Development of Leaners at Various Stages:

Late Childhood

Defining Late Childhood

Late Childhood Stage ranges from ages 9 to 12, before the onset of adolescence.

This is also considered as pre-teen years. One preteen can be in a different growth phase than another child
who is the exact same age.

Looking at the Different Aspects of Late Childhood Development

1. Physical Development

a. The first signs of puberty usually manifest in late childhood. Puberty is commonly defined as the
period of biological maturation where a boy or a girl becomes able to reproduce.
b. Girls are generally two years ahead of physical maturation. In girls, puberty can begin between
the ages of 8 and 13, while it usually begins around 10 in boys.
c. Boys and girls alike experience rapid growth spurts in late childhood. Growth spurt is a sudden
boost in height and weight, which are usually accompanied by increase in appetite and food
intake.
d. This stage is also characterized by advanced development of their motor skills. Muscle strength
and stamina increase as they are offered different physical activities.
e. Physical Development for Girls:
i. Will start gaining body weight around the hips to have a curvier body shape;
ii. Will start developing breasts;
iii. Will grow pubic hair and have hair under armpits;
iv. Will start having their menstruation;
v. Will have yellow, sticky mucus on their underwear;
vi. Will have acne on their faces;
vii. Will sweat more as the glands expand

f. Physical Development for Boys:

i. Will have acne on their faces;
ii. Will sweat more as the glans expand;
iii. Develop broad shoulder and more muscular physique;
iv. Become heavier;
v. Become taller;
vi. Voice starts to crack;
vii. Might have 'wet dreams';
viii. Might have more erections;
ix. Develop facial, body and pubic hair

2. Mental/Cognitive Development

a. The attention span gradually increases and they can sit in class for longer periods.
b. Children are enthusiastic and often impatient.
c. Children establish their preferred learning style.
d. Their knowledge of language increases.
 e. Imagination is blossoming.
f. Language skills may be limited but are improving.
g. Deeper appreciation of their strengths and limitations in making reasonable and moral choices.
Morals further develop and children acquire a greater sense of right and wrong

3. Emotional Development

a. Children develop their self-concept.

b. Children may feel insecurities. Children begin to realize what they are good at and what they are
not, hence, they may become self-conscious in situations where they feel inadequate. They might
feel uncomfortable or embarrassed around other people they don’t know or certain activities
they are not good at.
c. There is an increased awareness of multiple emotions toward the same person.
d. Children begins to distinguish genuine emotional expression with close friends and managed
display with others.

4. Social Development
a. Children enter into a wider social world and adjust therein.
b. They begin to develop peers or groups of friends. They tend to group with the members of their
sex.
c. They tend to place an importance on being accepted by others so they may change behavior to
achieve approval.
d. An increased capacity to appreciate the need for rules in life and in relationships.
e. Growth in deeper concern for others.

Program content and process for later childhood must supply external support, structure and assistance
for the development of competencies, skills, values, and faith that will see the later-stage child into the
stage of early adolescence.

Understanding the Developmental Needs of Later Childhood

1. Opportunities to exhibit a range of interests and higher energy in activity;

2. Opportunities to appreciate that they and their peers are growing at different rates: physically,
intellectually, emotionally, socially and spiritually;
3. Opportunities to experience the beginning of sexual awareness and attraction to others;
4. Opportunities to exercise their growing ability to make abstractions;
5. Opportunities to make moral judgments out of a sense of fairness;
6. Opportunities to balance their growing sense of independence with responsibility and
accountability for their actions;
7. Opportunities to discover positive peer groups with whom they tend to conform and identify
strongly;
8. Opportunities to learn faith identity through family and community customs and traditions.

Developing Goals for Formation of Later Childhood

1. Develop understanding and practice of good personal hygiene and health care habits.
2. Develop an age-appropriate understanding of their biological processes and relationships.
3. Develop skills to handle and express their emotions and feelings of attraction for others in
appropriate ways.
 4. Identify, affirm, develop and share their personal gifts for the good of others.
5. Form skills in good communication and how to choose friends wisely.
6. Identify choices that express love and choices that don't hurt themselves, others and creation.

References:

Brenda Corpuz, et. al. Child and Adolescent Development: Looking at Learners at Different Life Stages, (Quezon City:
Lorimar Publishing), 2015, 263-269.

Gauri Dushi, “Essay on Social Development during Late Childhood,” Preserve Articles, accessed September 23, 2019,
http://www.preservearticles.com/essay/essay-on-social-development-during-late-childhood/18069.

Karen Hellesvig-Gaskell, “Physical Development in Late Childhood,” Livestrong, accessed September 23, 2019,
https://www.livestrong.com/article/88282-late-childhood-physical-development/.

Brooke Jorgensen, “Late Childhood,” Developmental Milestone, accessed September 23, 2019,
https://hchealthbrookiiee.weebly.com/late-childhood.html.

Gileana Reyes, “Developmental Stage: Late Childhood” Slideshare, accessed September 23, 2019,
https://www.slideshare.net/gilssreyes/late-childhood.

Carolyn Saarni, “Emotional Development in Childhood,” Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development, accessed
September 23, 2019, http://www.child-encyclopedia.com/emotions/according-experts/emotional-development-
childhood.

“Remote Preparation for Marriage: Late Childhood: Age 9-11,” Archdiocese of Cincinnati, accessed September 23,
2019, http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/ministries-offices/family-life/family/parenting/remote-preparation-for-
the-vocation-of-marriage/later-childhood-ages-9-11/.

“Positive Parenting Tips: Middle Childhood (9-11 years of Age),” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
accessed September 23, 2019, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/middle2.html