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.
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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.
