Curriculum for Year 7 (Age 11-12) Students - Young Teen Key Stage 3
Age 11-12 is a time of big change for kids, they are becoming young teenagers entering Key Stage 3. They are both emotionally and physically aware, which is why reading coming-of-age books becomes very relevant at this age group. Just like the characters in the books they’re reading, 11-12-year-olds are experiencing emotional mood swings and physical changes from puberty that can lead to increased feelings of self-consciousness. Kids this age are also highly influenced by friends, wanting more independence from parents, and making improvements in their abstract thinking abilities. Preteens need good books that both resonate with their complex lives as well as educate and entertain them.
Games and activities
1. Writing ideas
Encourage book blogging and taking part in readers’ book sites, e.g. adding reviews to Books4people.
Children may like to keep a Favourite Book journal which can have lists of titles, quotations, pictures and sketches to encourage them to look back at what they’ve read.
Get involved in planning a holiday schedule (making a list of books to read, entering book review competitions, planning day trips and so on).
2. Reading together
Keep your eyes open for book awards and read the shortlists together to decide which title you would choose and why. It may encourage your child to want to read it too.
If you have younger children then encourage your 11 year old to read to and with them.
Talk to your child about the articles in your local free newspaper or even take out a subscription to the children’s newspapers.
3. Maths games
Take a look at our fun maths activities to help you enjoy maths with your child.
4. Writing ideas
Children aged 11-12 can follow a simple recipe independently, with only a little help and supervision. Cooking can be a great opportunity to develop reading and maths skills and to boost your child’s confidence. Best of all, you both get to enjoy a tasty treat at the end.
