Module 1:  Exploring the Continuum of Developmental Tasks of School-Age Children from 5 to 12 -  Implications for Responsive Programming

Exploring the continuum of growth and development and how to link developmental tasks to activity planning and implementation.  Continuum of development to be explored – school-age children are: growing physically, developing new thinking abilities and skills, developing new social skills, expanding their world beyond home and family, moving towards competence, experiencing many new thoughts and feelings, moving toward independence.

Module 2:  Exploring Four Areas of Development  - Implications for Responsive Programming

Exploring perspectives on four traditional realms of development and how to link these realms to activity planning and implementation.  Areas to be explored:  Physical, Social, Emotional, Cognitive.

Module 3:  Exploring Developmental Needs and Characteristics of Different Age Groups – Implications for Responsive Programming

Exploring characteristic traits of 5 – 7 year olds, 8 – 10 year olds, 11 – 12 year olds.  Developing specific plans for implementing appropriate programming for each age group on an ongoing basis.  Developing strategies for managing simultaneous activities for different age groups in settings that serve multi-age groups.

Module 4:  Exploring Individual Differences in School-Age Children – Implications for Responsive Programming

Exploring differences in interests, abilities, talents, readiness, background, temperament and personal style, learning styles/multiple intelligences.  Developing diverse activities to support individual differences and celebrate diversity.  Assessing program infrastructure to ensure that space, schedule, staff roles, and staffing levels make it possible to respond to individual differences in a group setting.

Module 5:  Managing School-Age Children in Groups

It is important for staff to understand how to select appropriate activity options and use effective management strategies that make it possible to offer a balanced variety of simultaneous activity options.  This understanding will help staff plan and implement a program that effectively supports, nurtures, and guides individual differences and fosters positive interaction among children in groups.

Module 6:  Guiding the Behavior of Individual Children

This knowledge and understanding will help staff develop strategies for creating programs that encourage individual children to develop self-discipline and self-direction, establish positive relationships with others, and exhibit respect for program materials and equipment and the rights of others.