MODULE22 Handout

UNIT 5 Late Childhood (The Intermediate Schooler)
MODULE 22 Cognitive Development of the Intermediate Schoolers

Rapid development of mental skills is evident in the • Capable of understanding concepts without having
late childhood stages of children. According to Jean Piaget, direct hands-on experiences.
concrete operational thinkers can now organize thoughts
effectively, although, they can only logically perceive the
immediate situation. Reading Development
Thus, their reasoning and logical thinking are still very  Children in this stage, is marked by a wide
limited. But with proper guidance and nurturance from application of word attack.
parents, teachers and the rest of the community, these
children can easily succeed in their intellectual endeavors.  “Reading to Learn” Stage
In choosing books appropriate to their age, consider the
following:
Initial Cognitive Characteristics
 Consider who the child is – his or her personality traits
Intermediate school children greatly enjoy the cognitive and personal preferences when choosing a book.
abilities that they can now utilize more effectively as  Make a selection with the child in mind; choose an
compared to their thinking skills during their primary years. informational book or a novel in an area of specific
interest.
• Their ability to use logic and reasoning gives them
 Choose books that encourage discussion and insight-
chances to think about what they want and how to get
building.
it.
The website www.readingrockets.org listed a few
• Become very interested in talking about the future or
strategies in choosing age-appropriate books for
even their potential careers.
intermediate schoolers.
• Develop special interest in collections, hobbies, and
sports.
Attention  support to share ideas, not only with the
teacher / parent but also with other children;
Older children have longer and more flexible attention and
span compared to younger children. Their span of attention is  minimize competition and external rewards.
dependent on how much is required by the given task. In
terms of schoolwork, older children can concentrate and focus
more for long periods of hours especially if they are interested The Impact of Media
in what they are doing.
“Television viewing is a highly complex, cognitive
activity during which children are actively involved in
learning.”
Creativity
(Anderson and Collins, 1988)
“CREATIVITY is not the finding of a thing, but making
something out of it after it is found.” The dream of having a television unit in every
classroom started in the 1950’s. It was considered as one of
- James Russell Lowell the first technological advancements in schools.
 Children at this stage are open to explore new The impact of the use of television and other media
things. like the computer has gained popularity because students are
 Creativity is innate in children, they just need a given the opportunity to:
little guidance and support from parents,
• communicate effectively in speech and in writing;
teachers and people around them.
• work collaboratively;
Creativity in children is encouraged when the activities:
• use technological tools;
 encourage different responses from each child;
 celebrate uniqueness; • analyze problems, set goals, and formulate strategies
 break stereotypes; for achieving those goals; and
 value process over product; • seek out information or skills on their own, as needed,
 reduce stress and anxiety in children; to meet their goals.
models also provide them with motivation to succeed. One
of the most important roles of teachers is to become a
very good role model to children.
Media and Aggression
Implications to Child Care, Education and Parenting
Violence and aggression are often dubbed as one of
Children have varying intelligence profiles. These profiles may
the results of media.
be based on influences on learning and achievement. Parents,
According to the Public Health Summit in 2000, the child-care providers, and teachers should be able to recognize
following are some of the negative results of media: these through:
 Children will increase anti-social and aggressive  being an eager participant in children’s growth
behavior. and development;
 Children may become less sensitive to violence and  understanding how to use the children’s natural
those who suffer from violence. curiosity to help make the appropriate
developmental leap in their skills and abilities;
 Children may view the world as violent and mean,
and
becoming more fearful of being a victim of violence.
 creating an atmosphere where risks can be
 Children will desire to see more violence in
taken and discoveries made while children
entertainment and real life.
remain safe.
 Children will view violence as an acceptable way to
settle conflicts.
It should be a collective effort among the factors
working together to support children in every aspect of
development.
Having a role model is extremely important for children
at this stage of transition (from childhood to adolescence).
Children need an adult to admire and emulate. Role

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UNIT 5 Late Childhood (The Intermediate Schooler)

MODULE 22 Cognitive Development of the Intermediate Schoolers

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