Characteristics of Eager Beavers
Remember that children develop at their own pace, so some children in your club may not have reached these markers, and others will have passed them. Make sure you focus on the specific needs of each child and not the stages.
Physical Characteristics
Can control gross motor skills more easily than fine motor skills
Have difficulty controlling large body movements
Struggle to control volume of speech
Can take themselves to the bathroom - occasionally "accidents" happen
Can dress themselves with slight assistance
Cognitive Characteristics
Have short attention spans
Learn actively
Focus on one thing at a time
Need specific directions
Require consistency
Can confuse reality and fiction
Want to make their own decisions
Are literal
Social Characteristics
Can take turns but may not share well
May appear to be "know-it-alls"
Are competitive and like to win
Can see only their own point of view
Are upset or embarrassed by criticism
Have tantrums or tattle to test authority
Responds well to encouragement and rewards
This Means that Eager Beavers:
Can jump and hop easier than they can write or color
May appear clumsy, fall off of chairs or bump into other children
Are noisy
Need short activities that can be completed in one setting
Follow directions that are given one step at a time
Enjoy role playing, instead of memorizing
Might seem to intentionally lie when they say they have a pet beaver home, but are just unintentionally caught up in the excitement of the story
Like to play with their "best" friend and won't voluntarily include others