Advice for Parents

CHARACTERISTICS OF FIFTH GRADE CHILDREN

Children are individuals who grow and develop at their own rate. Children in the same grade may be expected to differ widely from others in their group. There are, however, general characteristics and needs which apply to most of the children at a certain age.

Fifth Grade children will probably be:

1. Ten or eleven years old.
2. Relatively more free from disease than at any other growing period.
3. Normally slow and steady in growth in height and weight.
4. Interested in factual material.
5. Increasingly aware of and concerned about other persons’ ideas and beliefs.
6. Extremely interested in loyal to gangs, clubs, etc.
7. Able to assume responsibility for personal needs in dress and grooming.
8. Showing better command of time.
9. Able to concentrate for longer periods.

They will probably have:

1. Tendency toward poor posture.
2. Increasing interest in organized games and team.
3. Well-developed sense of humor.
4. An interest collecting.
5. Increased strength and resistance to fatigue.
6. Urge to earn money for special wants and needs.
7. Increasing tendency to separate work from play.
8. Greater satisfaction in ability to achieve.
9. Beginning interest in the opposite sex.
10. Desire to participate in some community activity.
11. Desire for pets.

Fifth Grade children need:

1. About ten and one-half hours sleep.
2. Opportunity for strenuous physical activity.
3. To be included in family and school planning.
4. Guidance in spending money wisely.
5. To be liked by their friends (belonging).
6. Recognition and approval for their efforts.
7. Sympathy and security of home and school.
8. Opportunity to make more of their own decisions.