COMMON CHARACTERISTICS OF NINE YEAR OLDS

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Ø     Very competitive,  yet may form cliques

Ø     Complain a lot; criticize self and others (including adults)

Ø     Often say, “I hate it,” “I can’t”, It’s boring”, etc.

Ø     Like to work with same-gender partner

Ø     Can work in groups but with lots of arguing

Ø     Enjoy exaggeration, “dirty” jokes, and graffiti

Ø     Need adults to be patient and explain clearly

Ø     Need adult lightheartedness, humor, and encouragement to lighten their mood and relieve anxiety

COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

Ø     Worry about world events, parents’ health, friends, school, etc.

Ø     Work hard and pay attention to detail, but may jump quickly between interests

Ø     Less imaginative than at eight years old

Ø     Want factual explanations; enjoy scientific exploration

Ø     Have trouble understanding abstractions such as large numbers, long periods of time, and vast areas of space

Ø     Love language and word play

Ø     Begin to see the bigger world, including issues of justice and fairness

Ø     Enjoy “interest” clubs such as stamp collecting, chess, or rock collecting clubs

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Ø     Coordination is better; boys love to rough-house

Ø     Like to push physical limits; get tired easily

Ø     Complain about aches, pains, and injuries

Ø     Restless; can’t sit still for long

Ø     May bite nails or twist hair to relieve tension