Characteristics of Children…
how they look, how they feel, how they act.

Beulah Drom
University of Illinois

Grades 1-2, ages 6-7 (also 5-8)

1. Growth is steady and uniform; boys are slightly taller and heavier than girls.
2. Muscular development is uneven; large muscles are more developed than small muscles of hands and feet. They like activities requiring total body movement.
3. Heart and lungs are small in proportion to the development of the total body; they fatigue easily and recover rapidly.
4. They are active, seem to be in perpetual motion, eager for physical action; like to move and to make noise.
5. They are sensitive to attitudes of adult approval, eager to please, yet not fully confident of abilities.
6. Generally they are emotionally very friendly and warm; eager to be liked and to show affection; crave attention.
7. Although friendly, they tend to be individualistic and possessive; think of themselves first; may tattle on their friends.
8. They take school seriously, enjoy being part of a small group; willing to cooperate but must learn how to accomplish it.
9. Highly imaginative, imitative, and dramatic.
10. Curiosity is keen; they like to investigate and are eager to learn; proud of their new learning.
11. They  adjust with difficulty to sudden changes, want repetition of familiar situations; may worry, be fearful, and show insecurity.
12. They have a short span of attending to things which are outside of themselves; lose sight of long range goals.  Sometimes they have a hard time deciding upon choices, actions, friends, and play.

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    Last updated: August 30, 1999