Volunteer Essentials Volunteer Essentials 2015-16 - Updated 5/31/17 | Page 52

  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. 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!   Girl Scout Juniors At the Girl Scout Junior level (4 th -5th grades) girls … This means . . . Want to make decisions and express their opinions. Whenever possible, allowing girls to make decisions and express their opinions through guided discussion and active reflection activities. Also, have girls set rules for listening to others’ opinions and offering assistance in decision making. Are social and enjoy doing things in groups. Allowing girls to team-up in small or large groups for art projects, performances, and written activities. Are aware of expectations and sensitive to the judgments of others. Although it’s okay to have expectations, the expectation is not perfection! Share your own mistakes and what you learned from them, and be sure to create an environment where girls can be comfortable sharing theirs. Are concerned about equity and fairness. Not shying away from discussing why rules are in place, and having girls develop their own rules for their group. Are beginning to think abstractly and critically, and are capable of flexible thought. Juniors can consider more than one perspective, as well as the feelings and attitudes of another. Asking girls to explain why they made a decision, share their visions of their roles in the future, and challenge their own and others’ perspectives. Have strong fine and gross motor skills and coordination. Engaging girls in moving their minds and their bodies. Allow girls to express themselves through written word, choreography, and so on.