Are only beginning to learn about basic number
concepts, time, and money.
Are just beginning to write and spell, and they
don’t always have the words for what they’re
thinking or feeling.
Know how to follow simple directions and
respond well to recognition for doing so.
At the Girl Scout Brownie level (second and third
grade), girls . . .
Have lots of energy and need to run, walk, and
play outside.
Are social and enjoy working in groups.
Want to help others and appreciate being given
individual responsibilities for a task.
Are concrete thinkers and focused on the here
and now.
Need clear directions and structure, and like
knowing what to expect.
Are becoming comfortable with basic number
concepts, time, money, and distance.
Are continuing to develop their fine motor skills
and can tie shoes, use basic tools, begin to sew,
etc.
Love to act in plays, create music, and dance.
Know how to follow rules, listen well, and
appreciate recognition of a job done well.
You’ll want to take opportunities to count out supplies
together—and, perhaps, the legs on a caterpillar!
That having girls draw a picture of something they are
trying to communicate is easier and more meaningful for
them.
Being specific and offering only one direction at a time.
Acknowledge when girls have followed directions well to
increase their motivation to listen and follow again.
This means . . .
Taking your session activities outside whenever possible.
Allowing girls to team up in small or large groups for art
projects and performances.
Letting girls lead, direct, and help out in activities
whenever possible. Allow girls as a group to make
decisions about individual roles and responsibilities.
Doing more than just reading to girls about the Brownie
Elf’s adventures. Ask girls questions to gauge their
understanding and allow them to role play their own
pretend visit to a new country.
Offering only one direction at a time. Also, have girls
create the schedule and flow of your get-togethers and
share it at the start.
Offering support only when needed. Allow girls to set
schedules for meetings or performances, count out money
for a trip, and so on.
Encouraging girls to express themselves and their
creativity by making things with their hands. Girls may
need some assistance, however, holding scissors, threading
needles, and so on.
Girls might like to create a play about welcoming a new
girl to their school, or tell a story through dance or creative
movement.
Acknowledging when the girls have listened or followed
the directions well, which will increase their motivation to
listen and follow again!
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