Nursery World - Growing up (1)

Working out where children are on the physical and cognitive continuum can enhance understanding during the pre-teen years, says Andrea Clifford-Poston Adults and children attach great importance to age in childhood. 'How old are you?' is often our opening question. 'Seven, but I'm nearly eight,' is a typical reply. While adults perceive little difference in a year in their own age, dramatic developmental changes occur in a year in a child's life, and no more rapidly than in the club years.

Adults and children attach great importance to age in childhood. 'How old are you?' is often our opening question. 'Seven, but I'm nearly eight,' is a typical reply. While adults perceive little difference in a year in their own age, dramatic developmental changes occur in a year in a child's life, and no more rapidly than in the club years.

Seven-year-olds are still very much children preoccupied with school, play and their place in the family. As they approach Year 4, they increase their steps to independence by taking more interest in the world outside home.

They may mimic teenagers, talking about pop stars, discos, love and sex, but are equally as likely to believe in Father Christmas and the Tooth Fairy.

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