Developmental Information
Please read this book for an overview of important developmental milestones and changes that school-aged children might experience. This book will cover the following topics:
- Physical Development
- Cognitive (Brain) Development
- Emotional Development
- A Note About Tweens
Overview of Developmental Milestones and Changes
Before we discuss details of providing services to school-age children, it’s important to first understand the main characteristics, behaviors, and developmental milestones of this age group (ages 6 - 12 years old). Knowing what is going on with your school-age patrons in terms of physical and emotional growth will greatly assist you in building rapport, anticipating their needs and interest, designing programs, and supporting their developmental process.
As school-age children have developed the necessary skills and control of their bodies and emotions to function more independently, they are ready to begin a new, important time of learning and growth. They will continue to go through major changes physically, mentally, and emotionally, but as they interact more with the world outside their homes, they are more and more influenced by teachers, friends, and society at large. Although there is no hard and fast rule for how and when children grow and develop, here are some general milestones to expect.