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| Child Development |
| Children develop intellectually, physically and socially, step by step, in a progressive manner. Skills are learned gradually as a child moves through the stages of development. In order to provide an age appropriate program with activities that enhance the numerous stages of growth and development in children, the adult should have a good understanding of where the child is coming from, where the child is at currently, and where he or she is heading in the near future, developmentally. The following information will provide a basic overview of patterns of development in the growing child. The 8 Year Old Child At seven, the child tended toward introversion. Now at eight her personality is definitely more extroverted. She is interested in being out in the world with other people, going places, doing things. She evaluates herself against the standards of others -parents, peers, and teachers. Because her performance often does not measure up to the perceived standards of others, she can feel inadequate and unhappy. At eight the seeds of peer pressure are sown. Parents and teachers can help her self-esteem by providing opportunities for successful mastery. High expectations for behavior and school performance are important, but for the eight year old these external expectations should be realistic and accompanied by plenty of support and encouragement. Eight does not like to be ordered around. Parents and teachers who use an authoritarian style of instruction will see sullenness and resentment in an eight year old. He responds better to subtle cues and reminders. He also wants special privileges such as later bedtimes. A smart parent will use the if-then approach to managing eight's behavior - If you clean your room completely, then you can have your friend over to play today. Self-consciousness is apparent in the eight year old. He is aware of his differences - wearing glasses, being left-handed, having freckles, learning difficulties - but is not yet terribly bothered by these differences. Self-acceptance can be nurtured now to carry him through the coming years. Eight can be very dramatic and loses himself in pretending to be a character from TV or movies. Children develop intellectually, physically and socially, step by step, in a progressive manner. Skills are learned gradually as a child moves through the stages of development. In order to provide an age appropriate program with activities that enhance the numerous stages of growth and development in children, the adult should have a good understanding of where the child is coming from, where the child is at currently, and where he or she is heading in the near future, developmentally. The following information will provide a basic overview of patterns of development in the growing child. Patterns of Development - nothing is too difficult for the 8-year-old - outgoing; has outgrown shyness - often overestimates his ability to meet new challenges - begins things with a burst of energy which sometimes ends in failure and tears - constantly busy and active, trying new things, making new friends - indulges in self-criticism "I never get anything right" - are critical of others - is sensitive to criticism - loves to talk - more independent and likes to explore new places - travels broader range in the neighborhood - has better concept of time - needs help from trying to do to much - interested in relationships with others - wants a close relationship with parents - learns to play sports such as soccer and baseball - be very dramatic using characteristic and descriptive gestures - holds pencil, brush, and tools slightly less tensely - draws action figures - sews a straight line Cognitive Development seeks to understand the reasons for things begins to feel competent in skills and have preferences for some activities and subjects thinking is organized and logical begins to recognize concept of reversibility (4+2=6 and 6––2=4) Language Development can converse at an almost adult level reading may be a major interest Physical Development finger control is quite refined stamina increases; can run and swim further Social and Emotional Development has strong need for love and understanding, especially from mother can be helpful, cheerful, and pleasant as well as rude, bossy, and selfish may be quite sensitive and overly dramatic emotions change quickly impatient; finds waiting for special events torturous makes friends easily; develops close friends of same sex favors group play, clubs, and team sports; wants to feel part of a group more influenced by peer pressure can be obsessed with, and motivated by money Stages of Awareness Regarding Differences Regarding sex, the eight year old is becoming more aware that the specifics are not very clear. So, some will ask, others will not. Girls are more likely to broach the subject with mother, specifically regarding intercourse and menstruation. Of course, the children will discuss the subject among their friends, as well as begin to make the connection from observing animal's mating. This is a very good age to begin to discuss sex in more detail with many children, in response to their questions. If she doesn't ask or seem aware, perhaps you can put it off until nine or ten. Eight year olds are involved in boy-girl relationships. Boys notice pretty girls and girls will chase handsome boys on the playground. Parents should be alert to the possibility that their eight year old girl could become involved in sexual play with older boys. Parents should not allow the circumstances that might lead to this to occur. Typical Problems Eight year old children are courageous and open to new experiences. Some of the lingering fears they do experience are of fighting, of failing, of others finding fault with them or not liking them, of snakes, and of the dark. Often, their coping mechanism for fearful feelings is to compulsively confront a fear until it is mastered. This brave approach is evidenced in their fascination with books, movies, TV programming, and Web sites about fire, storms, blood, violence, dangerous animals, etc. Our children certainly have plenty of opportunities to witness frightening events on TV and video games, and we often worry about why they are drawn to this material. Wise parents will supervise their child when he views frightening themes, discussing the issues and helping him to confront his fears within the safe confines of a nurturing family. This is the age when anxiety and worry are more prevalent than outright fear. Anxiety is eased when parents are consistently available to help the child understand and plan for new and difficult situations. Often, the child will not admit to or talk about her worries or fears, so sensitivity and open communication from the parent means a lot. Eight year olds do not seem to have many dreams. Dreams are mainly pleasant and related to daily happenings. Nightmares are infrequent, though can be triggered by watching a scary movie or TV show. Goals Teaching Responsibility: Develop a Chore Chart Pick up Toys Fold Dishtowels and Washcloths Match Socks Put small items in the garbage Give food to pets Water indoor plants Load the dishwasher Answer the telephone Sweep a deck/patio/porch Wipe the bathroom sink Put forks and spoons away Put their own clothes in the drawer Sort laundry into color piles Use a hand-held vacuum Take out Garbage Set the table Clear the table Vacuum an area rug Clean the inside of the car Empty the dishwasher Put away clean dry dishes Ideas for Caregivers Active group play, sports, clubs, and table games are the eight year old child's favorite play activities. Any pastime that is enjoyed with others attracts her. She is very organized in her play. She will organize a group for a club or arrange elaborate doll play. Boys and girls enjoy both organized and neighborhood sports. Playing board and card games with the family is a great opportunity to build family bonds and have fun. You can't go wrong with Monopoly, Risk, Clue, Dominos, Hearts, or trivia games. Eight year olds also enjoy drama, and love it when an older child invites them to be in a show or performance. Some eights enjoy reading. If yours doesn't, perhaps he could be encouraged with magazines. He still loves to be read to by teachers and parents. Boys tend to like non-fiction books and girls at this age like the easy series fiction readers. Eight is beginning to show an interest in popular music. Favorite toys for the eight year old are construction sets, doll collections, science kits, arts and crafts kits, sports equipment, and board games. Eight year olds love collections of any kind as they satisfy their developmental need to classify and organize their world. - give special attention to each child - plan activities and which include same age children - give children responsibility - discuss bike and other safety procedures - discuss street safety - make sure children know their own phone number and address |
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| "Learn as though you would never be able to master it;
hold it as though you would be in fear of losing it." Confucius |