Know

Developmental milestones are a set of benchmarks consisting of skills and abilities that children reach throughout their lifetimes. Educators and health-care providers use these milestones to check a child’s development. Although each milestone corresponds with an age or grade level, it is important to remember that all children develop at their own pace. It is normal for members of a peer group to reach milestones at a variety of ages, even spanning a few years in either direction.

Physical Developmental Milestones for School-Age Children

School-age children, ranging in age from 5 years to about 12 years of age, will have a vast range in their cognitive development. The same is true for their physical development. Below are general guidelines for physical developmental milestones for school-age children:

• School-age children will gain between four and seven pounds each year and continue to have height increases. Increases in height will vary, and a three- to six-inch height difference in an age group is typical.
• Growth spurts are common in school-age children, as are periods of slow growth. Children in a growth spurt usually need an increase in calorie intake. Growth spurts can also lead to body parts being out of proportion. For example, a child could stay at one height while his or her feet keep growing. This can lead to school-age children feeling awkward or clumsy. This feeling of awkwardness or clumsiness typically passes once puberty is over.
• School-age children will begin to see an improvement in their motor skills. They will have better control, coordination, and balance.
• Muscle mass increases in school-age children, making them stronger.

Take a look at the chart below for a closer look at how school-age children develop within their age groups. These milestones should never be considered a checklist to evaluate a child, instead use them as a guide for what to expect in typical development.

Brain Development in School-Age Children

A child’s brain develops rapidly during the first few years of life. Because of rapid changes and growth spurts, there is much focus on children’s brains from birth until 5 years of age. A school-age child’s brain is still developing as they learn how to do new things and think differently. School age children are able to understand logic and concrete information, especially in their own lives. They may still struggle to grasp abstract concepts, especially events that will happen in the long-term future. School-age children begin to be less egocentric and can think about and understand different viewpoints. Other brain functions begin to improve such as:

• Concentration: School-age children are able to focus on a task or topic. They also begin to develop methods of ignoring distractions when they have a task to focus on.
• Memory: Both long- and short-term memory skills improve in school-age children. They can recall important things from months or even years in the past and remember where they left their jacket after outdoor time.
• Attention span: School-age children can focus on important tasks for longer periods. They begin to read longer books, stay interested in topics at school, and may participate in long-term projects.

Brain development is a form of physical development—it is a part of a child’s body that is growing and changing. The three major brain functions mentioned above allow school-age children to develop their motor skills and participate in sports and other physical activities.

Puberty: What to Expect

This age group will experience body changes that come with the beginning of puberty. This happens when certain hormones become present and begin to create changes to parts of our bodies. Sometimes these changes can be drastic and seem to happen overnight, while other times they happen gradually over a few years. The changes that accompany the onset of puberty can often be confusing and even scary for school-age children. The average age of beginning puberty is around 12; however, children are beginning to show signs of these changes at a much younger age. It is important for you to be aware of what kinds of changes school-age children could be going through. This will help prepare you to answer questions from children or their families and be understanding and sympathetic to the children in your care.

Supporting All Learners

There will be times when family members grow concerned about their child’s development. As a family child care provider, you may also notice a child who doesn’t seem to be developing like his or her peers. It is very important to keep in mind that all children develop at their own pace. This is especially true in school-age children and multi-age environments. If you discover that motor skills are not emerging or growth is not occurring as it should, first discuss your concerns with the child’s family.

The family may have information about their child’s development to share with you. School staff members and health-care providers have resources about school-age children’s physical growth. Keep information available about local community resources (e.g., counseling center, park programs, fine arts programs) so you can refer parents to them.

There are a few key points to remember when supporting all learners in a school-age environment:

• Children develop at their own pace. Never compare children and their abilities. If a family member compares their child to one of their peers, encourage them not to do so. This can be harmful to a child’s development if they feel that they are “not as smart” as their peers.
• Most children will catch up and be on pace with developmental milestones.
• If you begin to have concerns that a child may not be developing typically, make observations and record the behaviors that cause you concern. Always share your observations with the child’s parents.

If a school-age child in your program has a diagnosed need that affects physical development or physical abilities, she or he should have an individualized education plan, or IEP. You should work with the child’s family to discuss how best to support the child’s development.

In this video, you will see a variety of ways to incorporate all learners into the planning of physical activities.

Influences and Factors Affecting School-Age Growth

There are a variety of outside factors and influences that can affect the development of children. It is important to be sensitive to these factors and influences and to remember that all children will develop at their own pace. The major contributing factors that can affect the development of school-age children are:

See

Watch this video as it explains some basic information about the physical developmental milestones of school-age children.

Do

The changes that school-age children go through as they develop and grow can be difficult for children and families to understand. It is important that you provide any resources necessary to answer questions about a child’s development.

• Recognize that it is normal for all children to develop at their own pace.
• Support children as they go through changes in their physical appearance.
• Create an environment that supports all learners.