| Six-year-old | |
| Likes to work, yet often does so in spurts Does not show persistence Tends to be a know-it-all Free with opinions and advice Brings home evidence of good schoolwork Observes family rules Gender-role stereotypes are rigid Friends easily gained, easily lost Finding a place with peers Tests and measures self against peers Makes social connections through play Friends are of the same sex Believes in rules except for self Active, outgoing Own activities, pleasure taking precedence Charming Proud of accomplishments |
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| Seven-year-old | |
| More serious Sensitive to others' reactions Eager for home responsibilities Tractable and polite at home Complaining, pensive Shame is common emotion Leaves rather than face criticism, ridicule, disapproval Complains of unfair treatment, not being liked Shows politeness and consideration for adults Enjoys solitary activities First peer pressure: needs to be "in" Wants to be one of the gang Relates physical competence to self-concept Impatient |
| Six- and seven-year-olds | |
| Works in spurts, not persistent Letter and word reversal common Learn to read Can consider others' point of view Use logic, systematic thinking Can plan ahead Enjoy collecting: sorting, classifying Beginning math skills Can sequence events and retell stories Concepts of winning/losing are difficult Like games with simple rules Appetite for "real" knowledge May cheat or change rules Want "real" things: watches and cameras that work Sift and sort information Can conceptualize situations |
| Six- and seven-year-olds | |
| Enjoy putting language skill to paper Talk with adults rather than to them Chatter incessantly Dominate conversations Speech irregularities still common Learning to print/write Acquisition of new words tapers off Bilingual capacities nearly complete if English is second language Ability to learn new language still present |
| Six- and seven-year-olds | |
| Growth has slowed Basic skills developed; need refinement Need active play to let off steam Like to test limits of own bodies Enjoy acrobatics Value physical competence Work at self-imposed tasks Need daily legitimate channels for high energy Learn to ride two-wheelers Enjoys challenges in balancing - skating, skiing Motor development is tool for socializing Bones growing and solidifying Boisterous, enjoy stunts Like to roughhouse but may get hurt Susceptible to fatigue Visual acuity reaches normal Hungry at short intervals Insatiable taste for sweets, especially after school |
Last updated: June 2, 2000