The Young Students

There is a big difference between what children of five can do and what children of ten can do and what children of ten can do. Some children develop early, some later. Some children develop gradually, others  which in leaps and bounds. It is not possible to say that at the age of five all children can do x, at the age of seven they can all do y, or that out certain characteristics of young children which you should be aware and take into account in your teaching. You, as the teacher, are the only one who can see how far up the ladder your individual pupils are.

       In this blog I have divided the children into two main groups, the five to seven year olds.

What five to seven year olds can do at their own level

• They can talk about what they are doing.
• They can tell you about what they have done or heard.
• They can plan activities.
• They can argue for something and tell you why they think and what they think.
• They can use logical reasoning.
• They can use their vivid imaginations.
• They can use a wide range of accent \ pronunciation patterns in their mother tongue.
• They can understand direct human interaction.

Other characteristics of the young language learner

• They know that the world is governed by the rules. They may not always understand the rules, but they know that they are there to be obeyed, and the rules help to nurture a feeling of security.
• They understand situations more quickly than they understand the language used.
• They use language skills long before they are aware of them.
• They are very logical – what you say first happen first.
• They have a very short attention and concentration span. 
• Young children are often happy playing and working alone but in the company of others, they can be very reluctant to share. 
• Young children cannot  decide for themselves what to learn.
• Young children love to play, and learn best when they are enjoying themselves. But they also take themselves seriously and like to think that what they are doing is 'real' work.
• Young children are enthusiastic and positive about learning.

General Characteristics of Eight to Ten year olds

Children of five are little children. Children of ten are relatively mature children with an adult side and childish side. Many of the characteristics listed below will be the things of past.

•  Their basic concepts are formed. They have very decided view of world.
• They can tell the difference between fact and fiction.
• They can as questions all the time.
• They are able to make some decisions about their own learning.
• They have definite views about what they like and don't like doing.
• They are able to work with others and learn from others.