Grades K-2

Approx. ages 4-8

Student Characteristics

1. Is obviously excited about learning

2. Enjoys games, stories, songs, projects

3. Has short attention span

4. Wants to touch, taste, feel, smell, see

5. Is imaginative, creative

Teaching Methods:

1. Guide discovering

2. Explore, find things

3. Use lots of tactile items to illustrate point

4. Sing, play games, chant, recite, color,
draw, paint, build

5. Use body movements

6. Do short, creative projects

7. Have “Show and Tell,” drama,
hear/read/tell stories

8. Conduct field trips

Grades 3-6

Approx. ages 9-11

Student Characteristics

1. Is excited about new, interesting facts

2. Likes to explain, figure out, talk

3. Wants to relate own experiences to topic,
or just to tell a story

4. Likes collections, organizing items

5. Likes chants, clever, repetitious word
sounds (e.g. Dr. Seuss)

6. Memorizes easily

7. Is able to assimilate another
language well

Teaching Methods:

1. Do lots of hands-on work, projects

2. Have field trips, drama

3. Make collections, displays, models

4. Integrate subjects through above means

5. Teach and assign research projects

6. Do recitations, memorization

7. Conduct drills, games

8. Require oral/written presentations

Grades 7-9

Approx. ages 12-14

Student Characteristics

1. Is still excitable, but needs challenges

2. Judges, critiques, debates, critical

3. Likes to organize items, others

4. Shows off knowledge

5. Wants to know “behind the scenes” facts

6. Curious about “Why?” for most things

7. Thinks, acts as though more knowledgeable than adults

Teaching Methods:

1. Use time lines, charts, maps
(visual materials)

2. Conduct debates, persuasive reports

3. Have dramas, reenactments, role-playing

4. Evaluate, critique (with guidelines)

5. Present formal logic

6. Do research projects

7. Require oral/written presentations

8. Have guest speakers, trips

Grades 10-12

Approx. ages 15-18

Student Characteristics

1. Is concerned with present events,
especially in own life

2. Is interested in justice, fairness

3. Moves toward special interests, topics
4. Is able to take on responsibility,
independent work

5. Synthesizes information

6 . Desires to express feelings, own ideas

7. Generally is idealistic

Teaching Methods:

1. Use drama, oral presentations

2. Guide research in major areas
with goal of synthesis of ideas

3. Require many papers, speeches, debates

4. Give responsibilities, e.g. working with younger students, organized activities

5. Have in-depth field trips, even overnight

6. Utilize written papers and discussions
on world view