Schoolchildren: Developmental stages of children aged 6 to 12

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: March 24, 2023

It is a period when children make major physical changes. On average, a child grows 5 to 7 centimeters during this period. The weight also increases by an average of 2 to 3 kilograms.

Children also develop their motor skills. This way they can exercise, play and control their body better. In addition, they develop their cognitive skills and learn to read, write, calculate and think better.

In this blog I will tell you everything about the development of school-going children and how you can support them in this.

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The development of your school-going child

During the school period, your child goes through major physical changes. On average, a child between the ages of 6 and 12 grows about 5 to 7 centimeters per year and the weight increases by about 2 to 3 kilograms per year. In addition, children further develop their motor skills, which makes them better at sports and games. They also gain more control over their body and can write better, for example.

Cognitive development

During this period, your child develops cognitive in different areas. This way it learns to read and write better and develops its math skills. Your child will also learn to think better and solve problems logically. In addition, it develops its memory and learns more and more about the world around it.

Technological development

In this age of tablets and computers, it is important that children learn to use digital devices and online communication. Many schools therefore pay attention to this, for example by using educational apps and programs. However, it is also important as a parent to ensure a safe online environment and to limit the use of digital devices.

Team development

Op school children often work in groups on projects. This is not only important for the development of social skills, but also for the development of team skills. Children learn to cooperate, communicate and divide tasks.

Development from 6 to 8 years

Children from 6 to 8 years old learn to deal better with others and show more empathy. They need friendship and want to be accepted by their peers. It is important to teach them how to deal with differences and to teach them to express and respect their opinions. They also develop their self image and self-awareness and have a need for autonomy and responsibility.

Back to the parents

As an author, I want to emphasize that every development is unique and that every child develops at his own pace. It is important to provide a safe and stimulating environment in which the child can develop. It is also important to keep communicating with the child and to maintain a good relationship.

Development from 9 to 12 years

Children want attention and help from their parents and teachers. They enjoy being home and spending time with their family. They want to function well at school and improve their reading, writing and arithmetic skills. Some students have difficulty with certain subjects and need extra help. It is important as a parent and teacher to ask critical questions and to help where necessary.

Boys and girls: differences in development

Boys and girls have different needs when it comes to language development. Girls are often better at language and have more fun reading and writing. Boys, on the other hand, are often better at spatial awareness and have a greater need for exercise and playing outside. This difference in needs can lead to differences in language development between boys and girls.

Concentration

Boys often have more trouble concentrating than girls. This is because boys often have a greater need for exercise and playing outside. Girls, on the other hand, can concentrate better and need fewer distractions. This difference in concentration can affect the school performance of boys and girls.

Later in life

The differences between boys and girls in development may still be visible later in life. For example, there are more men than women who choose a technical study or profession. This is because boys are often better at spatial awareness and technical skills. Girls, on the other hand, are often better at language and have more interest in social professions.

Explain differences

It is important to emphasize that the differences between boys and girls do not mean that one sex is better than the other. It is important to take into account the differences in needs and development between boys and girls. By taking this into account, we can ensure that both boys and girls can develop optimally.

How to support your child's development

As a parent, you are the most important person who can support your child's development. There is much you can do at home to help your child grow and develop. Here are some tips:

• Talk to your child: Talk to your child about what is happening in his or her life. Ask how school was and what they liked to do. If your child is struggling, try to understand what's going on and offer support.

• Play games: Playing games is not only fun, but also educational. It helps your child learn to work together, solve problems and discover new things.

• Focus on your child's interests: If your child is interested in something, try to connect with that. For example, if your child likes to move, encourage them to exercise or dance.

• Make time for each other: It is important to spend time with your child. Do fun things together, such as going on a trip or playing a game.

Provide a safe environment

A safe environment is important for your child's development. Here are some tips:

• Make clear agreements: Make clear agreements with your child about what is and is not allowed. Explain why certain rules are important.

• Pay attention to your child's well-being: Pay attention to your child's well-being and make sure it feels safe. If your child is afraid, try to understand why and offer support.

• Watch the behavior of others: Watch the behavior of other people around your child. If you are concerned about someone else's behavior, discuss this with your child and offer support.

• Teach your child what to do in dangerous situations: Teach your child what to do if they are in a dangerous situation. Explain that it can always ask for help and that it's important to know where to go for support.

Supporting your child's development is an important task as a parent. By being involved, showing interest and providing a safe environment, you promote the motivation and well-being of your child.

Physical development: growth, motor skills and health

A child's physical development begins in the womb and continues through adolescence. In the first months after birth, a baby grows rapidly, about 2,5 cm per month. After the first six months, growth slows down, about 1,25 cm per month. Between the ages of 2 and 3, a child grows about 5 cm per year and between the ages of 3 and 7 about 6 cm per year. During puberty, children grow the fastest, about 10 cm per year.

Health

Good motor development is important for a child's health. By moving, a child develops his muscle coordination and gains more control over his body. In addition, exercise is important for a healthy weight and a healthy heart.

It is therefore important to let children move enough and to stimulate their motor development. This can be done, for example, by providing educational toys that stimulate motor skills, such as a ball to throw or a puzzle to make.

In addition, a healthy upbringing contributes to healthy motor development. Providing healthy food and sufficient sleep are important here.

Development phases

A child's motor development proceeds in stages. In the first stage, a baby gets to know his body and explores objects by grasping them and putting them in his mouth. In the second stage, a baby learns to sit, crawl and stand. In the third stage, a baby learns to walk and run.

Fine motor skills develop further in toddlers, for example by drawing and doing crafts. Gross motor skills develop further in schoolchildren, for example by cycling and running.

Why motor development is important

Proper motor development is important for a child's overall development. By moving, a child not only develops his muscle coordination and control over the body, but also his cognitive skills. Research shows that children who exercise a lot perform better at school.

In addition, poor motor development can lead to problems later in life, such as obesity and poor health. It is therefore important to closely monitor and stimulate a child's motor development where necessary.

How to stimulate motor development

There are several ways to stimulate a child's motor development. Below are some tips:

• Give your child plenty of room to move and play.
• Give your child educational toys that stimulate motor skills.
• Encourage your child to exercise by walking, cycling or dancing together.
• Introduce your child to different sports and activities.
• Ensure a healthy upbringing with sufficient sleep and healthy food.

Cognitive development in children: thought processes, memory, language and intelligence

In the preoperational stage, which lasts from about 2 to 7 years, there is a major change in the child's cognitive development. The child begins to understand and use symbolic forms, such as words and drawings, to understand the world around them. According to Piaget, a well-known developmental psychologist, the child at this stage is not yet able to think logically and to concentrate on more than one aspect of an event. For example, the child cannot understand that a glass of water poured into a different mold still contains the same amount of water.

Language development and language ability

The child's language development is an important aspect of cognitive development. The child learns more and more words and can use these words to express his or her thoughts and feelings. The child's language skills become more and more complex and it is better able to concentrate on the content of what is being said. In addition, the child can now better understand what is being said and can communicate better with others.

Memory and insight

The memory of the child is also getting better. It can now remember more information and can also use this information better. For example, the child can remember a story and understand what is happening. The child also gains more insight into the world around them and can better understand how things work. For example, it can understand that a cat is an animal and it can meow.

Intelligence and concentration

The child also develops his or her intelligence in this stage. It can perform more complex tasks and understand more of the world around it. The child can also concentrate better and can concentrate on a task for longer. For example, it can do a puzzle or read a book. The child also learns faster and can better understand new information.

Important aspects of cognitive development

There are several aspects of cognitive development that we should pay attention to in children. Below are some important aspects:

• Physical development: The physical development of the child affects the cognitive development. For example, the child must get enough sleep and nutrition to develop properly.
• Experience: the experiences the child has have an influence on cognitive development. For example, the child must be given sufficient challenges in order to develop.
• Communication: Communication with the child is important for cognitive development. For example, the child must receive sufficient language input to develop his or her language skills.
• Concentration: the child must be able to concentrate well in order to develop. For example, the child must be given sufficient rest and structure to be able to concentrate properly.

The social development of schoolchildren: relationships with peers and adults, empathy and morality

During the school period, children develop in various aspects, including social development. Learning to interact with others, developing empathy and morality are important skills that children develop during this period. In this article we will focus on the social development of schoolchildren and the various factors that play a role in this.

Development of relationships with peers and adults

An important aspect of schoolchildren's social development is developing relationships with peers and adults. Children learn to interact with others by playing and working together. They learn to make rules and agreements and to stick to them. They also learn to deal with different characters and personalities.

Parents and teachers play an important role in supporting children's social development. They provide a safe environment in which children can be themselves and develop. They also give children the opportunity to learn how to interact with others and receive feedback on their behaviour.

Empathy and morality

Empathy and morality are important aspects of the social development of schoolchildren. Empathy means that children can empathize with the feelings of others. They learn to understand how others feel and how to respond to it. Morality means that children learn what is right and wrong and how to behave in different situations.

Parents and teachers can help children develop empathy and morality by leading by example and discussing different situations. Stimulating sports and games can also contribute to the development of empathy and morality.

Factors influencing social development

The social development of schoolchildren is influenced by several factors. For example, attachment to parents and the quality of relationships with peers play an important role. The cognitive and intellectual development of the child and the reaction of parents and teachers to the child's behavior are also of influence.

In addition, there are also external factors that can influence the social development of children, such as stress, changes in the environment and the quality of the school and education.

Social development research

Much research is being done on the social development of schoolchildren. It looks at various aspects, such as the development of empathy and morality, the development of relationships with peers and adults and the influence of various factors on social development.

Research shows that children who interact well with others and who have developed empathy and morality perform better in school and in life. It also appears that children who have had to deal with little social support and few opportunities to play and learn develop less well in the social field.

Your child's emotional development: emotion regulation, self-awareness and self-image

Emotion regulation is the ability to recognize, understand and express emotions in a positive way. It is an important skill that your child needs to function well in social situations and to learn how to deal with stressful situations.

As a parent, you can encourage your child to learn how to deal with his or her emotions better. You can do this by, for example, talking together about how your child feels in certain situations and how he or she can deal with this. You can also teach your child to express his or her feelings through words or creative expression.

Self-awareness and self-image: developing a positive self-image

Self-awareness and self-image are important aspects of your child's emotional development. Self-awareness means that your child is aware of himself as an individual and of his or her own feelings and thoughts. Developing a positive self-image is important for your child's self-confidence and self-esteem.

As a parent, you can help your child develop a positive self-image by encouraging them to try new things and learn from mistakes. It is also important to let your child know that you are proud of him or her and that you appreciate him or her for who he or she is.

Attachment: the basis for healthy emotional development

Attachment is an important aspect of your child's emotional development. It arises from the bond your child builds with you as a parent and contributes to your child's sense of trust and security. Good attachment is important for the further emotional development of your child.

As a parent, you can contribute to bonding by spending time with your child and responding to his or her needs. It is also important to set rules and boundaries and enforce them in a positive way.

Reflecting and adjusting: the importance of a positive response

As a parent, it is important to reflect on your own behavior and reactions to your child. A positive response can help your child feel good and learn how to handle certain situations. A negative reaction, on the other hand, can lead to feelings of shame, guilt and insecurity.

As a parent you can contribute to a positive reaction by paying attention to your own behavior and reactions and adjusting them where necessary. It is also important to let your child know that you are always there for him or her and that you support him or her, even if things don't go quite as expected.

Your child's emotional development is a process that takes place over a long period of time. It requires attention and patience from you as a parent, but it is also a process from which your child can get a lot of pleasure and new skills. By stimulating and supporting your child in his or her emotional development, you lay a strong foundation for a healthy and happy future.

Creative development: imagination, expression and artistic skills

Creative development starts at an early age, often from birth. In the first years of a child's life, a foundation is formed for it creativity through exploring the environment and discovering new things. As the child grows older, more and more opportunities to be creative develop.

Changes in creative development

Creative development is a process that continues to develop throughout childhood. However, there are certain times when developmental changes occur. Below are some of the most important:

• Beginning of creative development: Creative development begins at an early age, often from birth.

• Simple forms of creativity: In the first few years of a child's life, simple forms of creativity often develop, such as making doodles and playing with clay.

• Greater skills: As the child grows older, more and more skills develop in terms of creativity, such as drawing detailed pictures and creating complex works of art.

• Changes in language use: As the child grows older, the use of language also changes. This can affect the way the child is creative.

Your child's academic development: reading, writing, math and science

When your child is between 4 and 6 years old, they start learning letters and sounds. This is the beginning of the reading process. Your child may have a superficial knowledge of letters and sounds at first, but as they get older, their understanding of the language will grow. It is important to encourage your child to read by reading books together and asking questions about the story. It is also important to be aware of any problems, such as dyslexia, and seek help.

write

The writing process usually starts around the same period as the reading process. In the beginning, your child will mainly learn to write letters and numbers, but as they get older, they will also learn to write sentences and stories. It is important to encourage your child to write by, for example, writing stories together or writing letters to family members. It is also important to pay attention to your child's fine motor skills, as this can affect the writing process.

To calculate

Learning math starts at a young age, for example by counting and sorting. As your child gets older, they will learn to do math with numbers and sums. It is important to encourage your child to do math by, for example, playing games that focus on math. It is also important to be aware of any problems, such as dyscalculia, and seek help.

Science

Learning about science starts at a young age, for example by experimenting with water and sand. As your child grows older, they will learn about various science subjects such as biology, physics and chemistry. It is important to encourage your child to learn about science, for example by doing experiments together or going to museums.

Importance of environment and factors

Your child's academic development depends on several factors, such as the environment in which they grow up and their genetic predisposition. It is important to provide your child with a stimulating environment in which to learn and develop. In addition, your child may have certain problems, such as a lack of concentration or motivation. It is important to pay attention to this and seek help if necessary.

Differences between children

It is important to realize that every child is different and develops at their own pace. Some children learn faster than others and have less difficulty with certain subjects. It is important to take this into account and to stimulate your child at his own level.

The impact of technological development on child development

Children grow up in a world in which technology plays an increasingly important role. Digital devices and online communication have become an integral part of their daily lives. This means that children come into contact with technology at a young age and learn to deal with it. In addition, technology offers new opportunities for learning and development.

The influence of technology on skill development

The use of digital devices and online communication can have a stimulating effect on skills development. For example, children learn to deal with technique and technology, which is indispensable in today's society. In addition, they develop interaction and communication skills, both online and offline. They also learn to deal with the digital world in which they live and develop meaningful goals and assignments.

The role of upbringing and education

It is important that children learn to use digital devices and online communication in a responsible manner. Upbringing and education play an important role in this. It is necessary that children learn to deal consciously with technology and its possible consequences. In addition, they must learn to deal with the responsibility that comes with it.

The role of childcare and pedagogue platforms

Childcare and educational platforms also play an important role in preparing children for the digital world in which they live. This means that attention should be paid to encouraging the development of technology and communication skills. In addition, attention must be paid to creating a healthy environment in which children learn to use digital devices and online communication in a responsible manner.

Cultural development: how children develop values, norms and identity

Cultural development is the process by which children learn about the values, norms and identity of the culture in which they live. This starts at a young age and continues throughout the life course. Cultural development is important because it helps children identify with their culture and understand how to behave in different situations.

Factors influencing cultural development

Cultural development is influenced by several factors, including:

• Environment: The environment in which a child grows up, such as the neighbourhood, city or region, can influence the culture the child is exposed to.
• Adults: Parents, family members and other adults play an important role in transmitting cultural values ​​and norms to children.
• School: School is an important place where children are exposed to different cultures and learn about the history and traditions of their own culture.
• Gender: Boys and girls may have different cultural expectations and are treated differently based on their gender.

How can parents and educators support cultural development?

There are several ways parents and educators can support children's cultural development, including:

• Talk to children about their culture and the history and traditions associated with it.
• Introduce children to different cultures through books, movies and music.
• Encourage children to ask questions about other cultures and to be open to differences.
• Teach children to treat other cultures with respect and to understand that there are different ways of seeing the world.

Main skills children develop during cultural development

During cultural development, children develop several skills, including:

• Empathy: By learning about other cultures, children learn to empathize with others and understand how others feel.
• Respect: By learning about other cultures, children learn to treat others with respect and to understand that there are different ways of seeing the world.
• Identity: By learning about their own culture, children develop a sense of identity and pride.
• Language skills: By learning about other cultures, children develop their language skills and understanding of different languages.

Personal development: autonomy, self-confidence and responsibility

As a child, you start developing a sense of autonomy at an early age. From a few months old you start to discover that you have your own place in the world and that you can do things yourself. This starts with small things like grabbing a toy, but gets bigger and bigger as you get older. Between the ages of 6 and 12 you start to realize more and more that you have your own personality and that you can make your own choices. This can sometimes clash with the rules and wishes of your parents and adults around you, but it is important that you learn to deal with these differences and to know and express your own needs.

Responsibility: the importance of taking personal responsibility

As you get older, you get more and more responsibility. This can be, for example, at school, where you get more work and have to work more independently, or at home, where you get more tasks and more independence is expected. It is important that you learn to deal with this responsibility and learn to work and think independently. This can be difficult at times, but it's important to learn how to cope with these changes and learn how to best deal with the different aspects of your life.

Individual differences: how personal development differs between children

It is important to realize that personal development differs between children. Some children develop faster than others, both physically and mentally. Children can also differ in their needs and interests, which can affect how they develop. In addition, factors such as the environment in which a child grows up and the culture and rules of the country in which the child lives play a role in personal development. It is important to respect and acknowledge these individual differences and to support children in their own development.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.