Emotional Development

Preschool/Kindergarten

• age 3-6
• express emotions openly, sometimes verbally, sometimes physically
• jealousy often seen, esp with respect to attention given by teacher to certain students
• help children recognise value in expression of emotions verbally rather than physically
• emotional outbursts short-lived and soon forgotten, so do not feel obliged to intervene if there is conflict
• help minimize problems by changing activities frequently and providing ample rest time and snacks

Primary Grades

• age 6-9
• want to please the teacher, you can use to your advantage,
• they need your praise
• because they want to please you, they are quick to be offended by criticism or lack of attention
• have difficult time dealing with failure
• important to provide situation where all students can feel successful
• have difficulty putting themselves in other's place, often insensitive, watch for this and try to intervene

Elementary Grades

• emotionally difficult, puberty approaching
• conflicts develope between expectation by peer group and expectation by adults
• important time to maintain communication and make sure ground rules understood
• be aware of what is "In" and acknowledge that these are important to students
• behaviour problems, delinquency manifested at this age

Juniour High Grades

• age 12-15
• Puberty, identity confusion, cognitive development - transition period fraught with stress
• therefore moody and stressed
• pre-occupied with their concerns and not attending to lessons you have prepared
• whenever you can, work their concerns, physical appearance, and other life related issues into your lessons
• beware drug abuse

Secondary Grades

• age 16-18
• depression esp among females, crying , sulking, suicidal thoughts
• suicidal thoughts should be immediately referred to counsellor
• Juvenile delinquency: frequently low-achievers with poor family relationships, impoverished homes, receive little or no encouragement from family/peers. Economic/social pressures to drop out. Difficult for them to see that long term reward of a good job is more beneficial than dropping out.