Music by Eric Nordhoff used with permission, link to Quietime QuietimeMusic.com
Stages of Child Development
Lower to Middle Primary Years.
In the early years at school, children may tell us this week that they want to follow Jesus; last week they wanted to fly to the moon and next week they want to be a firefighter! They are unlikely to have a developed moral sense. Bad is what gets punished, what gets unpunished must be OK. They surprise us with their answers to our questions, but they may be trotting them out parrot-fashion rather than understanding. Religious words can easily become confused.
Some characteristics
1. Like to play, therefore ... include fun elements.
2. Energetic, therefore... allow opportunities for movement.
3. Dependent of adults, therefore...be available as a good role model.
4. Take words literally, therefore...avoid abstract language.
5. Short attention span, therefore...plan your lesson around short, varied activities.
6. Enjoy repetition, therefore...re-use songs and activities they have enjoyed.
7. Need security, therefore...be consistent in your care for students.
8. Limited vocabulary, therefore...use language they can understand.
9. Inquisitive, therefore...encourage questions, give short answers.
10. Imaginative, therefore...encourage creative expression.
Middle to Upper Primary Years
Children in their later primary years still struggle to understand abstract concepts like 'truth'; they do, however, believe people whom they trust. We must work hard at turning abstract concepts into concrete teaching. They are normally curious about the world and thirsty for information. They have a remarkably strong sense of justice and loyalty. They leave us breathless with their energy.
Some characteristics
1. Influenced by those they admire, therefore...use real life and biblical role models.
2. Belonging to a group is important, therefore...look for opportunities for team activities.
3. Peer pressure is a big influence, therefore...create opportunities for positive attitudes to be expressed.
4. Influenced by popular culture, therefore...include positive examples from that culture.
5. Often says "It's not fair!", therefore...be fair and consistent in all your dealings with children.
6. Becoming sexually aware, therefore...be sensitive to these physical and emotional issues.
7. Sometimes hostile to authority, therefore...balance authority with friendliness.
8. Competitive, therefore...provide occasional opportunities for healthy competition.
9. Sometimes moody, therefore...acknowledge and respect situations which may be outside your control.
10. Sensitive to criticism, therefore...choose your words carefully.
What insight for Teachers and Helpers!
Lower to Middle Primary Years.
In the early years at school, children may tell us this week that they want to follow Jesus; last week they wanted to fly to the moon and next week they want to be a firefighter! They are unlikely to have a developed moral sense. Bad is what gets punished, what gets unpunished must be OK. They surprise us with their answers to our questions, but they may be trotting them out parrot-fashion rather than understanding. Religious words can easily become confused.
Some characteristics
1. Like to play, therefore ... include fun elements.
2. Energetic, therefore... allow opportunities for movement.
3. Dependent of adults, therefore...be available as a good role model.
4. Take words literally, therefore...avoid abstract language.
5. Short attention span, therefore...plan your lesson around short, varied activities.
6. Enjoy repetition, therefore...re-use songs and activities they have enjoyed.
7. Need security, therefore...be consistent in your care for students.
8. Limited vocabulary, therefore...use language they can understand.
9. Inquisitive, therefore...encourage questions, give short answers.
10. Imaginative, therefore...encourage creative expression.
Middle to Upper Primary Years
Children in their later primary years still struggle to understand abstract concepts like 'truth'; they do, however, believe people whom they trust. We must work hard at turning abstract concepts into concrete teaching. They are normally curious about the world and thirsty for information. They have a remarkably strong sense of justice and loyalty. They leave us breathless with their energy.
Some characteristics
1. Influenced by those they admire, therefore...use real life and biblical role models.
2. Belonging to a group is important, therefore...look for opportunities for team activities.
3. Peer pressure is a big influence, therefore...create opportunities for positive attitudes to be expressed.
4. Influenced by popular culture, therefore...include positive examples from that culture.
5. Often says "It's not fair!", therefore...be fair and consistent in all your dealings with children.
6. Becoming sexually aware, therefore...be sensitive to these physical and emotional issues.
7. Sometimes hostile to authority, therefore...balance authority with friendliness.
8. Competitive, therefore...provide occasional opportunities for healthy competition.
9. Sometimes moody, therefore...acknowledge and respect situations which may be outside your control.
10. Sensitive to criticism, therefore...choose your words carefully.
What insight for Teachers and Helpers!