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What are “Ages & Stages” and Why Do They Matter?
What are “Ages & Stages” and Why Do They Matter?
“Ages & stages” is a commonly used phrase in youth development. It refers to the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of a young person. These developmental categories are based on the work of researchers like Piaget and Erickson. Understanding these categories help 4-H volunteers and professionals provide opportunities for youth to thrive through social and emotional learning. They are a key part of the 4-H Thrive Model (Arnold & Gagnon, 2020). There are several benefits of selecting (or adapting) age-appropriate activities for youth:
“Ages & stages” is a commonly used phrase in youth development. It refers to the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of a young person. These developmental categories are based on the work of researchers like Piaget and Erickson. Understanding these categories help 4-H volunteers and professionals provide opportunities for youth to thrive through social and emotional learning. They are a key part of the 4-H Thrive Model (Arnold & Gagnon, 2020). There are several benefits of selecting (or adapting) age-appropriate activities for youth:
It makes learning fun! Fun is important; boring is bad.
Youth are more engaged. When activities are not too challenging or too easy, they are in the zone of proximal development (Vygotsky, 1978). The ZPD is key to helping learners master new skills.
Youth can build on past learning experiences and create future opportunities to grow.
When learning is fun and youth are engaged, youth stay involved in 4-H!
Ages-Stages-Adapting-for-Cloverbuds.pdfAges & Stages Adapting for Juniors.pdfAges-Stages-Adapting-for-Intermediates-1.pdfAges-Stages-Adapting-for-Seniors.pdfPage updated
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