Physical:
During this time, children begin to feel and look awkward with longer limbs and shorter torsos. Their teeth often appear too large, because their permanent teeth are growing in. They also like to play more manipulative games, and are able to catch much better. In our interviews, we did not find any contradicting facts. Some specific developments include:
· Development of permanent teeth
· Long arms and legs give body awkward appearance
· Good sense of balance
· Enjoys testing muscle strength and skills
· Can catch small balls
· Can tie shoelaces
· Can print name
· Skilled at using scissors and small tools
Intellectual:
Children have many intellectual developments during this time. Their vocabulary and attention span increase, they focus on classroom rules, and they enjoy tasks such as reading more. However, the third-grade teacher we interviewed said that the students do not follow directions and the teacher has to model behavior and walk the students through everyday tasks each time. She also has to stress that they need to “grow up” because they are starting to get real grades. However, the children still have problems with complete sentences and they have problems working without socializing. Other developments are:
· May reverse printed letters (b/d)
· Enjoys planning and building
· Recognition can be achieved by producing things
· Doubles speaking and listening vocabularies
· Reading may become a major interest
· Increased problem-solving ability
· Interested in magic and tricks
· Longer attention span
· Enjoys creating elaborate collections
· Able to learn difference between left and right
· Can begin to understand time and days of the week
Social/Emotional:
Third-graders begin to develop close friendships at this age. Friend circles become increasingly common, and often, secret clubs are created. Interviews with third-grade students and teachers gave us some extra and even sometimes contradicting insights to this age group. For example, the girls interviewed said that they do play with girls, but they are starting to like boys, they like to chase boys and they say they have boyfriends. Also, they said they do not have enemies, but do have people they do not like. At lunch, there was a kindergartner sitting by himself, and they asked him to come and sit with them, so they do not mind playing with younger children. Also, a third-grade teacher said that they are still like babies, and they still cry when they get upset, but the other children make fun of the one crying. However, they all usually do cry. This group still likes to give hugs, and needs lots of attention. Other specific developments include:
· Students realize that others have thoughts and feelings different
from their own
· Advocate pro-social behavior on the grounds that it is the
right thing to do and they will be liked or appreciated if they help
· Being with friends becomes increasingly important
· Interested in rules and rituals
· Girls want to play more with girls; boys with boys
· May have a best friend and an enemy
· Strong desires to do well
· Finds criticism or failure difficult to handle
· Views things as black and white, right and wrong, wonderful
and terrible, with very little middle ground
· Seeks a sense of security in groups, organized play, and clubs
· Generally enjoys caring for and playing with younger children
· May become upset when behavior or school work is ignored
Teacher Tips:
· Provide opportunities for play.
· Provide chances to develop an understanding of rules.
· Provide opportunities for the students to do non-competitive
team activities.
· Encourage a sense of accomplishment.
· Encourage reading and writing.
· Take field trips to help them explore their world.
References:
Ormrod, Jeanne E. Educational Psychology Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall Inc., 1995.
Third grade teacher in Wilmington, NC
Third grade girls at Beech Mountain Elementary School, Beech Mountain, NC
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