If you have read the first blog in this series you can skip the introductory and concluding paragraphs (in italics).
If you have ever interacted with children of varying ages you would have quickly noticed that they have very different capabilities. This is because children are continually growing and developing in every area and at every stage of their life. It is valuable to understand each stage of development in order to help children learn and grow. But as Christians we also want them to ultimately come to a saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Over the next few blog posts we are going to be looking at the characteristics of the different age groups, what their needs are and what they are capable of understanding about God. Having this knowledge will help us, as parents and teachers, to teach our children about God more effectively in an age appropriate way. In this week’s blog we will be specifically looking at ages nine and ten
As a side note: We need to keep in mind that these different stages of development are not rules rather they are guidelines. Each child will develop at their own pace, some faster than others. Furthermore, as we look at these general principles it does not mean that every child is the same, they are still individuals with their own personalities, abilities, likes and dislikes. So you need to take the time to get to know each child as an individual in your class.
Their characteristics
- Physical development
Children at this level have increased fine and gross motor skills. While still being very active, they are able to work diligently for longer periods of time. They are, however, an “instant generation” and become impatient with delays or their own inabilities. The girls are still ahead of the boys in their development.
- Mental or cognitive development
Most children are able to read and write competently at this age. Their concept of time, space and distance is improving. They also have a good memory and their concentration span is longer than before.
Children have begun to grasp abstract concepts. They are thinking more conceptually and they have a high level of creativity. However, by this stage, many children have become self-conscious about their creative efforts as their understanding has grown to exceed their abilities in some areas.
Furthermore, their reasoning skills are improving. They are beginning to realise there may be other valid opinions besides their own. They are becoming able to evaluate alternatives, and they are less likely to hold onto one viewpoint as the only possibility.
- Emotional development
These children are experiencing new things and feelings everyday. Because of this their emotions are very unstable. This is the age of teasing, nicknames and criticism. Furthermore, they now have an increased vocabulary with which to vent their emotions. By eight years of age children have developed a respect for the rules and a sense of right and wrong. At nine years old children have started searching for their identity outside of the family unit.
- Social development
As their need for adult approval decreases, the desire for status within the peer group becomes more intense. This often leads to acting or showing off to gain attention. Most children remain shy with strangers and, therefore, choose to rather be with a few close friends. Many children, however, still lack the essential social skills needed to make and retain friendships. They enjoy competition.
- Spiritual development
Children are starting to develop a sense of morality and they have a keen sense of justice. They can make decisions about actions and can understand the concept of consequences. They are open to the need for God’s continuous help and guidance. They may also show a desire to become a member of God’s family.
All the material that I have read suggests that it is at this age that children can understand salvation and are able to recognise the need for a personal saviour. It has been my experience, however, that God can open the eyes of a child at any age. So we must be very careful not to prescribe a “salvation” age.
What do they need?
Just like with the 6-8 year olds, these children are still very active, so you will need to give frequent opportunities to change position and to move around. Vary the kinds of activities you do to help keep their brains alert and discipline problems to a minimum. Be sure to also provide experiences that encourage their creativity. The teacher-to-learner ratio at this age is 1 teacher per 8-10 children.
You may begin to make reference to chronology and geography. The use of maps and family trees can be very helpful as they are beginning to understand the concept of time and space. You can also start to introduce abstract concepts and symbolic language.
This is a good time to encourage social interaction. Although one should limit competition, esp as a way of motivation. Instead, create opportunities to use activities in which pairs or small groups of children can work together. This will provide opportunities for the children to get to know each other. Give them as much independence as possible. Allow them to help you by delegating small tasks to them. Assign children the responsibility for cleanup.
Encourage the children to use their own Bibles by finding and reading portions of Scripture. Provide opportunities for them to look up information and discover the answers on their own. Bible learning games are good at this age. They are also often eager to memorise Bible verses, but be sure to help them understand the meaning of the verses they are memorising.
At this stage children are eagerly searching for role models. Teachers, and parents, who demonstrate their faith in a consistent, loving way are models through which children can understand God better. Let them know by your words and by your actions that they are loved. Make your class a safe place where they feel accepted, where they feel comfortable to ask questions and where they may express their feelings.
Give the children opportunities to communicate with God through prayer. You will also need to help them to understand the forgiving nature of God. Present the gospel clearly to the children in your class. For those children who have shown an interest to accept Jesus as their saviour be sure to give clear guidance without pressure.
What can we teach them?
If the children in your class have come up from a younger class, they would have already learnt a lot of foundational truths. You will be continuing to build on those truths. You must be aware, however, that some children may be joining your program for the first time. So you will need to teach them those truths from scratch.
Along with everything they could already learn at ages 2-8, here is a list of what they can now learn and understand:
- God’s plan is seen in history
- I can bring friends to church
- Jesus is my hero
- Jesus is my Lord
- God has a plan for my life
- Beginning to understand trinity and incarnation
- Better understanding of crucifixion and resurrection.
The next time you are teaching your class, you need to choose material that will help them to learn these truths.
It is valuable for us to understand each stage of development in order to help children learn and grow. But we also want them to come to a saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. In this week’s blog we had a look at the characteristics of nine and ten year olds, what their needs are and what they are capable of understanding about God. Having this knowledge will help us, as parents and teachers, to teach our children about God more effectively in an age appropriate way.
Thanks for reading my post. I hope you found it helpful. Please send me any feedback, comments or questions that you may have. I would also like to hear if there are any topics that you would like me to deal with in the future. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Bye for now.
References:
- Chaun, Robert and Lawson, Michael, 1998, The Christian Educator’s Handbook on Children’s ministry, Baker Books, Grand Rapids
- 2006, Gospel Light, Teacher Training Smart Pages
