Social and sensory learning
School-aged children regularly experience transformation in all developmental spheres. This translates for parents into being a challenging time as their children mentally, physically and emotionally change and grow.
Parents commonly observe distinct differences as their childs grow from being worry warts at 7, to becoming social butterflies at the age of 8 and then challenging authority somewhere around the age of 9.
Increasingly throughout this period children need their parents to be consistent and constant in their lives, joining them in activities, games and conversations.
All children will develop differently. Regardless of how your child develops, there are plenty of meaningful ways to stay connected to your child and emerge through this period with an even stronger, happier bond.
Cognitive developmentThe most easily identifiable change for children in this age bracket is the shift from learning to read into reading to learn.
Nightly home reading is replaced by children silently reading small chapter books. One way to foster this development but still engage with your child is to read the same book and share your thoughts on the book. If possible take the time to watch the film version together and compare and contrast elements from the story.
Children are also developing their critical thinking. They are aware that not everyone holds the same opinion as they do. This critical thinking is linked to problem solving. Mazes and puzzles are a great way to develop these skills.
Children at this age need a lot of discussion around decision making and will still need your support to help them plan their day.
Fine motor skills have improved and children of this age can still enjoy challenging dot to dot activities and colouring in.
Children also have a natural curiosity regarding the world around them.
The 7 year old worrierThis is a generalisation, but it's a common phase for 7 year olds to worry about issues such as death and develop a preference for solitary activities.
At this age a child’s thinking processes are closely related to their emotions and self-esteem. Children need a lot of encouragement to step outside their comfort zone and this is where your significance as a role model becomes so important.
Seven year olds tend to take life seriously and worry. They still play by the rules and often at this age begin to find genuine pleasure in collecting things. Why not help them collect stamps, cards or rubbers and discuss items you used to collect as a child?
The 8 year old best friendEight year olds are forming “best friend” relationships and participating enthusiastically in team activities -- by this age, the worries of being 7 have been left behind.
Children of this age are generally happy to attend school. However this is the age where there is increased focus on relating to their friends. Children begin to realise the power of the peer group and bickering between friends at this age, particularly girls, is common. Share memories with your child of a time you have argued with a friend and how you resolved the conflict.
The 9 year old rebelAs your child turns 9, they understand others share different points of view to them as well as realising they do not agree with their parents. This age sees a grab for power within family dynamics and a questioning of authority. Understanding that this is a healthy stage of development and setting clear boundaries will help.
Children of this age can be very competitive and are not always the most gracious losers. Pull out a board game for the family to play together and teach them turn-taking and losing skills.
Oh, and remember to play to win as children know when their parents are letting them win by this age!Gender stereotyping from the age of nine is also common. Children in their mind categorise clothes, colours and sports into boys or girls. Support your child through this stage by drawing their attention to sports such as swimming, skiing, tennis or karate where both boys and girls can compete. Discuss with your child the concept of stereotyping.
Support their learningThe focus for parents supporting their child through this age is to communicate. Use whatever interests a child to open the lines of communication. The feeling of being heard and listened to, combined with honest discussion, is the best way to validate our children and share with them what a joy they bring to our life.
Read more about the benefits of play
- Power of play
- Power of play for 0-1 year olds
- Power of play for 1-2 year olds
- Power of play for 2-3 year olds
- Power of play for 3-4 year olds
- Power of play for 4-6 year olds
- Power of play for 7-9 year olds
- Power of play for 10-12 year olds
Read about physical play games to encourage learning:
- Physical learning games 0-1
- Physical learning games 1-2
- Physical learning games 2-3
- Physical learning games 3-4
- Physical learning games 4-6
- Physical learning games 7-9
- Physical learning games 10-12
Read about cognitive learning games:
- Cognitive learning games 0-1
- Cognitive learning games 1-2
- Cognitive learning games 2-3
- Cognitive learning games 3-4
- Cognitive learning games 4-6
- Cognitive learning games 7-9
- Cognitive learning games 10-12
Find more learning games:
- Reading games for fun
- Hostyour own spelling bee
- Learning games with Kidspot's spelling scrambler
Improvehandwriting with printable mazes
- Handwritingfun with dot-to-dots
- Funteaching ideas to learn left from right
Additionfacts and learning games
- Subtractionlearning games
- Multiplicationfacts and learning ideas
- Howto teach division
Read more about child development:
- Your child's development milestones
- Physical development in babies and children
- Cognitive development in babies and children
- The importance of healthy eating
- Social and emotional development in babies and children
- Speech and language development
- The importance of art and craft
Why reading is the ultimate child IQ boost