First Grade (5-7)
Physical Development
like to test physical limits
need time to expend high energy
very hungry
start to fidget (chew nails or pencil, etc...)
use physical activities to socialize and make friends
more advanced equipment (no training wheels, etc...)
start roughhousing/ being physical with others
start to care about how fast or strong he/she is
Cognitive Development
work in sprouts
letter and word reversal is common
just learning to read
use logic
can plan ahead
enjoy sorting or classifying objects
winning and losing is hard to understand
likes games with simple rules
may cheat
want "real" things
Social and Emotional Development
Likes to work, yet often does so in spurts
Does not show persistence
Tends to be a "know-it-all"
Free with opinions and advice
Brings home evidence of good schoolwork
Observes family rules
Easily makes friends
Often compares self to peers
Makes social connections through play
Friends are usually of the same sex
Active
Outgoing
Charming
Proud of accomplishments
Shows aggression through insults such as name-calling
Creative and personal development
Increase in making shapes and letters
Tell jokes and riddles; simple puns
Tries to express feelings with words
Neater handwriting
Be able to dance in time to music
Perhaps play a musical instrument