The magic age where we see considerable differences in children seems to be around this age, and things seem to fall into place. Most children at this age begin to make sense of the adult world as we see it. This age group will communicate independently, describe objects and simple concepts, and express basic feelings and opinions. They will also be able to construct more cohesive sentences and use descriptors, though they will have some limitations, which teachers should help them develop.
This age group of students will have very different approaches to learning and have distinct preferences and interests.
Characteristics of 10-12-year-olds
- They have longer attention spans.
- Their knowledge of the world is developing.
- They take learning more seriously.
- They are more cooperative with their peers.
- They are more Intellectual, and their motor and social skills are developing.
- They can develop their own learning strategies.
Needs and Implications:
Needs of this age group:
- Teachers must provide opportunities for students to join tasks that need commitment and focus.
- Teachers should develop and organise their lessons around encouraging independent communication, where students not only interact with the teacher but also with each other,
- Students require stimulation, for example, information from the internet or cross-curricular.
- Students look for chances to be independent.
- Teachers must be sensitive to these students’ needs and moods.
- Teachers must use independent exercises and group activities.
- Emphasis should be made on encouraging improvement and use of complete sentences, correct pronunciation, and intonations.
Implications for this age group:
- A greater range of activities is possible in class.
- More topics can be addressed.
- Students can be given responsibility.
- Students can do more group work.
- Students can be challenged more.
- Students have different personalities, and each student will not respond in the same way to the same task/topic.