Developmental Characteristics Chart for students in Grades K-­‐5 (physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and moral) Kindergarten:
Developmental Tasks
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To learn to distinguish between reality and fantasy.
To become comfortable with own gender.
To make connections and distinctions between feelings, thoughts, and actions.
To solve problems by initiating and creating.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT: Five to Six Years
Normal Characteristics
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Can dress and undress self.
Allow independence with clothing.
May be farsighted, a common condition, causing Have child's eyes examined if problem persists.
hand and eye coordination problems.
Accept awkwardness as a normal condition at this
time.
Is able to care for own toilet needs independently.
May have stomachaches or vomit when asked to Offer appealing varieties in food, but don't force
eat disliked foods; prefers plain cooking but
child to eat anything.
accepts wider choice of foods; may have larger
appetite.
INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT: Five to Six Years
Normal Characteristics
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
May stutter if tired or nervous; may lisp.
Do not emphasize language disturbance, since it
is probably only temporary.
Tries only what he/she can accomplish; will
Reinforce mastered skills and give children
follow instructions and accept supervision.
opportunities to be successful in new, simple
activities.
Knows colors, numbers, etc.; can identify penny, Provide opportunities for child to make change
nickel, dime; may be able to print a few letters; a (e.g., in restaurants, stores) and to print own
few children learn to read on their own.
name and short names of favorite people and
objects.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Five to Six Years
Normal Characteristics
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
May fear mother won't return, since mother is the Build independence; encourage tying shoes,
center of the child's world.
putting on own coat, brushing teeth.
Copies adults and likes their praise.
Child needs reassurance.
Plays with boys and girls; is calm and friendly; is Rejoice and give opportunities for group play.
not too demanding in relations with others; can
play with one child or a group of children, though
prefers members of the same sex.
Likes conversation during meals.
Is interested in where babies come from.
Allow and respond to child-initiated
conversation.
Don't shame child for interest in sexual
differences or for touching self.
Offer simple, accurate explanation.
If doesn't like school, may develop nausea and
vomiting.
Is experiencing an age of conformity; is critical
of those who do not conform.
Encourage child to find enjoyable activities at
school.
Help child learn the value of individual
differences.
Knows differences in sexes and is more modest.
EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Five to Six Years
Normal Characteristics
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
In general, is reliable and well-adjusted.
Be grateful.
May show some fear of the dark, falling, dogs, or
bodily harm, though this is not a particularly
fearful age.
If tired, nervous, or upset, may exhibit the
following behaviors: nail biting, eye blinking,
throat clearing, sniffling, nose twitching, and/or
thumb sucking.
Is concerned with pleasing adults.
Is easily embarrassed.
Don't dismiss fears as unimportant.
Try not to appear overly concerned, since an
increase in nervous habits is temporary and
normal. Deal with the cause of the tension rather
than the habit exhibited. Help the child structure
time to include quiet play and rest. Read the child
a story.
Show your love by recognizing positive
behaviors.
Be sensitive about embarrassing things and help
child avoid them.
MORAL DEVELOPMENT: Five to Six Years
Normal Characteristics
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Is interested in being good, but may tell untruths Do not be shocked by the child's untruthfulness.
or blame others for wrongdoings because of
"Lying" is not a trait to come down hard on at
intense desire to please and do right.
this age. Help the child learn to accept
responsibility for own action in a positive, caring
manner.
Wants to do what he/she believes is right and
avoid what is wrong.
Acknowledge child's attempt to act in accordance
with own beliefs. Don't punish for inability to
always behave properly.
First Grade:
Developmental Tasks
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To learn to distinguish between reality and fantasy. To become comfortable with own gender identity. To make connections and distinctions between feelings, thoughts, and actions. To solve problems by initiating and creating. PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT: Six to Seven Years Old
Normal Characteristics
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Is vigorous, full of energy, and generally restless, Provide opportunities for a variety of physical e.g., foot tapping, wiggling, being unable to sit still. activities.
Is clumsy due to poor coordination. Is in an ugly duckling stage. Has growth spurts.
Don't point out or emphasize clumsiness or change of appearance.
May occasionally wet or soil him-­‐/herself when upset or excited.
Accept accidents calmly as the child is apt to be embarrassed.
Has marked awareness of sexual differences; may Give simple, honest answers in a calm manner.
want to look at bodies of opposite sex (playing doctor, house, etc.); touches and plays with genitals less frequently; will accept the idea that a baby grows in the womb.
Has unpredictable preferences and strong refusals; often develops a passion for peanut butter.
Provide balanced meals, but don't be overly concerned with child's preferences or passion.
Eats with fingers and talks with mouth full.
Don't overreact; set a good example.
Commonly suffers more colds, sore throats, and other illness, because of exposure at school.
Be aware of disease symptoms. Crankiness may precede an illness. Child needs plenty of rest and balanced meals.
INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT: Six to Seven Years Old
Normal Characteristics
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
May develop stuttering when under stress.
Remember, language disturbance is temporary and may disappear of its own accord.
Wants all of everything and finds it difficult to make choices.
Do not offer excessive choices, but provide opportunities for making decisions.
Begins to have organized, continuous memories; most children learn to read and write, although some don't until after age 7.
Promote child's reading and writing (e.g., letters to relatives and friends, opportunity to create stories).
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Six to Seven Years Old
Normal Characteristics
May blame mother for anything that goes wrong. Male children will identify strongly with father.
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Provide consistent, caring responses to child's blame or over-­‐identification.
Child doesn't like being kissed in public, especially Be sensitive.
boys.
Identifies with adults outside the family (e.g., teacher, neighbor).
Accept this as okay.
Friendships are unstable; is sometimes unkind to Provide guidance in making and keeping friends.
peers; is a tattletale.
Must be a winner; changes rules to fit own needs; Help child to be a good loser.
may have no group loyalty.
In school, may develop problems if expectations are too high; has trouble concentrating; may fool around, whisper, or bother other children.
Keep in touch with the school. Be alert for feelings of frustration and failure in the child.
Perpetual activity makes meals difficult. Breakfast Allow extra time for breakfast.
may be the most difficult meal.
EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Six to Seven Years Old
Normal Characteristics
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Feels insecure as a result of drive toward independence.
Give child time, freedom, and opportunities to practice being independent.
Finds it difficult to accept criticism, blame, or punishment.
Be patient and understanding.
Child is center of own world and tends to be boastful.
Accept apparent selfishness.
Generally is rigid, negative, demanding, unadaptable, slow to respond; exhibits violent extremes; tantrums reappear.
Set reasonable limits, offer explanation of limits, help child keep within them.
If not the winner, often makes accusations that others are cheating.
Avoid games that designate a winner.
MORAL DEVELOPMENT: Six to Seven Years Old
Normal Characteristics
Is very concerned with personal behavior, particularly as it affects family and friends; sometimes blames others for own wrongdoing.
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Teach the child to be concerned and responsible for own behavior. Assure child that everyone makes mistakes.
Second Grade:
Developmental Tasks
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To develop a sense of accomplishment centered around the ability to learn and apply skills, deal with peers, competition, self-­‐control, and greater physical strength. To develop and test values and beliefs, which guide present and future behaviors. PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT: Seven to Eight Years
Normal Characteristics
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Drives self until exhausted.
Assist child in changing activity to avoid complete exhaustion; be aware of child's physical limits.
May frequently pout.
Be patient, as child may not necessarily unhappy or dissatisfied, but is going through a stage.
Now has well-­‐established hand-­‐eye coordination Provide opportunities and materials for drawing and is likely to be more interested in drawing and and printing.
printing.
May have minor accidents.
Have plenty of fun band-­‐aids on hand.
Is less interested in sex play and experimentation; Encourage child-­‐infant relationship, if present.
can be very excited about new baby in family.
Has fewer illnesses but may have colds of long duration; appetite is decreasing.
Fine-­‐tune your supportive bedside manner.
May develop nervous habits or assume awkward positions, e.g., sitting upside down on the couch, constant foot tapping.
Be patient with annoying habits, and do not draw attention to awkwardness.
INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT: Seven to Eight Years
Normal Characteristics
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Is eager for learning. Uses reflective, serious Ask many thought-­‐provoking questions. Stimulate thinking. Thoughts can be based on logic; child can thinking with open-­‐ended stories, riddles, thinking solve more complex problems. Attention span is games, discussions. Give many opportunities for good.
decision making and selecting what he/she would do in particular situations.
Enjoys hobbies and skills. Likes to collect things and talk about personal projects, writings, and drawings.
Encourage the pursuit of hobbies and interests.
Favors reality.
Add stories that deal with reality. Provide biographies to read.
Likes to be challenged, to work hard, and to take time completing a task.
Give challenges that are appropriate for level of ability; allow plenty of time to accomplish a task.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Seven to Eight Years
Normal Characteristics
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Will avoid and withdraw from adults; has strong emotional responses to teacher; may complain that teacher is unfair or mean.
Show understanding and concern.
Likes more responsibility and independence. Is often concerned about doing well.
Assign responsibilities and tasks that can be carried out, and then praise child's efforts and accomplishments. Help child accept own performance.
Participates in loosely organized group play.
Encourage appropriate social interaction.
Concerned with self and others' reactions. May Help child evaluate his or her perceptions of fear being late; may have trouble on the others' behaviors.
playground; "kids are cheating" or "teacher picks on me" often said.
May use aggression as a means to solve problems. Attempt to prevent conflicts before they erupt.
Starts division of sexes (girls play with girls/boys Encourage having a lot of friends, not just 1 or 2.
with boys).
EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Seven to Eight Years
Normal Characteristics
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
May complain a lot ("Nobody likes me," "I'm going Provide reasonable sympathy.
to run away," etc.).
May not respond promptly or hear directions; may Remind and check as necessary.
forget; is easily distracted.
May withdraw or not interact with others, in an attempt to build a sense of self.
Provide personal support and reassurance. Encourage independence.
MORAL DEVELOPMENT: Seven to Eight Years
Normal Characteristics
May experience guilt and shame.
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Acknowledge and support child's standards and discuss reasonableness of child's expectations. Encourage the child to be self-­‐forgiving. Focus on the worth of an individual rather than on behavior. Then work on changing the behavior.
Third Grade:
Developmental Tasks
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To develop a sense of accomplishment, which centers around the ability to learn and apply skills, deal with peers, competition, self-­‐control, and greater physical strength. To develop and test values and beliefs, which guide present and future behaviors. PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT: Eight to Nine Years
Normal Characteristics
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Is busy and active; has frequent accidents.
Sympathize and comfort.
Makes faces, wiggles, clowns.
Don't take it seriously.
May frequently urinate as a result of anxiety.
Be tolerant; it's not deliberate.
Has good appetite; wolfs down food; belches spontaneously; may accept new foods. Except for belching, rejoice!
Has improved health with a few short illnesses.
Rejoice again.
INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT: Eight to Nine Years
Normal Characteristics
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Wants to know the reasons for things.
Answer questions patiently, honestly, to the point.
Often overestimates own ability; generalizes instances of failure with such statements as, "I never get anything right."
Direct child toward attempting what can be accomplished, but still provide challenges. Stress what the child has learned and not the end product.
Wants more information about pregnancy and birth; may question father's role.
Continue to be available to answer questions.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Eight to Nine Years
Normal Characteristics
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Demands love and understanding from mother.
Love and accept.
Makes new friends easily; works at establishing good two-­‐way relationships; develops close friend of own sex. Considers clubs and groups important; enjoys school, doesn't like to be absent, and tends to talk more about it.
Assist with scouting or sport groups. Go to activities, such as his/her concerts. Be a part of his/her school life.
Is not interested in family table conversations; wants to finish meal in order to get to other business.
Remain understanding of child's needs and feelings.
May "peep" at each other and at parents. Tells dirty jokes, laughs, and giggles.
Do not overly focus on child's behavior. Set reasonable limits.
EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Eight to Nine Years
Normal Characteristics
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Tends to have a few best friends.
Encourage to make a lot of friends.
May be excessive in self-­‐criticism; tends to dramatize everything; is very sensitive.
Do not criticize. Encourage efforts. Teach that others also make mistakes.
Has fewer and more reasonable fears.
Build on their confidences.
May argue and resist requests and instructions, but will obey eventually.
Keep directions simple; avoid "I already know" responses by not over directing.
Likes immediate rewards for behavior.
Provide small but meaningful rewards for accomplishments.
Is usually affectionate, helpful, cheerful, outgoing, Allow expression of negative emotions while and curious; can also be rude, selfish, bossy and maintaining limits. Be patient with giggling and demanding, giggly and silly.
accept humor.
MORAL DEVELOPMENT: Eight to Nine Years
Normal Characteristics
May experience guilt and shame. Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Acknowledge and support the child's standards and discuss reasonableness of child's expectations. Encourage the child to be self-­‐
forgiving. Focus on the worth of an individual rather than on behavior. Then work on changing the behavior.
Fourth Grade:
Developmental Tasks
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To develop a sense of accomplishment, which centers around the ability to learn and apply skills, deal with peers, competition, self-­‐control, and greater physical strength. To develop and test values and beliefs, which guide present and future behaviors. PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT: Nine to Ten Years
Normal Characteristics
Engages in active, rough-­‐and-­‐tumble play (especially boys); has great interest in team games.
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Provide many opportunities to sustain interest. Include team games.
Has good body control; is interested in Provide opportunities for developing skills developing strength, skill, and speed; likes more through the use of handicrafts and active games.
complicated crafts and work-­‐related tasks.
Girls are beginning to develop faster than boys.
Do not compare boys and girls or force them to interact. Start teaching about bodily changes. Explain menstruation to both sexes.
INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT: Nine to Ten Years
Normal Characteristics
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Has definite interests and lively curiosity; seeks Give specific information and facts. facts; capable of prolonged interest; can do more Adjust learning opportunities to child's interests abstract thinking and reasoning.
and increased attention span. Do not give all the answers; allow time to think, meditate, and discuss.
Individual differences become more marked.
Respect and be aware of individual differences when making assignments and giving responsibilities.
Likes reading, writing, and using books and references.
Provide opportunities for reading, writing, and using reference materials; do not burden the child, however.
Likes to collect things.
Help with hobbies.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Nine to Ten Years
Normal Characteristics
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Boys and girls differ in personalities, Accept natural separation of boys and girls. characteristics, and interests; are very group and Recognize and support the need for acceptance club oriented but always with same sex; from peer group.
sometimes silly within group.
Boys, especially, begin to test and exercise a great deal of independence.
Be warm but firm. Establish and enforce reasonable limits.
Is most interested in friends and social activities; Encourage many friendships and help child who likes group adventures and cooperative play.
may have few or no friends.
EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Nine to Ten Years
Normal Characteristics
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
May have some behavior problems, especially if Let the child know you accept him/her, even not accepted by others.
though you do not approve of specific behaviors.
Is becoming very independent, dependable, and Provide many opportunities for exercising trustworthy.
independence and dependability. Praise these positive characteristics.
MORAL DEVELOPMENT: Nine to Ten Years
Normal Characteristics
Is very conscious of fairness; is highly competitive; argues over fairness; has difficulty admitting mistakes but is becoming more capable of accepting failures and mistakes and taking responsibility for them.
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Be fair in dealings and relationships with child. Provide opportunities for competing, but help child see that losing is a part of playing. Do not ridicule, but help child learn to take responsibility for behavior.
Is clearly acquiring a conscience; is aware of right and wrong; wants to do right, but sometimes overreacts or rebels against a strict conscience.
Express your love and support for the child who falls short of meeting your personal standards of right and wrong.
Fifth Grade:
Developmental Tasks
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To develop a sense of accomplishment, which centers around the ability to learn and apply skills, deal with peers, competition, self-­‐control, and greater strength. To develop and test values and beliefs, which guide present and future behaviors. PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT: Ten to Eleven Years
Normal Characteristics
Girls may have rapid weight increase.
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Provide good nutrition.
Boys are more active and rough; motor skills are Provide opportunities to release energy. Place in well developed.
activities that involve motor skills, basketball, soccer, baseball, football, swimming.
INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT: Ten to Eleven Years
Normal Characteristics
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Is alert, poised, and concerned with fads; argues Encourage/teach child to use logic in thinking logically.
and problem solving. Is good time to discuss drug abuse?
May like to read.
Provide books geared to interests.
May begin to show talent. Have many interests of Provide lessons in music, art, and other interests.
short duration.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Ten to Eleven Years
Normal Characteristics
Is affectionate with parents; has great pride in father; finds mother all-­‐important.
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Spend time with the child.
Is highly selective in friendships; may have one best friend; important to be "in" with the gang; may develop hero worship.
Accept child's need for, and choice of, friends and feeling of being "in". Continue to encourage having a lot of friends.
EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Ten to Eleven Years
Normal Characteristics
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Is concerned with style.
Allow child to select clothes and hair style, within a firm budget.
Is casual and relaxed.
Enjoy!
Likes privacy.
Provide for personal space.
Girls mature faster than boys.
Provide reassurance as needed.
Not an angry age; anger, when it comes, is violent Recognize and accept angry feelings, tears of and immediate; seldom cries but may cry when temporary duration, and outbursts.
angry.
Main worry concerns school and peer relationships.
Provide opportunities for appropriate socialization.
MORAL DEVELOPMENT: Ten to Eleven Years
Normal Characteristics
Has strong sense of justice and a strict moral code.
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Recognize that the child's sense of justice is limited to own world. Accept rigidity and support the child's concerns about right and wrong. Don't belittle.
More concerned with what is wrong than what is Acknowledge injustice.
right.