Knowledge of child development and changes in children's needs, interests and learning abilities is crucial to create an appropriate kindergarten curriculum that is engaging and stimulating for children. The table below lists the developmental highlights in children between the ages of 5 and 6. Remember that each child progresses at his or her own rate.
| Cognitive | Social | Emotional | Physical |
|
Beginning Organization patterns Example: Patterning (such as the calendar patterns) |
Playing/interacting with a group of children for increasing time periods Example: Planning for and playing a game during a 15- to 20-minute time period |
Expressing feelings in words Example: Telling another child "I was sad when you were sick" |
Refining use of large muscles Example: Running, hopping, beginning to skip, and throwing and catching a ball |
|
Connecting symbols to representations Example: The numeral 3 refers to an amount of 3 objects |
Having a "special" friend, although these may change suddenly and/or frequently Example: Sharing a computer program each day with one friend, then tiring of the program and shifting to another special friend interested in building blocks |
Learning to interpret emotional expressions of others Example: Consoling a friend who feels sad or upset |
Using small muscles Example: Painting, drawing, cutting with scissors, and printing letters/numerals |
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