Double-Entry Journal - The Junior Learner

Pre-Task Writing:
Activate Prior Knowledge

Physical
Growth

Changes in their appearance and

mannerism.
Able to sit and pay attention for a long
period of time.
Move and engage in active learning.
Involves in hands on activities using tools
and other props.
Develop fine motor task.
Develops signs of puberty
Permanent teeth grow

Post-task writing:
Ideas from the Course
We can see a wide range of physical development at this
age. It is important and we can make them feel proud of
who they are and how they feel. Junior students
experience a growth spurt with significant weight gain
and muscle growth. Teachers can build environment to
play using play equipments so that it gives
opportunities to exercise all types of motor skills.
Give them practical information concerning physical
growth, personal hygiene and food habits.
They develop coordination, endurance and wide range of
physical abilities. We can give them the opportunity to
explore athletics and find their interest and talent. They
demonstrate natural athletic ability than others. They
start practising balancing acts. Shows skills in
playground and interest in sports and have improved
control over small muscles.
Junior student energy levels are high during this period.
They become concerned and conscious about any
physiological differences that may set him/her apart
from others. Teacher should make effort to overcome
the worries regarding abrupt developments taking place
in their bodies
Engaging them in activities that gain great control over
their bodies and thus can sit and stand for longer
periods of time. Classes should be active and activity
oriented. During junior age their motor development
becomes much smoother and more oriented. Physical

coordination will allow them to create and build intricate

structure.

Social
Growth

Exhibits more discernment

Develops concern, empathy and care for
their peer group
Develop leadership qualities
Able to think and judge social issues
Love to spend more time and enjoy
working in peer groups
Not happy and lose confidence when
compared with others
Increasing conscious of and affected by
gender role

We find friendships are more deeper and personal than

earlier ages. Children can step into another persons
shoes and view their own thoughts, feelings and
behaviour from other perspective. We can help them by
teaching appropriate socialisation and developing a
strong sense of personal identity. By creating an
environment where children feel safe in practising new
social rules.
They start paying attention to news and events. They
want to be more independent, have and share their
views and opinion. Teachers can contribute to students
social growth by setting firm boundaries like how to play
within rules, not to challenge authorities so that they
can better relate to their peers and accomplish the
ability to properly associate with others.
Their self-esteem will be challenged based on how
he/she believes he/she is perceived by others outside
the family. Creating positive classroom teaching them
what to expect and how to treat one another
Children of this age demands truth justice and fairness
from others. Educate them the skill to go on to create a
change in the world.

Cognitive
Growth

Develop decision making skills

Shows interest in specific subjects and
activities
Ready to explore and investigate the world
Develops the ability to multitask
Able to play with words and language
Able to self asses their work
Begin to apply logical rules and reasoning

Children of this age is packed with learning skills and

their cognitive growth increases rapidly. Teacher should
provide experiences that put together the individual
ideas to create a concept. Teacher should act according
to what they want and how effectively they learn.
Vocabulary and language skill are more developed. They
start to think critically and are able to concentrate for
prolonged period of time. Develop their skills by using
variety of learning strategies that keep them engaged.
Children use concrete, hands on experience to explore

the world around them. They start moving from

concrete to abstract in thought process. Provide
opportunities for children to experiment with physical
objects and natural phenomena
Encourage learners to use more complex thinking
focused on personal decision made in school and home
environment. Providing group activities which help to
share their beliefs and perspectives.
Develop good reading skills and starts reading lengthier
book .Teacher can explore students reasoning with
problem solving tasks and probing questions.

My greatest insight after reading more about the development of junior learners is that lot of changes
is happening in all areas of their lives. Each stage in life is a time of growth. The new ways children act
or behave are the ways they are exploring their future potential. Some behaviors will go past but they
must be experienced in order for the child to grow and be ready to face the stage of finding their
identity during this age. Junior development is greatly influenced by individual experience, environment
and personality. Children learn best when their ideas are valued, physical needs are met and they are
psychologically secure. Between the age of 8 and 12 the childs world expand out from the family as
they form relation with friends, teachers and others because of this experience many factors arise in
the growth of children at this age. A joint venture of parents and teachers helps shaping the childs
future, his development and enhances his intellect.