Child Development:
Even in third grade, your children continue to grow, develop, and express themselves differently than they had in previous years. Here's a really nifty overview of some things your child may be experiencing. Obviously, not all children have the same experiences, but it's an interesting overview nonetheless!
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. 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 year olds do not like to be ordered around. He responds better to subtle cues and reminders. He also wants special privileges such as later bedtimes. A smart care giver 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.” Eight can be very dramatic and loses himself in pretending to be a character from TV or movies.
Ideas
- 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. Boys and girls enjoy both organized and neighborhood sports.
- Eight year olds also enjoy drama, and love it when an older child invites them to be in a show or performance.
- Eight is beginning to show an interest in popular music.
- Give special attention to each child.
- Plan activities and which include same age children.
- Give children responsibility.
- Discuss safety procedures.
The 9 Year Old Child
Nine year olds are absorbed in their play interests and will spend hours at their chosen activities. They enjoy solitary play - video games, TV, reading, dolls, construction sets, or crafts. Nine-year-old boys and girls love sports, especially baseball, football, and basketball. They enjoy bicycling, skating, swimming, and other forms of active play, though they are not as proficient at them as they will be at ten.
Many nine year olds will begin to show a great interest in reading. Some nine year olds are very interested in music and learning to play a musical instrument. They will readily attend lessons and practice to develop their skills. Other nines are obsessed with watching TV. Most nines know the days and times of a long list of favorite TV programs. TV programs are a frequent topic of conversation among nine year olds.
Ideas
- They enjoy solitary play- video games, TV, reading, dolls, construction sets, or crafts.
- Nine year old boys and girls love sports, especially baseball, football, and basketball. They enjoy bicycling, skating, swimming, and other forms of active play, though they are not as proficient at them as they will be at ten
- Give the children some freedom or independence. Allow children to be assertive. Avoid giving too many instructions. Avoid interrupting when children are preoccupied
- Encouraging child’s independence and remain open to their new experiences. Need to continue to make time to listen. Give responsibility to child and holding them accountable.
- Act as a moral guide and role model. Need to be consistent in holding children accountable to family rules
**Information courtesy of www.allthedaze.com