"The "tween" years are often difficult for children and parents alike. Adolescence brings new physical, social, and emotional challenges at the same time that beginning middle school is bringing new academic challenges. The 10-13 years aren't just about raging hormones and rebellion against parental authority, though."
From ages 11 through 14, a child develops in four main areas:
Physical development.
Adolescence is a time of change throughout the body. A growth spurt usually occurs near the time of puberty. Girls begin to develop breasts and start their periods. Boys grow facial hair. Both boys and girls grow pubic hair. Boys may lag behind girls in height during these years, but they usually end up taller.
Cognitive development.
This is how the brain develops the abilities to think, learn, reason, and remember. Kids this age typically focus on the present, but they are starting to understand that what they do now can have long-term effects. They are also beginning to see that issues are not just clear-cut and that information can be interpreted in different ways.
Emotional and social development.
As they start to move from childhood into adulthood, adolescents feel the urge to be more independent from their families. Often, friends replace parents as a source of advice. When at home, adolescents may prefer spending time alone to being part of the family. Still, family support is important to help them build a strong sense of self.
Sensory and motor development.
Kids this age may be a little awkward or clumsy. Their brains need time to adjust to longer limbs and bigger bodies. Getting regular moderate exercise can improve coordination and help your child build healthy habits
The information I got out of reading the above articles are kids from age 10-13 go through a stage where they are not quite "teenagers" yet but past the "kids" cycle. In this period of development, kids are trying to experiment with new things and also watching their body develop. The idea I have for the room is compared to the 6-9 Age group, furnitures will be at a slightly bigger scale, more organised tables and chairs, options of reading young adult novels, computer area where programs are installed to help develop the brain and an 'active' section where there's miniature sports available (soccer and basketball). As for decorations of the room in regards to colours and features, primary colours will be generally used around the room including black and white. By restricting the colours, it is sort of a change in environment for kids as this element in design will be one of the first things children notice. Book shelves are all connected through arches to enhance the appeal for children.
Things to include for 10-13 Age group -
- Bigger scale of furnitures - all types of shapes
- Arched book shelves
- Computer Area
- Active area - soccer + basketball
- Use of primary colours
- Drawing area
Compared to a 6-9 Age group -
- Bright coloured room
- Rounded furniture for safety (pillows and soft cushion chairs)
- Miniature scaled furnitures for kids to feel 'big'
- Playtime area (building blocks, cubby house, etc)
- Oversized stack of building blocks as a decorative piece
- Reading area
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