Developmental readiness to learn is a combination of maturation,
learning, and cognition.

General considerations when teaching children:
· Length of attention span is short
· Recognize the need for support and nurturing
· Active participation makes learning more enjoyable
· Present information in short sessions
· Offer frequent encouragement and praise
· Consider play therapy

General considerations when teaching adolescents:
· Adolescent is able to think abstractly and reason deductively
· Teach in a similar way to adult
· Remember the importance of peer group and social development
· Illustrations are helpful
· Be honest about outcomes especially if body image will be affected

General adult learning principles
· Adult learner moves from dependency to self-direction
· Wants to take responsibility for consequences and decisions
· Life experiences are a resource for learning
· Oriented to developmental tasks and social roles
· Wants to apply information immediately
· Problem centered

Cognitive Stage Approach to Teaching
Birth to 2 years: sensorimotor development
Begins as completely undifferentiated from environment Orient all teaching to parents
Eventually learns to repeat actions that have effect on objects Make infants feel as secure as possible with familiar objects from home environment
Has rudimentary ability to make associations Give older infants an opportunity to manipulate objects in their environments; especially if long hospitalization is expected

2-7 Years- Preoperational Development
Has cognitive processes that are literal and concrete Be aware of explanations that the child may interpret literally. Allow child to handle safe equipment such as stethoscopes. Use simple drawings to demonstrate anatomy.
Lacks ability to generalize Comparisons to other children or between one test and another are not helpful or meaningful
Has egocentrism predominating Belief that the child caused events to happen may result in guilty thoughts. Reassure child that he is not to blame for his pain or other problems
Has animistic thinking - thinks that all objects possess life or human characteristics of their own. Name equipment that may be frightening after recognizable figures such as Mr. Spock (smart and clever) or Princess Ariel (brave and kind)

From 7-12 Years - Concrete Operational Thought Development
Has concrete but more realistic and objective, cognitive processes Use drawings and models, use needle play, dolls to explain surgery

Is able to compare objects and experiences Relate care to other children's experiences; compare procedures one to another
Views world more objectively, is able to understand another position Use films and group activities to add to repertoire of useful behaviors and establish role models
Has knowledge of cause and effect that has progressed to deductive logical reasoning Explain what is happening logically; explain medications simply and straightforwardly

(Content adapted from Petrillo M, Sanger S: Emotional care of hospitalized children, pp38-50. Philadelphia, JB Lippencott, 1980 and Kolb LC: Modern Clinical Psychiatry, 9th ed,pp 90-91. Philadelphia, WB Saunders, 1977.)