Developmental Insights

                          Developemental Insights about children.

Here is a very brief summary of areas of general competency and interest of various age groups, according to the developing research.

First and Second Graders (aged 6–7) still live richly in their imaginations, love routines, praise, and 

being with their families. they need lots of guidance and structure; but they are developing a new sense of 

independence and need lots of patient encouragement and praise. they don’t operate well under pressure 

and can react in frustration if competition becomes too intense. they fidget a lot, so be patient with them. 

to keep their attention, use actvities like stories, arts and crafts, puppets, acting, dress-ups, and playing 

instruments, simple worksheets, card and board games, and puzzles. if you have a blackboard or dry-erase 

board, they love to write and draw on them. they love music and movement and will trust you to lead 

them in vocal prayer, creative dramatics, and singing activities. sevens are hyper-sensitive to criticism, so 

give them plenty of time to complete tasks. they are particularly fond of physical activities, since their 

coordination and strength are really blossoming. Keep lessons brief, varied, and focused, avoid competitive 

activities, discipline gently, and always be encouraging in spite of their being easily distracted.

Third and Fourth Graders (aged 8–9) are still lively and responsive to your creative ideas, and they can
be very fond and enthusiastic toward teachers. eights like clubs and group activities, and they are also able
to understand the concept of “right and wrong.” they can relate to the suffering of others and can begin
to engage in deeper discussions of their life experiences, family traditions, and personal feelings. they are
more confident readers, so you can bring them together, montessori-style, to look up Bible passages or
read aloud from scripts for group dramatics. they willingly enter into lively competitions and love to outdo each other in memorizing Bible verses or finishing a group project ahead of others. they may start to
be cliquish and a little insensitive towards each other, so gently demand good manners—especially during
circle time—and give everybody a fresh start with each lesson.


Fifth and Sixth Graders (aged 10–11) can enjoy a deeper interest in the lesson and have greater attention
spans than ever before. they tend to like television and movies. they are generally happy, more self-confident, and good problem solvers who love to plan, design, and build things. they are swiftly developing a
sense of fairness; they want to do what is right and still love pleasing parents and teachers. it’s a great time,
(in limited doses) to ask them to nurture younger students or siblings. their friendships are deepening and
becoming more important to them. they have a growing interest in science, animals and nature, and love to
do arts and crafts. they are not terribly religious yet, but will pray and behave well at mass when properly
supervised. they are more open to and enthusiastic about service projects, since they can now relate to the
importance of helping others.

From avemariapress