LEARNING CHARACTERISTICS OF YOUNG PEOPLE

The development of children

Understanding the development of children intellectually is an important aspect of teaching science. The science teacher provides situations that encourage insight. In this way the kids can discover ideas. The following chart can help the teacher in their communications of science facts to students at various age levels.

Early Elementary (K-2)
  1. The children at this age believe what they see.
  2. They learn through manipulating objects.
  3. They only see the parts, not the whole.
  4. They do not understand an object does not change its amount.
  5. They cannot trace steps back from a conclusion.
  6. They are curious, energetic and adventurous.
  7. They are always in motion and loud.
  8. They like to work in groups, but will need help.
  9. They can sit still and listen for 10-15 minutes.
  10. They love praise.

Late Elementary (3-5)
  1. Children in 3-5 grades begin to understand concepts as well as objects. They still at times need to see in order to believe.
  2. They can sort, multiply, substitute, divide or combine.
  3. They understand classification systems.
  4. They can begin to generalize and use problem solving strategies.
  5. They can formulate hypotheses.
  6. They like to memorize and learn facts.
  7. They understand rules and can follow them.
  8. They like group activities and field trips.
  9. They can initiate and are self-motivated.
  10. They are becoming independent learners and like to practice the same thing over and over again.
  11. They can sit still and listen for 20-30 minutes.

Middle Grades (6-8)
  1. The middle grade kids can hypothesize, create propositions and evaluate.
  2. They can conceptualize in the abstract and understand probability.
  3. They begin to understand multiple causation.
  4. They are easily bored and eager to get moving.
  5. They like small group activity.
  6. They are concerned about how they are perceived by others.
  7. They challenge authority.
  8. They can handle 30-40 minute sessions.

Last modified: Wed Jul 16 16:24:08 PDT 1997