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six to seven
The first thing that comes to mind when I
think of a six year old is, "They have to be right!"
Their early self is very fragile. When they are
criticized or corrected, "watch out!" They will
argue or may even lie to avoid being blamed.
When playing a game, cheating frequently
occurs when it comes to winning.
There are many opportunities here to teach,
so don't miss out! They can learn that playing
with someone who cheats isn't fun and that
lying just doesn't work!
They need lots of praise and encouragement,
learn that it's OK to make mistakes and how to
politely lose a game!
Don't put so much pressure on having perfect
grades. Remember, it's not about the grades
but the effort and love of learning.
The last thing you want to do is have your
child hate school because they feel that they
can't do well. This is a time to build your child's
confidence!
This is the year of jokes! Knock, knock!
social and emotional
* identifies with adults who aren't family members
(i.e. teachers, friends parents, neighbors, etc.)
* don't always want to be kissed in public
(especially boys)
* can be a tattletale
* friendships can be rocky!
* loves to blame their mother for anything
that goes wrong
* has to win and be right at most everything
* goes through a brief period of
non-compliance
* pretend they don't hear you when you
call them
* signs of tension may appear (hair twirling,
foot tapping, etc,)
* may become modest and want privacy
* better at controlling and concealing
feelings
* need love and support but less willing
to ask for it
First Grade
Social Changes
First grade is so appropriately named! It's the
year of "firsts"! First year for writing stories,
adding and subtracting and for some, the
first year of a full day of school. Parents are
amazed at all their children learn! Along
with all of the learning, the social changes
become more pronounced.
They become pickier in choosing friends and
also begin to see the school as a community.
They have a sense of who they are and what
they like and begin to learn from their
friends.
Some children feel overwhelmed by the
increase in academic work and also the
higher expectations.
Having a strong routine at home helps kids
because just knowing what's predictable is
comforting!
If you thought your child had a sense of
humor before this age, you will see it more
clearly now.
They love to tell funny stories and will tell
them over and over and over! As much as
this can be annoying to parents, you need
patience because this is a more sophisticated
form of learning and should be encouraged.
And for the "knock-knock" jokes, many
kids tell them at this age and laugh even
though they don't understand them. But
then, there are many kids who do!
Because your child is developing a broader
picture of his world and developing more
relationships outside of home, it's important
to keep communication open.
There are many "tight lipped" kids who
don't say a word about school. Ask open
ended questions, "What was your favorite
thing that you did at school today?"
The questions that can be answered with a
yes or no won't get you anywhere!
The more you talk with your child, the more
you will learn about what is going on in their
lives. If you continue to develop this
relationship, you will have better
communication in the teen years!
