THE DEVELOPING CHILD

The Developing Child



The Developing Child

Describe the expected stage of social development ot children aged 4 years.

Energetic" and "imaginative" best describe the 4-year-old. Often impatient and silly, they discover humor and spend a great deal of time being silly and telling you "joke." A 4-year-old's language may range from silly words such as "batty-watty" to profanity. Loud, boisterous laughter may accompany such language. Imagination suddenly becomes greater than life for the 4-year-old, who often confuses reality and "make-believe." Wild stories and exaggerations are common (Vygotsky, 1998).

Four-year-olds feel good about the things they can do, show self-confidence, and are willing to try new adventures. They race up and down stairs or around corners, dash on tricycles or scooters, and pull wagons at full tilt. You still need to watch them closely as they cannot estimate their own abilities accurately and are capable of trying some outlandish and dangerous tricks (Solomon, 1994).

Social Development

Enjoys playing with other children

Takes turns and shares (most of the time); may still be rather bossy

Seeks out adult approval

Understands and obeys simple rules (most of the time)

Changes the rules of a games as she goes along

Likes to talk and carries on elaborate conversations

Capable of feeling jealous

Persistently asks why

Boastful - enjoys showing off and bragging about possessions

Fearful of the dark and monsters

Begins to understand danger - at times can become quite fearful

Has difficulty separating make-believe from reality

Lies sometimes to protect self and friends, but doesn't truly

Understand the concept of lying - imagination often gets in the way

May name call, tattle freely

Likes to shock others by using "forbidden" words

Expresses anger verbally rather than physically (most of the time)

Still throws tantrums over minor frustrations

Imitates parent of the same sex, particularly in play

Enjoys pretending, often with imaginary playmates

Pretending goes far beyond "playing house" to more elaborate settings like fire station, school, shoe store, ice cream shop

Loves to tell jokes that may not make any sense at all to adults

Can feel intense anger and frustration

Has vivid imagination and sometimes imaginary playmates

Enjoys dramatic play and role playing

Describe the expected stage of Social Development of children aged 5 years.

Five-year-olds are cheerful, energetic, and enthusiastic. They enjoy planning, and spend a great deal of time discussing who will do what. They especially enjoy dramatic play, usually with other children. Five-year-olds are more sensitive to the needs and feelings of others around them. It is less difficult for them to wait for a turn or to share toys and material. "Best friends" become very important (Schacter et al, 1998).

Many 5-year-olds will be going to kindergarten. Be sensitive to the needs of a 5-year-old returning from school. She may want to rest, play by herself, be free for a while from adult-directed activity, or catch up with the group happenings. Pace afternoon kindergarten children during the day with a balance of rest and activity. All-day kindergarten children need to be given every consideration when they return to your home as they may be tired, talkative, hungry, or wanting to share the day's happenings (Hultgren & Limberg, ...