Final answer:
We refer to the characteristics of children's thinking between the ages of 7 and 12 to understand their cognitive development, which includes more logical and organized thought processes, improved language skills, and the development of theory-of-mind.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Cognitive Development in Middle Childhood
Why would we refer to the characteristics of children's thinking between the ages of 7 and 12? This developmental phase is significant because during these years, children experience crucial growth in cognitive skills. Their thought processes become more logical and organized when they are dealing with concrete information. They start to grasp concepts like past, present, and future, which are essential for planning and goal setting. Furthermore, this is the age when they develop a more sophisticated understanding of complex ideas like addition, subtraction, and cause-and-effect relationships.
Children’s capacity to concentrate also improves during this stage. Their language skills mature, and they begin to use much more complex sentences, mirroring adult grammar and pronunciation. Emotionally, this period is characterized by fluctuations in self-esteem, influenced by peer acceptance and an increasing desire for privacy. From a social perspective, children learn to understand different perspectives, a concept known as theory-of-mind (TOM), which allows them to understand that others have different thoughts and feelings.
Moreover, during this age range, expectations can be set regarding children's ability to follow rules for games, as they understand concepts of luck and fairness (Figure 9.12). It is vital for parents, educators, and caretakers to be aware of these developmental milestones to support children's cognitive and emotional development effectively.