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| Child Development |
| Children develop intellectually, physically and socially, step by step, in a progressive manner. Skills are learned gradually as a child moves through the stages of development. In order to provide an age appropriate program with activities that enhance the numerous stages of growth and development in children, the adult should have a good understanding of where the child is coming from, where the child is at currently, and where he or she is heading in the near future, developmentally. The following information will provide a basic overview of patterns of development in the growing child. The 6 Year Old Child Cognitive Development may reverse printed letters (b/d) enjoys planning and building doubles speaking and listening vocabularies reading may become a major interest increased problem-solving ability interested in magic and tricks longer attention span enjoys creating elaborate collections able to learn difference between left and right can begin to understand time and the days of the week likes taking responsibility for simple household chores likes to make simple decisions counts to 100 asks endless "how-what-when-where-why" questions continues to refine concepts of shape, space, time, color, and numbers begins to understand the difference between intentional and accidental begins to understand differences of opinion still has a short attention span (about 15 minutes maximum) enjoys dramatic play Language Development Although language has vastly improved, when it comes to written language, it is common for six year olds to have word reversals or letter reversals. This is the result of perceptual motor skills that are not quite fully developed and are not necessarily an indication of dyslexia. Ironically, schools today tend to push reading at the kindergarten level when many children are only five years of age or nearing the age of six. Yet, the cognitive changes that need to occur in order for a child to learn to read traditionally manifest somewhere around the age of 6 - 6 1/2 years of age. Physical Development skilled at using scissors and small tools development of permanent teeth enjoys testing muscle strength and skills good sense of balance can catch small balls can tie shoelaces enjoys copying designs and shapes, letters and numbers can print name long arms and legs may give gawky awkward appearance loves active play can be reckless (does not understand dangers completely) is still improving basic motor skills is still not well coordinated begins to learn some specific sports skills like batting a ball tires easily dawdles much of the time is fascinated with the subject of teeth may become a more finicky eater uses crayons and paints with some skill, but has difficulty writing and cutting may resist baths Social/Emotional Development may have unpredictable mood swings is quite sensitive to criticism has a problem admitting a mistake feels quite guilty about mistakes evaluates self and friends begins to impose rules on play activities cooperates with other children with some difficulty has difficulty considering the feelings of others values independence being with friends becomes increasingly important interested in rules and rituals girls want to play more with girls; boys with boys may have a best friend and an enemy strong desire to perform well, do things right begins to see things from another child's point of view, but still very self-centered finds criticism or failure difficult to handle views things as black and white, right or wrong, wonderful or terrible, with very little middle ground seeks a sense of security in groups, organized play, and clubs generally enjoys caring for and playing with younger children may become upset when behavior or school work is ignored Ideas for Care Givers Provide opportunities for active play. Throwing at targets, running, jumping rope, tumbling, and aerobics may be of interest. Provide opportunities to develop an understanding of rules by playing simple table games: cards, dominoes, tic-tac-toe, etc. Provide opportunities for children to do noncompetitive team activities such as working a jigsaw puzzle or planting a garden. Encourage children's sense of accomplishment by providing opportunities to build models, cook, make crafts, practice music, or work with wood. Encourage children's collections by allowing them to make special boxes or books in which to store their collections. Encourage reading and writing by allowing children to produce stories with scripts, create music for plays and puppet shows, produce a newspaper, record events, go on field trips, or conduct experiments. Help children explore their world by taking field trips to museums, work places, and other neighborhoods. Invite community helpers to your home. |
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| "What is necessary to change a person is to change his
awareness of himself." - Abraham Maslow |