1 of 5
GUIDELINES FOR EVERY GRADE
CHART OF DEVELOPMENT
FRANK LANNING, Associate Professor of Education
RUSSELL ROBBINS, Assistant Professor of Education
Northern Illinois University, De Kalb
KINDERGARTEN
EMOTIONAL
SOCIAL
Affection is generally
shown toward others.
Fear and
apprehension about
school often develop.
Some fears may
increase with selfawareness and the
realization that some
danger may befall the
child.
Hate and anger may
be displayed in temper
tantrums. Anger is
usually less
aggressively
expressed.
Seriousness and not
too much humor is
characteristic.
Fluctuation is common
between dependency
and growing
independence as a
balance is attempted.
Relations with adults:
Child is still mainly a
family member. He is
willing to help either
parent. He likes to
help mother with tasks
which add to his
growing
independence.
Relations with peers:
Play is usually solitary
or parallel. Individual
play occurs from 1/3
to ½ of the time.
Some is cooperative,
but at a low level.
Child will at times play
in groups of five, six,
or more, but prefers
no more than three.
Group plans of a few
steps will be carried
out.
Affection, more than
aggression, is shown
toward others. First
desires for
competition appear.
Child begins to be
aware of qualities he
likes or dislikes in
others. Child is
impatient for turns.
Recognizing
ownership is difficult.
Child tens to pull,
grab, or take. Child is
a poor group member
as he is a tattletale
and demanding.
Sex roles are not
clear. Sex is ignored
in choosing play
groups.
Reprinted from THE INSTRUCTOR, August//September 1966
PHYSICAL
EMOTIONAL
Skeletal growth slows
to steady rate.
Height Is about 3' 4”.
Weight is about five
times birth weight.
Head size is near
adult. Proportions are
more like adults.
Infant top-heaviness is
lost. Baby features
gain more
individuality.
Affection Is still shown
fairly readily.
Susceptibility to tooth
decay may be high.
Hate and anger may
still be displayed in
tantrums. A renewal
of violent methods of
expression with hitting
and kicking is typical.
Quick, violent outburst
and contentiousness
occur.
Frustration is easily
caused by lack of fine
motor skills.
Muscular development
has been rapid. It is
more difficult to be
inactive. Large
muscles are used.
Child can feed and
dress himself. Child
begins to jump rope.
With increase in
sense of rhythm, he
can skip, using
alternation of legs.
Skill can be gained
with suitable tools.
Visual functioning is
immature. Some
spatial relations
appear. Handedness
is established. Hands
are used in smaller
movements needing
more dexterity.
Fear may occur at
beginning of school.
Child seeks
Independence but is
apprehensive. Other
fears are of the
supernatural (ghosts)
and the elements
(thunder).
Behavior often has
extremes. Child
laughs and cries
easily. Child may be
loving one moment
and aggressively
hostile the next.
Excitability is
common.
The child becomes
more stable, less
impulsive.
General dexterity:
Average sleep needed
is 11 hrs, 19 min.
Attention span for play
– 12 to 14 min.
Table manners
improve. Absence is
common; but there is
less susceptibility to
colds. Language is
more complex. Active
vocabulary is about
2,072 words.
Sentences may have
five words or more.
Girls are superior in
articulation.
The Instructor Publications, Inc.
Used by permission.
GRADE ONE
SOCIAL
PHYSICAL
Generally, wider range
of social behavior is
undertaken. More
cooperation,
friendliness,
sympathy,
competition. fighting,
and quarreling appear.
Fluctuation occurs
between home
dependency and peer
participation.
Sense of fairness
develops.
Growth is varied
between boys and
girls. Girls are about a
year more mature
than boys. Height is
about 2/3 of adult
height. The body is
about 2/5 of adult size.
Yearly gain is about 1”
or 2” in height and 3 to
5 pounds in weight.
Knock-knees and
protruding abdomen
are prevalent.
Relations with adults:
Child desires
closeness, thrives on
praise, will take
orders, dislikes
criticism, wants
approval, talks freely,
is friendly. Still
admires parents most.
Mother is not center of
attention. Father gets
better obedience.
Child is demanding,
hesitant,
companionable, with
parent. Interest is lost
in family membership.
Relations with teacher
are of special concern.
First baby teeth are
lost. First permanent
teeth appear, usually
six-year molars.
Relations with peers:
Group activity is more
interesting. Small
groups are preferred.
Capacity for group
work is limited. Loose
organization allows
individual freedom.
Leaders usually lead
small groups. Child is
still impatient about
waiting for turns. Is
poor group member.
Sex is ignored in
choosing groups.
Child is more aware of
rights of others. May
have definite
impressions of some
classmates and be
vague about others.
Tagging, imitation, of
older children is
common.
Large muscle activity
is still needed. Work
done with the whole
body. Most basic skills
have been acquired.
Strenuous activity is at
high level. Rhythm is
better established.
Eye-hand coordination
is poorly developed.
Judging distances is
improved. Muscles of
hands and arms need
more development.
Writing is difficult. Eye
and hand muscles
usually develop well
enough by 6 or 6 ½
for reading and
writing.
General development:
Average sleep needed
is 11 hr, 4 min. Low
resistance to disease
makes absence
frequent. Language
development has
increased to an active
vocabulary of about
2562 words. Attention
span is still very short.
Children are quick and
active.
2 of 5
EMOTIONAL
Affection is shown but
it may appear Pat
receiving it is not
enjoyed.
Fear of
embarrassment
makes child more
inclined to deny some
previous fears, such s
entering school. cars
are deeper and more
worrisome (war, spies,
burglars). Social
worries about being
liked develop.
Violent outbursts are
fewer and less anger
aggressiveness is
shown. Some temper
tantrums and fighting
persist. When angry a
child may withdraw
from group rather than
force others to
withdraw.
Crying easily brought
on.
Jealousy may exist in
a girt over the father's
attention to the
mother.
Some tics may
develop.
General
dissatisfaction,
sulkiness, musing
moods, minor strains
of sadness,
complaints, increase.
GRADE TWO
SOCIAL
Relations with adults:
Child verbally asserts
himself, pursues
questions, nags, is
sensitive to others’
attitudes, talks readily,
is friendly, seeks
approval.
Interest is regained in
being a helpful family
member.
Parents are
challenged. Harmony
with mother is again
possible. Boys regard
father as very
important. Girls are
more sensitive to
reprimand from the
father. Teacher is
generally liked.
Relations with peers:
Beginnings of real
group play appear as
cooperation is better
learned. Impatience
with waiting turns has
lessened.
Participation in loosely
organized group play
increases.
Competition
increases. Child is a
poor loser. Bossing,
domineering, and
name calling still
occur. There is some
evidence of oncoming
sex cleavage as girls
may start to play
games which are
unattractive to boys
and vice versa. Sex is
still generally ignored
inchoosing play
groups. Some “best
friends” are usually
acquired by the end of
the year.
Reprinted from THE INSTRUCTOR, August//September 1966
PHYSICAL
EMOTIONAL
Growth between the
sexes has much
variation. Growth is
generally steady and
smooth. Fatigue may
set in comparatively
easily.
Affection may be
strongly voiced, but is
demonstrated less
often.
Permanent teeth
appear rapidly. Front
incisors in the lower
jaw usually appear
first.
Muscular coordination
is much improved.
Large-muscle activity
is still needed. The
whole body may still
be used to gain
control of
neuromuscular
powers. Strenuous
activity is enjoyed.
Moving to imaginative
rhythms is fun.
Dressing is completely
handled by child.
Eyes are mature
enough for longer
periods of focus. Eyehand coordination is
well established.
General development:
Average sleep needed
is 10 hr, 58 min.
Attention span has
lengthened. Child is
good listener. Speech
may still be immature.
Language is used
more freely.
The Instructor Publications, Inc.
Fear of animals
should decrease.
Fear of natural
phenomena still
exists. Fears of
fighting, failure, being
disliked remain.
Anger outbursts
should decrease, also
temper tantrums.
Boys still fight.
Jealousy may exist
over parent relations.
Sense of humor
increasing.
Child is relatively
calm, less demanding
of parents, more selfreliant, matter-of-fact.
Happiness often
results from
achievement.
Feelings become
more sensitive,
emotions more
concealed. Child may
cry easily, is sensitive
to criticism.
Used by permission.
GRADE THREE
SOCIAL
Generally, child seeks
approval, praise,
affection, talks freely,
is friendly, finds home
and school restrictions
irking.
Relations with adults:
Identification with
parent is often
strongest. Desire to
approach adult
standards. Parents
are challenged,
argued with, receive
demands for praise as
well as admission of
wrong doing. Child
admires mother most,
makes demands of
her, is dependent on
her. Relation with
father is less intense.
Teacher’s guidance
and praise are sought.
Relations with peers:
Transition to peer
culture is almost
complete. The larger
peer group now more
important than family,
causing criticism of
siblings. Spontaneous
groupings of short
duration occur. More
will abide by group
decisions. Bickering
is frequent. Rules are
insisted upon as more
organized games are
played. Best friends
are acquired.
Stronger
differentiation between
sexes develops.
Boys’ and girls’ play
interests are
becoming different.
PHYSICAL
Variation in growth
between sexes still
fairly great Growth is
relatively slower than
before. Body profile is
being lost Health is
good.
Permanent teeth
should number about
10 or 11. Incisors in
the upper jaw should
have appeared.
Large muscles are still
developing. Strength
and improvement of
motor skills and body
controls are rapidly
Improving. Arm and
leg muscles are not
strongly developed,
resulting in a look of
spindly weakness.
Writing is still difficult.
Vigorous body activity
is enjoyed: Tag is
preferred to toys;
balancing is more
skillful; swimming,
bicycling, lee skating,
roller skating more
easily performed.
Interest increases in
games requiring
small-muscle control.
Eye muscles have
strengthened.
Eye-hand coordination
is better.
Attention span, though
longer, is still short.
Active vocabulary is
3600 words. Speech
may be immature.
3 of 5
EMOTIONAL
Fears of earlier type
decrease. They
become more
realistic. Caution
starts to increase.
Worries about family
and school problems
increase.
Anger outbursts
decrease; with some
boys fighting
continues. Explosions
occur as disturbances
or frustrations mount.
Jealousy of others'
ability may increase
as personal limits are
realized.
Tenseness increases
with more selfappraisal, criticism.
Tensional outlets
more obvious.
Moods are variable.
Pleasure is gained
from achievements.
Sense on humor
continues to grow.
Seriousness and
matter-of-fact
demeanor are
present.
Feelings are more
easily hurt, but more
restraint is used to
conceal emotion.
Ways are found to
channel emotions,
such as talking to
pets.
GRADE FOUR
SOCIAL
Generally, home and
school restrictions are
disliked, interference
is disliked. Teasing,
discourtesy, scuffling,
carelessness.
increase as standards
are rejected. School
orientation good. Sex
roles are fairly well
established.
Relations with adults:
Adults are seen more
critically. Increasingly
accurate estimates
are made. Blame will
be accepted. Freedom
is sought from parent
dependence and
identification.
Relations with mother
are smoother. Boys
find a new relation
with father-that of
sharing interests.
Relations With peers:
Peer orientation
strong. Group
membership important
for mutual friendships,
complex interrelations
occur. Competitive
and cooperative spirits
develop. More stable
relationships exist.
Most follow rules.
Acceptance by friends
is important. Large
groups are often
formed for competitive
games. Desire to
excel to gain approval
is strong. Sex
cleavage is strong
with contempt for
opposite sex.
Spontaneous groups
of the same sex likely.
Girls' and boys' play
interests differ more.
Pressures prevent
casual withdrawal
from groups. Rituals,
codes, are valued.
Friends are often
made outside
neighborhood.
Reprinted from THE INSTRUCTOR, August//September 1966
PHYSICAL
EMOTIONAL
Growth is slow and
even.
Stabilization of
previous gains occurs.
Pattern of change is
more gradual
Girls experience least
height gains.
Eyes reach adult size,
shape, by end of year
Often 18” in height
and double weight
have been gained
since school
entrance.
Happiness,
contentment, are
prevalent. Simple
occasions are
pleasurable. Bursts of
happiness and
demonstrative
affection are frequent.
Better body control.
Motor skills improved,
perfected. Sport skills
are more rapidly
acquired There is a
peak in variety of play
activities.
Eye-hand coordination
is very good.
Skill with tools is
better.
General development:
Somatic complaints
increase.
Vocabulary is
expanding.
Better speech patterns
are developing.
Girls show superiority
in articulation. word
usage, sentence
length and structure,
especially at 9 1/2.
Spurts of activity are
typical.
There is optimism
about growing up and
a more practical
outlook. Child is
relatively unselfconscious, better
adjusted, can admit
former fears,
weaknesses.
Fears-are at low ebb.
Anxiety is lessened.
Fears and worries
increasingly realistic.
Concern is about
punishment, lies,
grades, personal
adequacy, wars.
Humor is based on
nonsense rhymes,
comics, word puns.
Wisecracks may be a
defense. Jokes about
things that worry them
decrease anxiety.
Jokes about self are
disliked.
Angry outbursts are
brief, explosive,
shallow, fewer.
Hostility to adults is
often shown. Child
may cry when angry.
He doesn't often hold
grudges or nurse hurt
feelings.
Jealousy appears over
abilities of others as
limitations are
realized.
Emotions are given
new channels. May be
more fidgeting, fingerto-mouth activity, for
tensional release.
Peers are still helpful.
The Instructor Publications, Inc.
Used by permission.
GRADE FIVE
SOCIAL
Generally, more are
aware of and
concerned about
others' feelings. Sex
roles are clear.
Siblings between 6
and 9 cause most
trouble. Preschool
children and pets are
liked.
Relations with adults:
Child is more critical
of adults; he will be
openly hostile at
times. He resents
interference. Parents
still accepted, but
standards are often
rejected. There is
more inattentiveness,
untidiness.
Disobedience Family
activities are popular.
He enjoys creative
companionship with
parents. They are
treated affectionately.
Mother has special
prestige. Father is
regarded with pride.
Relations with peers:
Peers are dominating
influence; their
approval is sought.
Group cooperative
spirit is combined with
competitive spirit.
More organized
games and sports with
rules are played. Boys
develop teamwork,
team loyalty. Sexes
are fully separated but
with less antagonism.
Most play interests,
especially of boys, are
with same sex. Gang
life is small, secretive,
unstable, of age-sex
mates, resists
supervision. Likes
scouting, camping.
Comradeship is more
important than
competition.
Friendships are
intense. Rank of
classmates is better
comprehended.
PHYSICAL
Generally, growth is
steady, slow. Boys
gain on an average
1.9" height and 5.9
pounds. Girls average
2.3" height, 6.5
pounds. Girls may
experience a change,
be more choosy, like
fewer sweets.
Rounded stomach of
earlier years being
lost. Girls may have a
weight spurt. Most
show signs of nearing
puberty. Both sexes
have changes in body
structure, gaining a
looser, softer look and
losing angular look.
Permanent teeth now
number about 14 to
16.
Greater gross
musculature and
rapidity of muscle
growth are noted.
Body control and
motor skills are well
managed. Eyes are
adult-sized and
completely developed
in function. Fixation
mechanism is at best.
General development:
Sleep needed is now
down to about 9 ½
hrs. Health is steadily
improving. Stamina
level is higher.
Appetite is very good.
Spans of attention
may be short, but are
numerous and varied.
Active vocabulary is
5400 words. Speech
patterns are improved.
Child is alert, casual,
relaxed, poised,
active. Activity often
comes in spurts. Less
strenuous exercise,
quieter activity, may
be preferred.
4 of 5
EMOTIONAL
Emotions are given
spontaneous,
immediate expression
showing real-feelings.
Fears may increase,
especially of being
alone. Normal feelings
of guilt, anxiety
develop. Concern
about lies increases.
Affection for parents
remains noticeable.
Self-acceptance may
reach peak. There is
more sympathy,
thoughtfulness for
others.
Anger is expressed
quickly, by selected
methods. Anger may
come through
empathy. Anger is
more apt to result in
crying, as is
disappointment or hurt
feeling.
Jealousy increases
ever others'
possessions or
physical attributes,
attention given to
others, siblings.
Humor is expanding to
include more puns,
clowning, silliness.
Tensional outlets
include increased
motor activity,
dropping things.
New emotional
patterns develop.
There are peaks of
intensity: rage on
short notice, bursts of
laughter, variable
moods, impulsive
behavior. Happiness
is prominent, with
some times of
unaccustomed
sadness. Dejection
may occur from
feelings of
unpopularity.
GRADE SIX
SOCIAL
Generally, routine is
rejected. Self-control
increases, social
pressures are
internalized. Selfcenteredness changes
to gradual capacity to
feel for others. It
becomes important to
establish masculine,
feminine, identity.
Relations with adults:
Child is critical of
adults, refrains from
communication with
them, is quieter
around strangers, may
hero worship those
not present. Girls
comply more to adult
standards.
Family life is important
and is enjoyed.
Relatives are
important Quarreling
is frequent with
siblings.
Relations with peers:
Organized clubs,
teams, competitive
groups are popular.
Conformity is
important. Meeting,
mingling, and
competition are fun.
Similar outdoor
activities are a basis.
Friendships are made
with those with
desired qualities, often
of same temperament.
Rules may now he
codified.
More favorable
attitudes begin to
develop toward
opposite sex, but
social divergence is
still complete, with
some antagonism.
Boys' social life takes
on activity oriented
flavor. Boys admire
competence in group
games, ability to keep
a game going, and
daring; more active
than girls.
PHYSICAL
Sudden growth spurt
may occur. Bone size
has a definite
increase. Girls
physiologically about a
year ahead of boys.
Both sexes may show
signs of approaching
adolescence. Boys
are fairly uniform.
About one-quarter of
them start rapid height
growth. Some
experience a "fat
period " Girls may
have height and
weight growth.
Secondary sex
characteristics begin
to appear as pelvis
broadens, breasts
begin development,
some pubic hair
appears. Some reach
menarche.
Permanent teeth still
emerging (cuspids,
bicuspids, second
molars).
Muscle growth
increasing. Boys may
be ahead of girls in
endurance, strength.
Ocular skills are good.
Visual mechanism has
a general loosening.
Focusing ability
improves.
Nearsightedness is
less likely.
General development:
Sleep is heavy.
Appetite is large, but
fluctuating. Health is
good, but more
tendency to colds,
respiratory diseases.
Reading skill may be
about equal to an
adult’s. Poise is
uncommon. Activity
and energy
expenditure incessant.
Restlessness and
wriggling are typical.
Somatic complaints
may increase.
EMOTIONAL
Self-acceptance may
reach peak. Child is
positive enthusiastic.
Responses are less
impulsive and
immediate.
Attitude more tolerant,
good-natured. More
empathy, self-insight,
self control.
Demonstration of
affection for parents is
restricted.
Fears of the dark,
animals, crowds, and
high places may
increase.
Worries exist over
school work, exams.
Anger is more
controllable often
expressed verbally:
Crying may occur, but
is usually restrained.
Jealousy is infrequent
as competitiveness
lessens, except for
jealousy of siblings.
Hurt feelings are often
concealed.
Capacity for humor is
increased. A ribbing
can be better taken.
Double meanings and
sex jokes are popular.
Tensional outlets are
fewer.
A mood of happiness
is often sustained.
Some sharp peaks of
exuberance occur.
Sadness is present on
occasion.
GRADE SEVEN
SOCIAL
Generally, child gets
along better socially,
has more tact with
siblings, is fond-.
er of social doings.
Relations with adults:
Child is critical of
adults, less insistent,
more reasonable,
more companion-.
able; is quiet around
strangers. Teacher is
liked, but child is more
critical of his abilities.
Girls comply more to
adult standards.
Child gets along better
with parents, argues
less, demands less.
He begins to reject
identification with
parents, as part of
desire for indeppendence Another
model, usually of
same sex, is found.
There is often
hero-worship.
Relations with peers:
Main interest is with
those of same sex,
but heterosexual
relationships occur.
Mixed parties may or
may not succeed.
Interest shifts often
between boys -and
girls. Girls begin to
have more interest in
boys than is
reciprocated.
Group loyalties are
well developed. The
spirit of the game has
meaning. There may
be membership in a
club. Small groups are
preferred.
Organized, games are
enjoyed.
There is a lot of
movement among
peers, with boys
having several friends.
Boys admire
competence in group
games, daring,
boldness.
PHYSICAL
Girls have most rapid
growth In height and
weight; often reach a
peak in the growth
spurt, putting them
about a year ahead of
the boys. Height spurt
is first, average girl
attaining 95 percent of
mature, height. Breast
development is fuller.
Menarche often
occurs by end of the
year; may be irregular.
Boys have a wider
range of differences in
growth rate. Definite
traces of beginning
puberty appear.
Voices often change
and begin to deepen.
For both sexes at
about 12 ½, fat on
legs, arms, will
decrease. Body fat
increases in girls,
decreases in boys.
Muscle development
is very good. Tools
may be used at a high
level. Vision has best
fixation and focus.
General development:
Sleep is again less
heavy. Health is good,
but may not be
consistent.
Fatigue may come
easily. There is
increased control for
sitting quiet, but some
opportunity for
movement is still
needed. Appetite is
good.
Active vocabulary has
reached about 7200
words.
Through practice,
team games are
perfected.
5 of 5
Reprinted from THE INSTRUCTOR, August//September 1966
EMOTIONAL
Self-acceptance may be less positive than
during the previous year. Negativistic
behavior of both boys and girls may increase
over 12-year level-boys, more so than girls.
Girls acquire increased self love, which may
manifest itself in increased demands for
clothes and possessions.
There is a concern with physique and
sexuality and how others react.
Worries: A major worry is in the area of
achievement and passing in school. Worries
related to personal characteristics are most
often seen in guilt feelings. Worries about
health are not unusual.
In respect to having a sense of humor, boys
rate themselves down somewhat compared
to their 12-year level. Girls rate themselves
higher than boys for having a sense of
humor.
Girls tend to identify with women teachers
and other female adults. Mother is
devaluated.
More time may be spent in daydreaming and
fantasy.
The Instructor Publications, Inc.
Used by permission
GRADE EIGHT
SOCIAL
Social adjustment will become more complex and
troublesome.
Relations with adults: Period of greatest conflict
between parent and child begins. Girls challenge
home authority slightly more than boys. Ambivalent
behavior is typical. The adolescent is ready to
accept interest and attention from parents; then he
want to he independent
Relations with peers: Friendship fluctuates more
for the 13-year-old than for the 12-year-old. Girls'
friendships tend to fluctuate more than boys'
friendships. Girls rank first, as a social interest,
finding a place in the peer group. Boys rank first,
as a social interest, having a best friend of the
same sex.
Interests and activities: Cultural conflicts are
becoming more obvious. girls still like social
activities more than boys. Boys still rank sports
important. Girls show greater interest than boys in
academic studies. Reading interest for boys ranks:
(1) Adventure. (2) Romance, (3) Animal Stories.
Girls prefer: (1) Romance, (2) Adventure, (3)
Animal Stories. Boys begin hero worship. Girls
show interest in dating and dancing while boys'
interest lags. Many boys and girls experiment with
minor delinquency. Watching TV tends to reach a
peak in number of hours per week.
Shyness at 13 may be more of a problem
than it was in preadolescent years.
Fighting as an expected behavior may still be
relatively high for boys.
Reprinted from THE INSTRUCTOR, August/September 1966, The Instructor Publications, Inc.
Used by permission.
PHYSICAL
At age 13, girls experience a rapid growth
spurt; boys, somewhat less rapid. Girls are still
taller and heavier than boys. Muscles increase
in size and strength.
Genitals increase in size rapidly for both sexes.
The secondary sex characteristics begin to
appear. Contours of boys' bodies are angular
while girls' bodies are more rounded. Pubic hair
begins to appear around genitals; hair in
armpits; fuzzy hair an the face and body;
growth of breasts of girls, and change of voice
of boys. Average age for menarche is 13 1/2
years, although first menstrual periods are
quite irregular. Approximately 20 baby teeth
have been lost.
Underweight is less common than overweight.
Incidence of disease is very low compared to
earlier childhood.
Facial acne can be a problem; more boys than
girls tend to have it.
General development: Sleep is again less
heavy. Health is generally good, but adequate
rest is appropriate. Alternating rest with
physical activity continues to be important.
Although his appetite is tremendous, the
adolescent needs help in planning a diet for
nutritional needs.