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