Final answer:
School-age children (6-12 years) undergo significant emotional and cognitive growth, developing a keen sense of self and peer relationships, as well as improving concentration and language skills. They also experience physical changes such as growth in limbs and loss of baby teeth, and they acquire new motor skills.
Step-by-step explanation:
Characteristics of School-Age Children (6-12 yrs)
The characteristic emotional development of children aged 6 to 12 years is significant and diverse. For instance, self-esteem in these children can fluctuate greatly because they begin to place more importance on peer acceptance. Social interactions play a crucial role, as not being chosen for a team or being ignored by a friend can notably affect their sense of self-worth. On the other hand, these children also show body modesty and start to express a need for privacy. Although their increasing responsibilities might make them appear as small adults at times, they can also exhibit immature emotions and behaviors akin to toddlers.
During this phase, children show remarkable cognitive development. They transition towards more mature, logical thought processes, which remain concrete rather than abstract. Their ability to concentrate improves significantly, as does their use of language. In terms of cognitive skills, they start to understand and utilize complex concepts such as addition, subtraction, and grasp the concepts of past, present, and future, which aids in the planning and realization of goals.
The age of 6 to 12 is also pivotal for social development. Children develop a self-concept and become able to identify themselves as members of various groups. They compare themselves to peers and become aware of their individual competencies and areas for improvement, which are critical steps in building a positive sense of self.
Physically, children in this age range experience slower growth compared to their earlier years. The proportion of their limbs to their trunk changes as they grow taller. They also learn new motor skills, such as riding a bicycle, playing sports, and engage in more complex play. Notably, this period marks the start of the loss of baby teeth and the emergence of permanent teeth.