How Kids Develop

After completing this lesson, you should understand the following concepts and know how to apply them when working with youth:

• the characteristics that are common to youth according to their ages;
• how a child’s environment works together with his or her individual characteristics (such as personality, interests, and abilities) to influence how that child grows and develops;
• the building blocks all youth need for positive development.

Instruction:

You will influence the youth you serve! You can make a difference! Understanding how and why kids develop can assist you in having a positive influence on youth.

This lesson provides insight into the needs and interests of the youth you serve by helping you understand:

1. characteristics that are common to kids according to their age;
2. environmental factors that influence youth development; and
3. the building blocks kids need for success.

The Growing Child

Kids grow and change very rapidly. Because of this change, children have different needs and abilities depending on their age. An understanding of these needs and abilities can help you work more effectively with youth of different ages.

Although children differ according to the speed at which they develop, there is a general order of stages that children follow as they mature. However, keep in mind that every child is unique...not all developmental characteristics will be observed at the same age or at the same stage of development.

How did you score? Are you an expert or a novice when it comes to child development? To further your knowledge of youth development, click on each of the following age groups to view a table of developmental characteristics and implications these characteristics have for you as a volunteer.

Ages 5-8

Ages 9-11

Ages 12-14

Ages 15-18

Youth and Their Environment

Not only is child’s development influenced by individual characteristics (such as age and personality), it is also greatly influenced by the surrounding environment. A child’s environment includes factors such as family, school, peers, neighborhood, place of worship, laws, community values, and the economy. In other words, both individual characteristics and environmental factors influence youth development.

Youth Characteristics + Environmental Factors = Youth Potential

It can be useful to think of youth characteristics and environmental factors by visualizing a circular model of levels that surround and influence the child. This system of levels is often called the ecological model of youth development.

Within each level, there are (1) characteristics that can put youth at risk--risk factors and (2) factors that can protect youth and promote positive development--protective factors.  Protective factors can work to offset risk factors even if the risk and protective factors occur at different levels. For example, surrounding a troubled youth with caring, committed adults may protect her from engaging in illegal activities and having difficulty in school.

Level 1: The Child

A child has many characteristics that may influence how she or he will develop. These characteristics include temperament, physical health, skills, and interests. As discussed in the previous section, the needs and abilities that are common to kids according to their age also influence how children develop and interact with their environment.

Credit: This photograph is from Corel Print Office, 1998, Corel Corporation.

Some of these individual characteristics might serve as protective factors while others may serve as risk factors. To illustrate, a child who has a demanding, difficult personality (risk factor) may be in danger of not developing close relationships with others. Likewise, an intelligent youth (protective factor) will have great potential to succeed in school.

Level 2: Immediate Setting

The people and settings that interact directly with the child, such as family, peers, school, and adult volunteers (like you!) also influence how a child develops. For optimal development, it is important for youth to experience accepting and loving people and places.

Credit: This photograph is from Corel Print Office, 1998, Corel Corporation.

It is possible that some of the factors present in the immediate setting will put the child at risk. For example, if a child has poor relationships with the adults in his or her family and has friends who frequently get in trouble, he or she may be at risk. However, those risk factors can be offset if the child has a supportive school environment and other adults (like you) in his life who care about him. By being a caring, committed friend to youth, you can make a difference in their lives.

If you would like more ideas, the Search Institute offers "150 Ways to Show Kids You Care."

Level 3: Connections

The number and quality of connections between the different people and groups in a child’s life also influence a child’s chances for success. How many of the child’s friends does the parent know? Do teachers and youth volunteers communicate regularly with the child’s family?

Youth benefit when the people in their lives work together to form strong connections. In contrast, youth are at risk when the people in their lives work in opposition or isolation. You can make a difference and benefit young people by building and maintaining connections to their family and school experiences.

Level 4: Societal Systems

Credit: This photograph is from Corel Print Office, 1998, Corel Corporation.

Building Blocks of Youth Development

This graph illustrates that young people who only have a few assets present in their lives are much more likely to engage in illicit drug use and violence. It also highlights that the more assets youth experience, the more likely they are to maintain good health and succeed in school.

You can help youth avoid high risk behavior and become responsible, successful, and caring by building a foundation of assets for children and adolescents.

You can make a difference
by building assets in children’s lives.

So, what are the developmental assets? What can you do to construct these fundamental building blocks for kids?

The 40 assets have been categorized into 8 types that all kids need. The following links describe the  building blocks of positive youth development and provide ideas on how to instill these within the youth you serve.

• Support
  Youth experience people and places that are accepting and loving.
• Empowerment
  Youth know they are valued and valuable.
• Boundaries & Expectations
  Youth have and understand clear rules for responsible behavior.
• Constructive Use of Time
  Youth are involved in enriching and structured activities.
• Commitment to Learning
  Youth believe that education is important and engaging.
• Positive Values
  Youth care for others and hold high standards for themselves.
• Social Competence
  Youth develop social skills to foster healthy relationships.
• Positive Identity
  Youth believe in their personal power, purpose, and potential.

Search Institute offers a complete description of the 40 assets and suggests ways that youth-serving organizations can build these assets in youth.

You Can Make A Difference!

To further your understanding of youth development and your knowledge of the kids you work with, please complete the Lesson 1 Activity.

Don’t forget to let us know what you thought of this lesson by completing an evaluation form.

References

Ages and Stages of Child & Youth Development: A Guide for 4-H Leaders. Cooperative Extension North Central Region Publication, No. 292.

Benson, P. L., Galbraith, J., & Espeland, P. (1998). What Teens Need to Succeed. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit.

Betts, S. C., Dekok, D. A., & Worden, M. A. (1994). Youth at Risk: Preparing Arizona’s Children for Success in the 21st Century. Tucson, AZ: The University of Arizona.

Five Fundamental Resources for Children and Youth. (1997). Minneapolis, MN: Search Institute.

Ideas for Asset Building. (1997). Minneapolis, MN: Search Institute.

Ideas for Building Assets in Youth: Youth Serving Organizations. Search Institute. http://www.search-institute.org/communities/whatcommorg.htm

Keys to Quality Youth Development. (1995). St. Paul, MN: Minnesota Extension Service.

McFarland, M., Betts, S. C., Walker, J. E., Mancini, J., Goggin, S., Huebner, A., & Bonner, L. Moving Ahead Together: What Works for Youth...What Works for You? U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Army, & Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service.

Query, S., & Berkland, M. L. Youth Learning Characteristics. Iowa State University Extension.