Your Six Year Old

The Reasoning Mind.

Socially and Emotionally this child finds importance in right and wrong. They have an emerging sense of justice and begin to understand and learn abstractly. Peer relationships are extremely important and six year olds want to be liked by others and gravitate towards teamwork and time spent in small groups. Fantasy play dissipates and they are more interested in real life experiences and copying the behavior and actions of adults. This age group want to know the “how and why” with what may be perceived as tattle-telling behavior. They crave responsibility and a sense of contribution to their school community or family life. There is also a stronger interest in doing for himself, dressing, bathing, washing, self-care.

Cognitively, these children are thinking big picture. They love learning about the universe, the world, history, science and nature. There is a shift from learning through observation and experience to learning via language and logic. This is an age where reading skills continue to emerge if they are not full readers already. They can write independently, short paragraphs, letters or phrases. Chapter books, whether read to them or independently are appropriate at this time. Their vocabulary is quite large and they are familiar with some sight words and digraphs. Basic math facts and sequential counting are also demonstrated. Telling time is also an important milestone and interest.

Physically, this age group can be very energetic and benefit from outside play or sports. Their bodies have leaned out and they begin looking more lanky and have growth spurts often. Fine motor coordination becomes more refined as they can independently write, draw with detail and tie shoes. Eye-hand coordination will strengthen with targeted kicking or throwing.