brain regions specialized for language and understanding spatial relations (temporal and parietal lobes) This growth drops off sharply after age 12

15. Sleep Rapid growth and change requires enough rest Hormones may affect sleep needs Need about 9 ½ - 10 hours sleep each day

16. Cognitive Development Ages 10-12

17. Cognitive Development - Piaget Concrete Operations: 7-12 yrs Logical thought Classifying & ordering objects in a logical sequence Make rational judgments and perform operations about concrete or observable phenomena Abstract thinking evolving with limitations Better understanding of time and space Reversibility – changes in forms and orders Deductive reasoning –draw conclusions from information Relativism –other’s thoughts & perspectives differ, can be wrong, thoughts/feelings may not reflect reality

18. Thinking No longer in just “here & now”, but still think more about the present than future Higher level skills that allow thinking about ideas, anticipate and begin to see personal future Increasing attention span and concentration May begin to question old beliefs, explore new ones, develop strong beliefs Gradual ability to apply learned concepts to new tasks

19. Thinking Can state their thoughts more clearly & want to be heard Criticize adults Eager to learn and master new skills Proud of doing things well Concerned about personal capabilities Frequent interest in learning life skills (cooking, fixing things, etc.) Internalized standards of right and wrong to some degree Begins to understand the motives behind the behavior of another Tendency to be disorganized and forgetful

20. 10 Year Olds Still memorize & recite without thinking deeply about a subject Comprehends multiple features of a problem even while solving it Increasing ability to work independently – class assignments, homework, longer projects, more complex writing & math Developing a conscience but not yet consistently able to tell right from wrong – relies upon adult to help Aware of time but needs help to plan time in a practical way Still certain that own beliefs are correct and are universally shared by others

21. 11-12 Year Olds Able to use logic in arguments Apply logic to specific, concrete situations and problems Able to manipulate symbols dealing with abstract concepts Able to combine oral, visual, and written material in reports Decision-making skill improves Categorizes information in order to make sense of it Summarizes information from a book in own words Can read more adult-oriented materials, particularly those about topics of specific interest

22. Social & Emotional Development Ages 10-12

23. Psychosocial Development Erikson Industry vs. Inferiority: 7-11 years Busily learn to be competent and productive or feel inferior and unable to do anything well. Tries to develop a sense of self-worth by refining skills. Identity vs. Role Confusion: Adolescence Tries to figure out “who am I?” Establish sexual, ethnic, career identities or are confused about future roles.

24. Changes that Influence Social & Emotional Development Biological/hormonal transformations Psychological shifts that accompany emergence of sexuality Increased capacity for abstract thinking Educational/school transitions Shifting relationships with family and peers Heightened competition, social comparison, and self-assessment Shifting social roles and expectations More independence and unsupervised time Coping with stresses of change

25. Self-Concept & Self-Esteem Developing self-esteem requires positive reinforcement Important to be part of a group Typically far less optimistic; self-concept regarding their abilities and expectations for success tend to decline Skills are not developing as rapidly as earlier in childhood Receive more “failure feedback” Reflect on their performances, compare to peers, learn that current failures may be clues to future performances Some kids experiencing more frustration and pessimism about their abilities may be hesitant to try new things with which they are unlikely to succeed at first

26. 10 Year-Olds Emotionally direct, simple - less anxious & demanding More often good-natured; moodiness is short-lived and infrequent Can be very affectionate and concerned about others Continues to enjoy crude humor and silliness Fears are lessening Enjoys clubs & group activities Seeks approval for being “good” from significant people May show interest in opposite sex but focus is still in small groups of same sex Confides constantly in a best friend Relates to peer group intensely & abides by group decisions Can be fickle

27. 11 & 12 Year-Olds May be tired, moody, anxious, and bicker Can be loud, rude, obnoxious; personal habits and manners take on less importance Like to argue, yet can be cooperative & friendly Like to take chances and defy rules Greater urge for independence Friends & groups are more important More turmoil with friends Strong need to conform Opposite sex interests emerge (girls more so) Tend to avoid complicated tasks Very enthusiastic about likes and equally passionate about dislikes

28. Preteens in General Active & energetic Fluctuate between dependent child & independent pre-teen Maturity level may vary greatly among individuals Mature one moment, immature the next Increasingly self-conscious & self-centered Want to be like their friends Peer pressure increases Want to be “normal” – fear being different Like one-on-one time with adults More modesty & privacy Most prefer activities away from home Are often very “giggly” May develop their own code of behavior – music, language, dress, rules, etc.

29. Preteens in General Develop group to which they may show extreme loyalty May become experimenters and risk takers Need guidance but are seeking independence and recognition as adults Wants parental assistance but may resist when offered Strong opinions Hard on self and ultrasensitive to criticism May experience sudden, dramatic, extreme emotions & emotional changes Tends to conceal feelings May anger quickly; Can show sharp, violent temper Should be able to resolve conflicts and help others resolve conflicts in a positive manner Strives to succeed

31. Related Issues Ages 10-12

32. Related Issues Home alone – self care Active but not overscheduled Friends & friendships Sexuality

33. Discussion & Questions

34. Wrap-Up • Review resource materials • In-service evaluation • Follow-up • Next Session: Friday, Feb. 26, 9 – 11 am • Part 4 - Influences, Risks, Resilience, & Resources