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Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Unit 3 The Learner
Depending on the timing of these physical changes, this can be a time of
uncertainty or a time of growing self-confidence.
• Gross-motor skills. Muscle strength and reaction time continue
to improve. Most children enjoy active play, and organized sports
are popular. Often, it takes trying out a number of activities to find
those that match a child’s personal interests and natural abilities.
Activities that require complex skills are now within reach. Children
delight in flashy moves, such as skateboard stunts. It can, however,
take time after a growth spurt to regain coordination.
• Fine-motor skills. Children make similar gains in fine-motor
skills. At this stage, children write and draw with more skill. They
are able to complete complicated projects, such as designing a
clay relief map, paper collage, or clay sculpture. Electronic games
require and improve dexterity.
Cognitive Development
In school, 10- to 12-year-olds face new challenges. The move to middle
school means adapting to multiple teachers, more independent learning, and
additional homework. Teaching also relies more heavily on verbal explanation.
That increases the importance of listening skills and note taking. At this stage,
students like to discuss topics and are better able to work in groups.
Thinking Skills
Children between the ages of 10 and 12 become capable of much
more complex thought. They master sequencing and ordering, which are
skills needed for math. They move past simple memorization to more
complex skills such as memorization of state capitals. Their short-term
memory grows, and experiences make longer lasting impressions.
One of the most significant changes in the way older children think
is the development of executive strategies. Executive strategies are
skills used to solve problems. These skills include assessing problems,
setting goals, and developing a plan to meet goals. They also involve
implementing and evaluating solutions.
The ability to use executive strategies opens up a world of
possibilities for classroom learning projects. Students enjoy using various
methods and materials to solve creative problems. Without guidance
and encouragement, some older children struggle with the completion of
projects. For example, they may finish homework but never turn it in.
Language and Reading
When children begin school, they know over 2000 words. For the
next couple of years, they will learn about 1000 new words per year.