Moving on Up
Small changes mean a lot to a kindergartner.
The ability of a 5- or 6-year-old to notice change around her is different for every child. Yours may quickly spot something major, such as a new furniture arrangement, yet overlook something more subtle, such as your new haircut. Others may do the opposite. It all depends on your child’s interests or social maturity.
A GROWING AWARENESS
At this stage in life, most children are still consumed by their own small world. But change happening in your child himself makes it a prime time for helping him become more aware of the world around him. Often kindergartners have a bit of a growth spurt in the spring. Your child may notice that his clothes and shoes don’t fit right anymore. This is also a time when kids lose their baby teeth—a big deal and rite of passage. These events can be startling for some children, because they wonder if their bodies are falling apart!
But these developments also provide a wonderful opportunity for you to talk with your child about the natural changes of life. Look at books describing the life cycle of a butterfly, for example, and talk about how life progresses. Help him understand that his body will continue to change and that this is a normal part of growing older.
After kindergarten, first grade brings even bigger changes, with children experiencing greater academic expectations and social responsibilities. You can help your child become comfortable with these major shifts. By talking about the significant changes that are taking place within and around him, you will better prepare him to deal with life’s challenges.
At the same time, 5- and 6-year-olds are becoming more aware of others in more specific ways. Your child might point out to you that a friend is unhappy, but not that she has grown taller. This is because your child is developing empathy skills. He is becoming aware of shifts in others’ emotions and learning how to respond accordingly. Happily, these growing skills will be the very tools your child will use to deal with the inevitable changes of years ahead.
Tips
Show your child images of himself from newborn to now and invite him to help you put them in order. How has he changed over the years?
When you notice differences in others and your environment, discuss them with your child. Talking about what you notice helps your child learn that change is a normal part of life.
Don’t fret if your child seems oblivious to changes you consider significant—it’s normal for this developmental stage.
Ellen Booth Church is a former professor of early childhood, a current educational consultant, keynote speaker, and author.
