Physical Growth

1. The following slides will share some basic facts about the physical, mental, emotional, and social growth of this age group. Jr. FIRST LEGO League (Jr.FLL)is for children ages 6 to 9. During this stage of life children are still adjusting to information, learning styles and capabilities.

2. Physical Growth • Early elementary children are at a stage of slow, steady growth. The rapid changes of the infant/preschooler are behind them and the pubescent growth spurt is far in the future. • Six to eight year olds are learning how to use their bodies by mastering physical skills such as small muscle skills like writing with a pencil to large muscle skills like throwing a ball. Because these physical skills are still developing, projects often end up or become messy. • Provide opportunities for children of these ages to practice their new skills but also that can be successfully completed by beginners.

3. Mental growth Children in this age range are more interested in the process of things rather than the result. During this stage, children are more interested in working on a project and not very concerned with its completion. Thinking processes are based on concrete things. If children have not experienced something, it is very hard for them to think of it. Therefore children of these ages learn best with demonstration instead of vocal instruction alone.

4. Emotional growth • Children of this age group seek adult approval because they are not yet confident enough to set their own standards. • The rules and rituals of games become fascinating to early elementary youth. Losing becomes hard to accept. When failures occur, it is important to interpret the reasons behind them. Learning to cope with problems and failures is an important skill to learn at this age.

5. Social Growth • Many of the youth have just begun school. They are moving away from dependence upon parents to dependence upon other adults. As a mentor, you will become a central figure to these youth. • Ages six to nine year olds are just beginning to learn how to make friends. Boys and girls sometimes enjoy playing together at this age, although towards the end of this age range, separation based on gender will occur during most recreation. • Although fights and disputes occur often, they seldom have long lasting effects. • Peer approval starts to become important to children at these ages. Small group activities are effective, but children still need an adult to share approval.

6. Sources: Karns, J., & Myers-Wells, J. (n.d.). Ages and Stages of Child and Youth Development. Retrieved from https://extension.arizona.edu/4h/sites/extension.arizona.edu.4h/files/resourcefile/resource/pdenney/AgesAndStages.pdf pages 3-4.