Kids Will Be KidsStages 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 muscles Like craft projects, messy is OkPeriod of slow steady growth Provide opportunity to practice skillsChallenged with fine motor skills Nocking arrows, handling pellets

needs practice

Social: Activity:Learning how to be friends Small group activities, practice social

skillsMay be selfish Teach children to think from others

perspectivePrefer same gender groups Engage group in mixed gender groups

Intellectual: Activity:Easily motivated, curious, but short attention spans Use a variety of activities – timed 20

minutesThinking is concrete Use senses to help youth experience

things

Emotional: Activity:Sensitive to criticism positive 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 silliness Lots of physical activity, active learning

experience.Girls maturing faster than boys Avoid competition between sexes Strength, balance, and coordination increase Provide opportunity to practice

skillsA 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 club Group activities, form groups to plan

activitiesPrefer to be with members of the same sex Plan learning experiences with same gender

groups (Teams or practice rounds)Admire and imitate older members of same sex Encourage mentoring experiences with older

youthNeed guidance from adults to stay on task Work closely with this group

Intellectual: Activity:Interests change rapidly – present in small pieces Short directions, Use a variety of short

activitiesVary greatly in academic skills, eager to learn new Offer activities to fit a wide variety of skill

things levels

Emotional: Activity:Sensitive to criticism positive 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 spurt Talk honestly and appropriately about body

questionsGirls maturing faster than boys Encourage active, fun learning experiences Interest in sports and active games The point at which they prefer to advance

in skill level. (From bare bow to freestyle)

Social: Activity:Concerned about grooming and being liked by peers Encourage learning experiences through

self discoveryInterested 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 task Work closely with this group

Intellectual: Activity:Tend to reject solutions from parents Involve youth in planning activities for the

dayAre becoming skilled in cause and effect Ask questions/activities that require

problem solving (Begin to figure out why aiming is important!)

Emotional: Activity:Can be very self-conscious positive environment, use activities that

can Changes in hormones and thinking/mood swings identify their own strengths. Drama and

feelings. (Not morning people)Independence yet need parents help Be careful not to embarrass or criticize

Characteristics

Social ActivityStrong desire for status in their peer group Establish a climate conducive to supportInterested in co-ed activities. Allow teens to plan activities togetherOften want adult leadership roles Emphasis on personal developmentWant to belong to a group but also want their own Become a teen Jr. SSP Instructorunique identity

Intellectual ActivityReach high levels of abstract thinking Put youth into real life problem solving

activities. (District and State Matches)Developing a concern for well being of themselves Encourage civic projectsand community

Personal philosophy begins to emerge Allow 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.

Emotional ActivityFeelings of inadequacy and inferiority Encourage youth by helping them to see

their positive self-worthGaining independence and firm individual identity Give teens responsibility

What age level would I be to access everyone’s individual needs in strength and coordination?

• A. 8-9 year olds B. 11-12 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. 11-12 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. 11-12 year olds C. Young Teens D. Teen agers