What kids are like: five to seven years old

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Although you cherish and love your child more than words can ever say, figuring them out is another thing altogether. And just when you think you do understand them, Oh my, that was that phase; now they’re in a new phase.

The Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, as part of its mission to improve educational results for children, youth, and adults, develops materials for volunteer tutors to use in their work with schools and community groups. One of the efforts focuses on helping volunteer tutors to recognize the various and general developmental stages that children go through at different ages.

While helpful for tutors, being aware of and recognizing these stages can also help parents and other family members relate to changing developmental levels.

For example, children who are five to seven years old tend to have shifting interests and short attention spans. This calls for patience on the part of adults. Watch for energy-level cues that signal, Let’s start a new activity or take a break from what we’re doing.

Although children five to seven years old tend to be quite active, where tasks are concerned they need frequent breaks for interspersed fun activities. And, although they’ve got vibrant imaginations, kids this age have a tough time making decisions.

These tutoring materials are produced by LEARNS, a partnership of the Laboratory and the Bank Street College of Education through the Corporation for National and Community Service. The free online booklet, Working With Children at Different Stages of Development: A Toolkit for Senior Corps Volunteers (PDF), is available at www.nwrel.org/learns.

This column by Karen Lytle Blaha is provided as a public service by the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, a nonprofit institution working with schools and communities in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.