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International Journal of the Whole Child                                         

2019, VOL. 4, NO. 1            

                                                                       
 

Pictures for Reflection 

 



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I am 10 Years Old: Watch me Grow 

 

As boys and girls grow beyond early childhood and prepare to become adolescents, they 

experience a wide range of emotional, social, cognitive, and physical transitions. Frequently, for 

the 10 year old, these rapid changes leave them critically questioning, reflectively wondering, 

and deeply feeling. They navigate different affiliations, test their competencies, and assume a 

variety of roles.        

 

In order to most effectively support the emerging competencies of the 10 year old, in all 

instances, adults demonstrate sincere caring, responsive listening, and diligent observing. Most 

importantly, adults acknowledge each 10-year-old is a unique individual and consequently, 

recognize the reality of a varying developmental continuum. This means, as much as 10 year 

olds want to be just like their peers and fit into a group, each 10 year old follows their own 

individual growth changes. Ten year olds share some common characteristics. 

 

I am competent.  

I am knowledgeable. 

I am a friend. 

I design complex interactions. 

I feel close to my family.  

I cooperate with a group to share goals. 

I assert and lead.  

I sometimes evidence inappropriate behaviors (bullying, teasing, cruelty). 

I, with friends, engage in elaborate social routines/rituals. 

I negotiate, argue, and persuade.    

I demonstrate advances in my language, thinking, and concentration. 

I evidence physical changes.  

I want my privacy. 

I need to exert some control. 

I want to “fit in.” 

I seek independence. 

I demonstrate strong emotions. 

I am frequently hungry. 

I need my sleep. 

 

The 10 year-old is excited about entering the wider world and meeting different people.  They 

ponder whether to become astronauts, ballerinas, or train engineers. Adults provide 10-year-olds 

with choice, wonder, and opportunity; it is only when the 10-year-old experiences novel and 

interesting events that they may practice, rehearse, and dream their futures. 

 

 

 

 

 



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References: 

 

Anthony, Michelle (n.d.). The emotional lives of 8-10 year olds. Retrieved from 

https://www.scholastic.com/parents/family-life/social-emotional-learning/development-

milestones/emotional-lives-8-10-year-olds.html 

Morin, Amy (2019). 10-year-old-child development milestones. Retrieved from 

https://www.verywellfamily.com/10-year-old-developmental-milestones-620710 

Morin, Amanda (n.d.). Developmental milestones for typical fourth and fifth graders. Retrieved 

from https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/signs-

symptoms/developmental-milestones/developmental-milestones-for-typical-fourth-and-

fifth-graders 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

https://www.scholastic.com/parents/family-life/social-emotional-learning/development-milestones/emotional-lives-8-10-year-olds.html
https://www.scholastic.com/parents/family-life/social-emotional-learning/development-milestones/emotional-lives-8-10-year-olds.html
https://www.verywellfamily.com/10-year-old-developmental-milestones-620710
https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/signs-symptoms/developmental-milestones/developmental-milestones-for-typical-fourth-and-fifth-graders
https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/signs-symptoms/developmental-milestones/developmental-milestones-for-typical-fourth-and-fifth-graders
https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/signs-symptoms/developmental-milestones/developmental-milestones-for-typical-fourth-and-fifth-graders