School-age Play Page 25

7-8 Year Olds: Early School Age Children

Page 25

Seven year olds are learning the importance of following rules. They like table and card games with simple sets of rules. Most can handle losing a little better than a year earlier because they have learned that if they lose they can keep playing until they finally win. Most seven year olds still prefer playing alone and are not as adventurous as they will be in the future.

Eight year olds often move from wanting to play alone to becoming more active. Hide and Seek or Red Rover are games that have rules for both play and social behavior that must be precisely followed and rules are rarely changed at this age. Failure to follow rules means being unjust and unfair, a major source of conflict among children. While they enjoy models, dolls, chemistry sets, and reading, they begin to enjoy both informal and organized sports and games like baseball, checkers, or Monopoly, and their interest may reach near passion.

There will be a gradual development of a child’s social skills, and an increasing ability to relate to others. A child might have a great desire to fit in and be accepted by their peer group – in some degree of peer group acceptance is essential for their self-esteem. Many children want to play with children the same gender as them, and can sometimes stereotype members of the opposite gender. This is normal, and offers you the opportunity to point out that both genders are capable of doing lots of different things, not just “boy” or “girl” things.

Course Navigation Menu

1. Course Agenda
2. Discussion: Play
3. Defining Play
4. DAP
5. Cooperative Play
6. Hula Hoop Activity
7. Independent Play
8. Supporting Play
9. Jellyfish Painting Activity
10. Active Play

School-Age Children at Play

7-8 Year Olds: Early School Age Children

Page 25

Course Navigation Menu