About Nine or Ten
About Nine or Ten
Physical Development:
-
Slow, steady growth continues; girls forge further ahead. Some children reach the plateau preceding the preadolescent growth spurt.
-
Lungs, as well as digestive and circulatory systems almost mature. Heart especially subject to strain
-
Teeth may need straightening. First and second bicuspids appearing.
-
Eye-hand coordination good. Ready for crafts & shop work.
-
Eyes almost adult size. Ready for close work with less strain.
Characteristic Behavior
-
Decisive, responsible, dependable, reasonable, strong sense of right and wrong.
-
Individual differences distinct, abilities apparent
-
Capable of prolonged interest. Often makes plans and goes ahead on his own.
-
Gangs strong, of short duration and changing membership. Limited to one sex.
-
Perfectionistic; wants to do well but loses interest if discouraged or pressured
-
Interested less in fairy tales and fantasy, more in his community and country and in other countries and people.
-
Loyal to his country and proud of it.
-
Spends a great deal of time in talk and discussion.
Often outspoken and critical of adults, although still dependent on adult approval.
-
Frequently argues over fairness in games.
-
Wide discrepancies in reading ability.
Special Needs:
-
Active, rough and tumble play.
-
Friends and membership in a group.
-
Training in skills, but without pressure.
-
Books of many kinds, depending on individual reading level and interest.
-
Reasonable explanations without talking down.
-
Definite responsibility.
Frank answers to his questions about coming physiological changes.