Developmental Characteristics
During these years,
the child is going through a socialization process that is an important
feature of his/her preparation for adult life. Learning how to make
friends and be a friend, to participate in activities with others, to
lead and to follow, to cooperate and to compete are all elements of
this socialization process. Children at this age are interested in developing
competence. They will gravitate to those activities in which they have
talent, have experienced success, and/or gain approval and appreciation
from family members. In areas where they don't excel they need encouragement.
Indoor Activities
Building
with wood
Putting on plays
Collages, scrapbooks, photo
albums
Reading
Write letters
Collecting and cataloging
Taking apart (broken) machines
(Note: for safety, cut off plug.)
Tricks and tests of skill
Singing, listening to music,
practicing an instrument
Keeping a journal
Pen pals
Models
Sewing, knitting, crocheting
Outdoor Activities
Exploration
and identification of birds, insects, trees, frogs, flowers, etc.
Growing their own garden,
window boxes
Building toy boats
Pinwheels and kites
Games
Tag Games
Ball Games
Neighborhood Games (e.g.,
Simon Says, Mother May I?, Red Rover Red Rover, Kick the Can)
Hopscotch
Marbles
Jump Rope
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