Post on 20-Jun-2015
Youth Development 101Philip HornLearning and Development Project LeaderBSSW, LSW (Ohio)
goals [participants will be able to..]
• Identify key developmental characteristics of the age group they serve
• To articulate the similarities and differences between youth across the development spectrum
• To articulate how to adjust strategies and activities for different aged students
Take 5 minutes to review characteristics and match to the appropriate developmental stage
warm up!
basics
what is youth development?
The universal and predictable sequences of growth that all young people go through on the way to adulthood
influences on development
why is it important?
developmental stages
developmental stages
characteristics of development
ages 8-11{middle childhood
physical
social
early childhood {6-8}
Very activeBasic fine motor skills, will continue to developRapidly growing
Beginning to notice peers, seek acceptanceComfortable around same sexStart showing concern for others
emotional
intellectual
Begins to understand rules/ritualsAlways wants to be rightNeed to feel competent
Demonstrates limited problem-solving abilityVocabulary rapidly increases
ages 8-11{middle childhood
physical
social
middle childhood {9-11}
Very activeA lot of energyRapidly growing
Group membership is importantComfortable around same sexLack social awareness skills
emotional
intellectual
Begin to question authorityJustice and equality very importantNeed to feel competent
Interests change rapidlyLimited decision making abilityConcrete thinking
ages 12-14 {early adolesce
physical
social
early adolescence {12-14}
Rapid physical changesExperiencing at different rates
Interest in opposite sexDepend on adult guidance but seeking independence
emotional
intellectual
Self consciousCompare themselves to peersFrequent mood swings
More realistic goal settingCan handle longer and more in-depth learning experiences
ages 15-18 {middle adoles
physical
social
middle adolescence {15-18}
Smaller range in size and maturity amongst peers Sexual maturity
Social status is importantRespect from peers and adults also importantWant adult leadership roles
emotional
intellectual
Looking for independence from adults and approval from peersDesire approval from both groups
Restricting areas of interestAbstract thinking and problem solvingDeveloping personal values
break- five minutes!
small group activity
High schoolMiddle schoolElementary school
organize into small groups
scenario
Your team is planning to begin a morning greeting activity in two weeks. Your team is
leading a brainstorm on the potential activities and how to introduce them to students.
• Based on what you’ve learned about the age group you work with, you need to: – Determine appropriate and engaging Morning
Greeting activities– Develop a plan for introducing these activities to
students and the school community
task
scenario
You are brainstorming effective ways to recruit students to join your new afterschool program.
• Based on what you’ve learned about the age group you work with, you need to: – Determine strategies to garner student interest
and excitement to join and participate in the afterschool program
task
group share back
High schoolMiddle schoolElementary school
Take 5 minutes to reflection on the following questions:
•What am I going to take away from this session?•How can the information I’ve learned in this session positively impact my service in my community?
reflection
•Austin, D. 2006. “Building on a Foundation of Strengths.” Educational Horizons, 84(3).•Erikson (1968). “Identity, Youth, and Crisis. New York: Norton and Company.•Peter L. Bensen, Judy Galbraith and Pamela Espeland. “What Kids Need to Succeed” (Minneapolis, MN: Search Institute, 1995).•Tomek, J; Williams, M; “Ages and Stages of 4-H Youth Development.” Columbia: MU Extension, University of Missouri-Columbia Press, 1999.
references