I.
THEORY IN THE TEACHING OF A FOREIGN LANGUAGE TO YOUNG LEARNERS.
Characteristic of primary school – aged children development
School-age child development describes the expected physical, emotional, and mental abilities of children ages 6 - 12 years old.
Physical development
School-age children typically have fairly smooth and strong motor skills. However, they vary widely in coordination (especially eye-hand), endurance, balance, and physical tolerance.
Fine motor skills may also vary widely and influence a child''s ability to write neatly, dress appropriately, and perform certain chores, such as making beds or doing dishes.
There will be significant differences in height, weight, and build among children of this age range. It is important to remember that genetic background, as well as nutrition and exercise, may influence growth.
A great deal of variance also occurs with the age at which children begin to develop secondary sexual characteristics. For girls, secondary sex characteristics include breast development and underarm and pubic hair growth. For boys, they include growth of underarm, chest, and pubic hair, and growth of testicles and penis.
Language development
Early school-age children should be able to consistently use simple, but structurally complete, sentences that average five to seven words. As the child progresses through the elementary years, syntax, and pronunciation becomes normal. Children use more complex sentences as they grow.
Language delays may be due to hearing problems or intelligence deficits. In addition, children who are unable to express themselves adequately may be more prone to exhibiting aggressive behavior or temper tantrums.
A 6-year-old child normally can follow a series of three commands in a row.
By age 10, most children can follow five commands in a row. Children with a deficit in this area may try to cover it up with backtalk or clowning around and will rarely expose themselves to potential ridicule by asking for clarification.
Behaviour Frequent physical
complaints (such as sore throats, tummy aches, and arm or leg pain) may simply be due to a child''s enhanced body awareness. Although frequently no physical evidence for such complaints can be found, the complaints should be investigated, both to rule out substantial conditions, and to assure the child that the parent is concerned about the child''s well-being.
Peer acceptance becomes increasingly important during the school-age years. Behaviour a child engages in to be part of "the group" may need to be negotiated with parents. This will allow the child to have some conformity and group standing, without crossing the boundaries of the family''s behavior standards.
Friendships at this age tend to be primarily with members of the same sex. In fact, younger school-age children typically denounce or talk about how "strange" or "awful" members of the opposite sex are. This lack of appreciation of the opposite sex steadily diminishes as the child approaches adolescence.