Stages of Development
As parents, we all want what is best for our children. You are your child’s first and best teacher, and will shape much of your child’s learning. The following descriptions list some common characteristics of children’s development in various areas, arranged by broad age and /or grade-level groupings to serve as a guide for you.
Please remember, when considering any developmental chart, not every child will necessarily fit exactly into the described patterns. Individual children grow and develop differently and at different speeds. Each child should be respected as an individual. The following descriptions identify general characteristics, and you will note the age/grade level groupings overlap.
Ages 0-3
Infants and young children learn trust and love through touch. We know that during the first three years, a baby’s brain develops more than any time in life. They are absorbed in exploring the world through their senses and movements. Children at their age are only aware of their own viewpoints, wants and experiences. Doing things over and over helps them learn about things. They need simple rules and consistency to start to understand consequences. Children this age need parents and caregivers to talk, to sing, to play with them, to read to them, and be responded to in positive ways to help them feel good about themselves.
Ages 3-5
Parents meet most of a child’s needs and satisfactions at this age. As a child begins to conquer his/her world, he/she needs to know that this source of security is still there. He/she has an equally important need to do many things, to be active, and to explore his/her world as his/her understanding and control improves. Children this age need opportunities to scribble, draw, rhyme, read, and point and name every day. Things need to be explained in concrete terms. Rules should be simple, but firmly and consistently enforced. Parents need to help their child be successful so he/she can develop confidence.
K-3 Grades
Children are learning what they are all about. They play at the roles set for them much of the time. Although they look to each other examples, parental love, approval, and time are very important. Games and clubs help the child learn about himself/herself and how rules apply to his/her life. Children need parents that listen to them, and support them in their problems.
4-6 Grades
Children have discovered that things that happened are governed by or explained by rules. They question parents decisions, wanting to know what. When explanations are fair or logical, they will accept them. Knowing the rules and how they apply is extremely important because it helps children predict consequences. Parents need to explain and allow time for response. Fairness and impartiality are very important. Also, at this time, both boys and girls prefer the company of their own sex.
7-12 Grades
Physical growth and changes are emotionally upsetting; the youth feels that things are happening faster than he/she is ready for them. He/she may feel socially and physically awkward. Sport and play reassure youth about their abilities as they watch and copy others while establishing their own adult identities. Youth are especially concerned about relationships with each other. They may be insecure and uncertain about what society expects. Youth have found by now that the rules are not infallible. Youth are able to handle abstract concepts and are busy building their own guiding philosophy of life. They need opportunities to become involved in challenging discussions of ethical problems to practice make decisions of their own later on.