C.A.P. Model

Teaching the Whole Child

C.A.P. stands for Cognitive, Affective, Physical

Younger Children (ages 3-6)

Older Children (ages 7-12)

 

COGNITIVE - how children think.

Sequencing of Events

Younger children can only accomplish one verbal direction at a time.

Older children are able to sequence three or more tasks.

 

Language

Younger children may use language they don’t fully understand and may not understand adult language.

Older children may use sophisticated language and remember what they have said.

 

Spatial Awareness, Speed, Distance, and Time

Younger children are learning to judge space, speed, distance, and time.

Older children are able to judge space, speed, distance, and time.

 

Concrete Experiences

Younger children learn from past experiences; touching seeing, doing.

Older children are able to think in abstract forms.

 

The World of Fantasy

Younger Children relate to the world through imagination, play, and fantasy.

Older children use reasoning to differentiate between appearance and reality.

 

Right and Left

Right and left for younger children are abstract and have no meaning.

Older children should be able to differentiate right and left; may have trouble distinguishing right and left; are challenged with right and left when in motion. 

 

AFFECTIVE - how children feel, value, and believe.

 

View of Self

Younger children are egocentric; personal needs are a priority; are the center of the universe!

Older children are concerned with fitting into the group; influenced by peers; developing a stronger sense of self worth.

Competition

Younger children are not competitive; just playing is winning; may become frustrated when others are more successful.

Older children relate competition to how they view themselves; may be fiercely competitive or not at all.

 

Motivation

Younger children are externally motivated: bribes, rewards, food, etc.

Older children are internally motivated; may be motivated for self and/or to please peers.

 

Rules

Younger children are beginning to understand rules and consequences. Like to be given responsibility.

Older children want to participate in rule making decisions: challenge “fairness” and rules.

 

Physical - how children move.

 

Center of Mass

The center of mass for younger children is usually located in the chest region due to a large head and body proportions; the center of mass affects balancing movements.

The center of mass for older children is in the abdominal region as body proportions approximate that of adults; growth spurts create temporary issues with balance and strength.

 

Strength and Endurance

Strength for younger children is developing and will vary according to past experience in sports: may tire easily; rely on the rigidity of boots for balance.

Older children have good endurance and overall strength; specific muscle strength may be lacking.

 

Upper/Lower Body Separation

Younger children move the whole body as a unit.

Older children have the ability to move the upper body opposition of the lower body.

 

Coordination

Younger children are developing fine motor movements.

Older children have more refined coordination; vary according to past experiences with other sport related activities.