Ages & Stages

The average five-year-old is good, helpful, and conforming. They:

• Attempts only things he knows he can do.

• Needs attention, affection, and praise.

• Is energetic and fidgety.

• Has a short attention span.

• May show opposite extremes of behavior.

• May become less well-behaved as the school year progresses.

Where They're Going:

School isn't just academics: Your child's teachers are also helping her grow socially. At five-years-old, your child is learning to understand herself. You can help by encouraging them as they:

• Develops a positive, realistic self-image.

• Learns to respect herself.

• Begins to understand her own uniqueness.

• Gains awareness of her feelings.

• Learns to express feelings.

• Learns how to participate in groups.

• Begins to learn from her mistakes.

The average six-year old is extremely egocentric and wants to be the center of attention. They:

• Wants to be the "best" and "first."

• Has boundless energy.

• May be oppositional, silly, brash, and critical.

• Cries easily; shows a variety of tension-releasing behavior.

• Is attached to the teacher.

• Has difficulty being flexible.

• Often considers fantasy real.

School isn't just about academics. Your child's teachers are also helping him grow socially. At six-years-old, your child is learning to understand himself. You can help by encouraging them as they:

• Develops a positive, realistic self-concept.

• Learns to respect himself.

• Begins to understand his own uniqueness.

• Gains awareness of his feelings.

• Learns to express feelings.

• Learns how to participate in groups.

• Begins to learn from his mistakes.

At seven, kids begin to calm down a bit. They:

• Begin to reason and concentrate.

• Worry, are self-critical, and may express a lack of confidence.

• Demand more of their teacher's time.

• Dislike being singled out, even for praise.

School isn't just academics. Your child's teachers are also helping her grow socially. At seven-years-old, your child is continuing to learn about herself and others. You can help by encouraging them as they:

• Develops a concept of herself.

• Begins to understand others.

• Gains respect for others.

• Builds relationships with others.

• Develops a sense of responsibility.

The average eight-year-old is explosive, excitable, dramatic, and inquisitive. They:

• Possesses a "know-it-all" attitude.

• Is able to assume some responsibility for her actions.

• Actively seeks praise.

• May undertake more than she can handle successfully.

• Is self-critical.

• Recognizes the needs of others.

School isn't just academics. Your child's teachers are also helping him grow socially. At eight-years-old, your child is learning how to set goals and understand the consequences of his behavior. You can help by encouraging them as they:

• Explores the relationship of feelings, goals, and behavior.

• Learns about choices and consequences.

• Begins setting goals.

• Becomes more responsible.

• Learns how to work with others.

Nine is a time of general confusion for kids. Nine-year-olds:

• Want to put some distance between themselves and adults, and may rebel against authority.

• Need to be part of a group.

• Seek independence.

• Possess a high activity level.

• Can express a wide range of emotions and verbalize easily.

• Can empathize.

• Can think independently and critically, but are tied to peer standards.

• Begin to increase their sense of truthfulness.

• Are typically not self-confident.

School isn't just academics. Your child's teachers are also helping her grow socially. At nine-years-old, your child is learning how to make decisions and set standards. You can help by encouraging your child as they:

• Begin making decisions.

• Gains a greater sense of responsibility.

• Sets personal standards.

• Develops personal interests and abilities.

• Develops social skills.

• Learns to engage in group decision-making

The average ten-year-old has a positive approach to life. Ten-year-olds:

*Tend to be obedient, good natured and fun

*They possess a surprising scope of interests

*They find TV very important and identify with TV characters

*They are capable of increasing independence

*They are becoming more truthful and dependable

*They tend to be improving their self-concept and acceptance of others

*They form good personal relationships with both teachers and counselors

The average eleven-year-old is heading towards adolescence. Eleven-year-olds:

*Are able to show more self-assertion and curiosity

*Are socially expansive and aware

*Are physically exuberant, restless, wiggly and tend to talk a lot

*Have a range and intensity of emotions

*Can be moody and easily frustrated

*Are competitive, wants to excel, and may put down the "out group"

*Exhibits "off-color" humor and silliness

*Teases and tussles

The average twelve-year-old is entering the stage in between childish and mature behavior. They will

*Be spirited and enthusiastic

*Can "stay put" longer and exercise self-control

*Develop a growing sense of intuition and insight into self and others

*Become less moody and may become good-natured around adults

*Become increastingly self-reliant and self-centered

*Is curious but not ready for long-term planning

*Has a strong desire to be like their peers