7.1: Development

Overview of Age Groups and Cognitive/Language Development

5-7 Years Old

Cognitive Development: At this stage, children exhibit significant advancements in their thinking abilities. They begin to understand concepts such as time, space, and quantity, although their thinking remains largely intuitive and egocentric (Piaget, 1952).

Language Development: Vocabulary expands rapidly, with children learning to use more complex sentences and engage in conversations. They can articulate their thoughts and feelings more clearly, often using language to express their needs.

Key Terminology:

• Egocentrism: A characteristic of young children's thinking where they struggle to see perspectives other than their own.
• Vocabulary Expansion: Typically, children can understand and use around 2,000-3,000 words by age 6.

Example

A 6-year-old may say, "I don't like broccoli because it tastes funny," showing an ability to express preferences and opinions (Buckley & Budzyna, 2017).

7-9 Years Old

Cognitive Development: Children become more capable of logical thinking, as indicated by their ability to solve simple problems and understand cause-and-effect relationships. They can categorize objects and understand the concept of conservation—that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape (Piaget, 1952).

Language Development: Vocabulary continues to grow, often exceeding 5,000 words. Children begin to understand figurative language, idioms, and jokes, indicating a more nuanced grasp of language.

Key Terminology:

• Concrete Operational Stage: Piaget's term for the cognitive stage occurring roughly between ages 7 and 11, where children can think logically about concrete events.
• Metalinguistic Awareness: The ability to think about and analyze language as an object of study.

Example

A child might say, "If I add more water to the cup, it will overflow," demonstrating an understanding of cause-and-effect (California Department of Education, 2000).

9-11 Years Old

Cognitive Development: This age group begins to develop more sophisticated reasoning skills. They can think abstractly, hypothesize, and understand complex ideas, which helps in subjects like mathematics and science.

Language Development: By this age, children's vocabulary may exceed 10,000 words, and they can engage in discussions about various topics. Their writing skills improve, and they can compose structured paragraphs with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Key Terminology:

• Abstract Thinking: The ability to think about concepts and ideas that are not physically present.
• Narrative Skills: The ability to tell stories with a clear structure, including elements like character, setting, and plot.

Example

A child might write a story that includes detailed descriptions and character development, demonstrating an ability to craft narratives (Buckley & Budzyna, 2017).

Puberty Age (Up to 12 Years)

Cognitive Development: As children approach adolescence, they undergo rapid cognitive changes. They become more capable of complex thought processes, critical thinking, and reasoning. This is often when they start to form their own opinions and beliefs.

Language Development: Language use becomes more sophisticated, with a deeper understanding of nuances, sarcasm, and humor. Adolescents often engage in discussions about abstract concepts, ethics, and social issues.

Key Terminology:

• Formal Operational Stage: Piaget's term for the stage beginning around age 12, where individuals can think logically about abstract concepts and hypothetical situations.
• Critical Thinking: The ability to analyze information and make reasoned judgments.

Example

A 12-year-old might engage in a debate about environmental issues, articulating well-reasoned arguments and demonstrating an understanding of multiple viewpoints (California Department of Education, 2000).