What to remember about these five age groups

I got a few minutes of window time today, so I decided to write teaching notes. I teach five different age groups every week, and I find myself having to do quick mind-shifts to remind myself of how to effectively approach them. Apparently, this isn’t easy, but it’s fun alright. I guess I’m into this sort of challenge.

What I noted here are facts about these age groups that we often miss, probably applicable to parents, teachers, mentors, and other family members. Insights are based on my observations, reflection, and the theories of development that I studied (and go back to from time to time) for Pediatric Nursing and a course I took for my education units. Age groups are arranged according to Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory of Development.

Aged 3-5 – Preschoolers

They love playing. Joy motivates them. They are very young but their thoughts matter. Hear them. Ask them why they don’t want to do something (that’s good for them) or why they keep on doing something (that’s bad for them). Take time to explain things; they need to understand why they should and should not do things—and not just be told what to do.

What they need: Fun. Your listening ears.

Aged 5-12 – School agers

They are competitive. They are also idealistic. That means they learn better when they’re competing with children their age. They badly want to win, and they are afraid to lose. So they need you to be at your best (and to make them proud), but they also need to feel that it’s safe to make mistakes with you.

What they need: Thrill/challenge. A space where they feel safe to fail while learning.

Aged 12-18 – Teenagers

They need autonomy and guidance at the same time. Make sure to balance the two. Since they’re building their self-identity, avoid making them feel too bad about themselves. Make every compliment count. And when they make mistakes, give them hints. Allow them to realize that they’re wrong until they admit it themselves.

What they need: Your trust in them. Your belief that they can do it.

Aged 18-40 – Young Adults

Relationships matter the most. They prefer to be in the company of people who share the same interests, values, and dreams with them. To attract them into your circle, familiarity is an advantage. But they are also in constant search for significance. Fail to make them feel acknowledged, and they’ll think twice about trusting you.

What they need: Make them feel valued. Make them feel that they belong.

Aged 40-65 – Middle Adults

They’ll trust you if you show quality. They won’t try their luck on you until you prove yourself worthy of their effort, money, and time. They deeply appreciate your help, and they know it when you’re ‘sincerely’ helping them. Once you earn their respect, you also get their loyalty.

What they need: Your excellence. Your care.

And when you’re not sure of what to do, put yourself in their shoes. Although the points I mentioned above are generally true for the five age groups, it’s still best to keep in mind that each person is unique. Make sure to know where your students are coming from, believe that your students are innately good, and always want the best for them.