Caring for Your Preadolescences & Teen (10 – 14)

Developmental characteristics:

• High energy and needs lots of activity
• Like to achieve and be seen as competent
• Seem inconsistent in ideas and moods
• Use logic and reasoning
• Think beyond the immediate experience
• Can exchange ideas
• Seek independence
• Want voice in decisions
• Feel awkward and embarrassed in some situations
• Need praise and approval
• Identify strongly with peers
• Begin experimentation

Supporting actions and activities:

• Wide variety of options
• Lots of choice
• Connections to real-world experience
• Opportunities to interact in large and small groups
• Individual recognition
• Experiences that explore ethics and values with adults
• Opportunities to serve others
• Physical activity
• Opportunities for decision-making and leadership
• Opportunities to apply and reinforce school day lessons in group and individual performance and products
• Experiences emphasizing reasoning and problem solving in art, science and mathematics
• Quiet times for homework with adult and peer help
• Games that provide opportunities to practice basic skills such as chess checkers, puzzles and word games
• Exposure to a wide range of reading activities with opportunities for discussion of ideas found in the books
• Experiences built on a wide diversity of cultures and ethnic group