A clear and concise guide to the developmental stages of children ages 4 to 14 for parents and educators.
Though written primarily for teachers, Yardsticks, by Chip Wood, is a must-read for parents as well. First published in 1994, and re-released as a third edition in 2007, Yardsticks explains the developmental stages of school-aged children, and offers educators and parents a window into the ever-changing world of children from four to fourteen. Wood devotes a chapter to each age, and in both narrative and chart format, explains the physical, social-emotional, linguistic and cognitive growth pattern for each age.
Must Read for Parents
Behavioral changes that often baffle, and sometimes alarm parents, are explained with humor and an obvious affection and respect for children. Anecdotes from Wood's experiences add authenticity and readability, as he helps parents understand what they can and cannot expect from their children at any particular age.
For parents who despair the argumentative and sometimes defiant behavior of their “terrible teen,” or are confused by the constantly changing moods of their “tweens,” this book offers reassuring insights into the developmental needs of these ages. It can be a relief for parents to realize that the behaviors they are seeing in their once easy-going and lovable child are developmentally appropriate, and not an indication that their child is headed straight for the penitentiary. Wood also offers parents tips for weathering the storms of childhood, and supporting their child’s growth and development throughout.
Classroom Challenges
For educators, Wood explains what each stage looks like in the classroom, and how a teacher can adjust the room layout, curriculum and class schedule to best suit the developmental level of the children in her classroom. Wood acknowledges that accommodating developmental stages in a classroom can be difficult, since the ages of the children vary as much as two years. However, Wood has devised a formula for teachers to use to gauge the average age/stage of the classroom. Depending on the spread of birth dates, a “typical” classroom could be younger or older than another classroom of the same grade. Using this information when planning can optimize the classroom experience for both children and teacher.
Broad Guidelines and Useful Resources
Of course developmental stages are broad generalizations, but by reading the expectations for the year before and after a child’s age, both parents and teachers can better understand what to expect from their children and how to best support the child’s development needs.
The book also contains useful bibliographies for further reading by parents and teachers. Particularly useful is a bibliography of favorite children's books. The titles are listed by age to fit reading levels and childhood interests. The books are ones that have been loved by children (and their parents) for generations.
The Author, Chip Wood
Chip Wood has been an educator and child advocate for over 35 years. He co-founded the Northeast Foundation for Children, a non-profit which funds the Responsive Classroom website and newsletter. His book, Yardsticks, is proving to be a timeless classic for anyone concerned about helping children to be all that they are capable of being. If children came with an owner's manual, it would probably be a lot like Yardsticks.
Resource for this Article
Wood, Chip, Yardsticks, Third Edition, Published by Northeast Foundation for Children, Inc., Turners Falls, MA, 2007.
