Case Study of a Child Age 10

E D U 2 2 0 - P R I N C I P L E S O F E D U C A T I O N P S Y C H O L O G Y

P R O F E S S O R W Y C K O F F

B Y : K A I S L Y N V E T E T O 0 2 / 2 7 / 2 0 2 2
Physical Behaviors (Age 10)
• Will start to go through puberty.

• "Kids this age become more concerned with grooming, clothing, physical
appearance, and acceptance from their peers" (Vanbuskirk, 2022).

• "Often act more mature"(Vanbuskirk, 2022)

• Growing pain and muscle cramps increase.

Physical Development
• Pubic hair, armpit, and leg hair usually begin to grow" (MedlinePlus, 2022).

• "breast development may start as early as 8 years, although 10 is the

average" (MedlinePlus, 2022).

• "Increase in body strength and hand dexterity through physical

activities" (KidCentral, 2018).

• "Increase in large-muscle coordination, leading to success in organized

sports and games" (KidCentral, 2018).
Comparison of Physical Progress
• The child observed does not have signs of puberty such as leg hair, pubic hair,
or armpit hair.

• The child observed does get angry when she does not look acceptable enough
to go to school with her clothes or hair.

• The child observed does have increased muscle strength as she can lift heavier
things that she could not lift last year such as carrying the vacuum down the
stairs or heavy chairs.
Physical Recommendations for
Development
• "should do 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical
activity each day" (Center for Disease Control, 2021).

• "Provide plenty of fruits and vegetables and limit high-fat foods, added sugars
and salt" (Kidcentral, 2018).

• Kids need frequent breaks from certain tasks that allow them to have fun.
Emotional Behaviors
• "Become sensitive to what others think of them"(Kidcentral, 2018).

• "they may struggle with keeping their emotions in check"(Vanbuskirk, 2022).

• Rapid and unpredictable changes may happen among social groups.

Emotional Development
• "Demonstrates growing independence, leading to concern with rules that can
lead to bossiness" (Kidcentral, 2022).

• "Challenges adult authority to become more important" (Slavin, 2021, pg.65)

• Self-Concept and Self Esteem become extremely important.

• "begin to focus on more abstract, internal qualities such as intelligence and

kindness when describing themselves" (Slavin, 2021, pg.56)
Comparison of Emotional Progress
• The child I observed does have a very hard time controlling emotions whether it
be anger or sadness. She screams when upset at the smallest things and cries
when something small scares her.

• Clubs and afterschool activities are extremely important to her as they make her
happy and she is able to spend more time with her peers. She does enjoy
having the responsibilities that come along with the clubs.

• The child I observed does cry a large amount because she still does not have a
grasp on how to express her emotions.
Emotional Recommendations for
Development
• Always praise the child after doing well.

• Show love and kindness to your child.

• "Support your child's interests in the world by providing them

opportunities"(Kidcentral, 2022).
Cognitive & Intellectual Behaviors
• "They can count backwards"(VirtualLabs).

• "They will be able to analyze stories, offer criticism, and their ability to think
logically will become more pronounced"(Vanbuskirk,2022).

• "will also be able to write persuasive essays and argue viewpoints and opinions
with more confidence and organization"(Vanbuskirk, 2022).
Cognitive & Intellectual Development
• "Improvement in the ability to think logically. New abilities include the use of
operations that are reversable"(Slavin,2021,pg.26).

• "Thinking is decentered and problem solving is less restricted by

egocentrism"(Slavin, 2021,pg.26).
Comparison of Cognitive & Intellectual
Progress
• The child I observed does not stay on task and has a hard time staying focused.
She can be told to do something and a minute later she is off doing something
else that was not asked.

• The child I observed does write amazing essays and is fantastic at reading. She
is at a middle school level already, ahead of the game.

• The child I observed does struggle in problem solving when it comes to math,
but that could be attributed to her ADHD.
Cognitive & Intellectual
Recommendations of Development
• "Make sure that the environment is culturally sensitive and that there are no
negative portrayals of different genders, races, ethnicities, or
abilities"(VirtualLab).

• "Engage them in their thinking skills"(Vanbuskirk,2022)

Psychosocial & Social Behaviors
• Successes and failure is the main focus of the child.

• "Resolve interpersonal conflicts and understand the difference between

passive, assertive and aggressive responses"(VirtualLab).

• "Value and respect rules and authority" (VirtualLab).

Psychosocial & Social Development
• "Teachers and peers take on increasing importance for the child" (Slavin, 2021,
pg.27)

• "The influence of parents decreases" (Slavin, 2021,pg.27)

• "Learns to cooperate in groups settings and group games; dislikes playing

alone"(Kidcentral, 2022).
Comparison of Psychosocial & Social
Progress
• The child I observed does not know how to behave properly in social situations
when it comes to knowing what to say and what not to say. She will point out
strangers issues out loud for them to hear.

• The child I observed does have a wonderful sense of self-esteem and has no
problem telling everyone that she is comfortable and okay in what she is in,
even if it looks terrible.

• The child I observed is very independent and she does everything on her own,
from cooking food, doing chores, and keeping herself clean.
Psychosocial & Social
Recommendations for Development
• "Encourage your child to think about possible consequences before
acting"(Kidcentral,2022).

• "Working hard to create an environment that is structured, safe, and allows

children to learn and discover" (VirtualLab).

• "Demonstrating respect for others"(VirtualLab).

Moral/ Character/ Philosophical
Behaviors
• Starting to understand the concept of rules.

• Wants approval from peers and family.

• Avoids disapproval.

• Develops right and wrong understanding.

Moral/ Character/ Philosophical
Development
• "Understands that people make rules and that punishments are not
automatic"(Slavin, 2021,pg.28).

• "heightened awareness that rules are changeable and should exist only as the
result of mutual consent" (Slavin, 2021.pg28).
Comparison of Moral/ Character/
Philosophical Progress
• The child observed does want approval from peers and parents by asking if she
completed tasks properly and wants a verbal approval constantly to feel
adequate.

• The child observed does not understand right or wrong yet as she does not
understand limits and when those limits are explained, those limits are broken
again.

• The child observed does understand what authority is and rules that go along
with it. She refuses to go to school wearing things that aren't allowed and
she dislikes breaking rules.
Moral/ Character/ Philosophical
Recommendations of Development
• Acknowledge their good behavior.

• Communicate clearly for the child to understand.

References
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, May 8). How much physical activity do children need?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 26, 2022, from
[Link]

• Physical development: Ages 8-10. kidcentral tn. (n.d.). Retrieved February 26, 2022, from
[Link]

• Slavin, R.E. (2021). Educational Psychology: Theory and Practice, (13th ed.) Pearson.

• Vanbuskirk, S. (n.d.). 10-year-old child development milestones. Verywell Family. Retrieved February 26,
2022, from [Link]

• Virtual Lab School. (n.d.). Professional Development for Child and Youth
Educators. [Link] (Links to an external site.)