Ages & Stages: 5 to 7 year olds

General Characteristics

Eager to learn, easily fatigued, short periods of interest.
Learn best when they are active while learning.
Self-assertive, boastful, less cooperative, more competitive.

Physical Characteristics

Are very active and need frequent breaks from tasks. They like to do things that are fun and involve use of energy.
Need rest periods.
Large muscles are well developed. Activities involving small muscles are difficult (i.e., working on models with small pieces).
May tend to be accident prone.

Social Characteristics

Like organized games and are very concerned about following rules.
Can be very competitive. May cheat at games.
Are very imaginative and involved in fantasy playing.
Are self-assertive, aggressive, want to be first, less cooperative than at five, and boastful.
Learn best through active participation.

Emotional Characteristics

Are alert to feelings of others, but are unaware of how their own actions affect others.
Are very sensitive to praise and recognition. Feelings are easily hurt.
Inconsistent in level of maturity evidenced; regress when tired, often less mature at home than with outsiders.

Mental Characteristics

Are very eager to learn.
Like to talk.
Their idea of fairness becomes a big issue.
Have difficulty making decisions.

Developmental Tasks

Sex role identification.
Early moral development.
Concrete operations - the child begins to experience the predictability of physical events.

Suggested Volunteer Strategies

Be patient, encouraging and flexible.
Give supervision with a minimum amount of interference.
Give praise, opportunities for successful completion, and suggestions on acceptable behavior.