“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than
You.” Dr. Seuss
“Slow and steady wins the race!”
Oh the years of 7-9 years old! You have made it through the infant, toddler, preschool
and young adolescent phase. Time for what are often referred to as “The Golden
Years!”
Children at these ages and stage of development find themselves enjoying a season of
life where physical and intellectual growth are slow but steady. Unlike their earlier
years when growth was very rapid, the years of 7-9 present a time when both fine and
gross motor skills are developed and functioning well but have now enter a season of
fine tuning. Further, because of the consistent, steady growth and development of
the brain’s frontal lobe, cognitive processes are now stronger and more improved.
Even though both the physical and intellectual development during these “Golden
Years” enjoys a moderate vs. rapid pace of growth, Ninjas of this age group still face
their own set of unique challenges.
So what is happening in the developing mind and body during the amazing years of 7-9
years old?
Let’s Break it Down!
7-9 Year Olds: Physical Development
During the years of seven to nine, children often exhibit decreased levels of
flexibility as their developing muscles become tightened while their bones
grow at a more rapid rate.
At this stage of our children’s physical development:
-Increased frequency and severity of physical growing pains often occur.
-Because of waves of bone growth and the corresponding muscles
stretch/development to accommodate, gross motor skills can appear
sloppy at times, often requiring support to regain accuracy and speed in
movement.
-Further, muscle fatigue in the smaller muscles of the hands and wrists
tend to inhibit more precise fine motor skills in some children of this age
group. Thus the frustrated pencil drop after a long day of academics in
your child’s learning environment!
7-9 Year Olds: Intellectual Development
At this age and stage of development, children can struggle with maintaining
their focus on a single point of interest because they are constantly
surrounded by a world of discoveries just waiting to be made!
It is important to remember that given all the mental development and
construction your child has undergone up until this point, 7-9 year old’s find
themselves in these “Golden Years” not only intellectually capable of learning
more but comprehending more as well!
With increased comprehension though comes the very real struggle of at times
overthinking. When thought processes are moving through the neural network
of a child during these ages and stage of development, one can find themselves
at times forgetting the simple things, what we as adults would define as simple
tasks. Why? Because their cognitive processes are functioning at such a higher
level; what once was simple now becomes more complicated because of the
amount of intellectually stimulating things constantly surrounding them.
Knowing what we know about the physical and intellectual stages of development for
7-9 year old’s, how are our team of Pediatric Ninja Specialists supporting children on
and beyond the mats to flourish in these areas?
1. Fine Tuning
By engaging Ninjas during these “Golden Years” in repetitive exercises
that require speed and agility throughout their range of movement, we
are helping them fine tune the engagement of multiple muscle groups
while simultaneously stabilizing and refining their controlled, measured
technique. Further, by incorporating flexibility training, we are
supporting the steady muscle and bone growth and development to
ensure strength is maintained and nurtured during these golden years!
2. Concentration
By engaging 7-9 year old’s in exercises of the mind, we are creating
strong neural pathways and response networks through the power of
neurobics! This in turn heightens the Ninjas ability to listen and thus
focus on the mission of the moment. Though there are certainly
continued elements of distraction all around, participating in group
activities with the intentional exercise of purposeful listening and focus
lends itself to the strengthening of their ability to receive, comprehend
and troubleshoot varying situations put before them.
3. Healthy Competition
By supporting Ninjas in a nurturing environment where they are given
the opportunity to compete in a healthy, active way physically,
intellectually and emotionally, we are also supporting their ability to
stay engaged socially with peers in the moment. This is critical for group
work on and beyond the mats, not only in the Ninja setting but in school,
at home and other extracurriculars as well.
Every part of why we do what we do is with the purposeful intention of ensuring
the whole mind, body and spirit of your child is supported.
The years of 7-9 are truly amazing! However, if you find yourself struggling in
supporting your child’s physical and intellectual development, know that our team is
here to help! We are here for you and your family as you continue to move through
the unique seasons of childhood development with your Ninja.
