Development by 6 Years
Development by 7 Years
Development by 8 Years

Development by 6 Years
Physical

• Has greater need for physical activity and using the whole body
• Needs regularity (a routine)
• Dawdles, moves slowly when doing things
• Has acquired most basic motor skills; gets frustrated with lack of fine motor skills
• Notices physiological differences in boys and girls

Cognitive

• Attention span still short
• Very curious, "Why?" questions
• Begins to understand birth and death
• Begins to develop ideas of good and bad
• Interested in stories and books

Social and Emotional

• Wants to be grown up, but may act like a baby at times
• Becomes jealous of others easily
• Plays better with one or two friends rather than a group
• Has a sense of humor, likes jokes and riddles
• Competitive with games and adult attention

Development by 7 Years
Physical

• Coordination improves, easier to use fine motor skills
• May be somewhat awkward (can't control all actions)
• Dresses self completely
• May begin to lose baby teeth and acquire permanent teeth

Cognitive

• Interested in how things work
• Uses language more effectively (expresses feelings with words rather than physically)
• Learns through hands-on construction and projects
• Increased attention span; likes to read and be read to

Social and Emotional

• Likes jokes and riddles
• Still needs some supervision when playing in groups (name calling)
• Wants to be independent (may revert to "baby" actions when scared, tired or angry)

Thoughts for Parents

• Provide your child with opportunities to make decisions and do things on her own.
• Give your child opportunities to practice his/her skills and abilities (e.g. games, puzzles, crafts).
• Be sincere with praise for accomplishments.
• Allow your child times to play and talk with peers. This is important to foster self-esteem.
• Encourage reading and writing by taking your child to the library. Have your child read books to you.
• Encourage your child to write in a journal.

Development by 8 Years
Physical

• Increased modesty
• Near-sightedness usually develops at this age
• Good coordination and small muscle control
• Often looks much more grown-up

Cognitive

• Understands time and how to relate it to daily events
• Interested in collections/clubs
• Reads books for pleasure
• Develops ideas and prejudices
• Curious about how things work and how they are made

Social and Emotional

• Has special friends
• Can take on more responsibility
• Accepts authority and rules
• Seeks praise/approval from family and friends

Thoughts for Parents
Self-esteem is a function of how people perceive themselves. Learn tips for how you can foster your child's self-esteem.